To the editor,
In the recent Deloitte community survey for South Bruce households, which closed on Aug. 11, it is interesting how the results are presented in such a way that “above average” results were obtained.
Were you one of only 198 people out of over 2,300 South Bruce households who participated? That is less than nine per cent of the population of South Bruce. And Deloitte says that is a good representative of a community! Is this what municipal council is basing the future of South Bruce on? Councillors Jeff Goetz and Mark Ireland even commented on the low numbers.
The post card like information, mailed out by the municipality, with no name but a fire number only, looked like “junk” mail. A number of people claimed they never got it. The survey was to find out how aware one was about the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) project – you know, the deep geological repository (DGR).
Deloitte presents that 75 per cent of respondents (that’s 148.5 people) agree that the municipality is doing a good job of informing the public. But read the complete survey. It is only 49 per cent (97 people) that say the municipality has done a sufficient job. The other 26 per cent (51.4 people) say it is “somewhat” of a sufficient job. Just how does one classify “somewhat?” Partially agree, not sure, don’t really know? The two responses are grouped together to make it look good at 75 per cent.
Deloitte reports that the “vast” majority of respondents, 97 per cent (192 people) were at least somewhat familiar with the project. There is that word “somewhat” again. It is only 65 per cent (129 people) who are very informed, There were over 2,300 surveys handed out and South Bruce has a population of over 5,000 people. And this is a good representation of the community?
The results go on, all presented to get results that look good. Is the municipality (and the NWMO) going to consider these results as being a “willing” and “well informed” community? The survey indicates that 88 per cent (174 people) of respondents would participate in a referendum. Some would only participate if it’s a paper vote. Can you see why? Could computerized voting can be manipulated just like computerized surveys? We need to have a PAPER VOTE.
South Bruce residents, and surrounding communities, you had better look into this DGR project more, and find out all the pros and cons – there are many – about it, and speak up. South Bruce residents, you had better know what you are voting for in 2024 or will the council decide for you based on the results received from nine per cent (198 people) whose survey answers Deloitte accepted (88 were considered invalid). Deloitte says it was a good representation.
S.A. McDonald
Culross/Teeswater
