Policy Aides With Early Canada Data Hurt Market Confidence

Statistics Canada sends at least 69 government workers and political aides economic reports a day before publication, a practice that investors say undermines market confidence.

Finance Department officials and ministerial staff can see up to nine different reports, including employment and inflation, according to government documents requested by Bloomberg News under freedom of information law, as well as responses to e-mails and interviews. Staff at the Privy Council Office, the international trade and human resources departments, and central bank also see data early, officials said, bringing the tally to at least 69.