The following is a census article, which may be re-written in your own words -- and sent to as many friends as possible. Coverage is needed in newspapers so article could be printed and taken to your newspaper or emailed to Letters at newspapers. We need 100% census records completion on May 16, 2006 Muriel M. Davidson muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee ===================== On the upcoming Census form there is a question re the release of your personal information to the public in 92 years time. I am writing to ask when you return your Census forms on May 16 if you would please mark YES to item 53 so personal information may be released to all families doing genealogical research in 2098. You would be helping present and future families to know who you are and the type of work you did in 2006, where and when you immigrated to Canada etc. If you mark NO you restrict your family and other relatives knowing where they fit in the family tree. You may not care where they fit but others do. Please consider marking an X in the YES box. The following question on this year's census return is for all persons who usually live in Canada including those less than 15 years old. 53. The Statistics Act guarantees the confidentiality of your census information. Only if you mark "YES" to this question will your personal information be made public, 92 years after the 2006 Census. If you mark "NO"or leave the answer blank, your personal information will never be made publicly available. Does this person agree to make his/her 2006 Census information available for public release in 2098 (92 years after the census)? � Yes � No Inclusion of this 'informed consent' provision in Censuses to be conducted from 2006 was the price forced upon genealogists and historians seeking to regain public access to Historic Census records to which existing legislation already stated we were entitled. We had been advised that unless this provision was accepted the government would not present the Bill (S-18) to end a seven-year campaign to regain public access to Historic Census records in accordance with provisions of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts. Help to ensure your place in the history of Canada. On Census Day 16 May 2006, answer YES to allow your information to be made available to your descendants in 2098. Ask everyone you know to do so as well. You may say "who cares". Maybe you don't but one of your ancestors/family members might one day in the future. To assist your city or town, every resident should complete the census -- grants for hospitals, roads, etc. are given on the number of people completing the 2006 census form.