Canadian official investigates alleged restrictions on scientists’ speech

Science : Suzanne Legault, Canada’s information commissioner, has opened an investigation into allegations that the government is restricting the flow of scientific information between reporters, federal scientists, and the public. Among the policies being objected to are that all federal civil servants and scientists need government permission for press interviews, all interview questions must be submitted in advance, and a media relations officer must be present during interviews. The disputed rules have been imposed since Stephen Harper took office as prime minister in 2006. Although the government maintains that the rules ensure that government employees speak with “one voice,” critics claim they are “tantamount to a gag order,” writes Wayne Kondro for Science. Legault’s decision to launch the investigation surprised scientists because her office usually concentrates on narrower issues.