Get Science Right town hall in Ottawa lays the groundwork for a new direction for science policy

OTTAWA, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Leading researchers are meeting with politicians and the public to share their concerns about what is happening to science in Canada tonight at the Westin Hotel Ottawa at 6:30pm.

Moderated by science journalist Mike De Souza, panellists will describe how scientific work in Canada is being affected by federal government policies and what this means for Canadians. Members of the audience are invited to join the discussion with questions and comments.

The event will begin with introductory remarks from CAUT executive director, David Robinson.  His remarks will be followed by a dynamic discussion with panellists including Béla Joós, Physics Professor, University of Ottawa; Diane Beauchemin, Chemistry Professor, Queen's University; Christina Muehlberger, PhD Candidate, Sociology & Political Economy, Carleton University; Tim Powers, Vice-President, Summa Strategies; Ted Hsu, Science & Technology Critic, Member of Parliament, Liberal Party of Canada; and, Kennedy Stewart, Science & Technology Critic, Member of Parliament, New Democratic Party of Canada. An invitation has also been extended to Minister of State (Science & Technology) Ed Holder to participate.

"The Canadian Association of University Teachers is bringing together the public and politicians to talk about how to move forward with sound policy that protects the integrity of research and science in Canada," said Robin Vose, president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers. "Over the past few years, the public has decried the closure of vital research centres and research libraries, discontinued the collection of essential data, and loss of access to public scientists and fundamental research."

Vose said that voters will need to make important decisions in the coming year to address the growing blackout on sound science policy in the public interest. He is hoping the discussion from this evening's event informs decision makers on future initiatives to reverse some of the negative effects of lab closures, cuts to basic funding, and the muzzling of scientists.

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.

Twitter hashtags: #getscienceright #cdnpoli #cdnpse

SOURCE: Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT)

Angela Regnier, Communications Officer, Canadian Association of University Teachers; 613-726-5186 (o); 613-601-6304 (cell); [email protected] (email)