Mr. Speaker, I came to Ottawa in 2008 hoping to promote science in Canada. I believe that to innovate, we must prioritize science.
However, in seven years, I have seen how little respect the government has for science. Our funding of scientific research has dropped below the OECD average, to just 1.6% of GDP.
The current government eliminated the long-form census questionnaire, damaging what was previously the most important social database in the country.
The current government has muzzled our federal scientists, particularly environmental scientists who dare to speak the truth about global warming. The current government has ceased funding the Experimental Lakes Area, a priceless outdoor laboratory. It has diverted funding away from fundamental science, and it has nothing but contempt for the social sciences.
Our health, safety, and prosperity critically depend upon how we choose to prioritize science and how readily we are willing to share it.
On this, I am sad to say, the current government has totally failed Canadians.