The Conservative Quebec [sic?] platform, unveiled recently by Leader Pierre Poilievre, says: “A Conservative government would put an end to the imposition of woke ideology . . . in the allocation of federal funds for university research.”

Using similar arguments – especially with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies – the Trump administration has systematically cut federal funding for critical scientific research. Projects studying vaccines, infectious diseases such as HIV, and the health of sexual and gender minorities were specifically axed.

Despite Poilievre’s attempts to distance himself from Trump in some areas, his platform reveals he would follow the same path in attacking critical research, which should be free from political interference.

Voters must take this seriously. Canadians deserve better. We deserve a government that won’t muzzle scientists and won’t silence research when it is not convenient for a political agenda.