Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Cutting Away at the NRC's Research Capability

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Abstract:
Another group of National Research Council employees represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) have received Workforce Adjustment (WFA) notices across the country, bringing to over 6,000 the number of PIPSC members who have been informed by the government that their services may no longer be required, 133 of whom work at the NRC. The government had previously targeted the NRC twice in 2012 in its ongoing search for "efficiencies".

Cutting Away at the NRC's Research Capability

Ottawa, Canada | Posted on December 6th, 2013

Nineteen (19) positions were eliminated yesterday. These were in the agency's Aquatic Crop and Resource Development (14), Human and Health Therapeutics (3), and Automotive and Surface Transportation (2) sections. Geographically, 8 are located in the Montreal, 5 in Saskatoon, 3 in Halifax, and 1 each in Boucherville, London and Winnipeg. The cuts will end world-class research in the fields of Plant Metabolism, Molecular Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, among others. Specific examples of discontinued services include cutting-edge research that gauges the toxicity of new production materials (e.g. nanotechnology) in consumer goods.

"This announcement is just another example of the government's complete lack of interest in science and fundamental research" said PIPSC President Gary Corbett. "While it maintains that it is in favour of "useful " research, it doesn't hesitate to slash away again and again at our country's scientific infrastructure. The NRC is a key player supporting Canada's international competitiveness, but the government sees it is as a liability, not as the invaluable asset it has been for decades. This once-proud institution is fast becoming a shell of its former self".

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About Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents over 57,000 professionals and scientists across Canada's public sector.

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