Conservatives to cripple climate science in Canada

EDMONTON– The Harper government’s silence on the future of independent climate science in Canada is very worrisome, says Linda Duncan (Edmonton-Strathcona) New Democrat Environment Critic. “If this government has doubts about whether or not climate change is occurring it seems imperative that we should be doing all we can to find answers, and to be conducting our own Canadian research.”

The Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Science is an excellent example of unbiased scientific research, with well-administered programs supporting researchers in Canadian universities through rigorous selection processes. However, since the Conservative government took power in 2006 it has not provided the Foundation with any new money.

“Is Conservative ideology so vulnerable that it is threatened by modern science?” asked Duncan.

Duncan points out that New Democrats strongly support funding for independent scientific research in Canada, and are also supportive for ongoing, stable government support for the three national granting councils, the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian institute for Health Research (CIHR).

“Without these funds, basic, independent research here in Canada will dry up,” said Duncan.