Canadian Scientists Can't Speak Freely: Survey

It's worse in Canada. Government scientists there are muzzled even more severely than their counterparts in the United States (not that U.S. scientists aren't often muzzled). A new survey offers evidence.

Released October 21, 2013, by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, the survey found that 86 percent of the 4,069 scientists surveyed said "that, if faced with a political decision putting public health, safety or the environment at risk, they do not believe they could speak out without repercussions."

Through its Freedom of Information Task Force, the Society of Environmental Journalists has informed the Canadian government that it opposes restrictions on free expression by scientists in both Canada and the United States.

• "Canadian Government Scientists Can’t Speak Freely Because of Meddling: Survey," Toronto Star, October 21, 2013, by Alex Boutilier.
• "The Big Chill: Silencing Public Interest Science," Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, October 21, 2013, press release and full report.
• "90% of Government Scientists Feel They Can't Speak Freely: Union Survey," Canadian Press, October 21, 2013, by Bruce Cheadle.
• Previous Stories: SEJ WatchDogs of May 22, 2013; February 22, 2012; March 13, 2013; March 10, 2010; May 7, 2009; and May 7, 2008.