Scientists should get permission to speak

Re: “Unshackling of scientists cause for celebration,” Nov. 10.

I have a job. I work for a company that pays my salary, which allows me to live a comfortable life. I like what my company does for me and I give them good service and follow the rules that they demand of me. I don’t badmouth them, I don’t challenge them, and I don’t say anything negative about them. In fact, I compliment them every chance I get.

Because they make my life a success, I, for the most part, do as they ask me to do. I don’t challenge their policies and if I have an opinion that might be considered detrimental to my employer, I bring it to their attention with the hope that my contribution will be listened to and, if practical, will be introduced by the company as part of their modus operandi.

Scientists employed by the previous Conservative government wanted complete freedom to share the results of their studies with Canada’s population and the media without vetting these results and opinions with their employer’s experts.

What were they thinking? Government scientist and all other government employees, when speaking about their government-funded activities, have a responsibility to report their opinions and finding to their employer and ask permission to voice and express the product of their findings, as I do, for the company that employs me.

Barry M. Lusk Victoria