To Mr. Paul Bonwick, M.P.:- The government bill, S-13, sponsored by Senator Lorna Milne is finishing the Third Reading, followed by the voting process. Following this, the contentious bill "to release census records" will be presented in the House of Commons. In the past, you have supported other census bills and motions, and this is the first time we are asking for support of Bill S-13. We, as Canada Census Committee members, do not agree with all the conditions outlined by the government -- see below. We sincerely hope you read all the information available, as Bill S-13 imposes undesirable conditions and restrictions on access! http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Score3.htm#ONT The latest column by Gordon Watts is in the Global Gazette http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazce/gazce9.htm The column covers all the problems, plus restrictions. An extract of debate in the Senate for one day is at http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Sen70.htm en français http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Sen70_f.htm Canada Census Committee members are requesting Members of Parliament to accept AMENDMENTS, vote in favour of these to get rid of the following restrictions inserted in this government bill:- 1. Removal of Clause 8 -- the supposed "informed consent" clause. If total removal of Clause 8 is not acceptable in the House of Commons, we hope the OPT-OUT provision will be passed. With the restrictions, a census form with NO mark would be regarded as NEGATIVE -- information never to be released. 2. Removal of all restrictions or conditions for access for at least the 1911 and 1916 census -- hopefully for all census records. 3. Removal of the "twenty-year" period during which only partial or "tombstone" information may be disclosed -- also the need to commit to an "undertaking" regarding the partial disclosure. The amendments, if passed, would make the 1911, 1916 and later census records without restrictions, same as for 1901 and 1906. Looking forward to a positive 2003 reply -- only one word needed, which is YES. You or your assistant may reply by e-mail. Muriel M. Davidson [email protected] Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 25 Crestview Avenue, Brampton, ON L6W 2R8 905-451-3542 http://globalgenealogy.com/Census en français http://globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f.htm --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/03