No science, No evidence, No truth, No democracy

There have been drastic changes to science in Canada in recent years. These changes have happened in three distinct ways: reduction in the ability of government scientists to communicate their research to the public, the erosion of our science capacity - especially with respect to fundamental research and environmental monitoring, and a reduction in the role of evidence in policy decisions. The impacts of these changes go far beyond science. Science and evidence are essential elements for a functioning democracy. Democracy requires citizens who are well informed and transparency and accountability, the twin pillars of democracy, demand that government decisions, and their justification, be made explicit. These concerned have led to a more vocal scientific community as well as the formation of Evidence for Democracy - a new science-led, national, non-partisan, non-profit organization advocating for science and evidence-based decision-making in Canada. Speaker: Katie Gibbs Dr. Katie Gibbs is a scientist, communicator, and organizer who is passionate about the intersection of science and policy. Katie recently finished her PhD in Biology at the University of Ottawa studying broad scale threats to endangered species and the effectiveness of conservation measures. In the summer of 2012 she was one of the lead organizers of the Death of Evidence rally that was one of the largest science demonstrations in Canadian history. After graduating, she combined her science knowledge with her diverse background organizing and managing various causes and campaigns to become the co-founder and Executive Director of Evidence for Democracy—a new organization that advocates for the use of evidence in government decision making and public policy development. Moderator: Dave McCaffrey Date: Monday, November 25, 2013 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Location: Room PE261, First Choice Saving Centre, University of Lethbridge Free event, free parking, everyone welcome