CERCs: Innovative Research, Stale Criticism

May 21, 2010
Rob Annan
Researcher Forum
http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/cerc-announcements/

When science gets political, long-term knowledge is lost

The problem with Canada’s new research chairs isn’t lack of women, it’s lack of open-ended vision
May 21, 2010
Sumitra Rajagopalan
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/when-science-gets-political-long-term-knowledge-is-lost/article1576356/

Where are the women scientists?

May 21, 2010
Bob McDonald
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/quirks-blog/2010/05/where-are-the-women-scientists.html

Why women were shut out of Canada’s science-star search

Government-appointed panel of female academics identify factors that led to all-male recruitment
May 20, 2010
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/why-women-were-shut-out-of-canadas-science-star-search/article1575135/

Feds grant big dollars to all-male research group

$10-million in new federal research money goes to 19 men, no women
May 19, 2010
Susan Delacourt
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/811171--feds-grant-big-dollars-to-all-male-research-group

Supporting New Solar Energy Technology

May 19, 2010
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/IDF051910.asp

World-class researchers coming to Canada

May 17, 2010
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/world-class-researchers-coming-to-canada/

Manning as champion of science

May 17, 2010
Rob Annan
Researcher Forum
http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/manning-as-champion-of-science/

No Need to Wait for a Low-Carbon Economy

Recent developments give reason to believe real policy innovation is just down the road
May 25, 2010
Alex Wood
The Mark News
http://www.themarknews.com/articles/1531-no-need-to-wait-for-a-low-carbon-economy

Offshore drilling is safe if done right

May 23, 2010
David Olive
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/812658--olive-offshore-drilling-is-safe-if-done-right

Canada: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Carbon Emissions Regulations

May 21, 2010
John T. Connelly
Business Review Canada
http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/news/reduction/canada-heavy-duty-vehicle-carbon-emissions-regulations

Critical climate report spurs Jim Prentice to call watchdog group on carpet

Arms-length federal agency puts Canada sixth among G8 countries in carbon-use index
May 20, 2010
Steve Rennie
The Canadian Press
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/critical-climate-report-spurs-jim-prentice-to-call-watchdog-group-on-carpet/article1576103/

New Government of Canada Investment Attracts Top Minds to Canadian Universities

Inaugural Canada Excellence Research Chairs Introduced at University of Toronto Ceremony
May 17, 2010
Industry Canada
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/05563.html

Canada Excellence Research Chairs National Announcement

May 17, 2010
Industry Canada
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/05566.html

Canada’s $200-million lure pulls in 19 big-name researchers

Other countries mourning their loss of scientific talent in brain drain
May 17, 2010
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canadas-200-million-lure-pulls-in-19-big-name-researchers/article1572362/

How Canada poached academic stars from around the globe

Man at centre of $200-million talent drive says process was 'like a hockey negotiation'
May 18, 2010
Steven Chase and Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/how-canada-poached-academic-stars-from-around-the-globe/article1573620/

With new brain gain, brash Canada is back

Canada is attempting to Own the Podium in science, but the ultimate goal should be to nurture our own, homegrown research stars
May 18, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/with-new-brain-gain-brash-canada-is-back/article1573436/

Famed neuroscientist explains his move to Canada

Adrian Owen is leaving Cambridge for Western
May 17, 2010
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/famed-neuroscientist-explains-his-move-to-canada/article1572369/

Fears of brain drain as renowned British scientists move to Canada

Uncertainty over science funding has led top researchers to accept C$20m awards from the Canadian government in what may be first sign of a brain drain
May 17, 2010
Ian Sample
guardian.co.uk
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/may/17/brain-drain-british-neuroscientist-canada

Today’s a big day in Canadian science

May 17, 2010
Paul Wells
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/05/17/todays-a-big-day-in-canadian-science/

Canadian universities attract top minds

May 18, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/17/canada-research-chairs.html

Canada imports brains

May 19, 2010
Adam McDowell
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=3045801

But what about the classroom?

