In 2017, Statistics Canada joined the chorus of federal government institutions and the millions of Canadians from across the country who came together for Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. To celebrate, the agency organized an ambitious year-long program of activities and events. The theme—Telling Canada's story in numbers—celebrates the role that Statistics Canada has played in chronicling the lives of Canadians throughout the country's history.

In September, Statistics Canada approached the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC) and was looking for a partnership to make this event successful. The SSC Fundraising Committee found this activity to be consistent with our SSC mission to promote Statistics and statistical education to Canadians. The SSC decided to contribute $1,750.00 through our fund from the fundraising efforts.  

Working together with the SSC, Statistics Canada set out to close this epic year on a high note by engaging the next generation of storytellers and statisticians in the Contest - My story in numbers. From November to December 2017, nearly 150 youth between 8 and 18 participated in this nation-wide contest that challenged them to submit a story—in the artistic format of their choice—using at least one statistic from a variety of inspirational resources.

In mid-December, a panel of senior members from Statistics Canada and Edward Chen representing the Statistical Society of Canada came together to choose the three winning submissions based on two criteria: The creativity and presentation of ideas, and the overall usage of statistics to tell a story in numbers. And, just before the holiday break, the three winners received the exciting news that they placed first, second and third, earning cash prizes courtesy of the Statistical Society of Canada and a prize package of Canada 150 items from Canadian Heritage.

Here are the three winners of the Contest – My story in numbers!
 

1st place winner
Alexander Morgado-Drysdale
from Mississauga, Ontario, 10 years old, with his video:  Alex’s story in numbers.
 

2nd place winner
Jordan Kozma
from Markham, Ontario, 13 years old, with his drawing: Aboriginal man.
 

3rd place winner
Alysha Selvarajah
from Vaughan, Ontario, 12 years old, with her video: Story of millions: The everyday life of Toronto.