Accountability begins at home

By Ottawa Citizen
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's use of the words "if it matters, measure it" at the United Nations this week has, understandably, raised some eyebrows at home. The comments, part of a speech on maternal health, came just as an essay by the former head of Statistics Canada criticizing the Conservative government's decision to cancel the mandatory long-form census was made public.
Munir Sheikh, who resigned over the government's handling of the issue last year, had this to say in his essay: "No country can be among the league of civilized societies without intelligent policy development. And, intelligent policy development is not possible without good data."
Sheikh and many others say changes to the way census data is collected in Canada will make it less reliable. The government has stuck to its decision that the long-form census will no longer be mandatory, but has done little to refute widespread concerns about the effect of the decision.
And now Harper, in his leadership role on maternal health, has embraced the need for good data, which raises the question: Why is Canada promoting better statistical recordkeeping abroad while undermining it at home?
Accountability is the key to the $40-billion maternal health plan, Harper told the UN this week. He is right. Unless there is evidence that money is being well spent and making a difference in countries with high maternal mortality rates, donor countries will be reluctant to follow through on pledges.
"Accountability depends on vigilance and dedication. If we do those things, we know we will save lives."
Harper tabled a report by a UN commission he co-chaired, aimed at ensuring the health plan contains solid data on maternal and child health needs and on how the money is spent.
Among the recommendations is that countries receiving maternal health dollars under the Muskoka Initiative establish a registration system for births, deaths, and the causes of deaths as well as more detailed information on health expenditures.
Once it is clear that the money is being well, and effectively, spent, Harper said, it will be easier for developed nations to follow through on their promises that are part of the $40-billion initiative.
"We always need to remember as we press for accountability in every step of the process that mothers and children in the world's poorest countries are counting on us.
"If it matters," he added, "measure it. Well this matters."
It is interesting to see a Canadian prime minister lay out why statistical records are so important to accountability and transparency - two hallmarks of democracy. Canada has long been known for its statistics and record keeping. It is the kind of dull, but crucial, democratic underpinning of which Canadians are rightly proud.
It is also a reminder why a seemingly small change in the way census data are collected should concern Canadians. The mantra "if it matters, measure it" applies at home as well as abroad.