As an employee of Statistics Canada, I don't like this idea of "get rid of the rest of the department".
Seriously, I can't say much on the subject... even Dr. Sheikh's letter was vague in that much of the discussions are protected. However, I will say that this is about more than short or long census forms and has more to do with the relationship between the agency and the government (whatever government is in power). Historically, we have been seen as being at arms length, thereby providing unbiased, accurate data for the Canadian public, not propaganda for the ruling party. We collect data by the strictest scientific standards... I've sat with the methodologists explain the formula's from which we cannot deviate. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure the reliability of our data, free from interference from political agendas. Or at least we did until this week. So this is about far more than census forms, it's about how we best provide quality service to the Canadian public. And that is by operating based on sound mathematical principles, not political whims.
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