To all Non-Canadians with Canadian roots:- Very possibly my posting last evening asking for CANADIANS to get busy may have sounded as if Non-Canadian help is not needed or wanted. I do not understand how the Parliamentary system works (quite complex), but I have been assured petitions must be ratio proportions -- for example, X number of Canadian petitions will permit so many Non-Canadian ones to be presented. This evening I received two queries about letters, and I have replied. Also, after talking to Gordon Watts, he suggested letters may be sent to the Hon. Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and also Stats-Can (he will be forwarding the address to me). We have FREE postage to MPs in Canada -- so if your letter is sent to me, by e-mail <davidson3542@home.com> I will add the proper salutory addresses for you, then print and send. YOUR part:- YOU must send your complete address, and as I will be including your e-mail address, you may receive a Confirmation of Receipt re your letter. Before I print your letter, a copy will be posted to sender. Yes, petitions are still needed -- but possibly a letter might tell more, for example:- - Lack of tourist dollars when doing genealogy searches - Decrease of tourist interest Get the idea? Many parts of Canada strive on the tourist income, and I feel certain the Government of Canada would not wish this to happen. Will be looking forward to your letters -- remember, complete address Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6W 2R8 Canada 1-905-451-3542

To all:- The population of Canada and family researchers include many European nationalities -- I feel Dave Obee <daveobee@home.com> has achieved a great site -- it is interesting and worth researching. http://www.members.home.net/daveobee/volhynia.html Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee

The following has been "travelling" across Canada!!! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> ---------------------- Thought you all might find this would tickle the funny bone!! GENEALOGY POX Very contagious to adults. Symptoms: A continual complaint as to the need for names, dates and places. Patient has blank expression, often deaf to spouse and children. Has no taste for work of any kind except feverishly looking through records at libraries and courthouses. Has compulsion to write letters, swears at the mailman when he doesn't leave mail. Frequents strange places such as cemeteries, ruins and remote desolate areas. Makes secret night calls. Hides phone bill from spouse. Mumbles to self and has a far away look in eyes. NO KNOWN CURE.... Treatment: Medication is useless. Disease is not fatal but gets progressively worse. Patient should attend genealogy meetings, subscribe to a magazine and be given a quiet corner in the house where they can be alone. The usual nature of this disease is that the sicker the patient gets the more they enjoy it!

To all with lots of time to spare:- Online Sources for Genealogy in New Brunswick is packed with many varied subjects, including major newspapers. Check the following: http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/2541/newbrun.html However, I did not notice a LINK to census pages, so will be asking. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Campaign committee

To all Canadian Family Researchers:- Many of us are anxiously awaiting for release of the 1906, 1911 census records -- but much of the interest and assistance seems to be coming from south of the border -- United States. Why????? If anyone has read the recent Report of the Expert Panel, it did state "there was no problem re release of census records up to 1918" -- but we need to have legal release from 1917 to 2001, the latter will be available in 2093, should the 92-year period be retained. This week I have received SEVEN (7) Petitions for Senator Lorna Milne, two (2) of which were from Canada, the other FIVE (5) from United States. It seems the American researchers are very concerned!!! However, there is a Parliamentary problem -- Senator Lorna Milne is ready to present her Private Member's Bill for the second time (seriously hope another election will not be called). Murray Calder, MP will also be presenting an identically-worded Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons. Gordon Watts will collect all House of Commons petitions, as I collect the Senate ones for Senator Lorna Milne -- we like to be kept busy. Petitions are NEEDED to back up the Private Member's Bills as verification WE, Citizens of Canada, want the Canadian Census Records released. Senator Milne has been a long-time member of the Halton-Peel Ontario Genealogical Society -- I have yet to receive one petition from OGS -- even attended a meeting and spoke on her behalf. NONE TO DATE!!!!! Frankly, do not take the Expert Panel Report "at face value" -- census records still have to be released by the ones YOU elected. Go to http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/petition.htm The petition menu includes both Senate and House of Commons, in PDF format and I also have attachments -- NO EXCUSES!! Signers may sign both for the Senate and House of Commons - same time. You will notice these are also in French language -- again, NO EXCUSES! Be Prepared for the New Year's parties with petitions in hand -- get signatures. The big PROBLEM is that the Non-Canadian petitions can only be used after Second Reading of Senator Lorna Milne's petition - ON OUR BEHALF! Canadian petitions can be used BEFORE the Private Member's Bill is presented -- Lorna Milne likes to announce the presentation this way. Sincerely hope every Genealogical Society and Individuals of Canada will help fill up my mail-box for Senator Milne, and also Gordon's mail-box!! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6W 2R8 1-905-451-3542

