Slashdot Mirror
Muzzled Canadian Scientists Can Now Speak Freely With Public (thestar.com)
Layzej writes: Over the last 10 years, policies were put in place to prevent Canadian scientists from freely discussing taxpayer-funded science with the public. "media relations contacts" were enlisted to monitor and record interactions with the press. Interviews and often the questions to be asked were vetted ahead of time, and responses given by scientists frequently monitored or prohibited. Nature, one of the world's top science journals, called the policy a "Byzantine approach to the press, prioritizing message control and showing little understanding of the importance of the free flow of scientific knowledge."
The new government in Canada is lifting these restrictions. Scientists at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans were told Thursday they can now speak to the media. In a statement on Friday afternoon, Navdeep Bains, Canada's new minister of innovation, science and economic development said "Our government values science and will treat scientists with respect. This is why government scientists and experts will be able to speak freely about their work to the media and the public."
The new government in Canada is lifting these restrictions. Scientists at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans were told Thursday they can now speak to the media. In a statement on Friday afternoon, Navdeep Bains, Canada's new minister of innovation, science and economic development said "Our government values science and will treat scientists with respect. This is why government scientists and experts will be able to speak freely about their work to the media and the public."
American here. You're both faggots. Enjoy the freedom and protection afforded to you by living next to us, so that you can spend your time worrying about stupid shit.
I don't know about Canada, but in the US, Scientists and the media don't respect the public. Why should we respect people who disrespect us?
It's not unique to scientists. US culture is very politicized, with organizers at the top trying to make sure everyone is fighting all the time, so the organizers can gain power by leading one group against another. Scientists seem happy to take sides and support these organizers. That's not worthy of any respect.