Scientists across Canada are hoping to draw the public’s attention to funding cuts affecting their work with a series of demonstration across Canada.
‘Stand Up for Science’ rallies are planned for 17 cities from coast-to-coast on Monday, in what organizers are calling one of the largest nationwide “pro-science” rallies in Canadian history.
The demonstrations are being organized by Evidence for Democracy, a group of scientists and citizens who advocate for evidence-based decision making.
On its website, the group points to the de-funding of a number of public scientific institutions, including the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario, ozone monitoring stations and an Arctic climate research station.
The Conservative government has also been criticized for its strict communication policies imposed on government scientists.
“It is not too late for this government to provide effective leadership on science," Dr. Béla Joós, a professor of Physics at the University of Ottawa, said in a news release.
"As they prepare for a speech from the throne in October, we hope that they will show their support for public science by making decisions that are informed by the best available evidence, letting government scientists speak to the public and adequately funding science -- including basic research."
This year’s rallies follow the 2012 'Death of Evidence’ protest on Parliament Hill, where scientists protested funding cuts that were part of a federal government omnibus bill.
