For over a millennium there has been a time when citizens of countries have had to stand up and be counted in a census. Originally, it was done to see how many men would be available for military service. It evolved to give us a snapshot of how many people lived in a given area and what there occupation may be. For over 100 years our Country has collected such information and it has shown how Canada has grown as a nation and evolved.
You may have read recently in the news about the Federal Governments decision to stop having the Long Form Census mandatory. While most people may think that is a good decision and people should be able to do it voluntarily I think a mistake is being made. The Long form would be replaced by a short version that is not mandatory for the 2011 census. It was done as an Order In Council so the House of Commons never had a chance to debate it or seek public input. They are getting it now.
The Federal Government has said that it was being done as they have had complaints from citizens over the nature of the questions being asked. In the 15 years from about 1985 to 2000 they had received over 45 but the Privacy Commissioner changed the census in response to those complaints. The Privacy Commissioner for Canada has had a grand total of 3 complaints in the last 10 years. The mandatory long form has had a 97% compliance rate. Far above what would be found if it was voluntary. It is interesting as this has also been done in the US in response to some groups like the “Tea Party”
The cancelling of the mandatory long form has been opposed by all of the opposition parties, Universities, Colleges and research facilities and such groups as the Canadian Medical Association. Major Canadian Newspapers such as the Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and the Sun have all had articles and editorials asking the government to reverse their decisions. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has opposed this and last week Halton Region called on the federal government to reverse this decision.
On Monday I will be presenting the same motion to Halton Hills Council and it will be going to Milton Council as well. I have received encouragement to do so by Mayor Bonnette and other Councillors. The motion has been seconded by Councillor Fogal.
The data collected from the census provides a wealth of information and is at the basis of federal transfers for items like housing, health and other social programs. Municipalities use this for items as simple locating bus routes and what the make up of their community and how it is changing. Changing demographics in a community can mean a shift in which programming is needed. Such as for seniors or for new Canadians. For what types of medical services Doctors and hospitals will need to offer. Also, for the basis of what type of social programs may be needed as well. From baby health to Seniors housing and everything in between.
Some people think that a voluntary form will collect enough information but researchers across Canada all agree that the information collected on a voluntary basis is not as accurate as ones that are mandatory.
I hope on Monday night the rest of Council will agree and support the resolution that was crafted with the assistance of Milton Councillors, Colin Best and Wendy Schau. Hopefully, the Federal Government will listen and reverse their decision. I will keep you posted.
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