Canada poaches scientists from around the world, critics worry about lack of funds for teaching
May 19, 2010
Carson Jerema
Macleans
http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2010/05/19/but-what-about-the-classroom/

Female academics 'discouraged' after women shut out of funding

May 19, 2010
Mia Rabson
Winnipeg Free Press
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Female+academics+discouraged+after+women+shut+funding/3045365/story.html

Turning university research into riches

Every year, billions of dollars are spent in this country on university-based R&D. But how do we get more societal value from this investment?
May 18, 2010
Jim Roche
Ottawa Business Journal
http://www.obj.ca/Opinion/2010-05-18/article-1120111/Turning-university-research-into-riches/1

Life Sciences Commercialization Strategy

Apr 30, 2010
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/documents/Life%20Science%20Strategy.pdf

Future is here at fair: Science minister

May 18, 2010
SARAH DEETH
Peterborough Examiner
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2585045

Prentice dismisses NASA scientist's oilsands comments

May 19, 2010
BILL KAUFMANN
QMI AGENCY
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Environment/2010/05/19/14012696.html

Arctic oil spill cleanup research cancelled

May 19, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2010/05/19/arctic-oil-spill-research.html

We need to value and conserve water

Pricing water service at closer to its true cost would help pay for infrastructure and reduce waste
May 19, 2010
Oliver M. Brandes, Kirk Stinchcombe And Steven Renzettiis
Special to the Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/need+value+conserve+water/3040766/story.html

Environmental “Law & Order”

May 18, 2010
Katia Opalka
Special to The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Environmental+Order/3043729/story.html

A decade after Walkerton: What still needs to be done?

May 19, 2010
David Caplan
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/811221--a-decade-after-walkerton-what-still-needs-to-be-done

Water levels running low

Climatologist cites Light snowfall; Our winter and spring weather is coming back to haunt us
May 19, 2010
ANNE SUTHERLAND
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Montreal+area+water+levels+running/3044711/story.html

B.C. has lowest death rates for cancer in Canada

May 19, 2010
Lena Sin
The Province
http://www.theprovince.com/health/lowest+death+rates+cancer+Canada/3048627/story.html

Alberta oilsands become largest U.S. supplier of crude in 2010: Report

Massachusettsbased Cambridge Energy Research Associates finds 2010 will mark the first time oilsands production will account for the lion's share of U.S. imports of petroleum and refined products
May 19, 2010
Shaun Polczer
Calgary Herald
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Alberta+oilsands+become+largest+supplier+crude+2010+Report/3046820/story.html

Cheap diabetes drug tested as cancer treatment

Clinical trial in Toronto to explore effect of 50-year-old insulin-lowering medication on breast cancer recurrence
May 19, 2010
Lisa Priest
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cheap-diabetes-drug-tested-as-cancer-treatment/article1573595/

Cellphone cancer study questionable: scientist

Guidelines skewed statistics, professor says
May 17, 2010
Tom Blackwell
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=3036200

Ban Ki-moon's Climate Challenge

The UN secretary-general has stated that climate change should be on the agenda at the G20 summit in Toronto
May 18, 2010
Tyson Dyck
The Mark News
http://www.themarknews.com/articles/1526-ban-ki-moon-s-climate-challenge

Action on climate change stalled by political reality

May 18, 2010
Stephen Murgatroyd
Troy Media
http://www.troymedia.com/?p=10790

Four steps to “greening“ Alberta`s dirty oil

May 18, 2010
Stephen Murgatroyd
Troy Media
http://www.troymedia.com/?p=10793

Geothermal could meet Canada’s power needs

May 17, 2010
Tyler Hamilton
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/cleanbreak/article/809649--hamilton-geothermal-could-meet-canada-s-power-needs

The tobacco epidemic in women

CIHR experts discuss smoking in light of World No Tobacco Day
May 18, 2010
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2010/18/c4505.html

Polar trekkers study North Pole to determine region's ecological health

May 18, 2010
Randy Boswell
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Polar+trekkers+study+North+Pole+determine+region+ecological+health/3043202/story.html

Manitoba hub for Arctic ice study

U of M to host joint effort with Greenland
May 18, 2010
Bruce Owen
Winnipeg Free Press
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/manitoba-hub-for-arctic-ice-study-94059239.html

Politicians, activists raise alarm over Greenland’s ambitious drilling program

Even a minor spill would be catastrophic, leaving dozens of Canadian towns along iceberg alley coated
May 18, 2010
Patrick White
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/politicians-activists-raise-alarm-over-greenlands-ambitious-drilling-program/article1573590/

Let the Discussions Begin!

