Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for being here, Mr. Smith. Your presentation was informative for me because I think the largest question all of us have is based on population estimates and their accuracy.
The formula the minister explained to all of us is based on the population estimates. If we are to do a relatively accurate redistribution, or in this case increase, of seats by population, we have to be assured that the numbers we're using are accurate.
I have some confidence based on your presentation, but I would like to get a little more information and perhaps probe a little deeper, if I can, to give not only me but other members of this committee some confidence that the population estimates, as opposed to the census data, are the figures we should be using for the purposes of Bill C-20.
You've given us a chart based on the 2006 population from the census perspective in the population estimates. You've stated, and it shows on the graph, that the population estimates are, I think in your words, invariably more accurate.
Why are the population estimates more accurate? Is it because you've designed a better formula, or is it because perhaps the census data taken only comes out once every few years?
I think it's important for us to know why we can count on population estimates and should be counting on them in terms of accuracy of population counts both in Canada and across the provinces.