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Government by Truthiness
It’s no wonder the Conservatives don’t see the value of having accurate Census data, when they’re going to disregard statistics completely: OTTAWA — Canada needs to spend more money building prisons because of violent criminals and a rise in unreported crimes, Treasury Board President Stockwell Day said Tuesday. “We’re very concerned . . . about […]
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This Week in Calgary: Barb Higgins Jumps Into the Field
At this point, it might be easier to report on who isn’t running for Mayor of Calgary, because a very crowded field has yet another contender: Calling herself a fiscal conservative, long-time CTV news anchor Barb Higgins announced Wednesday she’s joining the race to become Calgary’s next mayor. “I have researched and written the news […]
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Take us seriously. Or else…
Elizabeth May, facing internal dissent and leadership challenges from within, has picked up an enforcer: The federal Green Party is hoping a former NHL tough guy will help beef up the party’s presence in Quebec. Green Leader Elizabeth May on Saturday named Georges Laraque as a deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada. The […]
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So You Think You Can Dance
The first rule of political events is usually “don’t dance” (followed closely by “avoid hairnets”). But, then again, if playing the piano can humanize Stephen Harper, why shouldn’t Ignatieff bust a move or two? The man looks like he’s enjoying himself on the Liberal Express, which is a refreshing change for a politician who hasn’t […]
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Quick! Someone show these guys some polling data…
Ignatieff’s proposed asbestos ban may have killed deal A mining company says Michael Ignatieff might be responsible for stalling the reopening of one of Canada’s last asbestos mines. The Jeffrey Mine says it had a Chinese investor lined up and willing to invest $40 million, but that its would-be partner became scared over comments from […]
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The Comeback Kid?
The good people at The Mark asked me to pen a short essay on a Canadian historical comeback Michael Ignatieff could learn from. So I took the most recent example, focusing on Stephen Harper circa 2005 – that infamous “Glad as Hell” tour when Harper went coast to coast to try and humanize himself, and […]
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Everything You Always Wanted To Know About The Census (But Were Afraid To Ask)
The Great Census Crisis of 2010 has its first music video. It’s only a matter of time before angry mobs of statisticians take to the streets holding “I’m with Fellegi signs” and chanting “What do we want? Mandatory long form Census! When do we want? Every 5 years!”. Don’t worry, if you can’t make the […]
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"In light of today’s media coverage…"
This morning, Tony Clement gives an in depth Q & A in the Globe, where he talks about the relationship between StatsCan and the government, their role in the Census changes, and his relationship with chief statistician Munir Sheikh. Clement ends the Q & A by assuring us that both him and Mr. Sheikh will […]
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Leaving the Hill
Jay Hill announces he won’t run in the next election.
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On the list of things I never thought I’d write on this blog…
A group of Canadians sing in defence of the mandatory long form Census.