Statistics Canada retrofits media room to prevent leaks
Canada’s national statistics agency has spent nearly $420,000 to retrofit its media room with impenetrable metal walls to prevent wireless communication from reporters who obtain market-moving data under embargo, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. The conversion of the media lockup room into a bunker-like vault, which was completed at the end of September, came after a probe into alleged leaks of data found no wrongdoing and as the federal agency faces budget cuts forcing it to eliminate or reduce 34 programs. “The room was refitted to provide greater information security during lockups, ensuring that we stay abreast of technological advances in wireless communication,” said Gabrielle Beaudoin, director general of communications at Statistics Canada.