Page 57 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 1

IPS57 Eric Rancourt
3. Sound Methodology
3.1 Vision
The core values of effective statistical systems are defined by Fellegi (1996)
as legitimacy and credibility. One of the elements of credibility is the use of
sound methodology. As part of the modernization initiative, the Methodology
Branch within Statistics Canada has adopted a new vision in 2019 that is based
on a number of guiding principles that are consistent with the corporate
modernization approach. The new Methodology vision is centered on three
statistical values:
• Promoting and supporting the production of valid statistical
inference in a more explicit fashion. That is, ensuring that estimates
are supported by sound statistical methods that allow users to draw
the right conclusions.
• Developing quality approaches as well as quality measures both for
the statistics produced and the various steps of data processing in
the new environment of increased uses of administrative data by
dwelling on current approaches;
• Injecting rigour into all aspects of statistical production in a more
deliberate and documented way. This means using very thorough and
careful approaches in all steps of statistical programs.

These values underpin and guide our decisions for priorities and ensure
sound and coherent approaches across the various programs. The values are
complemented by two principles:
• Prospective work: There is a concerted effort to increase significantly
the percentage of work devoted to research and development,
enabling us to more proactively position the statistical programs in
order to meet future needs. It also means that more resources are to
be directed towards activities that have impacts on future cycles of
surveys. This process takes place as part of both annual budget
discussions as well as regular progress review meetings.
• Open Scientific Management: Transparency and the scientific
approach are to be applied not only to statistical issues, but also to
the management process of both projects and human resources.

3.2 Scientific Approach
Scientific principles are part of the United Nations Fundamental Principles
of Official Statistics (Principle 2.). In order to anchor the vision in a solid basis,
the scientific approach, which is already the underlying system of the work in
Methodology at Statistics Canada, has been made more explicit in programs
and is being enhanced. This section presents the approach and its
enhancements.

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