OTTAWA— Today’s release of short-form census data reminds us that the Harper government’s new National Household Survey (NHS) was an ideological attack that has damaged our ability to produce accurate data on where our country is and where it is going, said Liberal Industry critic Geoff Regan.
“Stephen Harper has been on a crusade against evidence-based policy and the work of Statistics Canada since day one and now we see the fruits of his labour,” said Mr. Regan. “In killing the long-form census, participation has dropped from 94% in 2006 to an abysmal 69% for Harper’s new National Household Survey. The worst part is that statisticians and policy makers can’t identify which segments of the population weren’t counted by the NHS which means they’re unable to measure the data’s bias or rely on its accuracy.”
As a result of the elimination of the long-form census, Statistics Canada saw the resignation of two high-ranking officials from their positions. Both Chief Economic Analyst Philip Cross and Chief Statistician Munir Sheikh were critical of the Conservative government’s position regarding Statistics Canada.
“The resignations of Mr. Sheikh and Mr. Cross are a foreboding sign of things to come,” continued Mr. Regan. “Under this government, the credibility of Statistics Canada has been significantly compromised and the data it produces has become much less trustworthy.”
Liberal Intergovernmental Affairs critic Stéphane Dion added:
“The release of the decennial census data also triggers the electoral boundaries redistribution process,” said Mr. Dion. “Given the Conservative government’s penchant for dirty tricks, it will be important to ensure an open and transparent redistribution process. Liberals and all Canadians will be watching this process very carefully.”
