Halifax researchers convene with community members to discuss growing science policy crisis in Canada

OTTAWA, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Leading Nova Scotia scientists will discuss with the public their concerns about what is happening to science in Canada at a town hall meeting tonight at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia at 7pm.

Moderated by the Halifax journalist Jordi Morgan, panellists will describe how scientific work in Canada is being affected by federal and provincial government policies and what this means for Canadians. Members of the audience will be invited to join the discussion with questions and comments.

Panellists for tonight's event include James Drummond, Canada Research Chair in Remote Sounding of Atmospheres from Dalhousie;  Ian Stewart, Director of the History of Science and Technology Programme at the University of King's College;  Catherine Conrad,  Professor of Geography at Saint Mary's University and Founder and Research Coordinator of the Community-Based Environmental Monitoring Network's; and Tom Duck, a leading physicist and atmospheric scientist at Dalhousie University.

"The Canadian Association of University Teachers is sponsoring town hall meetings in cities across Canada to allow eminent scientists and researchers to talk with the public about what is happening to research and science in Canada," said James L. Turk, Executive Director of CAUT. "Misguided government science policies are diverting funding away from fundamental research, forcing the closing of vital research centres, discontinuing the collection of essential data, and undermining Canada's future as a scientific leader."

Turk said the town halls are a chance for the public and the scientists to look at what is happening and discuss what should be done.

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)

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