Wed, Apr 8th, 7-9pm, Alberni Valley Transition Town Society FILM: The Silence of the Labs *SPECIAL NIGHT* *NEW*
In recent years, federal funding for science has decreased drastically1.  Because of these cutbacks, many federal research programs have been scaled back or shut down completely, including important programs that monitor air quality and ocean contaminants2.  This lack of monitoring and collection of crucial information prevents us from understanding our world and adapting to it when it changes.  It also creates a gap in evidence that will impact public policy decisions for many years to come.  This research is essential for protecting our health, safety and the environment.  The CBC documentary Silence of the Labs investigates this changing landscape of public funding for scientific research and its relationship to public policy.  The documentary highlights perspectives from the scientific community and the impact of government research funding decisions on all Canadians.

1. Vanishing Science - Government cuts to science overwhelmingly detrimental and out of sync with public’s priorities - The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada  http://www.pipsc.ca/portal/page/portal/website/issues/science/vanishings...
2. Federal programs and research facilities that have been shut down or had their funding reduced – the fifth estate – CBC News
   http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/blog/federal-programs-and-research-facilities-th...
   This is a must see documentary that raises important issues about public-interest science and the state of our democracy.

Co-Hosted by the Council of the Canadians.  https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/
The screening is free to the public, though any donations to AVTTS to help defray costs will be gratefully accepted.
FMI [email protected]  http://www.avtransitiontown.org/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/avtts/
Char’s 19+ Lounge opens M-F 4pm, S-S 1pm FMI (778) 421-2427 Char’s Landing, 4815 Argyle @5th. Port Alberni