In an attempt to get around what seem like heavy-handed rules from the Canadian government, the scientists' union has put up a Web site to publicize members' work.

The Globe and Mail has coverage of the issue, noting that there seem to be an increasing number of hoops for government scientists to jump through if they want to talk about their work to the media. The fear, of course, is that the intention behind all these new rules is to move away from science-based policy making. This is presumably because the science doesn't support the pet policies of those in power.

I've been a big supporter of direct-to-the-public science publication for as long as it has been available. More science available to more people is hands-down a good thing. So bravo to the Canadians here and let's hope more people take advantage of the work that - at base - their tax money was used to create.