In Memoriam

Professor Noah M. Meltz, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Labour Statistics

The field of labour statistics in Canada lost one of its most committed and articulate supporters on January 29, 2002 when Noah Meltz died after an extended illness.

Professor Meltz was an accomplished scholar, and an advisor on human resource policy to the Ontario government and to several federal government departments and agencies. He also advised the Israeli government on its entire labour statistics program.

At the time of his death, Professor Meltz was the chair of Statistics Canada's Advisory Committee on Labour Statistics-a position he had held for 14 years. For a number of years before this, he had been a member of the committee.

As a believer in information democracy, Professor Meltz was a strong proponent of the creation of Perspectives, which has made labour statistics more accessible, both to its readership, and indirectly through the news media. He frequently urged the Advisory Committee to remain involved in the content and development of Perspectives, and never let an opportunity slip in any of his many roles to promote the publication.

As a teacher, he taught the importance of thoroughly understanding data, as well as knowing and applying their strengths and limitations. He was especially supportive of Perspectives articles that led by example in these practices.

Some articles in Perspectives have proven to be of lasting value and continue to be cited long after their publication. Similarly, Noah Meltz's influence on Perspectives will continue to be felt for many years to come.