According to these authors, Canada is in need of a new science policy and strategy. The current direction of the federal government is threatening to impede scientific progress and compromise the integrity and independence of public science. This is reflected in the government's waning commitment to funding basic research; its attempts to steer funding toward politically targeted priority areas or to projects with ostensibly foreseeable commercial outcomes; the muzzling of public scientists; and deep cuts to government scientific agencies, programs, and libraries. The Canadian government needs to pursue a different science strategy that puts the public interest first and builds upon the proven strengths of government and higher education-based research. The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) recommends that the government build a new approach based on the following priorities: (1) Renew investments in basic research guided by priorities set by the scientific community; (2) Implement measures to protect the integrity and independence of university and college research including adopting safeguards to prevent the politicization of research; and (3) Increase support for government science and scientists. Government departments and agencies, such as Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Statistics Canada, and the National Research Council have a vital role to play in confronting science challenges, but can only do so when they are adequately funded and free to pursue their work.