To all:- Should anyone have occasion to contact Christine Joudrey <cjjoud@bserv.com> you will find she is temporarily offline. An early morning message to me stated "modem was fried, changing to @home, cannot be connected until January 3rd, 2001" If anyone wishes to contact her send the message to me at my address, and I will phone her in the evenings -- if in English language. French languages are to go to Jean-Guy Simard <jgsimard@nbnet.nb.ca> Guess this is what one would call an unexpected "vacation", as Christine loves to do research. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> 1-905-451-3542

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To all:- While looking around the various pages, I came across the West Manitoba Genealogy site. It is very well posted -- and I have requested there be a census link placed to this page -- more advantage to all!! http://www.westmanitoba.com/ Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

To Thomas Giammo and all:- Yes, it SEEMS we could go to our nearest library or historical society in 2003 and order in the 1911 microfiche -- better still, we should be able to see the 1906 records now, which should have been released in 1998 -- but were not. Yes, the Report of the Expert Panel states there is "no problem" with census records being released up to 1918, which includes 1906, 1911 and 1911 -- what about after 1918? Canadian laws seem to differ from American laws in some respects, and this should be kept in mind. As there are many years of census reports which COULD never be released, 1919 to 2001, we have no alternative but to continue what has been started. There MUST be a law giving automatic transfer of records, after a given number of years (at present it is 92 years), to the National Archives of Canada for usage by all who are researching -- not just ones with "CG(C)" after his/her name, but the family historian, the group to which I belong. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee member ------------------------------- A reply via LUNEN-LINKS-L@rootsweb.com From: Thomas Giammo <tom@giammo.com> Muriel: Not to keep beating a dead horse, but I believe that you may have be mis-advised when you were told "this is the way it has to be done". Having Parliment pass a law is "A" way to have it accomplished, but not a very sure one - and especially so when the existing laws appear already to give you the right to access the 1911 Census without any new law being required. I have read the Expert Panel Report in its entirety. It actually goes beyond merely recommending the release of the 1911 and 1916 censuses. It has a finding that the existing law provides no basis for those censuses being withheld. Thus, no new law is required. I am not familiar with the workings of Canada's version of the Freedom of Information Act. Under United States law, which is probably similiar, the Statistics agency would be required to respond to a request for 1911 Census data and cite one of the specified reasons allowed for a rejection of the request. With that in hand, one could then go into court to have their reason overturned and the data released. Has anyone ever made a Freedom of Information request for some 1911 Census data? If so, has it been denied. citing a legal requirement (e.g. Privacy Act) for a denial of the request. Given the Expert Panel finding, a denial on that basis would not stand up in court. I think that it is an even bet that Statistics Canada now would not even contest the issue. You probably should continue on with your political lobbying as a backup. I would recommend, however, that you also consider a more direct approach. Tom Giammo ------------------- Attached to a memo was the suggestion the exact wording of the 1906 Statistics Act be read -- which we ensure Mr. Giammo has been done.

To all:- Following the election of November 27, and the need to re-present Private Member's Bills, a few new approaches have been added. One of these approaches are LINKS -- basically, creating a shortcut to the several official census sites. On my page <http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~downhome/ Click on the Barney Kaufman flag logo -- you will be quickly transported to http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html This "coast-to-coast-to-coast" site was launched July 1, 1999 by Bryan Keddy and myself. You will notice many sites are listed -- even my page. These have all been linked by Bryan Keddy <bryanfkeddy@ns.sympatico.ca> with permission of the one maintaining the other page. The other LINK is directly to the official census pages, with link by Gordon Watts <gordon_watts@telus.net> Have you ever seen a line, which reads SAVE OUR POST-1901 CENSUS That line is the link set up, with words of their choice, but all meaning the same. Gordon Watts makes the link, plus the URL of the page is added to http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/ see Other Sites LINKS have several purposes -- able to go directly to the census pages, and above all, not having to remember the URLs for same. Should any reader wish LINKS -- do not hesitate to contact us. We want as many people as possible to learn about the census release problem -- with new Private Member's Bills, we need all exposure and publicity we are able to obtain. Personally, ALL Canadian GenWeb Sites should be linked -- census is genealogy and history -- not politics!! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee member http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/petition.htm

