Siatistics Canada

a

niegr Dear Editor:

In response to Hana Mercee’s recent arth cle alleging that Statisues Canada’s °4 Agunst Women Surver” is unscrentti “padded” ro support women’s lobby groups, To would like te offer clarification about Sratistics Canada’s data and work relating to the serious and complex issue of violence against women.

The accusation that Statistics Canada was unduly influenced by advocacy groups when developing the surv is complete unfound- ed. Statistical integrity of information is the only criterion that Statistics Canada uses in determining which data will be released. In preparing the surv Statiscies Canada sought advice about the methodology, the approach and the questionnaire trom: many ditferent: groups, including criminologists. police, federal and provincial government departments of justice, health, sacial services and status of women, transitional hotse workers and dents, crisis counsellors, rchers as well as women who

elen

tent of consultation and the mene of external advisers in ail of our surveys, especially the “Violence Against Women Sur it is naive and irre- sponsible to sugvest that Statistics Canada would allow itself to be influenced by a single interest group. The very existence of Statistics Canada as an organization is depen-

Given the degree of involy

dent upon the collective confidence of

ity defended

Canadians ins our neutrality integrity and professionalism, We would never jeopardize

this celationship by serving the agendas of

special interest groups.

Ms, Mercer's article alvo suggests that the “Violence Against Women Survey” is unsei entifte, mixing “apples and oranges.” As sur- vey takers and data distributors, Statistics Canada is always clear and sp sin the ter: minology that is used. AH Statistics Canada surveys are thoroughly rested for accuracy and validity, A great deal of care and atten: tion was given to choosing the wording for the questionnaire to make it consistent with the laws of sexual and physical assault under the Criminal Code. Questions for the surve were designed to contorm te the Canad Human Rights Ac

Further, the ma field recognize tl

wity of experts ino the Folence Against Women Survey” asa major achievement and a signit: icant contribuuon to the science in this

The “Violence Against Women Surves part ofa series of surveys which have a long histo Canada, the United tes amd Great Britain of producing high quality infor: mation that is useful for policy making and crime prevention initiatives. These surveys use highly retined techniques of data collec- ton to produce reliable estimates of the nature and extent of crime.

Jim Selley

Director, Statistics Canada

Pacific Region

Inglewood alternatives

i 1 i { ; Dear Editor:

i In his Auge Ye det [David Al stgests thy

| proposed sector SHIEZ CRs I aparmment: comple on 1 Burt y Drive is not partot | hs Inglewood | Care we a private hospital and fodve for seniors. Good.

Residents of Burley Drve who do not want te see spot rezoning, of only

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