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Gregory C. Mason

Research and teaching in public-policy

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The role of Statistics Canada in a post truth world

July 5, 2019 by Gregory Mason

How often do we hear or read the phrase “Statistics Canada reported today that…”? As the publisher of official statistics for Canada, we rely on Stats Can for valid and reliable facts. Surely this national resource is one antidote for the increasing flim-flam that marks current political and social discourse.

By any measure, Statistics Canada is one of the world’s premier statistical agencies. But before we conclude all is well with our system of official statistics, consider three challenges that are generally faced in the creation and publication of such information: interpretability, innovation and independence. How does Statistics Canada score on these quality dimensions? Read More

Filed Under: Commentary