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Archiver > CENSUS-CHAT > 2004-09 > 1094226381


From: "Gordon A. Watts" <>
Subject: Post 1901 Census - "Exploring the Martin Family Roots"
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 08:51:43 -0700


Greetings All.

My thanks to Gordon Taylor in Ottawa for advising of a picture and article
in the Ottawa Citizen. It would appear that our Prime Minister, or at least
part of his family, has an interest in their ancestry.

I was unable to access the article myself but according to Gordon, on page
A-11 of the Ottawa Citizen, September 1, 2004, there is a picture story
titled: "Exploring the Martin Family Roots". The story line is as follows:

"Prime Minister Paul Martin's youngest son, David Martin,centre, and his two
aunts, Anita Martin, left and Claire Guay, were on hand yesterday at the
Meet Paul Martin Senior exhibit at The Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer
Village in Pembroke. The exhibit, which runs until October 6, explores the
Martins' deep roots in the Pembroke community, focusing on the prime
minister's father, who grew up in the town."

On learning of this article I sent a letter to the editor of the Ottawa
Citizen. At 7:50 this morning I received a call to confirm that I had
written the letter and to advise that they were considering it for
publication.

My letter, copied to the Prime Minister, is copied below.

Happy Hunting.

Gordon A. Watts
Co-chair Canada Census Committee
Port Coquitlam, BC

http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census
en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Index_f

Permission to forward without notice is granted


----- Original Message -----
From: "Gordon A. Watts" <>
To: <>
Cc: "MP Chretien, Right Hon. Jean" <>
Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2004 9:28 PM
Subject: "Exploring the Martin Family Roots"


Editor, The Ottawa Citizen.

Re: "Exploring the Martin Family Roots" (Ottawa Citizen, 1 September 2004,
page A-11)

Interesting that Prime Minister Paul Martin has explored and is now
promoting "the Martin's deep roots" when he will not take steps to allow an
estimated 7.5 million Canadian genealogists and family historians to do the
same.

He refuses to direct the Chief Statistician of Canada to return care and
control of Historic Census records to the National Archivist for subsequent
public access in accordance with clauses in the Access to Information and
Privacy Acts. Those clauses make specific provision for public access of
'personal information' collected through Census or Survey, 92 years after
collection.

The 1911 National Census of Canada should have been made available after
June 2003. It has been withheld by the simple expedient of the Chief
Statistician refusing to return control of the records to the National
Archivist. We believe that refusal to be unlawful. It usurps the authority
delegated to the National Archivist to determine what governmental records
are of archival or historical value and that shall be deposited in the
Library and Archives of Canada. In dictating policy instead of following
policy determined through legislation passed by Parliament it usurps the
authority of that body as well.

Mr. Martin told the Public Service that they are not an 'alternate
legislature' and they should stick to consulting Canadians on policy, but
leave the decision-making up to MPs (Ottawa Citizen, 9 May 2003, page A4 -
"Leave decision-making alone, Martin warns PS" - Katherine May). He does
not practice what he preaches. He is apparently content to allow the Chief
Statistician to dictate policy that contravenes the Library and Archives of
Canada Act, the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

The people of Canada do not believe that any public servant, regardless of
how highly placed or regarded, is above the laws of Canada. It is time for
Mr. Martin to act. We call upon him to immediately direct the Chief
Statistician to return control of Historic Census records to the National
Archivist for public access in accordance with existing legislation.

How about it Mr. Prime Minister? Give us the means to research our
ancestry. Give us the access to Historic Census records that the Laws of
Canada state we are entitled to.

Gordon A. Watts
Co-chair Canada Census Committee
Port Coquitlam, BC

Tel. 604-942-6889
Fax. 604-942-6843

http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census
en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Index_f


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