by Rural Ontario Institute
14. July 2010 14:41
In the face of widespread and broadening criticism of the government’s abandonment of the Census long-form Industry Minister Tony Clement reiterated his position in this media release July 13.
In our view the long-form represented a fundamental and irreplaceable data service. (See our blog from July 7th). Its substitution by a voluntary process will seriously impair our future ability to understand rural realities. The issue of intrusiveness the government says it is responding to is a red herring – the government holds many records containing personal information on Canadians such as health records or tax filer information that are as personal if not more so and that are surrounded by effective privacy provisions. Rural leaders and organizations that value factual, well-informed decision-making should continue to make the case to their federal MPs and the Minister that reconsideration is necessary.
The Honourable Tony Clement
C.D. Howe Building
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
Telephone: 613-995-9001
Fax: 613-992-0302
minister.industry@ic.gc.ca
Norman Ragetlie, Director, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement