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Canada’s chief statistician, Wayne R. Smith, has unexpectedly resigned, saying the federal government’s new tech support agency, Shared Services Canada, could gain “substantial control over Statistics Canada’s program.”

On his way out Friday afternoon, he sent an email to all StatCan employees explaining his continuing frustration with Shared Services Canada. Statistics Canada has now confirmed the content of the letter.

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(Wondering what Shared Services Canada is? Here’s our earlier story on the federal government’s troubled computer services agency.)

An abrupt announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office gives no reason for his sudden departure. It says only: “The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following change in the senior ranks of the Public Service:

“Anil Arora, currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, becomes Chief Statistician of Canada, effective September 19, 2016.