Standing Up for Science: Why This Fight Matters for Canada

Over the past few weeks, Canadians have come together in an incredible show of support for scientific integrity, evidence-informed decision-making, and international research collaboration. Through our Open Letter in Solidarity with the Stand Up for Science movement, over 800 individuals and 23 organizations sent a clear message: science must remain independent, well-funded, and free from political interference.

As Dr. John P. Smol, Distinguished University Professor, put it:
“Science is critical in providing evidence to ensure a sustainable economy and environment. In order to thrive, we must ensure that facts inform opinions and not allow opinions to inform facts.”

Why This Matters

Since Donald Trump’s inauguration, we have seen a full-scale assault on science in the U.S.—from drastic research funding cuts to the suppression of climate and health data, mass layoffs of federal scientists, and the outright censorship of certain fields of study. These attacks don’t just harm American researchers; they have real and immediate consequences for Canada.

Many Canadian scientists rely on U.S. funding, particularly from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which provided over $58 million CAD to Canadian researchers last year alone. Restrictions on international collaboration have already started jeopardizing cross-border projects, limiting funding opportunities, and putting entire fields of research at risk. Additionally, the loss of critical U.S. data sources, such as those from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will impact Canada’s ability to track climate trends, prepare for natural disasters, and ensure public health and safety.

As Professor Timothy Caulfield of the University of Alberta warned:
“This is one of the greatest challenges of our time! Without trustworthy science, we are truly lost.”

The Power of Collective Action

We have seen what happens when science is undermined. Under the Harper administration (2006-2015), Canadian researchers faced deep funding cuts, restrictions on climate science, and the muzzling of government scientists. But thanks to advocacy efforts—including the Death of Evidence rally in 2012—we fought back and restored many of these lost protections. We must stay vigilant to ensure history does not repeat itself.

Senator Dr. Stanley Kutcher highlighted the urgency of this moment:
“The recent impacts of the Trump administration on science and research in the U.S. threaten the very foundation of evidence-informed policymaking. These actions have far-reaching consequences, affecting research funding and scientific integrity on both sides of the border. Canada must stand strong in defense of science.”

This open letter was an important step, but our work is far from over.

Introducing “Science Under Siege: Tracking U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Canada”

As the situation in the U.S. continues to evolve, we are launching a brand-new resource: Science Under Siege: Tracking U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Canada. This tool will help digest breaking news from the U.S. and analyze what it means for Canada—from research funding impacts to restrictions on scientific collaboration. We encourage you to stay informed and engaged by following the tracker and using it as a resource to push for evidence-informed policies at home.

What’s Next?

• Holding decision-makers accountable: We will be sharing the open letter with policymakers and continuing to push for policies that protect scientific integrity.
• Strengthening public engagement: The more people understand the stakes, the harder it will be for governments to erode scientific freedoms. Keep speaking out, sharing information, and advocating for evidence-based policies.
• Monitoring the situation: The fight for science is ongoing, and we must stay informed about future developments in the U.S. and how they impact Canada.

Stay Engaged

Science is the foundation of a strong democracy, a thriving economy, and a healthier future. The support we’ve seen for this campaign is proof that Canadians care deeply about protecting research and evidence-informed policy. We urge you to remain engaged—continue speaking out, holding leaders accountable, and standing up for science wherever and whenever it is under threat.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we are making a difference.