Clarifying some points - Ray Grigg and Dr. Kristi Miller
By Gary D. Marty, Courier-Islander October 12, 2011
I am concerned that the public will be misled by statements in Ray Grigg's column in the Oct. 7 Courier-Islander, "Muzzling Science and Scientists".
In the column, Mr. Grigg wrote about DFO scientist Dr. Kristi Miller's research into the decline of Fraser River sockeye salmon. Regarding Dr. Miller's publication in the journal "Science", Grigg said, "The Privy Council Office, a supporter of the Prime Minister's Office, suddenly prohibited Dr. Miller from talking to her colleagues and the press about her study."
As one of Dr. Miller's colleagues, I can assure you that this statement is not correct. I have had several conversations with Dr. Miller about her research over the past several months. Indeed, you can read one of our e-mail exchanges in exhibit 1568 on the Cohen Commission website (http: //www.cohencommission.ca/en/Exhibits.php).
Under oath, Dr. Miller said, "I am free to speak with colleagues and other scientists, and I have been able to attend some scientific meetings" (Cohen Commission transcripts, Aug. 24, p. 33).
In the column, Mr. Grigg also wrote, "The Church didn't like the heliocentric ideas of Copernicus and the reasoned celestial observations of Galileo so it silenced both scientists." In contrast, when Dr. Miller was asked, "Have you ever been told not to publish your research?", she responded, "No, absolutely not.there's nothing to stop us from publishing our research anywhere that we would like to publish our research." [Aug. 24 transcripts, p. 34.]
Finally, to help educate the public, Dr. Miller provided the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences with information on the study's results and implications (http: //www.cahs-bc.ca/documents/Miller_ GenomicSignatures_Jan2011-V2.pdf).
Gary D. Marty, D.V.M., Ph.D. Fish Pathologist
Animal Health Centre BC Ministry of Agriculture Abbotsford
