"Get Science Right" regional town halls kick off in Waterloo today

OTTAWA, Sept. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of University Teachers is launching the first in a series of town hall meetings across Canada today in Waterloo, Ontario.  The event will bring together members of the public and leading scientists and researchers to talk about what is happening to science in Canada.

"Canada's record as a leader in science and research is in danger," said James Turk, executive director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, "We have a government that distrusts knowledge and evidence, as seen by their cancellation of the mandatory long form census, elimination of funding of the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric science, and the muzzling of government scientists."

CBC radio host Craig Norris, the event moderator, will ask each of the panel of researchers to discuss what is happening from their perspective - what it means for them and for Canadians.  He will then invite the audience to comment, ask questions and join the conversation.

The three panellists are University of Waterloo physicist Melanie Campbell, Wilfrid Laurier neuroscientist Jeffery Jones, and University of Waterloo philosopher David DeVidi.

"Academic researchers are looking to work with their communities to take action on the growing crisis in the government's approach to science and research in Canada," said Turk. "It is Canadian's future that is being put at risk."

The Canadian Association of University Teachers is the national voice of 68,000 academic and general staff at universities and colleges across the country. For more information on CAUT's "Get Science Right" Campaign, visit getscienceright.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT)

James Turk, CAUT Executive Director, 613-277-0488 (cell)
Angela Regnier, CAUT Communications Officer, 613-601-6304 (cell); [email protected] (email)