Scientists must be allowed to speak
Re Be wary of ‘unmuzzled’ scientists, Liberals told, March 19 There is only one reason why a government would want to muzzle scientists — they want to keep the truth from the public. We’ve had plenty of experience with this throughout history, but it reached an all time high with Stephen Harper.
The purpose of science is to find facts, the truth about something. It does not engage in politics and find only what’s convenient for the government. If scientists find something is harmful or beneficial, but contrary to policy, then it’s the politicians that should be muzzled and not the scientists.
By all means make sure the scientists are heard, if only to keep the politicians on track to do what’s right for the country. Harper clearly showed the damage that can result when inconvenient facts are suppressed.
We need policies that are based on fact, not agenda. Nothing short of openly visible science can do that. James Knott, Mississauga
Alex Boutilier’s excellent article reminds me that some senior bureaucrats (e.g. Yaprak Baltacioglu at Treasury) just don’t get it. I wish to inform him that he, and also his political masters (including cabinet ministers), actually work for us: the Canadian people. We pay their salaries. The government of the day just redistributes it from our tax dollars.
Canada does not need sanctimonious and don’t-rock-the-boat senior bureaucrats, who are prepared to overlook wrongs, like Baltacioglu is suggesting with his “tight leash” policy shift.
Besides, that would also be contrary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promise of a transparent government. John Balatinecz, Toronto
It is not surprising that Yaprak Baltacioglu of the Treasury Board is still trying to demonize and slander scientists. These same scientists who spoke out worked to preserve fisheries, test arctic ice cores regarding climate change degradation, along with challenging the government on its climate initiatives and global warming.
These are far greater costs to Canada if neglected than the allocation of funds by the Treasury Board.
As well, Canada was recognized in 2015 by the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Arthur McDonald, a tremendous honour to our country, which should be celebrated.
It is through the work of scientists that Canada will advance in the world, not from the short-sighted threats by bureaucrats. Diane Sullivan, Toronto