Question from the QUEBEC-L@rootsweb.com list >From SLillo8858@aol.com I wish to know when Alberta became a Province. I can't seem to find it. When some of our kin folk migrated to Alberta in about 1902, the part they went to was considered the NWT for "postal considerations for the new immigrants." -------------------- One Answer from Dessaulles <d-s.beaudry@tr.cgocable.ca> Hi, Alberta was proclaimed province Sept- 1 1905 Named after - Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, Souce : About Alberta---- http://www.gov.ab.ca/aboutalberta/index.cfm Happy Boxing Day. Des. ------------------------ Answer from Mo Sabourin <mo.sab@sk.sympatico.ca> Hello? Alberta and Saskatchewan joined the Canadian Confederation as a Province in 1905. Prior to Confederation, they were a part of the Northwest Territories, which was a Territory of Canada, with administrative offices in Regina. Cheers, Mo Sabourin, Regina, Sask. --------------------- My answer - <davidson3542@home.com> The year Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba became part of Canada was 1905. Also you might learn the present provinces were listed under different names, as we have learned on the Canada Census Committee. The 1906 Census release is very important -- as this would be the first Canadian census records of these three provinces. Many are assisting at present, but more support is needed! Check http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html Look for an article written by LOIS SPARLING -- deals with the three prairie provinces only. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm

To all researchers and family historians:- A very special Christmas wish we all have is the release of the post-1901 Canadian census records, containing our history and our heritage. We look forward to this day -- and with the beginning of 2001, let us all focus on the ones who hold the release in their "hands" - politicians. Senator Lorna Milne and Murray Calder are leading the way for us with a re-presentation of identical Private Member's Bills. An article in a Calgary newspaper gave one the impression we could go to our nearest library and order in the microfiche for both 1906 and 1911 -- watch for articles by Gordon Watts re this matter. Sincerely hope all presents are wrapped, kiddies snuggled early in bed (while we do last minute things), phone calls to family members, and the big day tomorrow -- a day of being together, many for the last time. The following URL forwarded by Gail Smith of BRITISH HOME CHILDREN list contains all the special thoughts and feelings of the season. http://www.debsspot.com/christmas2.htm Special Christmas Greetings to committee members, to Lorna and Murray! -- and to all the many searching for family members, may 2001 be great! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html

Greetings All. I suspect there are a few listers confused regarding my reference to a previous message in the one I sent to the editor of the Calgary Herald. I suspect I hit the delete button instead of send. In any case I resend it now. Gordon =========================== Census data available to public after 92 years. Joe Woodward -- Calgary Herald Family historians and amateur genealogists are "rejoicing" over news that census data may now be released to the National Archives for public use -- after an appropriate 92-year waiting period. This good news came with the release of a report from a panel of experts that was federally appointed after Statistics Canada independently refused to release the 1906 census returns. Old census returns are an essential tool for people trying to trace their family trees and for professional historians. And Statistics Canada has traditionally released them after a 92-year blackout period. In 1998, however, Statistics Canada refused to release the 1906 census records to the National Archives, citing privacy concerns. Over the next year, as family historians and amateur genealogists became aware of the problem, 2,500 letters and a 6,000-name petition ended up on Parliament Hill, prompting John Manley, then the minister responsible for Statistics Canada, to appoint the five-member panel of lawyers and historians to study the issue. The report of this Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records was made public Tuesday. In its report, the panel said it was "firmly convinced of the benefits of the release of historical census records," and stated that "the passage of 92 years is sufficient" to deal with any confidentiality concerns. "That material is absolutely critical to genealogists," said Calgarian Dr. Bob Westbury of the Alberta Family History Society. "The returns are the record of names, dates and places of birth, and family relationships -- everything the genealogist needs to know." The 1906 special census returns are particularly important to Western Canadians, Westbury said Friday. Because immigrants were flooding into the West so fast, the 1906 census was held in Saskatchewan and Alberta, prior to the 1911 national census. In some cases, the 1906 census returns are the only place where Western Canadians can learn the European birthplaces of long-gone ancestors. That information is essential to tracing a family's pre-immigration roots. Westbury was surprised by the vigour with which Statistics Canada and the federal privacy commissioner defended what they supposedwas their duty to keep the returns confidential. "Certainly after 92 years, any possible damage is minimal, and the benefit to people trying to trace their ancestry is significant," he said. Now it's up to the government to actually order Statistics Canada to release its microfilms." Chief statistician Ivan Fellegi could not be reached for comment Friday.