May 12, 2010
Marianne Stanford
The Black Hole: Science in Canada - Issues Affecting Trainees
http://scienceadvocacy.org/Blog/2010/05/12/let-the-discussions-begin/

Post-docs are not students, also not really employees

May 11, 2010
Rob Annan
Researcher Forum
http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/post-docs-are-not-students-also-not-really-employees/

Bringing science to bear on policy

May 13, 2010
Leo Charbonneau
University Affairs
http://www.universityaffairs.ca/margin-notes/bringing-science-to-bear-on-policy/

Preston Manning: Proselytizer of science

From right-wing, populist politician to coach for the science cause, former leader of the Reform Party reinvents himself
May 14, 2010
Elizabeth Church
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/preston-manning-proselytizer-of-science/article1569939/

Symposium Opens Dialogue to Strengthen Science to Protect Canadians

May 12, 2010
Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Symposium-Opens-Dialogue-to-Strengthen-Science-to-Protect-Canadians-1259052.htm

Challenging the climate-change deniers

Scientists are finally entering the debate, and defending their work
May 13, 2010
Graham Thomson
Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Challenging+climate+change+deniers/3021533/story.html

UNB gets cash to boost biofuel capabilities

May 15, 2010
NICOLE VEERMAN
Daily Gleaner
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1053918

What to do with $88 million?

AIDS prevention through such means as safe injection sites, would be a productive use of monies that were scheduled to be used for the construction of a pilot lot manufacturing facilities, some researchers say
May 14, 2010
Dan Lett
CMAJ
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/14may10-what-to-do-with-88-million.dtl

Squabble continues over cancellation of HIV vaccine facility

The federal government's decision to terminate an $88-million vaccine manufacturing facility continues to generate impassioned debate about whether the world is suffering from a shortage of facilities to produce trial lots of promising vaccine prototypes
May 13, 2010
Dan Lett
CMAJ
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/13may10-squabble-continues-over-cancellation-of-hiv-vaccine-facility.dtl

AECL on Arrow’s flightpath

Canada’s reputation for innovation and thousands of jobs are in jeopardy
May 11, 2010
Michael Ivanco
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/807398--aecl-on-arrow-s-flightpath

UBC's $50m biodiversity centre opens to world's researchers

Blue whale skeleton is centrepiece of facility which includes a museum
May 14, 2010
Gerry Bellett
Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/biodiversity+centre+opens+world+researchers/3026563/story.html

Trudeau Foundation Awards $2.7 Million in Scholarships to 15 Doctoral Students

Scholars Receive $180,000 Each to Tackle Today's Critical Social Issues
May 13, 2010
Trudeau Foundation
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2010/13/c3001.html

Clement invites input on digital economy

May 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/10/digital-economy-tony-clement-consultation.html

Cod in Newfoundland: Already seen that drama

Year after year, we hear angry denial about the need for more serious conservation action
May 15, 2010
Jeffrey Simpson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/cod-in-newfoundland-already-seen-that-drama/article1567957/

Chrysotile Institute champions asbestos - by any other name

May 15, 2010
MICHELLE LALONDE
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Chrysotile+Institute+champions+asbestos+other+name/3031134/story.html

Scientist says songbird decline in N.B. will hurt biodiversity

May 15, 2010
MOLLY CORMIER
Daily Gleaner
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1053913

Ontario’s biogas program is a lot of hot air

May 15, 2010
Peter Gorrie
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/809561--gorrie-ontario-s-biogas-program-is-a-lot-of-hot-air

Quality child care linked to kids' well-being

May 14, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/14/con-child-development.html

Arctic health officials learn from PCB mistakes

New approach focuses on choosing, not avoiding country foods
May 14, 2010
Emily Chung
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/04/28/toxic-arctic-food-contamination-pcb.html

Health claims on food need more scrutiny: report

May 14, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/13/food-supplement-health-claims-fda.html

Sea lice pesticide resistance 'inevitable'

May 14, 2010
Courier-Islander
http://www.canada.com/business/lice+pesticide+resistance+inevitable/3025471/story.html

Save the forests, save the world

'Hairy' trees, like oak, clean the air, while eastern white cedars produce `aerosols with an antiviral component,’ says botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger
May 14, 2010
Nancy J. White
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/living/article/809134--save-the-forests-save-the-world

Landslides are Canada's top deadly natural disaster, scientist says

May 14, 2010
Jennifer Green
The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Landslides+Canada+deadly+natural+disaster+scientist+says/3025603/story.html

Watershed authority questions order by Environment Canada

May 14, 2010
Rory MacLean with files by James Wood
The StarPhoenix
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Watershed+authority+questions+order+Environment+Canada/3026422/story.html

