Information blackout
The long form of the census is the source of the most accurate information about the rate and depth of poverty in Canada. This is especially true of after-tax poverty measures, estimates for particular population groups and for small provinces and municipalities. This information is essential evidence for policy development. Is the government trying to hide information about poverty?
Sid Frankel, Winnipeg
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Rolling power outages aren’t the only worry this summer. An equally devastating information blackout is under way (Ottawa Should Come To Its Census – July 8).
André Picard identifies three national surveys that have been cut in addition to the census long form. Unfortunately, there are more: In 2011, the federal government will not be mounting the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey, the major source of national information on persons with disabilities. Ottawa claims to be designing a new strategy for this population but no one knows whether it will be as information-rich as the existing survey.
Canada and Provinces is another treasure trove that has quietly bitten the dust: It hasn’t been updated since 2002-03. Data on program beneficiaries and expenditures is essential for policy planning and cost estimates.
Cuts to national sources of information are a form of social policy by stealth. They are made quietly under the radar screen but their impact can be irreparable. For example, only a shocking 40 per cent of first nations students on reserve complete high school and the results are slightly better off reserve. Without the census long form, there is no way to determine whether aboriginal education results are improving. So much for evidence-based policy.
Ken Battle, president, Caledon Institute of Social Policy
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Industry Minister Tony Clement is misguided in his assertion that the voluntary survey will have a larger response. The U.S. Census Bureau in 2003 compared the response rates for the mandatory American Community Survey by sending a portion of the respondents the same survey but indicating that their response was voluntary. The change from mandatory to voluntary survey resulted in a huge 20.7 per cent decline in response rate.
Canadians will be well-served if Mr. Clement would come to his senses and leave the census as is.
Murtaza Haider, Toronto
Afloat on safety issues
Transport Canada’s revamping the test for recreational boat licences will have absolutely no effect on the level of safety on Canadian waterways (Ottawa To Toughen Up Boating Standards – July 8). An active sailor for 27 years, I have witnessed many dangerous incidents. Toughening licence requirements may impart some additional knowledge, but not discipline. The Canadian Coast Guard’s mandate regarding recreational boating is aid and rescue, not rules of the road. What is required is a much larger and stronger presence of police patrols to enforce the marine laws. Imagine our public roadways if there were no police, even with all drivers having to pass both a written and practical test.
Brad Wood, Beaconsfield, Que.
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Last Sunday, in the afternoon, the Marine Patrol on the Indian River gave my canoe-paddling son a $240 ticket. He was wearing a life jacket but had no 15m rope, no whistle, no flashlight and no flares. His friends were swimming about. I am now hesitant to go floating on my rubber mattress because it has no places to store a flashlight and flares. Should I wear a life jacket?
It would be welcome if Transport Canada would “toughen up” the boating standards in such a way as to prevent the police from exercising stupidity.
Sannu Molder, Port Carling, Ont.
The next G-G
While I am sure David Johnston will do an excellent job, he represents the elite in Canadian society – an aging, white Anglo-Saxon male (Academic David Johnston To Be Named Canada’s Next Governor-General – July 8). The reason Paul Martin’s choice of Michaëlle Jean was so bold and creative was because she is a black woman from a Third World nation who worked hard to become successful here.
Mr. Johnston is not a unique choice that represents Canada in 2010. He is like Stephen Harper – a predictable choice. Mr. Johnston will be our 28th G-G, the majority of whom have been white, middle-aged men.
As the official website of the G-G states: “The governor-general plays a key role in promoting national identity by supporting and promoting Canadian values, diversity, inclusion, culture and heritage.” Canada is a multiethnic, multiracial country. Our Queen’s representative should be a person who represents the Canada of today. I am not suggesting we exclude white males, or anyone for that matter and, of course, we all wish Mr. Johnston the very best of luck for a successful term as our new G-G.
