The Harper Conservatives And The Gutting Of Canadian Sciences

By Ryan Mailloux

The word science is derived from the Latin word "scientia," meaning knowledge. The acquisition of knowledge is one of the main driving forces of our society. Through basic research or "pure" science, we can acquire the knowledge necessary to understand the fundamental principles that govern our universe. Basic research then forms the foundation of applied research, since understanding the fundamentals accrued by "pure" science are used at the industrial level to generate products. The development of product and sale to the public for consumption, for example The Blackberry, requires a work force. The process where basic research drives job creation is referred to as a knowledge-based economy, which constitutes an important determinant for job creation and the development of a healthy and sustainable economy.

In the 2011 election campaign, the Conservatives built their electoral platform on the concept of job creation and rebuilding a stable economy. That being said, over the past five years it has become abundantly clear that Stephen Harper and the federal Conservatives do not appreciate the importance of developing a knowledge-based economy. This is illustrated by five years of massive cuts in research funding, the muzzling of scientists working for the government, and the diversion of critical research funds to support industry (e.g. oil sands). Arguably, this could very well be due to a simple lack of understanding and appreciation for science (which could very well be the case). However, the diversion of research funds towards industry (e.g. oil sands and automotive sector) and the muzzling of government scientists that generate data that clashes with Conservative ideology indicates that the prime minister is more preoccupied with short-term return on investment and not with enacting a concerted effort to ensure the vitality of a knowledge-based economy that is geared toward ensuring a sustainable future.

Since taking office in 2006, Harper has used anti-academic policies to control information and direction of research funding. Between 2006 and 2008, Harper made significant cuts to various academic programs including funding for arts and basic science. During this time, approximately $45 million dollars was removed from the arts and culture. The justification Harper used was that "ordinary people do not care about the arts" (thestar.com, Sept 2008). This shortsighted decision prompted an outcry from the literary community. Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi, began sending various famous literary works to Harper's home on Sussex Drive to illustrate the rich bounty creative writing has to offer. Margaret Atwood also condemned the decision by writing several articles to various news sources and she continues to speak out about the neglect of the arts by the Conservatives. Now, in 2011, the arts still have not recovered from these massive cuts.

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