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Archiver > DORSET > 1998-06 > 0897420063


From: <>
Subject: Re:Canadian Census
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 15:21:03 EDT


Just read the missive of D. & T, Champigny, of Toronto, calling for a change
of hear by the PM.

Just before I had read, on the Ireland list, copies of responses from the
Bureau of Statistics. The legislation that mandated the permanent non-release
of Census data was put on the books in 1905. It's been in force for over 90
years and affects all Canadian
Census data from 1911 into the future. The only thing that seems to have
changed is that the Bureau of Statistics asked for a legal opinion as to
whether the had to abide by this requirement. They were told, quite rightly,
"Yes".

I should say that it will do no good whatever to yell at administrators who
must follow the law as it stands. It's up to genealogists in Canada to start
lobbying their local legislatures, en masse, to amend or revamp the 1905
legislation to current standards of citizen access.

So, Doug and Tom. How about starting on that, calmly and deliberately, from
the grass roots. Be sure that letters from constituents are correct in the
facts. Most on several lists that I've seen in the past week seem to be
lacking in facts and show some signs of hysteria.

With interest and concern,

dlm

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