Scientific Integrity

The Government of Canada has committed to prioritizing science and evidence in decision-making. Ensuring that principles become policy and that policy becomes action often requires the support of clear and specific behavioural guidelines. To that end, the Government requested the advice of the Office of the Chief Science Advisor on directives for responsibly conducting, communicating, and using federal research and science.

The result was the Model Policy on Scientific Integrity made public on July 30, 2018. It provides a clear statement to federal scientists on how they can speak openly about their work and a framework for employers and employees on the conduct of government science.

The Status of Federal Scientific Integrity Policies

The model was drafted as a guide for 24 federal departments and agencies that were required to implement a scientific integrity policy by December 31, 2019 pursuant to a 2016 Memorandum of Agreement between TBS and PIPSC.

View the progress of departments in implementing departmental scientific integrity policies and procedures:

Resources and Tools for Effective Science Advice

The Office of the Chief Science Advisor has developed educational resources to promote a better understanding of the role of science advice in shaping public policies.

Science Shorts: Effective Science–Policy Conversations

Learn about the scientific method, how to consider the difference between facts and values, assessing the strength of scientific evidence, and evaluating the weight of evidence.