Something to ponder before heading to the polls on Oct. 19
Re: “Firing fuels Parks backlash,” Sept. 24
An open letter addressed to the leaders of the Liberal, New Democratic and Green parties of Canada asks if they are committed to protect and restore the ecological integrity of our National Parks and Historical Sites. Sadly, the letter also asks if these leaders would be willing to investigate “what appear to be politically motivated dismissals of scientists and managers within the agency (Parks Canada).” This open letter, signed by more than 100 directors, managers, interpreters, wardens and others, was stimulated by the firing of Dr. John Wilmhurst, a highly respected conservation biologist who was the resource conserva- tion manager in Jasper National Park.
The reason I say “sadly” is that it seems completely un Canadian that our federal government under Stephen Harper would remove — and gag from speaking — intelligent scientific experts. Science is based on evidence.
In the course I teach on the history of biology, I emphasize to students that in their future scientific careers, it will be their duty to communicate the results of research that should inform policy-makers and help our governments make sound decisions. I also show them what can happen when science is wilfully ignored or when political ideology trumps sound science. (A good example was the exile and imprisonment of geneticists in Stalin’s Russia.)
Whereas most governments around the world have scientific experts that advise the sitting government, as well as opposition parties — New Zealand is a good example — Harper has decided he doesn’t require any such advice. He doesn’t have one scientific adviser. With critical looming issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, restoring damaged ecosystems, etc., it is more important than ever that decision-makers form policies based on sound, evidencebased science.
Fair-minded Canadians should consider this when they vote this October. Michael Stock, PhD, Edmonton