Halifax professor hopes Trudeau will 'unmuzzle' scientists

A Dalhousie University professor is "cautiously optimistic"the new TrudeauLiberal government will "unmuzzle" federal scientists, but warns the damage may take years to reverse.

"[The Liberals] madea pledge that right away [that]they're going to stop the muzzling of scientists," said Tom Duck, an associate professor of physics and atmospheric science.

"Thank goodness for that, because we cannot have a national conversation on important issues like climate change without the experts weighing in."

Duck spoke withCBC Radio'sMainstreeton Friday.

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The Conservative federal government haslong been accused of restricting science through funding cuts and strict policies on how to speak with the media about scientific research.

A widespread survey in 2013 found hundreds of scientists had been asked to modify or exclude scientific information, and about half saidthey knew of cases where Canadian health and safety had been compromised as a result.

The Conservatives denied the muzzling, saying instead itinvested well in science and technology.

Brain drainhard to reverse, says scientist

This chilling effect forcedmany scientists to quit, retire or leave the country, includingrenowned oil spill expert Ken Lee who left Nova Scotiafor Australia after a government cutin 2012, Duck said.

Halifax-based biologistSteve Campana told CBC after retiring from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Maythat he was silenced from even 'just talking about facts."

"I am concerned about the bigger policy issues that are essentially leading to a death spiral for government science," Campana said at the time.

"I see that is going to be a huge problem in the coming years. We are at the point where the vast majority of our senior scientists are in the process of leaving now disgusted as I am with the way things have gone, and I don't think there is any way for it to be recovered."

Liberal plan encouraging: Duck

Duck is encouraged by theLiberal plan to attend the climate change conference in Paris, butdiscouraged by the reluctance to commit to setting emissions reduction targets, he said.

"That being said, I think we can proceed with this cautious optimism and see what happens. Of course, they have to get into place, assess these organizations and understand the damage before they can act," Duck said.

Duck said he wantsfederal scientists able to leadpublic debate using facts on issues such as climate change and energy.

"I really think this is going to be a generational rebuilding project," Duck said.

"It's going to be very, very tough to repair."