Question Period Note: Scientific Processes and Excellence at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• My Department ensures high standards of scientific excellence, impartiality, and transparency in its scientific activities including scientific peer review.
• My Department is proud to have implemented a Policy on Science Integrity which is fundamental to making the right decisions for Canada’s fisheries and oceans.
• I rely on that science on a daily basis and have every confidence in the integrity of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s scientists.

BACKGROUND

• As a science-based Department, scientific integrity is essential to the work at DFO and of its employees. Scientific integrity is critical to the decision-making process, from the planning and conduct of research to the production of advice and the application of advice to the Departmental decision-making processes.
• The Department’s Scientific Integrity Policy recognizes the importance of high quality science, free from political, commercial and client interference and the importance of this in the decision-making processes utilized by the Department. The Policy applies to all who plan, produce, support or utilize science to make well-informed decisions.
• The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) coordinates the production of peer-reviewed science advice for DFO. Science advice is prepared both nationally and through DFO’s regional offices.
• CSAS provides a systemic process for the delivery of science advice to the Department’s decision makers. Advice might relate to the state of an ecosystem or aquatic resources, the impacts of a human activity, the effectiveness of a mitigation strategy or another subject related to DFO’s mandate.

If pressed on integrity and transparency
• Scientific integrity guides Departmental science processes, shapes how the Department works with others and how it generates science advice to inform decision making for the benefit of Canadians.
• Departmental scientists collaborate with partners across the country and throughout the world. This collaboration contributes to scientific excellence within the Department, expands the breadth of available knowledge and expertise, and helps to form a sound and credible science basis for decision-making.
• The Department is committed to open science and communicating the results of our research to Canadians to ensure that they are well informed about issues that affect our oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
• The Department is continuously reviewing its science processes to ensure objective, impartial, evidence-based science.