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

OTTAWA, April 29, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Leading researchers in St. John's will discuss with the public their concerns about what is happening to science in Canada at a town hall meeting tonight at the Burnswest Theatre, Fort Calgary at 7pm.

Moderated by journalist Andrew Nikiforuk, 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. 

Panelists for tonight's event include: English professor David Hyttenrauch at the University of Calgary; Paedeatrics Professor Deborah Dewey at the University of Calgary; Professor Hamid Habibi, Biology, University of Calgary; and Professor Penny Pexman, Psychology, University of Calgary.

"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.

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)