Federal scientist put on leave over Harperman protest song

A scientist with Environment Canada has been put on administrative leave with pay pending aninvestigation for creatinga politicallycharged protest song about ousting Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

Tony Turner, aphysicalscientist at Environment Canada and longtime singer-songwriter in Ottawa's folk music scene,wrote the controversial tuneHarperman. Turner was sent home in mid-August, according to his union,overconcerns that hissong breached Environment Canada's valueandethics code.

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The song touches on the Duffy trial,Harper's spat with Chief JusticeBeverleyMcLachlinandincludes highly politicallyrics like "Who muzzles the poor scientist?"and"Won't buy into climate change until it's sold on thestock exchange." Itschorus ends with the blunt line"Harperman, it's time for you to go."

Turner has been a public servant for nearly 20 years and was planning to retire in roughly one month. He was working on a project involving migratory birds.

DebiDaviau, presidentofthe Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), confirmed toCBC News that Turner is underinvestigation. PIPSCis the union whichrepresents federal scientists.

"[Environment Canada] is alleging [Turner]has violated the departmental code of values and ethics in that the writing and performing of this song somehow impeded his ability to impartially study migratory birds," she said.

"There doesn't seem to be a lot of formal grounds to base this in and certainly the courts have been loud and clear on the matter of how public servants can legitimately participate in a federal election."

A spokesperson for Environment Canadawouldn't comment on the case, citing privacy, but said public servants are expected to comply with the values and ethics code, regardless of their job.

Turner told CBC News he is not speaking to media while the investigation is ongoing.

'The entire song you could take out of newsclips'

Avideo for the songwas recorded in June andposted on YouTube, where it has racked up more than 50,000 views.The video includes more than 40different singerswho belt out the chorus.They'refronted by Turner on guitar.

Diane McIntyre, 67,sings the first solo inthe music video. She's never worked for the federal government but closely followsfederal politics. She told CBC News she wanted to take part after reading itslyrics.

"The entire song you could take out of newsclips. I mean, it's all truths," she said.

"There are no invented misdoings by the Harper government, they're are all the real ones and they're all there."

McIntyre saidshe's notentirely familiar with ethics code for public servants, but she's doesn't think Turner has violated any rules.

"There wasn't a vindictive thing said. It was just truth put to music," she said. "I'll stand behind Tony Turner until the end of time."

Turner made the music video in collaboration with his friendsAndrew Hall and Chris White. They've organized a campaign around the song (they'reselling T-shirts)and are planninga nationwide sing-along in mid-September, which will include singers onParliament Hill.

Since word of Turner's suspension got out late last night, #harpermanhas been trending on Twitter.

Some folks commented on how catchy the lyrics are...

... others were disappointed to hear it didn't include Harper himself.

There's been some backlash online too.Some thinkthat Turner should be fired over the tune.

And one person just wanted to mash it up withThe Simpsons.