Minister of Industry Announces Release of Independent Review of Early Release of Economic Data by Statistics Canada

Ottawa, July 21, 2011 — The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, made the following statement:

"Today, Statistics Canada released the review of its processes for releasing economic data that was conducted by KPMG. Our government took immediate action and asked for this study when it learned in December 2010 that market-sensitive information was being made available to certain licensed distributors just before its official release time.

"Statistics Canada has put into place policy and business unit processes to prevent similar incidents. As well, the agency has committed to strengthening the governance of, management of, and security arrangements around the dissemination of information.

"I expect that Statistics Canada will take all necessary remedies to ensure the integrity and security of our national statistical system. And I anticipate that it will continue to provide, in a fair and transparent manner, the high-quality data that Canadians have come to expect."

For further information (media only), please contact:

Richard Walker
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502