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Science minister addresses criticisms, promotes robust science

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hat I asked — all I ever bility for medical research or CIHR, as Duncan’s speech “was a breath of asked — was: could you these continue to fall under the health fresh air for the science community. I felt do the science?” said minister, Dr. Jane Philpott. And, in positive about the talk,” commented Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s new science fact, no government agencies or departJanet Halliwell, chair of the board of the minister, responding to criticism of her ments report to Duncan. The Natural Canadian Science Policy Centre and an past support for chronic independent consultant in cerebrospinal venous insufresearch and development ficiency (CCSVI) therapy issues. She said Duncan was for multiple sclerosis (MS). “warm and passionate. She “Let’s see what the evidence was eloquent in her statement shows. I’ve been a strong of commitment to science advocate throughout my life and excellence in science.” for evidence-based decisionDuncan’s broad statemaking. We need debate in ments of support met with science, and it needs to be spontaneous applause. “Scifree and open debate.” ence matters more than ever Speaking to CMAJ folbefore,” Duncan said, lowing a brief address to the “because the challenges we Canadian Science Policy face, like climate change and Conference in Ottawa Nov. shrinking biodiversity, are 26, Duncan sighed and furever greater. So it follows rowed her brow, appearing we need robust science in frustrated with recent media Canada for the public good.” reports featuring prominent However, there were no MS researchers criticizing specifics on how this will her stand on the controversial translate into research fundtreatment. In 2011, Duncan ing. “She said ‘research cliintroduced a private memmate,’ she did not say ber’s bill that called for ‘research funding’,” noted Canadian clinical trials and Halliwell, “but she wanted to follow-up of CCSVI treatreinforce and reassure the ment cases. Even after the research community that, bill’s defeat, she continued to moving forward, it was blog about poor or absent going to be part of the govfollow-up treatment for those ernment platform.” who had gone abroad, at one Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s new science minister, says science matters more Duncan emphasized the point criticizing the Canadian now than ever before to address problems such as climate change. government’s swift action to Medical Association (CMA) restore the long-form census for opposing her bill. Sciences and Engineering Research and to allow government scientists to When asked whether she continues Council and the National Research “speak freely about their work.” Another to be concerned about the role in Council Canada are under the minister election pledge, to appoint a chief science CCSVI research of the CMA and the of innovation, science and economic officer “to ensure that scientific analyses Canadian Institutes of Health Research development, Navdeep Bains. Duncan are considered when government makes (CIHR) — also mentioned in her blog said she and Bains are expected to decisions,” will take more time, Duncan — Duncan said, “I so appreciate CMA, “work as a team.” said. The mandate for the position is not and I’ve worked with CMA and I’ve Duncan explained that her role “will yet established, and Duncan would not worked with CIHR.” Duncan’s blog be to support scientific research and the state a timetable for the appointment, states that she met with CMA President integration of scientific considerations saying the government needs to study John Haggie in 2012 to discuss followin our investment and policy choices” what has been done in other countries. — up of CCSVI patients. during her speech before an appreciaCarolyn Brown, Ottawa, Ont. In her new role as science minister, tive audience of science-policy experts Duncan does not have direct responsiand scientists. CMAJ 2016. DOI:10.1503/cmaj.109-5205

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CMAJ, January 5, 2016, 188(1)

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Science minister addresses criticisms, promotes robust science.

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