Former CSA president calls for stronger scientific voice in government policy decisions

By Debbie Lawes

Canada needs to adopt a national science policy — informed by scientists — that balances energy production, economic growth and environmental stewardship, with both the oil sands and nuclear power playing a central role until more sustainable alternatives are widely available, Liberal industry critic Marc Garneau told the recent Canadian Science Policy Conference in Montreal. The former astronaut and president of the Canadian Space Agency also called for the creation of an independent science advisory council and for more researchers to get involved in policy decisions.

While supportive of the adoption of alternative technologies, Garneau said it will take a long time before they produce enough capacity to meet the country's growing energy needs. Oil sands, he said, are a necessary option.

"Responsible development of the oil sands is necessary for our energy requirements and to maintain our economic growth, and we must deal with that reality in a constructive manner," he told delegates on October 21. "The oil sands should proceed but in a responsible manner, and the role of science is crucial in meeting that challenge."

Achieving Canada's energy and environmental needs will also rely on the use of nuclear energy, which he described as a much cleaner energy source than hydrocarbons.

"That is a big policy decision and it's a tough one for many Canadians," he said. "I would look at it as a temporary one, perhaps until we have nuclear fusion or fourth generation nuclear technology, but that's still a long way away."

Despite the tight fiscal environment, particularly for large science projects, Garneau said he supports federal spending for new multi-purpose research reactor to replace the 54-year-old National Research Universal Reactor (NRU) at the Chalk River ON laboratory. Canada has been a pioneer in building heavy water reactors and producing medical isotopes, but its lead is slipping. "We need to take steps to regain that lead or decide we're getting out of it," he said.

An overriding message in Garneau's speech-and throughout the conference-was the need for a stronger scientific voice in government policy. He said this requires scientists to become more proactive in having their voices heard, and for government to listen.

"I don't believe this government consults with scientists. They will go to them once in a while and say we would like you to tell us this, or we'd like to give you this task," he argued. "The Liberal Party approach is that we want to hear from you whether it's pleasant or unpleasant news."

Unlike the US, UK or Australia, Canada does not have a chief scientist to provide independent advice to government. Garneau said he supports the creation of a chief scientist or scientific advisory body, as opposed to the current Science and Technology and Innovation Council which he has described as "purely reactive to government requests as opposed to being able to provide its own independent advice with respect to science policy."

Garneau, one of the few MPs in the House of Commons with a science background, contends science would have a higher profile if more politicians had scientific or engineering expertise. Canada is not unique however — similar concerns have been raised in the US, UK and Europe.

In questions following his presentation, Eleanor Fast, a program director with the Council of Canadian Academies, suggested the creation of a multi-party caucus for science as a way to address the issue. "Science is very important to me," said Garneau, "but I don't know with the current composition of Parliament, if I could get the same enthusiasm generated to create a science council... Personally, I would prefer to have a science advisory body coming from the scientific community."

Preliminary talks are underway to create an informal scientific advisory group, made up of experts from academia and industry, that federal riding associations could consult on current issues. A pilot project is being considered for Garneau's Westmount—Ville-Marie constituency office.

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