Re: less debate, more facts, PNR Sept. 27.
I always avoid what John Upward calls “obsolete and dubious points.” I did not record which schools had been replaced by new ones since that is already on record and not the point I was making — which was that we continue to invest in education. I said we have more people in the 10-19 year old category than the CRD average. As a percentage of population this is correct, from the 2011 Census data — I regret I did not clarify ratio versus gross numbers.
There is nothing obsolete or dubious about Stats Canada 2011 Census data. That’s the most recent census data available.
In the CTQ report I cannot find a statement “North Saanich has the oldest per capita populace in Canada.” Nor is it a genuine fact. Sections 3.5 and 5.9 of the report deal with older folks. The report says “the 65+ age group is well above the national average” and “North Saanich is shown to have one of the oldest populations on the Island,” but does not quote the source.
What do Stats Canada and the CBC say? A Portrait of Seniors in Canada (Stats Can) defines seniors as 65 years and older. The CBC website details information based on the 2011 Census and CP report of 29 May 2012. The CBC reported:
• Peterborough, Ont.,had the highest percentage of seniors in Canadian municipalities — 19.5 per cent.
• Parksville, B.C. had the highest percentage of seniors in smaller communities at 38.6 per cent.
So, the answer is that truth is above all the essence of democracy. Democracy is government of the people for and by the people — all of them. We do not need rulers, particularly in our bogus democracies where majorities may mean only 25 per cent of the electors.
As French dramatist Robert de Fler said, “Democracy is the name we give the people whenever we need them.”
So, am I factual in my comments? Dear reader, you decide — I rest my case.
David Olsen
North Saanich
