1. 

   Anne Gammage on July 27, 2010 at 3:41 pm

   I worked on the Census many years ago in the capacity of a Census Area Manager (CAM). Only 1 person in the entire region completely rejected the long form (and they did not go to jail). Those who sent in complaints about receiving the long form were provided explanations as to the usefulness of aggregate information and that no personal information would be used. Without the continuity of a mandatory census data used by all levels of government, all planning departments, and thousands of organizations and services will be impacted negatively. The bias will make the previous two censuses limited in their usefelness for many statistical comparisons.

   There are other methods of ensuring the forms remain mandatory without threat of jail or steep fines. Personal education following complaints worked in all cases but one in my area. I am sure that census personnel in other regions delivered the same message – the great impact of this information on the future of services, roads, homes, and business development, etc., in the very community and neighbourhoods of the complainants.

   I remain hopeful that through the work of the Standing Committee and witnesses the government will reverse its decision and retain the long form as a compulsory tool for everyone’s long term benefit.

2. 

   Tracey on August 1, 2010 at 4:34 pm

   Anyone can quote the content on this blog! Enjoy. twitter @TraceyLauriault

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