Scientists and their supporters will gather in downtown Victoria at noon today to rally against the federal government's cuts to scientific programs.
"Everyone knows the Harper government has been working to dismantle programs and research institutes that provide evidence for smart government and evidence-based decision-making," said Ken Wu, organizer of the Rally for Science.
The aim is to stop what the group sees as an assault on scientific research and informed decision-making, he said.
Speakers include University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver, Green party leader Elizabeth May, singersongwriter Raffi and Saanich South MLA Lana Popham.
The government has recently made cuts to the marine contaminants program, ozone monitoring and climate change research programs and institutions.
"A modern democratic society has got to have informed decision-making processes where science plays a fundamental role," Wu said.
Wu said many scientists working for the government would likely be too nervous about their jobs to show up for the rally, but university scientists - wearing their white lab coats - were planning to attend.
The rally, which will be held at the corner of Yates and Government streets, will run from noon until 12: 30 p.m.
