More than 400 years ago, the scientific revolution began with the work of Galileo, an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer and philosopher, who developed the science of motion.
It was with that emergence of modern science that the world's view of society and nature changed and our understanding of the world grew.
Science has allowed us to define, describe and investigate the intricacies of our planet, as well as the plants and animals that call it home.
Through scientific research, viruses have been cured, diseases treated and lives saved. It has allowed us to identify and protect endangered species, define the causes of climate change and determine what role humans play in creating it and slowing it.
Through science we've been able to identify problems and develop solutions.
It's clear that science is the key to our future success as a species and a planet. But, it seems the federal government doesn't see it that way. Rather than increasing our country's science capacity and tackling today's issues, the government has inexplicably fired scientists and managers and muzzled those who are lucky enough to keep their jobs.
Four-hundred years ago, we discovered the power of science and now it seems our government is trying to take us back in time to an age of ignorance.
This isn't a new problem. In 2012, the Hamilton Spectator printed a column by a former Environment Canada employee, raising the alarm about Canada鈥檚 declining science capacity, citing the loss of 60 research scientists from the Canada Centre for Inland Waters over the course of eight years.
The author also pointed to the closing of labs and the firing of Fisheries and Oceans scientists responsible for monitoring contaminants and researching Canada鈥檚 waterways.
The dismantling of Canada鈥檚 science capacity has continued over the years and Jasper National Park hasn鈥檛 been immune to it.
In fact, in 2012, JNP was on the receiving end when the federal government made sweeping cuts to Parks Canada鈥檚 budget, resulting in hundreds of layoffs across the country.
More recently, in June, Jasper鈥檚 resource conservation manager鈥攁 highly respected scientist, who spent 15 years with the agency鈥攚as fired without explanation.
More than 100 former Parks Canada employees signed an open letter last week calling on the government to undertake an investigation into the firings of government scientists and managers.
We support that call and hope to not only see Canada鈥檚 science capacity reinstated, but the country鈥檚 scientists once again free to share their findings without fear of disciplinary action.
