Ottawa, October 20, 2020
Today, the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) released its inaugural report (CSAC 2020 Annual Report - Towards a Stronger National Statistical System) on the state of our national statistical system.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of CSAC for their diligent work in ensuring that Canadians continue to benefit from a world-class statistical system. I welcome the first report of this independent body, which recognizes how Statistics Canada's modernization efforts are providing more detailed, timely and quality statistics for Canadians who are increasingly reliant on a credible and independent source for evidence and insights. Equally, the report provides tangible recommendations to make the system even stronger and more responsive to serve the needs of an evolving society and economy.
I am grateful for the council's recognition of our innovative and dedicated employees who have used their expertise and creativity in providing much needed timely and disaggregated data and analytic products during the current covid-19 pandemic.
For over 100 years, Canadians and businesses have entrusted the agency with their sensitive data so that we can in turn provide them important social, economic and environmental insights and trends for making good decisions. We are taking advantage of the expert advice provided by the council on an ongoing basis, and will work closely with partners in and outside the federal government to make tangible progress in the areas recommended in this report.
Anil Arora
Chief Statistician of Canada