Assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in Glacier Hydrology and Ice Dynamics, Christine Dow attended the inaugural Science Meets Parliament event in Ottawa.
The
event
was
presented
as
a
pilot
project
this
year
in
hopes of
making
it
an
annual
event bringing scientists
working
in
Canada
to
Parliament
Hill
to
meet
with
Members
of
Parliament
and
Senators,
attend
House
and
Senate
committee
meetings,
discuss
scientific
research,
and
gain
familiarity
with
the
political
process.
Dow, whose important work tracks the impact of climate change on ice at the earth's polar regions, met with Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer and also with the Honorable Kirsty Duncan, Science and Sport Minister.
The program aims to facilitate a crucial dialogue between scientists and political leaders. Selected scientists from across the country had the rare opportunity to spend a full day on Parliament Hill shadowing an MP or Senator, attending House committee meetings and Question Period, and sharing their passion for science with Parliamentarians.
The
day's
program
included:
- An informative orientation session that includes information about the business of Parliament and exercises that prepare Delegates to speak with politicians
- Meetings with Members of Parliament and Senators, the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, and possibly the Minister of Science (subject to her availability)
- Shadowing a Member of Parliament or Senator during the day
- Observation of House committee meetings of the day
- Lunch on Parliament Hill
- Attending Question Period
- A poster session open to Parliamentarians
- Networking reception with MPs, Senators, and staff that will include a closing speech by a guest of honour.
For more information on the Science Meets Parliament event visit the official site.
Story originally published on the Faculty of Environment website. Christine Dow is Water Institute member.
Read more about Dow's research: