The Power of Data or Why Scholars Should Pay Attention to Policy
by Nadia Caidi, Siobhan Stevenson and Ted Richmond
"EDITOR’S SUMMARY
The proposal to abandon Canada's long-form census is one example of an alarming shift
to cut production of and public access to authoritative scientific data, undermining
formation of good public policy. This is contrary to official pronouncements since 1996
recognizing data and information technology as critical resources necessary to promote
innovation, wealth, service delivery and global competitiveness. More ubiquitous
technology and wider access to information have not translated into better quality of life
and good government relations. National policy formation increasingly takes place without
the benefit of valid information, in an environment where government transparency is
blocked, information gathering is curtailed and access is restricted. From a political
economy perspective, information serving capital accumulation is valued over that serving
social welfare. Discussion of factors leading to information restrictions and the policy
implications should be strongly encouraged among the populace, in academia and
throughout social media."
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