Science in the Yukon: Advancing a Vision for Evidence-based Decision Making

210 I ORDER FOR SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE to inform decision making (science for policy), policy that supports and cultivates scientific activity (policy for science) is required. Recent public policy announcements—including the appointment of Canada’s first Federal Minister of Science (November 2015), the release of the Government of Yukon Science Strategy (January 2016), the release of the Pan-Northern Approach to Science (April 2016), and the pending appointment of a National Chief Science Officer—indicate that both federal and territorial governments recognize the value of timely and robust knowledge in informing decision making. The issues facing the North, such as climate change, resource development, and social transformations, are complex and interconnected (CCA, 2008). Territories are emphasizing the importance of advancing scientific research that benefits and meets the solution-oriented information needs of Northerners (GY, GNWT and GN, 2016). Solution-oriented science considers from the start, while framing the research questions, how results can be implemented in policy, practice, and programs, and it selects research projects that will address pressing issues. It can include basic science (e.g., baseline monitoring across the North), better application of existing knowledge (improving knowledge transfer and mobilization), applied research, or a combination (Pope, 2015). Northern Canada is at the forefront of efforts to advance a participatory paradigm for the conduct of research, one that involves meaningful involvement and engagement of local peoples. Resetting the relationship with Indigenous peoples, as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, can be advanced by the science we choose to do and how we do it. It is essential to ensure that scientific and traditional knowledge are equally reflected in northern research and to respect the right of Indigenous governments and peoples to set guidelines for ownership of, access to, and use of their traditional knowledge (GY, GNWT and GN, 2016). The vision of the 2016 Government of Yukon Science Strategy is to support the active pursuit, gathering, and storage of scientific knowledge so it can be easily retrieved, transferred, shared, and used to support evidence-based decision making (GY, 2016a). This article discusses the context of this solution-driven vision and how it can be advanced in Yukon. SCIENCE TO BENEFIT YUKON RESIDENTS