Federal scientists warn Bill C-39 puts independent science at risk

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Federal scientists rallied in downtown St. John's today to push back against Bill C-39 and warn that the federal government is weakening the science, expertise and independent institutions Canada relies on to keep people and the environment safe.

Members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada's Applied Science and Patent Examination Group (SP), including scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, took to the streets as the government moves to accelerate major-project reviews, expand the use of predetermined findings and require economic feasibility to be considered when setting certain environmental safeguards.

"Our leaders should make informed decisions using rigorous and independent science," said Bryan Van Wilgenburg, President of PIPSC's Applied Science and Patent Examination Group. "You cannot cut scientists and rush expert reviews without risking disaster."

Taken together, PIPSC says the changes threaten the integrity of evidence-based decision-making while federal science is already under pressure from cuts, staffing shortages, and recruitment and retention challenges.

Bill C-39 would allow required determinations, findings and opinions for some qualifying projects to be deemed favourable before the professional work that normally informs those decisions is complete. It would also push toward faster, more consolidated reviews and require decision-makers under several environmental laws to consider the technical, economic and practical feasibility of conditions placed on projects.

"When the government rushes reviews or predetermines findings, it risks undermining the independence of the experts protecting our environment, communities and public safety," said Van Wilgenburg. "We shouldn't prioritize short-term profits over sustainable economics and public safety."

The SP Group is currently at the bargaining table with the federal government and has chosen the conciliation/strike route for this round of negotiations, amid growing concerns about cuts to public science, shrinking capacity and threats to evidence-based decision-making.

"This government needs to understand that scientists don't take the possibility of a strike lightly," said Bryan Van Wilgenburg, President of PIPSC's Applied Science and Patent Examination Group. "Our members are bringing forward solutions at the bargaining table. The government has a responsibility to work with us and get a fair deal done."

PIPSC says the same contradiction runs through both Bill C-39 and the pressures facing federal scientists at the bargaining table: government is demanding faster approvals and more from public-service experts while weakening the expertise and capacity needed to do that work properly.

"We want to send a clear message to the federal government to reverse the cuts to our public service, protect and strengthen evidence-based research, and keep their hands off the right to strike," said Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. "Our country cannot be strengthened by eroding workers' fundamental rights or our ability to make decisions based on independent and strong research."

Building a strong Canada means strengthening the scientists, engineers, regulators and other experts who turn government commitments into reality. Canada's strength did not happen by accident, and weakening the expertise the country has spent decades building puts that strength at risk.

PIPSC is calling on the federal government to protect independent scientific and professional judgment, invest in public-service expertise and ensure that faster project approvals do not come at the expense of evidence, environmental safeguards or public safety.

"Building Canada cannot mean weakening the very people and institutions that keep it strong," said Van Wilgenburg.

PIPSC represents over 80,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.

SOURCE Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)

For more information: PIPSC Media Relations, [email protected]