Model science integrity policy

Statement

Ottawa, Ontario, July 30, 2018—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, and the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government made the following statement:

“Our government made a promise to Canadians: we would bring science back to its rightful place at the heart of federal decision making. We reinstated a national chief science advisor as the linchpin of this mission.

“Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer, an acclaimed health researcher, is responsible for providing government with independent, impartial advice on scientific issues that matter to Canadians. Of utmost concern is protecting the integrity of researchers and reaffirming to Canadians the important role that researchers play in our society. In addition, the Chief Science Advisor is responsible for encouraging researchers to speak freely about their work and ensuring that this freedom is shielded from political, commercial or stakeholder interference.

“To address these issues, we asked Dr. Nemer to develop a model science integrity policy for federal researchers. Dr. Nemer consulted broadly with researchers, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, as well as surveyed international best practices, before producing a model that suits the needs of our unique public service research community. We are pleased to note that the model policy proposes communication guidelines that are based in the fundamental right of scientists to speak freely about their work.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Nemer for her advice. We encourage federal departments to review the model policy and consider how best to adapt the guidelines to meet the needs of researchers. We look forward to working with our counterparts across government, public sector unions and, most importantly, our federal researchers to implement this model policy across the board.”

Scott Brison
President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government

Kirsty Duncan
Minister of Science and Sport

Contacts

For further information (media only), please contact:

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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