On September 30, CAPE’s leaders voted unanimously to become a signatory to Evidence for Democracy’s science pledge. The non-partisan, not-for-profit organization is asking Canadians to express their support for transparent evidence-based policymaking.
Both individuals and organizations can sign the pledge.
CAPE’s executive also got acquainted with the Science Integrity Project, an inclusive non-partisan effort aimed at improving the use of evidence in decision-making. The group proposes a framework, drawing on science and indigenous knowledge, to craft policy. It’s their belief that sound policymaking should rest on the best available evidence, transparency (of the evidence as well as the decision-making process), and accessibility.
“This is an issue that is really close to heart for a vast majority of our members,” said National President Emmanuelle Tremblay. “Our members want to do their very best to shape policies and programs that help each and every Canadian reach their full potential – fundamentally, that’s the role of government.”
“But there’s no doubt that our members’ capacity to do that is hindered by anti-science positions.”
From the scrapping of the long-form census to mandatory sentencing, there are countless recent policies that have successfully made their way through the legislative process all while being rooted purely in ideology and having no basis in fact.
The current government even warned against the dangers of (gasp!)… committing sociology!
And all while shying away from collecting of data and outrightly ignoring time-tested truths, the government has also imbued the public service with a deep sense of fear. Scientists are muzzled. Public servants no longer feel they have the ability to provide fearless advice to decision-makers.
“It’s the erosion of the Westminster model,” concluded Tremblay. “It’s our hope that our nation’s great public service can soon return to evidence-driven policymaking – it’s what Canadians deserve and it’s what we’ve been entrusted to do.”
You can sign the Science Pledge on Evidence for Democracy’s website. To find out more about the Science Integrity Project, click here.
