Inside Politics

UPDATED - Scientists hold Parliament Hill rally to mourn the "Death of Evidence"

by Kady O'Malley Posted: July 10, 2012 3:00 PM Last Updated: July 10, 2012 3:05 PM


sciencerally.jpgEarlier today, hundreds of scientists and supporters gathered under the Peace Tower to voice their shared concern over the effect of cuts to research funding by holding a funeral procession and service to mourn what speakers described as the "death of evidence" in the public policy process. 

Read the liveblog here: 
 

Meanwhile, on what may or may not be a related note, a few hours after the rally wrapped up, Minister of State for Science Gary Goodyear issued the following statement, in which he reaffirms, albeit ostensibly apropos of nothing at all, his government's staunch support for "science, technology and innovation":

"The Harper government has made historic investments in science, technology and research to create jobs, grow our economy and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

"Support for science and technology has been a fundamental priority of our government since 2006. This year, through Economic Action Plan 2012, we enhanced federal government support for leading-edge research.

"As a world leader in post-secondary research with a highly skilled workforce, Canada has strong fundamentals for innovation. While several countries around the world are reducing funding in science and research, our government continues to invest in research, development and technology. In fact, Canadian higher-education research and development expenditures are higher than any other G7 country, as a percentage of GDP.

"While the government is returning to a balanced budget, science, technology and innovation remain a strong priority with an added $1.1-billion investment over five years. University presidents, academic leaders and industry leaders have praised our government's leadership in recognizing the important role that research and innovation play in our economic prosperity.

"Economic Action Plan 2012 funding allocated to science, technology and innovation includes:

      • $12 million per year to make the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence program permanent.
      • $6.5 million over three years for a research project at McMaster University to evaluate team-based approaches to health care delivery.
      • $17 million over two years to further advance the development of alternatives to existing isotope production technologies.
      • $105 million over two years to support forestry innovation.
      • $37 million annually starting in 2012-13 to the granting councils to enhance their support for industry-academic research partnerships.
      • $60 million for Genome Canada to launch a new applied research competition in the area of human health and to sustain the Science and Technology Innovation Centres until 2014-15.
      • $10 million over two years to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research to link Canadians to global research networks.
      • $500 million over five years, starting in 2014-15, to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support advanced research infrastructure.
      • $40 million over two years to support CANARIE's operation of Canada's ultra-high-speed research network.

"Our government is investing in science and research that is leading to breakthroughs that are strengthening our economy and the quality of life of all Canadians. Our investments are enabling Canadian scientists in universities, colleges, businesses and other organizations to help secure Canada's prosperity today and into the future."

Tags: blackberry jungle, death of evidence, parliament hill liveblog, war on science