We don’t govern on the basis of statistics, but statistics prove we’re governing well

Vic Toews takes credit for the latest decline in the crime rate.

Crime rate down 6% – shows #CPC tough on crime is working. Rate is still 208% above 1962 levels, more work for our gov’t to do

Questions for further discussion: If the overall crime rate’s decline demonstrates the success of the Harper government’s approach, does the rise in the homicide rate demonstrate a failing on the part of the government? And does the general decline in the crime rate since 1991 validate the policies of previous governments?

See previously: The complicated nature of statistics, With feeling and With statistics