By Anushka Yadav – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s first science minister, passed away on January 26 after a battle with cancer. Her words about the importance of scientific freedom resonate more than ever, especially as new federal job cuts raise concerns about the future of environmental and climate science.
Duncan emphasized in a 2018 TED Talk, “It is absolutely critical that our scientists can freely do their work, collaborate with peers, and communicate with the public.” These sentiments reflect struggles faced by scientists under previous governments, specifically the Conservative administration led by Stephen Harper. Duncan highlighted cases, such as Max Bothwell, a researcher who showed how climate change affects freshwater algal blooms. His attempts to share research findings were blocked by Harper’s office.
The Harper government made sweeping changes in 2011, withdrawing Canada from the Kyoto Protocol. This led to thousands of job cuts and deep funding reductions, harming the federal environmental oversight system. Recent announcements of more job cuts in January further threaten this fragile system. The government plans to cut 15% of departmental spending, partly to meet NATO defense commitments. Meanwhile, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) faces a budget decrease while defense spending rises.
Canada is responsible for 20% of the world’s freshwater, yet all 167 Canadian sub-watersheds are currently under threat from climate change. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) warns that nearly three-quarters of these areas are seeing moderate to high impacts.
Looking ahead, ECCC has been ordered to reduce its budget significantly over the next few years, jeopardizing ongoing climate goals. By 2030, Canada aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels, a target complicated by these impending budget cuts.
As part of these reductions, ECCC confirmed that around 1,000 positions, including essential frontline roles, will be eliminated. This has raised alarms among experts, including Ontario Tech University’s Professor Andrea Kirkwood, who expressed concerns about the impact on environmental services. She stressed that cutting these roles could create significant gaps in climate management and support services critical for Canadians.
The professional community is reacting strongly. Wildlife biologist Marie-France Noel, involved in endangered species assessments, is affected by the layoffs. Her efforts, along with those of her colleagues, are vital for the management of various species, including the Canada Warbler, which has seen population rebounds but still faces habitat threats.
The situation is even more dire given that weather-related disasters have been costing Canada 5-6% of its GDP growth annually. In 2025 alone, these damages exceeded $25 billion, equivalent to half a year’s economic growth. Climate-related incidents are expected to worsen, with forecasts indicating that 2026 could be among the hottest years recorded.
Kirkwood points out that across-the-board budget cuts do not consider which departments are already struggling. Critics argue that such actions undermine not only environmental protection but also public safety. “Scientists play a crucial role in protecting citizens and ensuring environmental integrity,” noted Sean O’Reilly, President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.
Research indicates a decline in scientists’ confidence in evidence-based policymaking. A recent report revealed that only 44% of scientists feel their work informs government decisions, down from 57% in 2021. This growing distrust could endanger public safety and hinder responses to emerging environmental threats.
The newly established Canada Water Agency is not currently facing cuts, but its funding has been slashed. Experts note that reducing financial support for environmental protection now will make it harder to reverse damages in the future.
As public discourse reflects on these issues, there’s rising concern over reliance on artificial intelligence as a substitute for expert human judgment. Though AI can analyze data, it lacks the contextual understanding that trained scientists provide.
The cuts might enhance short-term savings but could jeopardize Canada’s long-term environmental health and safety. Maintaining a skilled workforce in scientific research is essential for resilience against future challenges. As Kirkwood urges, Canadians need to question narratives that portray government roles as excessive, especially when many positions are meant to fill gaps left by previous austerity measures.
By understanding these issues deeply, Canadians can push for smarter decisions that safeguard both people and the environment.
For more detailed statistics and background on the environmental impacts of these changes, you can access World Wildlife Fund Canada and Canadian Climate Institute.
