World Statistics Day

October 20, 2015

Message from the Chief Statistician of Canada
About World Statistics Day
Why do we celebrate?
The theme: Better data. Better lives
Panel discussion

Message from the Chief Statistician of Canada

On October 20, 2015, we celebrate the second World Statistics Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of statistics in shaping our world.

This year, the theme “Better Data—Better Lives” brings attention to how statistics help decision makers develop informed policies and enable better decisions that result in better lives for all of us.

A critical element to ensuring well-being of the population in a country is a robust national statistical system. Data are the lifeblood of decision-making; and to make effective decisions, Canadians require access to reliable information about the state of their economy, their society and the environment. Whether it be to monitor inflation, to promote economic growth, to plan cities and roads, to build a new hospital or community center, to adjust pensions, or to decide on employment and social programs, there is a need for relevant, comprehensive, timely, and trusted official statistics.

Just as the accurate position of a ship is critical for its navigation, without solid information, Canadians cannot measure where they are and plot the course for their next destination. Statistics Canada has the important mission of providing Canadians with this information.

On this second World Statistics Day, let us all acknowledge the essential role statistics play in enabling well-informed decisions and allowing insight into the factors that shape our country and our lives.

Wayne R. Smith

About World Statistics Day

World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years. It is an occasion to drive home the importance of official data in improving people’s living conditions. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, World Statistics Day is celebrated in over 130 countries around the world.

Why do we celebrate?

As Canada’s central statistical agency, Statistics Canada produces the information that Canadians need to better understand their country and history—whether it be the territory, the people who live in it, the economy or society. We conduct a census every five years. We also conduct 350 surveys that cover all aspects of life in Canada: agriculture, the environment, trade, construction, manufacturing, education, health, leisure, demography, families, labour, science, technology, energy, transportation and others.

Every survey that we conduct is the result of the work of an entire team. Individuals and businesses supply us with the information we need; researchers, institutions and governments support and guide our activities; and our teams of professionals develop survey methods and questionnaires, collect information in the field, and analyze and publish the results. It is because of this collaboration that we have better data that improve our lives.

Statistics Canada is proud to celebrate the second World Statistics Day, and we would like to thank all of our survey respondents, statistical partners, and data users for their trust and support.

The theme: Better data. Better lives.

Official statistics help decision makers develop informed policies that impact millions of people. Improved data sources, sound statistical methods, new technologies and strengthened statistical systems enable better decisions that eventually result in better lives for all of us.

To find out more about the United Nations Statistics Division celebrations,
•    visit the website
•    follow the hashtag #StatsDay15 and the @UNStats Twitter account
•    watch the videos.

Panel discussion

To mark World Statistics Day 2015, Statistics Canada will be hosting a presentation on the Canadian Health Measures Survey. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with experts, which will contribute to the broader understanding of Statistics Canada’s data impact on the health of Canadians. The panel will invite participants to share their views on the topic.

Title: How do Statistics Canada’s Data Impact the Health of Canadians?
When: October 20, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Where : Ottawa, Ontario

You can register for this event for free. The number of seats is limited, so do not delay.