The politicization of science under Harper

In January, 2008, Harper, through then Industry Minister Jim Prentice, cut the position and office of the national science adviser, less than four years after the post was created.

Arthur Carty was originally appointed to the role of national science adviser by then prime minister Paul Martin on April 1, 2004.

Carty, who previously held positions as president of the National Research Council and dean of research at the University of Waterloo, was tasked with providing advice on global science and technology issues and how government can better support and benefit from science conducted in-house.

Celebrated Arctic biology John Smol, at Queen's University, says there are worrying shortfalls in Canadian research support. "Funding for day-to-day operational costs of running a laboratory are dismally poor and frankly, a national embarrassment when compared to other First-World countries," says Mr. Smol, who is also troubled by the elimination of the national science adviser. "Science should be a far greater portion of the ‘decision making pie' for policy makers, not less," he says.