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On April 29, 2021, the Government of Canada announced (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/04/government-of-canada-funds-two-new-projects-to-encourage-vaccine-uptake-in-canada.html) that it was investing $2.25 million of public funding into two new projects to encourage vaccine uptake in Canada.
One of these projects is 'Science Up First', a public-facing science communication group with a presence primarily on its website and through social media, created by the Canadian Association of Science Centres in partnership with COVID-19 Resources Canada, a volunteer-run group and the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta.
What is Science Up First?
The government website describes it as follows:
"Science Up First is a project to address misinformation in Canada by giving Canadians the tools to spread science-based information about COVID-19 and vaccines. Drawing on a network of scientists, healthcare providers, and science communicators, this national initiative aims to debunk misinformation with credible COVID-19 facts, as well as reach vulnerable populations with culturally relevant and scientifically accurate COVID-19 information."
How does it achieve its mandate?
Science Up First (http://archive.today/mImU9) claims to provide carefully-vetted information drawn from the best available evidence to help Canadians stay informed about COVID.
It does this as highlighted on its website, through “science.” How does Science up First define science? According to Science up First, science is a body of knowledge, and a process. To the public, it outlines what this means:
Putting “science up first” means:
Using the knowledge: Listening to experts. Referencing reliable sources. Staying up to date. Respecting the process: Understanding how science works. Giving weight to well-controlled, peer-reviewed studies.