Agencies, ombudsmen, and commissions all exist as watchdogs or advisers that operate at arms-length from the government. They ensure accountability, they offer expert opinions and are part of a healthy democracy. During Harper's first four years of minority rule, 14 people and their jobs got in the way of Harper's plans. Check out the long and growing list of those Harper has silenced.
Concerns of Scientists 'muzzling' driven by impatient reporters: Kent
Ottawa (21 March 2012) - "A number of journalists who have wanted to set their own agenda on who they talk to, and when, and on a number of occasions, have tried to drag our scientists into policy discussions rather than sticking with the strict science of their positions," Mr. Kent said.
Canadian government is 'muzzling its scientists'
Vancouver (17 Feb 2012) - Speakers at a major science meeting being held in Canada said communication of vital research on health and environment issues is being suppressed. - by Pallab Ghosh, Science correspondent, BBC News
Shutting down important data collection in Canada
Ottawa (13 Feb 2012) - Leading atmospheric scientists are warning that Canada's cuts to its ozone monitoring program are already having effects on the world's ability to monitor air quality and ozone depletion.
Dismissal of ombudsman shows military equipment matters more than people
Ottawa (19 Aug. 2010) - Perhaps if Colonel Stogran had a well-financed lobby behind him the situation would be different. Unfortunately, unlike the arms industry, veterans tend to lack the money needed to 'effectively' lobby federal politicians.
Veterans advocate won't go quietly
The Veterans Ombudsman isn’t the first watchdog Stephen Harper has gotten rid of, but he is certainly the loudest.
Claiming he was mere “window dressing” for an “obstructive and deceptive” bureaucracy, Pat Stogran promised veterans Tuesday he would use his remaining three months on the job making sure “Canadians know how badly so many of you are being treated.”
Federal gun program head ousted
Ottawa (17 August 2010) - The head of the Canadian Firearms Program, who is a strong supporter of the long-gun registry, is quietly being bounced out of the position, CBC News has learned.
Human Rights Commission Attacked
Ottawa (28 March 2010) - Closure of Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) offices will punish marginalized people. There are three offices slated for closure; Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. These three offices received 70 per cent of all signed complaints to the CHRC in 2008.
Canadian climate science starved for funding
Ottawa (22 March 2010) - New report details government actions that undermine research into the science of climate change.
Feds still lacking 'watch dog'
Ottawa (23 January 2010) - The federal office charged with prying the lid off government secrecy has been without a permanent leader since June and is unlikely to get one for several more months. Critics argue the failure to swiftly replace this key watchdog is part of a pattern by Stephen Harper’s government of cloaking information from the public.
The watchdogs
Ottawa (26 January 2010) - Peter A. Tinsley's term as chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission was not renewed by Mr. Harper. The Commission and Mr. Tinsley made news for probing the Afghan detainee controversy, the same hot-button issue that many observers say is the reason Mr. Harper shutdown Parliament.
RCMP watchdog won't be reappointed
Ottawa (27 November 2009) - Paul Kennedy lost his job as Chair of the RCMP Public Complaints Commission. He had served four years, but the Harper government did not renew his term. As a strong proponent of independent oversight of the government and its agencies, Mr. Kennedy was a combative complaints chair who has a 35-year background in federal security agencies. Harper appointed an estate lawyer with political connections to replace Mr. Kennedy in January 2010.
Do Tories want a watchdog or lapdog?
Ottawa (24 June 2009) - Parliamentary budget watchdog Kevin Page says the Conservative government is doing its best to put him out of business.
Insults, discourtesy and disrespect mark Harper team's behaviour
Ottawa (21 April 2008) - Canadian Information Commissioner's Office's second in command, Alan Leadbeater, is dismissed only months after he criticized the Harper government for reneging on promises to strengthen Access to Information laws.
No Science in PM's ear: Canada dismisses National Science Adviser at its peril
Ottawa (28 January 2008) - The one scientist in this country who had direct access to the Prime Minister is being dismissed. Canada’s National Science Adviser, Dr. Arthur Carty, was appointed by former Prime Minister Paul Martin to provide expert advice on the government’s role in matters of science and science policy. Now, less than four years after the position was created, the Harper government feels that it’s no longer necessary
Risk of restarting nuclear reactor too high: Keen
Ottawa (29 January 2008) - The woman who was fired by the federal Conservatives as president of Canada's nuclear safety watchdog said Tuesday the safety risk of resuming the Chalk River, Ont., reactor was 1,000 times higher than accepted international standards.
Nuclear safety watchdog head fired for 'lack of leadership': minister
Ottawa (16 January 2008) - Federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn defended his decision to fire the head of Canada's nuclear safety watchdog Wednesday, arguing she lost the government's confidence over the way she handled the shutdown of a medical isotope-producing nuclear reactor late last year.
Head of Elections Canada Resigns
Ottawa (28 December 2006) - Jean-Pierre Kingsley is resigning as head of Elections Canada after 17 years of service. The announcement that Kingsley will step down in February from his position as the nation's chief electoral officer came in a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
