Latest / Eh Sayers / When Out in the Pod There Arose Such a Clatter, We Turned Our Mics On to See What Was the Matter
Transcript
- Tegan: Welcome to Eh Sayers a podcast from Statistics Canada, where we meet the people behind the data and explore the stories behind the numbers. I'm your host, Tegan Bridge! [Jingle of bells] Wait… who is that? Dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, clothes all tarnished with ashes and soot? Is that who I think it is? [Gasp] Santa?! Santa: Ho ho ho! Tegan: I know we tried to book you, but I understand how busy you are! Thank you for coming! Santa: Of course! Anything for the children. Tegan: Christmas is almost here! Are your elves almost done making all of the presents? Santa: The elves work all year round to make every child’s Christmas special, and we’re almost ready. Tegan: Well, according to the latest data, there are 374 doll, toy and game manufacturing businesses in Canada who, I’m sure, are ready to help out if ever you need a break. Now, I have to ask the question that’s on everybody’s mind. Canada’s land area is almost 9 million square kilometres. How are you going to cover all of that in just one night? Santa: It’s actually 8,788,702.8 square kilometres, to be exact! I would know! And don’t worry. I do it every year with a little help from my reindeers: there’s Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen! Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen! Tegan: And Rudolph! Santa: And Rudolph, of course! Tegan: You didn’t forget Rudolph, did you? Santa, you can’t forget any names! You have to keep track of all of the kids! Listen, I know that it’s a hard job to collect and analyse data, but there are over 7 million kids in Canada. And you can’t let them down! They’re counting on you. Actually, out of professional interest… Your famous list, the one that you check twice… How do you it? How do you make a list and make sure no child is forgotten? Santa: Why, I use census data of course! What, you didn’t just think it was for demographers, did you? Ho ho ho! Tegan: That’s clever! Using census data to make your list. Is that it there, the famous list? I see a couple of Olivias on there, and a few Noahs. Are those the most popular names? Santa: Yes, Olivia and Noah were the most popular names in Canada last year. You’ll find a few Liams, and Williams and Emmas as well, and Charlottes. All of these names are very popular! Tegan: Wait! Which list is that? Naughty or nice? Santa: … Tegan: Santa, our listeners can’t see you. You can’t just wink. Santa: Ho ho ho! Wink. Tegan Haha! Well, you’re busy, so I won’t keep you much longer. One more question before you go. There are over 15 million Canadian households you could visit on Christmas Eve. You must get exhausted, visiting so many of them! And your reindeer too! What’s your favourite treat to snack on? I’m asking so the kids know what to leave out for you. Santa: Ho ho ho! Children leave out milk and cookies for me and a carrot for Rudolph, of course. Tegan: Well, we’ll be sure to leave those out for you! And we won’t forget Rudolph’s carrot. Now, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us! I know you must be very busy this time of year. Santa: It was my pleasure! [Jingle of bells] [Theme] Tegan: You’ve been listening to Eh Sayers. You can subscribe to this show wherever you get your podcasts. There you can also find the French version of our show, called Hé-coutez bien! If you liked this show, please rate, review, and subscribe. Thanks for listening and happy holidays!