In what appears to be an attempt to keep a lid on the pot of global warming, Environment Minister Rona Ambrose has barred Mark Tushingham, a scientist for Environment Canada and the author of the sci-fi novel Hotter Than Hell, from speaking publicly about his book. Set in a proximal future in which global warming has caused certain parts of the world to be uninhabitably hot, the novel features a war between Canada and the U.S. over water resources.

Scheduled to speak in Ottawa about his book and the science behind it, Tushingham was stopped by an order from Ambrose’s office. “He got a directive from the department, cautioning him not to come to this meeting today,” his publisher Elizabeth Margaris of Saint John’s DreamCatcher Publishing tells the CBC. “So I guess we’re being stifled. This is incredible, I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Tushingham has also cancelled some promotional appearances on TV and radio.

The CBC reports: “A spokesperson for Ambrose said the speech was billed as coming from an Environment Canada scientist and even though his book is a work of fiction, he would appear to be speaking in an official capacity.”

Meanwhile, a recent story in The Globe and Mail sees Stephen Harper denying allegations that his government is planning to make cuts to Environment Canada programs. Strangely enough, the interview takes place in the newly revamped, world-class military training facility in Wainwright, Alberta. In the spirit of our government, In Other Media gives you permission to throw your hands up in disgust, or at the very least, to furrow your eyebrows.

Related links:
Click here for the CBC Arts piece
Click here for the Globe and Mail story