The following message from Gordon A. Watts is disappointing, but if WE all work TOGETHER, we will have the necessary support when needed -- keep petitions coming, letters, etc. plus publicity. Muriel M. Davidson [email protected] Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee ---------------------------------- Greetings All. As all should by now be aware, Senator Milne's Bill S-12, An Act to Amend the Statistics Act and National Archives of Canada Act (census records), was referred back to Committee to allow Dr. Ivan Fellegi (Chief Statistician of Canada) to appear before the Committee. His appearance was expected to be held on 17 April 2002, and the Bill was expected to be returned to the Senate not later than 30 April 2002. On 16 April I received notice from the Clerk of the Committee that the consideration of Bill S-12 was no longer scheduled for 17 April. No reason was given for the change in schedule. No indication was given as to when Dr. Fellegi would appear before the Committee and from other sources it was indicated that Senator Michael Kirby, Chair of the Committee would be seeking a short extension to the time by which the Bill must be returned to the Senate. Records of Hansard for the Senate debates of 25 April 2002 show that Senator Kirby made the following motion: "That notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on March 25, 2002, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, which was authorized to examine and report on Bill S-12, to amend the Statistics Act and the National Archives of Canada Act (census records), be empowered to present its final report no later than June 6, 2002." The motion was passed. The final day for sitting of the House of Commons, before the summer recess, is 21 June 2002. With a deadline of 6 June for return of Bill S-12 to the Senate, it would appear that we will not see a parliamentary resolution to the Access to Census issue before the fall at least. Even if S-12 was once again returned to the Senate without amendment, immediately passed third reading, and was referred to the House of Commons, there is insufficient time for it to go through all the steps necessary in the House before summer recess. What this all means is that we have not yet achieved our goal, and it will be necessary for us to continue to seek the support of our elected and appointed represenatives through our letters and petitions. The summer recess of Parliament will give many opportunities for us to arrange personal meetings with MPs in their constituency offices. I urge you to take full advantage of these opportunities. You do not have to do it alone -- take some friends along with you. As always, whether with letters, email, or personal meetings, I urge you to be polite and respectful. Request support - do not demand it. We are seeking support for our cause - do not be abusive or disrespectful because they have not yet given it. Happy Hunting. Gordon A. Watts [email protected] Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://globalgenealogy.com/Census en français http://globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f.htm Permission to forward without notice is granted. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.330 / Virus Database: 184 - Release Date: 2/28/02