Ban criticizes Canada on climate

UN chief urges Harper to comply with Kyoto Protocol targets
May 13, 2010
JULIET O'NEILL
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/letters/criticizes+Canada+climate/3020585/story.html

Georges Bank drilling ban extended

N.S., Ottawa lengthen offshore exploration moratorium by 3 years
May 13, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/13/ns-georges-bank.html

Heavy metals, poisons dot N.L. Abitibi sites

May 13, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/13/abitibibowater-environment-toxic-513.html

Genetic test kits put on hold by U.S. pharmacy

May 13, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/13/genetic-test-walgreen.html

UN chief presses Harper on climate change

May 12, 2010
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/12/ban-ottawa012.html

Solar panel plant to start up in Windsor

Facility could employ 500 within 3 years
May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/12/windsor-solar-plant.html

Perfumes' chemical safety unknown: report

May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/11/fragrance-perfume-chemicals.html

New physical activity guidelines proposed

May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/12/exercise-physical-activity-guide.html

Storing B.C. babies' blood violates privacy: group

May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/12/bc-infant-blood-samples-privacy-violations.html

Food allergy diagnosis lacking: review

May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/12/food-allergy.html

Fiddleheads should be farmed: scientists

Rated higher than blueberries for antioxidants
May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/12/ns-fiddleheads-farm-nutrients.html

Message to the G8: Put up the money and save the mothers

A woman’s death during pregnancy or childbirth is as much a societal and economic disaster as it is a moral outrage
May 12, 2010
Maureen McTeer
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/message-to-the-g8-put-up-the-money-and-save-the-mothers/article1566502/

Northern bug study tracks climate change

May 12, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/12/pei-north-insect-study-584.html

India's emissions swelling: report

May 11, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/11/india-greenhouse-gas-climate-change.html

Canada goose thrives while Earth’s species dwindle

UN report raises alarm on threat to wildlife and ecosystems
May 11, 2010
Joseph Hall
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/environment/article/808059--canada-goose-thrives-while-earth-s-species-dwindle

Heart disease deaths fall 35% in Ont.: study

May 11, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/11/heart-disease-mortality-ontario.html

Oral health of Canadians improved in 30 years

May 11, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/10/dental-health-oral-statistics-canada.html

Recycling electronics

May 11, 2010
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/807479--recycling-electronics

Canada's new offshore rules shift responsibility to industry: green expert

May 11, 2010
Andrew Mayeda
Canwest News Service
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Canada+offshore+rules+shift+responsibility+industry+green+expert/3012165/story.html

Oblique strategies

A new look at the landscape of climate politics calls for subtler and more thoughtful approaches
May 11, 2010
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/international/displayStory.cfm?story_id=16099521

Deep drilling starts off Newfoundland

May 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/10/nl-chevron-deepwell-510.html

Rampant growth threatens common species

May 10, 2010
David Coon
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/806200--opinion-rampant-growth-threatens-common-species

Arctic seismic tests could help marine park plans

May 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/10/lancaster-sound-seismic.html

Planet still losing too many species: UN

May 10, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/05/10/biodiversity-species-un.html

Cancer costs double in U.S. since late '80s

May 10, 2010
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/10/cancer-costs.html

Hookah smoke 'major public health threat'

May 10, 2010
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/05/10/hookah-smoking.html

Africa’s deadly backroom abortions

In a continent with little access to safe, legal abortion, charlatans prey on those desperate for the procedure, resulting in the deaths of 25,000 women and many more injuries each year
May 10, 2010
Geoffrey York
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/africa/africas-deadly-backroom-abortions/article1564162/

Pull down the barriers to maternal health care access

I met Lightness in Tanzania, and I see her face in the statistics
May 10, 2010
Christy Turlington Burns
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/africa/pull-down-the-barriers-to-maternal-health-care-access/article1562327/

When it comes to maternal health, let Africans decide

Canadians should abandon posturing over funding abortion overseas, and instead lobby G8 countries to fund a new facility, focused on maternal and child health, at the Global Fund
May 10, 2010
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/africa/when-it-comes-to-maternal-health-let-africans-decide/article1562423/

The CRA response to CAPS: Implications and where should we go from here?

May 11, 2010
Carl Wonders The Black Hole: Science in Canada - Issues Affecting Trainees
http://scienceadvocacy.org/Blog/2010/05/11/the-cra-response-to-caps-implications-and-where-should-we-go-from-here/

Recent Roundup

May 7, 2010
Rob Annan
Researcher Forum
http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/recent-roundup/