To all:- This evening I received a message from a person who felt she was being "bombarded" by messages -- presumably census postings, as this was her subject. It is impossible for me to unsubscribe any person -- there is a certain way to do it, and I have assisted many -- when the name of the list is known. Subscribing and Unsubscribing is actually done by computer -- not a person, the computer reads the subject line, and as you know, just above this would be the address of the person wishing this. Sorry -- one of these days I will be a listowner -- but it will not be a census list, we already have a listowner. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Greetings all. I copy here FYI my letter to the editor of the Calgary Herald in response to the article reported in my previous message. Permission to forward without notification is granted. Gordon ============================= Editor, Calgary Herald I would like to think the headline of Joe Woodward's excellent article of 23 December 2000 is true. (Census data available to public after 92 years - Calgary Herald page A6). As it stands however, at this time public access to Historic Census is not a certainty. While the report of the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census recommends that Public access to past, present, and future Census records be allowed 92 years after collection, this is by no means a fait accompli. The 15 December 2000 press release of Industry Minister Brian Tobin that accompanied the release of the Report of the Expert Panel, in referring to the recommendations of the Panel, stated: ".......... the Minister indicated that further broad based consultation with all Canadians is needed. This consultation will take place as part of the already announced administrative and legislative review of the Access to Information and the Privacy Acts" The Minister obviously has no intention to follow through on the recommendations of the Expert Panel. The legislative review of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts could likely take several months, or even years to complete. Debate regarding public access to Historic Census has been going on since the early 1970s. As one of the leaders of the campaign on the Internet to obtain Public Access to Historic Census Records I am aware of at least four studies or reports since then, excluding the current Report of the Expert Panel, that call for allowing Public access to these records. Thirty years of discussion is more than sufficient - it is time now to act on the recommendations and allow public access to Historic Census. Those interested in further information, including downloadable petitions, can access the Post 1901 Census Project website located at <http://www.globalgenalogy.com/census>. Thank you Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@bc.sympatico.ca Port Coquitlam, BC Keep up to date on Post 1901 Census information at http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index.htm Join the CANADA CENSUS CAMPAIGN List at CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L-request@rootsweb.com Read my Post 1901 Census column in the Global Gazette http://www.globalgenealogy.com/gazette.htm

http://www.makeachildsmile.org/home.html The above URL is the address of a very interesting site. I enjoy children, all ages, but these are children with a difference -- they need a smile! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~britishhomechildren/ Hello Stewart:- The above URL will be of great interest to you -- it has been upgraded by both Bryan Keddy and Perry Snow, working together, and is accessible. It is fascinating to me -- although I do not have to do this research. Happy hunting -- hope you find the right trail! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee member ============================= Stewart Sehn wrote: > Hi there. My name is Stewart. I would like to know how to find or receive > this invaluable data base. In my 5 years of research on g-great grandfather > Gavin Ritchie has led me to believe he may have been one of these children. > If you know how to access this data could you please let me know. > Thanks from Alberta cya Stewart <stusehn@hotmail.com> >

