Statistics Canada, one of the top statistical agencies in the world, has disappointed many after launching results from the new voluntary survey. The survey known as Canada’s National Household Survey on incomes, reported unreliable data to the extent that it is known as “garbage”.

The voluntary survey is weaker and obscure from the previous mandatory long-form census in 2010, because of lower response rates that make it difficult to produce unbiased conclusions. Society as a whole is harmed from this data, as it misguides important policy decisions, like how income is distributed, and whether new social services need to be made etc.

The NHS by Statistics Canada shows how important and influential auditing is in the world of accounting. If the auditor-general had paid close attention to the numbers and the data, the survey wouldn’t be so ridiculous. The irony is, the new survey which required more money than the previous census, proved to be completely useless. If the government had continued to use the mandatory census in previous years, urban planners and consultants would get a better picture on the distribution of incomes, and be able to make strong decisions accordingly.

Grant, Tavia. “Canadian income data ‘is garbage’ without census, experts say”. The Globe and Mail, Phillip Crawley. 04 Oct 2013. Web. 05 Oct 2013.