Evidence For Democracy

In July 2012, prior to forming E4D, Katie Gibbs was one of the organizers for the Death of Evidence protest in Ottawa.{{Cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/business/Scientists+stage+mock+funeral+protest+cuts+research/6913396/story.html|title=Scientists stage mock funeral to protest cuts to research|last=Smith|first=Teresa|date=2012-07-09|work=Canada.com|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825004439/http://www.canada.com/business/Scientists+stage+mock+funeral+protest+cuts+research/6913396/story.html|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/scientists-rally-on-parliament-hill-to-mourn-death-of-evidence-1.1237215|title=Scientists rally on Parliament Hill to mourn 'death of evidence' |work=CBC News|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613193037/http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/scientists-rally-on-parliament-hill-to-mourn-death-of-evidence-1.1237215|archive-date=2018-06-13|url-status=live}} Over 2,000 scientists and supporters attended the protest, which was in the form of a mock funeral, to protest then Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government funding cuts to basic science research and in response to Bill C-38.{{Cite news|url=https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/a-rough-guide-to-bill-c-38/|title=A rough guide to Bill C-38 - Macleans.ca|date=2012-06-06|work=Macleans.ca|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826120515/https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/a-rough-guide-to-bill-c-38/|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/264793/scientists-march-to-parliament-hill-to-protest-death-of-evidence-3/|title=Scientists march to Parliament Hill to protest 'death of evidence'|work=Global News|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825003137/https://globalnews.ca/news/264793/scientists-march-to-parliament-hill-to-protest-death-of-evidence-3/|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}} The protest's success prompted Gibbs to co-found E4D.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/canada-war-on-science/514322/|title=Looking Back at Canada's Political Fight Over Science|last=Zhang|first=Sarah|date=2017-01-26|work=The Atlantic|access-date=2018-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826113411/https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/canada-war-on-science/514322/|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}

E4D advocates for evidence-based policy-making and to build a national culture where science and evidence are valued.{{Cite news|url=https://in-sightjournal.com/2016/04/01/an-interview-with-dr-katie-gibbs-2/#_ftn9|title=An Interview with Dr. Katie Gibbs|date=2016-04-01|work=In-Sight Publishing|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825003009/https://in-sightjournal.com/2016/04/01/an-interview-with-dr-katie-gibbs-2/#_ftn9#_ftn9|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}} E4D primarily launches issue-based campaigns to address current issues which affect science, alongside panels, lectures, workshops and documentary screenings, to provide knowledge and skill-based training to the scientific community, as well as the broader public.

On 16 September 2013, E4D collaborated with local organizers to hold Stand Up for Science protests in 17 cities (including Toronto and Vancouver), to voice concerns for the state of science in Canada.{{Cite news|url=https://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/when-scientists-become-activists/|title=When scientists become activists {{!}} University Affairs|work=University Affairs|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002541/https://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/when-scientists-become-activists/|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/scientists-aim-to-put-state-of-canadian-research-in-the-public-spotlight-with-demonstrations/article14332546/|title=Scientists push campaign for evidence-based decision making from government|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825105427/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/scientists-aim-to-put-state-of-canadian-research-in-the-public-spotlight-with-demonstrations/article14332546/|archive-date=2017-08-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.idees-ideas.ca/blog/scientists-stand-across-canada|title=Scientists stand up across Canada {{!}} Fédération des sciences humaines|website=www.idees-ideas.ca|language=fr|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080754/https://www.idees-ideas.ca/blog/scientists-stand-across-canada|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/stand-up-for-science-rallies-target-federal-government-1.1855977|title=Stop stifling science, protesters tell Ottawa |work=CBC News|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731073401/https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/stand-up-for-science-rallies-target-federal-government-1.1855977|archive-date=2018-07-31|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/en/content/stand-science|title=Stand Up for Science!|date=2013-08-28|work=Evidence For Democracy|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080843/https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/en/content/stand-science|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}} Previous science advocacy, coupled with the Stand Up for Science protests across Canada, helped place science as a key campaign issue in the 2015 Canadian federal elections.{{Cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3397989/canada-history-march-for-science/|title=Canada's complicated history with scientific freedom|work=Global News|access-date=2018-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826082356/https://globalnews.ca/news/3397989/canada-history-march-for-science/|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}

In March 2016, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada and E4D submitted an open letter with over 5,000 Canadians signatures, to the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister Navdeep Bains, and Minister Kirsty Duncan, to safeguard government scientists' right to speak through collective agreements.{{Cite web|url=https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/sites/default/files/letter-pipsc-e4d-e.pdf|title=Science integrity enshrined in collective agreements|website=Evidence For Democracy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080851/https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/sites/default/files/letter-pipsc-e4d-e.pdf|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/en/success-science-integrity|title=Success! Science integrity enshrined in collective agreements|date=2016-12-12|work=Evidence For Democracy|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080854/https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/en/success-science-integrity|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4090046/trudeau-harper-muzzling-scientists/|title=Trudeau government has more to do to combat Harper-era muzzling of scientists: report|work=Global News|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825003953/https://globalnews.ca/news/4090046/trudeau-harper-muzzling-scientists/|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}} In July 2018, following lobbying, the Canadian federal government introduced guidelines for scientific integrity.{{Cite journal|last=Russell|first=Erin|date=2015-10-20|title=We deserve a government that respects scientific integrity|journal=CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal|volume=187|issue=15|pages=1107|doi=10.1503/cmaj.151006|issn=0820-3946|pmc=4610828|pmid=26391718}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawa-unveils-integrity-rules-to-shield-scientists-from-interference/|title=Ottawa unveils integrity rules to shield scientists from interference|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823122517/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawa-unveils-integrity-rules-to-shield-scientists-from-interference/|archive-date=2018-08-23|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/07/30/news/canada-moves-protect-its-federal-scientists-political-interference|title=Canada moves to protect its federal scientists from political interference|date=2018-07-30|work=National Observer|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825003002/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/07/30/news/canada-moves-protect-its-federal-scientists-political-interference|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/canadian-scientists-welcome-new-research-integrity-policy/3009355.article|title=Canadian scientists welcome new research integrity policy|work=Chemistry World|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080758/https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/canadian-scientists-welcome-new-research-integrity-policy/3009355.article|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}

