Who We Are, Data Libre and Census Watch
A superb article in the Toronto Star by Antonia Zerbisias, entitled “Who Are You”, today features a fascinating interview with Dr Jan Kestle at Environics Analytics regarding their use of census data.
In the print edition it has a data geek’s centrefold! Two pages of how census data is used to profile 66 different household/lifestyle types that Environics claims typifies virtually all Canadians. More on that later.
The article also mentions a resource I should have showcased days ago.
http://datalibre.ca/census-watch/
One-stop shopping for an up-to-date guide of who has taken public positions with and against the Harper Government’s decision to ax the mandatory long-form census questionnaire, a rolling media round-up of stories on the topic, and actions you can get involved in.
Thanks to Tracey Lauriault for this invaluable public resource. Viva Data Libre!
Today’s fiasco with Stockwell Day underlines just how ruthlessly obtuse of fact based arguments they can be. I mean how stooge like can you get- the figures for unreported crime have gone up so it justifies the need for 9 Billion on prison spending. How about 9 Billion on university spending. Wow these guys have it so so so backwards.
I was sadly quite comical hearing he guy make it up as he went today. One minute sticking to some 2004 survey that suggesting crime was unerepreoted and on the rise, and then denying that the UCR Crime Statistics are untruthful. What liberal stats people are actually somehow fixing the numbers?? That does not even remotely make sense.
He then went on to take another stab at it by saying that stats beyond a year old are pretty much useless. Okay so why has there been a census of some sorts for thousands of years? I agree, we should have a census every couple of years. Wow I cannot believe the handlers actually let that make that speech today- obviously way beyond his capacity. I think they had better take the jet ski out from behind parliament hill.
I do wonder how it is these guys get elected out west. Wow, I think we need to have some western based specialized literacy and adult education programs instituted. What are they teaching people out there?
that should be the UCR statistics are bogus. and taking another swing at Statcan while he was at it. They must surely believe Statcan is full of a socialists or something.
Just because I once worked there does not mean the place was full of lefties. In fact I was quite lonely there, and even I strove for neutrality- of course it is always your frame of reference that defines neutrality but I did and still always do seek to get the numbers as robust methods wise as possible and then let the numbers do the talking – just ask Toby he will tell you.
paul.