More than 100 former Parks Canada employees and scientists have come out against the firing of John Wilmshurst, Jasper National Park’s former senior scientist, accusing the government of instilling “fear” among those who continue to work for the agency.
In an open letter addressed to the leaders of the three main opposition parties—Elizabeth May, Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair—the signatories asked each party to publicly state whether they are prepared to restore Parks' science capacity and undertake an investigation into what appears to be politically motivated dismissals of scientists and managers within the agency.
Wilmshurst was fired in June after 15 years with the agency for reasons that remain shrouded in mystery. He declined to comment when reached by phone, Sept. 23.
Wilmshurst transferred to Jasper in 2008 to become the park's ecosystem science leader, after working as a grasslands ecologist out of Winnipeg. He later became the caribou program project manager and finally the park's resource conservation manager.
“The reason for Dr. Wilmshurst’s firing is unknown but it appears consistent with the purging of science-based management taking place in the national parks of Canada,” states the Sept. 23 letter.
“We are hopeful that there would be an effort post-election to get into the details of whether this was a political decision or whether it warrants some level of apology, if not a reinstatement," said Nik Lopoukhine, a retired director general of national parks, and one of the letter's signatories.
As well as condemning the firing of Wilmshurst, the letter also criticized recent development projects across the country, including the expansion of Lake Louise ski resort in August, and demanded the government protect and restore the ecological and commemorative integrity of Canada's national parks and historic sites.
Yellowhead MP Jim Eglinski, who is currently running for reelection, said he was well aware of Wilmshurst's situation, but due to the Oct. 19 election it would be inappropriate for him to comment.
Parks Canada also declined to comment.
“This is a human resources matter and Parks Canada does not comment on issues of this nature,” said Joseph Zebrowski, public relations and communications officer for Jasper National Park.
Ryan Maguhn, Liberal candidate for Yellowhead, said he would support an investigation into politically motivated dismissals with “unwavering conviction.”
“Across the country there are scientists employed by the government who have been threatened, suppressed and fired because they will not sacrifice their professional ethics for the sake of political convenience,” wrote Maguhn in an emailed statement.
“This government has demonstrated that what it wants to hear is ultimately more important than what it needs to hear.”
Ken Kuzminski, the NDP candidate for Yellowhead, said he was "dismayed but not surprised" when he heard of Wilmshurst firing in June.
"It's a war on science," said Kuzminski, "The conservatives have declared a war on everything that disagrees with them."
He said he also supports an investigation by an independent third party into whether the dismissal of scientists and managers, such as Wilmshurst, was politically motivated.
While the letter specifically highlights Wilmshurst's dismissal, Lopoukhine stressed its about more than just one scientist.
“This is not about the individual,” said Lopoukhine, “It's more about the reality that science has been cut back and projects that are going forward are contravening the National Parks Act.”
The letter comes a week after the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society launched its Fight For Your Parks campaign to stop the commercialization of Canada's national parks.
