Federal scientists go public in face of restrictive media rules

“The union that represents federal government scientists has
created a website – PublicScience.ca – to give a voice
to the work of its members.

“The move comes weeks after it was revealed that new restrictive
rules have been placed on scientists at the Natural Resources
department requiring them to clear a number of hoops, including
approval from the minister’s director of communications, before
they may speak with the press about their work.

“While Natural Resources was singled out, reporters and
scientists across a wide range of departments are well aware that
the government frowns upon direct communication between its
employees and the media without prior approval.”

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