Affiliations: Chief, Education Outreach, Tourism and the Centre for
Education Statistics, Statistics Canada. Room 2000, Section E, Main Building,
Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0T6. Tel.: +1 613 951 6443; Fax:
+1 613 951 9040; E-mail: mary.townsend@statcan.gc.ca
Abstract: Every national statistical agency should encourage statistical
literacy in order to ensure ongoing support for the national statistical
system. Statistics Canada does this through its exemplary programs in
statistical education. Best known is its innovative Education Outreach Program
that makes statistics interesting for young people, by educating teachers and
students at the primary, secondary and postsecondary levels. Other programs
include public education of respondents, online data users, aboriginal
communities and journalists, as well as broad employee training and
international technical support. The visionary work of educating the public,
particularly young people, about the world of data will benefit statistical
agencies in the long term.