In September 2017, E4D launched a petition, on behalf of the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL), to advocate for funding for PEARL's research into Canadian atmospheric climate science.{{Cite news|url=https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/en/save-pearl|title=Save PEARL|date=2017-09-13|work=Evidence For Democracy|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080909/https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/en/save-pearl|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2017/09/05/news/liberals-struggling-reverse-harpers-cuts-climate-science|title=Liberals struggling to reverse Harper's cuts to climate science|date=2017-09-05|work=National Observer|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002852/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2017/09/05/news/liberals-struggling-reverse-harpers-cuts-climate-science|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-renews-arctic-climate-research-lab-funding-for-two-years/article36875763/?ref=https://www.theglobeandmail.com&|title=Arctic climate research lab granted federal funding in late reprieve|date=2017-11-08|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2018-08-24}} As a result of this petition and lobbying from others, the Canadian government allocated $1.6 million to allow PEARL's continued operation until fall of 2019. E4D is currently campaigning for long-term PEARL funding, and to re-introduce funding for the six Canadian climate science projects (members of the Climate Change and Atmospheric Research program) which lost their funding.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/01/22/news/theres-crisis-looming-canadian-climate-research-scientists-warn|title=There's a 'crisis looming' for Canadian climate research, scientists warn|date=2018-01-22|work=National Observer|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826113415/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2018/01/22/news/theres-crisis-looming-canadian-climate-research-scientists-warn|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/22/canada-climate-science-faces-looming-crisis|title=Canadian climate science faces crisis that may be felt globally, scientists warn|last=Kassam|first=Ashifa|date=2018-01-22|website=The Guardian|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826183036/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/22/canada-climate-science-faces-looming-crisis|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}

Throughout 2018, E4D collaborated with local organizers to host the March for Science in 10 Canadian cities (St. John's, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver and Victoria) on Saturday 14 April 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/science-busking-in-the-byward-market-this-saturday|title=Science busking in the ByWard Market this Saturday|date=2018-04-13|work=Ottawa Citizen|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150148/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/science-busking-in-the-byward-market-this-saturday|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://blog.scienceborealis.ca/march-for-science-returns-for-a-second-year/|title=March for Science returns for a second year|date=2018-04-17|work=ScienceBorealis.ca Blog|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826113452/http://blog.scienceborealis.ca/march-for-science-returns-for-a-second-year/|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://sciencemarchto.ca/|title=March for Science Toronto|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080744/https://sciencemarchto.ca/|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://apt613.ca/march-for-science/|title=Ottawa March for Science promotes and opens up evidence-based dialogue to the public – Apt613|website=apt613.ca|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825073810/http://apt613.ca/march-for-science/|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}} In mid-2018, E4D partnered with others to launch a campaign to return environmental and natural resource decision-making to public interest, advocating for the public to contact their representative and the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Strategy.{{Cite news|url=https://thenarwhal.ca/b-c-s-big-opportunity-to-fix-under-regulated-industry-is-here-and-youve-probably-never-heard-of-it/|title=B.C.'s big opportunity to fix under-regulated industry is here (and you've probably never heard of it) {{!}} The Narwhal|work=The Narwhal|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080737/https://thenarwhal.ca/b-c-s-big-opportunity-to-fix-under-regulated-industry-is-here-and-youve-probably-never-heard-of-it/|archive-date=2018-08-26|url-status=live}} This campaign aims to address the British Columbia government's professional reliance system.

On 8 August 2019, a call to vote for science was published by The Narwhal.{{Cite web|url=https://thenarwhal.ca/in-age-misinformation-advocates-call-canadians-vote-science/|title=In the age of misinformation, advocates call for Canadians to vote for science|last=Thomson|first=Jimmy|date=8 August 2019|website=The Narwhal|language=en|access-date=2020-02-09}} This campaign was also promoted by the E4D just because they stand for funding structures, integration of science into policy and transparency and openness.

During March 2023, virtual weekly video sessions were presented as part of the organization's Evidence Matters campaign. Recordings are available on YouTube.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzsmi2kEGI7M85qTCcWBfjQ/|title=E4D weekly virtual sessions, recordings released on YouTube|website=YouTube }}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/}}

Category:Science advocacy organizations

Category:Scientific organizations based in Canada

Category:2012 establishments in Canada

Category:Organizations established in 2012