Hi Wayne. I wonder if the legal advisor in question might be related to Industry Minister Brian Tobin. Mr Tobin, in spite of the report of the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census Records which recommends allowing public access to those records, is suggesting that further study will be taken along with a review of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts. Apparently thirty years of discussion on this matter is not sufficient for him. Have a great Holiday Season. Keep safe. Gordon ----- Original Message ----- From: Wayne Cook <wtcook@idirect.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2000 12:10 PM Subject: [CCC] Land Titles > Hi Listers, > Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am going to > leave you with this short little piece which I got from a newsletter I > received from a lawyer, enjoy. > > A pulpwood company, making a routine investigation of the titles to a > proposed pulpwood yard site in Mississippi, received the proof as far back > as 1803. A legal advisor for the company was not satisfied with this and > wrote for evidence as to prior title. He received the following reply from > the Mississippi attorney: > > Gentlemen: > > I note your comment upon the fact that the record title sent to you as > applying to the lands under consideration dates only from the year 1803 and > your request for an extension of the records prior to that date. > > Please be advised that the Government of the United States acquired the > territory, including the tract to which your inquiry applies, by purchase > from the Government of France in the year 1803. The Government of France > acquired title by conquest from the Governemnt of Spain; that Government of > Spain acquired title by discovery by one Christopher Columbus, a resident of > Genoa, Italy, traveller and explorer, who by agreement concerning the > acquisition of title to any lands discovered, travelled and explored under > the sponsorship and patronage of her Majesty, the Queen of Spain. And the > Queen of Spain had verified her agreement and received sanction of her title > by consent of the Pope, a resident of Rome, and Ex-Officio representative > and vice-regent of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the son and heir apparent > of the Almighty God from whom He received His authority, and the Almighty > God made Mississippi. > > I trust this complies with your request. > > > > Wayne Cook http://www.waynecook.com > (A History Television Approved Site) > and your Host for the Simcoe County Genweb page at > http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml > Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada > 1. Historic Plaques of Ontario 694 Plaques online, part of the Historic > Plaques of the World Project, Provincial & State Hosts neededl > 2. The Canadian Query Boards at > http://www.waynecook.com/bulletin.html > >

Hi Listers, Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am going to leave you with this short little piece which I got from a newsletter I received from a lawyer, enjoy. A pulpwood company, making a routine investigation of the titles to a proposed pulpwood yard site in Mississippi, received the proof as far back as 1803. A legal advisor for the company was not satisfied with this and wrote for evidence as to prior title. He received the following reply from the Mississippi attorney: Gentlemen: I note your comment upon the fact that the record title sent to you as applying to the lands under consideration dates only from the year 1803 and your request for an extension of the records prior to that date. Please be advised that the Government of the United States acquired the territory, including the tract to which your inquiry applies, by purchase from the Government of France in the year 1803. The Government of France acquired title by conquest from the Governemnt of Spain; that Government of Spain acquired title by discovery by one Christopher Columbus, a resident of Genoa, Italy, traveller and explorer, who by agreement concerning the acquisition of title to any lands discovered, travelled and explored under the sponsorship and patronage of her Majesty, the Queen of Spain. And the Queen of Spain had verified her agreement and received sanction of her title by consent of the Pope, a resident of Rome, and Ex-Officio representative and vice-regent of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the son and heir apparent of the Almighty God from whom He received His authority, and the Almighty God made Mississippi. I trust this complies with your request. Wayne Cook http://www.waynecook.com (A History Television Approved Site) and your Host for the Simcoe County Genweb page at http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada 1. Historic Plaques of Ontario 694 Plaques online, part of the Historic Plaques of the World Project, Provincial & State Hosts neededl 2. The Canadian Query Boards at http://www.waynecook.com/bulletin.html

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~britishhomechildren/ To all:- Both Canadians and Non-Canadians could profit by release of the 1911 and later census records. According to the Expert Panel, there seems to be no problem with release of census between 1911 and 1918, but the need is to have an AUTOMATIC release of Canadian census records to National Archives -- at present 92 years after taking of the census. My sincere hope, with the re-presentation of Private Member's Bills in both the Senate and the House of Commons, the 1906 for the prairie provinces, 1911 and later ones would be released -- this would mean a change in the number of years following taking of census. If one has not checked lately, the British Home Children list is a pleasure to check, thanks to Bryan Keddy and Perry Snow. Senator Milne will present a GROUP Petition -- but we must have signed petitions for this to happen. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canada Census Committee http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/petition.htm