July 12, 2010
Government to Do Away with Mandatory Long-Form
Surveys for Census 2011
Estevan (July 12, 2010) – Statistics Canada will be making changes to the way it conducts the 2011 Census next year as mandatory long-form census surveys will be replaced with a voluntary National Household Survey. The change is being implemented to limit the intrusiveness of government activities while still ensuring a sufficient collection of data.
“Many constituents, particularly farmers, who have had to complete long-form mandatory census forms in the past will be pleased with this announcement I’m sure,” said Komarnicki. “Many felt that the mandatory long-form census survey was intrusive and that Statistics Canada was heavy handed in ensuring compliance with fines and jail time as a consequence.”
For the 2011 Census, a standard eight question short-form will be mandatory for all Canadians. This will assist Statistics Canada in collecting basic information from individuals. The mandatory long-form survey that is issued to select Canadian households will be replaced with a voluntary National Household Survey. The National Household Survey will be distributed to more households than the former long-form survey but its completion will be strictly voluntary. The government expects that the new voluntary National Household Survey will provide data as reliable as the old long-form was to Statistics Canada.
“Making the completion of the Statistics Canada form voluntary is what I think most Canadians would want,” said Komarnicki. “Certainly my feeling is that for the constituents of Souris-Moose Mountain, the less government interference in their lives and business affairs the better. I’m sure there is a general dislike of mandatory reporting provisions relating to personal affairs so I hope this change will stand the test of critics.”
Some critics feel the response will be less than adequate for statistical purposes if the surveys are made voluntary. Liberal Member of Parliament and ethics and democratic reform critic, Marlene Jennings, was reported to say in the press that the criticism of the government’s decision has been near universal.
“I don’t know where she is getting her feedback from, but it certainly doesn’t represent the views of the constituents of Souris-Moose Mountain,” said Komarnicki.
The federal census conducted by Statistics Canada collects information from Canadians every five years. For more information on Census 2011, please visit www.statcan.gc.ca.
