The problem became critical when Canada's Conservative government implemented "Communications policy of the Government of Canada" August 1, 2006. The policy calls on public servants to speak "openly" with Canadians, but in practice the new rules required that "subject matter experts" and the minister's director of communications filter statements of government scientists.

In response, and during the federal election, the CWSA-representing more than 500 science journalists, communicators, publicists and authors-sent an open letter to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, NDP Leader Jack Layton and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.

"All political parties repeatedly make promises to promote government openness and accountability. It is in this spirit that we ask to tell us and the public how you would guarantee freer channels of communication. We want to know because the current Harper government's restricted access to information impedes the public's right to know about the research and studies it funds," states the letter.

The letter notes that every year, several billion dollars of tax-payers' money is invested in made-in-Canada research.

"Let the federal scientists inform and enliven understanding. They are public servants, doing science for the Canadian public," concludes the letter.

The Liberal Party of Canada and Green Party of Canada both offered their support for the CWSA letter. As of April 27, 2011 the Conservatives and the NDP had not responded to the CWSA letter.