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July 10th, 2012

New Democrats denounce Conservative attacks on science

MPs LeBlanc, Quach and Liu take part in The Death of Evidence rally organized by scientists

OTTAWA — NDP MPs Hélène LeBlanc (LaSalle‒Émard), Anne Minh Thu Quach (Beauharnois‒Salaberry) and Laurin Liu (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles) walked alongside federal scientists today condemning Conservative attacks against science.

The “Death of Evidence” rally is highlighting two worrying phenomena: cuts to scientific institutions and the muzzling of researchers. Since the Conservatives came to power, scientists have often been barred from even talking to the media or general public without obtaining consent from the Prime Minister’s office.

“This kind of censorship is unacceptable, especially in science,” said LeBlanc, the Official Opposition Industry critic. “Canadian taxpayers pay for research carried out by federal scientists; it goes without saying that that they should be able to debate their findings freely and publicly.”

The NDP’s Deputy Environment Critic, Anne Quach, expressed concerns about the environmental consequences of these reckless cuts to research programs. Among the organizations targeted by the Conservatives are Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and National Research Council Canada.

“These cuts are dangerous, especially with regards to the fight against climate change,” said Quach. “We’re losing valuable scientific expertise that could help us understand the effects climate change will have on us.”

It is a position that is shared by the NDP’s Deputy Science and Technology Critic, Laurin Liu. “Research is essential to allowing us to make responsible decisions as a society. The Conservatives must change their short-sighted attitude before their ideological wilful-blindness further threatens our environment.”