Scientists at U.S. weather forecasting agency ordered to get clearance before talking to Canadian counterparts – CBC

Former official says NOAA workforce could be halved, sending ripple effects around the world

Feb 18, 2025

Travelling for international meetings or even joining a call with Canadian counterparts has become impossible for some U.S. government scientists, under new directives since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

Canadian ecologist Aaron Fisk says he recently tried to set up a virtual call to discuss plans with American colleagues, including a government scientist, around sampling fish.

“We tried to have a quick meeting with one of our collaborators … and they were denied access,” Fisk said.

Given that the Great Lakes — and their aquatic life — straddle both sides of the border, having American scientists suddenly barred from meetings has had deep impacts.

That, combined with funding freezes, is drastically altering the way science works in North American, at least for now.

Scientists at U.S. weather forecasting agency ordered to get clearance before talking to Canadian counterparts – CBC

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