To all -- Should there be a branch of the Latter Day Saints in your city or town, I would suggest printing the letter which was part of the column by Gordon Watts, plus take copies of census petitions -- I am certain these would be well-received. http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/index.htm Make a note to pick them up about January 15 to mail to us. Muriel M. Davidson [email protected] Co-Chair, Canada Census committee Brampton, ON * * * * * * * * * * * Gordon Watts' recent column:- My latest column on Post 1901 Census issues is now online and accessible at http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazce/gazce109.htm Topics in this issue include reaction to Bill S-18; Latter Day Saints support Bill S-18; Canadian Historical Association supports S-18; John English on secrecy vs. openness; U.S. Surgeon General declares National Family History Day; and British WW I service records going online. ------------------------ Latter Day Saints support Bill S-18 The following extract of a letter sent from the Genealogical Society of Utah to Industry Minister David Emerson is self-explanatory. It is copied here with permission. November 23, 2004 The Honourable David Emerson Minister of Industry 5th Floor, West Tower C.D. Howe Building 235 Queen Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5 Canada RE: Support for Release of Census information Dear Minister Emerson: This letter is to express the support of the Genealogical Society of Utah ("GSU") for the passage of S-18, the Senate bill that would make Canadian census information available to family historians 92 years after collection. GSU is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which operates the largest family history library in the world located in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A. The library's purpose is to provide access to recorded genealogical data for use by family historians, genealogists, and other who have a legitimate interest in such information. Open to the public at no charge, the library has over 4,000 branches (called Family History Centers) in 88 countries, including 154 Family History Centers in Canada. It is estimated that Family History Centers in Canada serve approximately 172,000 Canadian citizens annually. As you are keenly aware, census records are in important source of information to historians and genealogists, providing such information as names, birth dates, country of origin, occupations, and other valuable information. GSU supports the release of census information to allow interested persons to trace their heritage and believes that release of such information 92 years after its collection provides adequate privacy protection. GSU is concerned about the informed consent provision in subsection 18.1(2) that would apply to the 2006 and 2011 censuses. GSU notes, however, that, pursuant to the terms of S-18, the informed consent provision will be re-evaluated after 2011. Because of its detrimental impact on the historical and heritage value of census records, GSU respectfully suggests the removal of the informed consent clause at that time. Notwithstanding this concern, recognizing the sincere efforts by the interested constituencies that have resulted in S-18, GSU reiterates its support for S-18. GSU further expresses its sincere appreciation to you and Senator Lorna Milne for this initiative to make census information available to the public. Thank you very much for your consideration. Sincerely, (Signed) Wayne J. Metcalfe Vice President Cc: The Right Honourable Paul Martin The Honourable Liza Frulla Senator Lorna Milne