Statistics Canada head abruptly quits over loss of independence

By Leah Schnurr OTTAWA (Reuters) - The head of Canada's statistics agency resigned in a surprising move on Friday over concerns that the agency's independence is being compromised, making him the second top statistician to quit in recent years. In an email sent to the members of an independent advisory board, Wayne Smith said he was stepping down as head of Statistics Canada because of concerns around changes to the agency's data infrastructure. Statistics Canada is responsible for producing maj