To all:- I have just sent a note to Gordon Watts -- thanking him for the surprise update!! The numbers are changing slowly, but still too many of those BLUE ????? (ones we have not heard from) Scoreboard: http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.com Gordon's THE MYTHS OF CENSUS can be found at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html It may be printed as copyright material is not posted or go to http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml While at the latter site, check for the MEMORANDUM OF LAW, by Lois Sparling, barrister and lawyer in Alberta. Keep the letters going and answers back to us, please. You may also mention the Scoreboard will be published prior to an election -- just casually -- of course. We may receive better response AFTER the long overdue Expert Panel report has been received. Should anyone have problems with any addresses, contact me, Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Greetings All. I have heard from Dr. Pamela White regarding the report of the census Focus Group summary. While Dr. White suggested I might want to wait until the final report was released to the public, she did not restrict me from posting this report now. She stated: "The final report brings together the results of the focus groups with the public opinion results. This interim report provides the results of a limited number of focus groups involving about 10 - 12 people at each session." This indicates that in the six focus groups held there were a total of 60 to 72 people involved. Not a lot of people to generate the headlines that accompanied Mr. Bronskill's National Post article of 20 June 2000. In reading the report copied below, I would not have come to the conclusions indicated by those headlines. The public opinion survey, yet to be released to the public, could have completely different results. I look forward to seeing that report which should be posted to Statistics Canada's website near the end of June or early in July (according to Dr. White.) My apologies for the length of this posting. Happy Hunting. Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net Port Coquitlam, BC ICQ # 9183352 Keep up to date on Post 1901 Census information at http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census and http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html Download and circulate Post 1901 Census Petitions now from http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/petition.htm This message has been posted to Alberta-L, British Columbia, Census-Chat-L, Colchester, Lunen-Links-L, Nova-Scotia-L, Ontario-L, PictouRoots, Roots-L, Watts-L, and Wiltshire-EMI-L mail lists. Permission to forward without notification is granted. --------------------------------------------- Focus Group Research Regarding Options for Release of Census Records Summary of Findings PN4588 Prepared for: Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records Prepared by: Environics Research Group Limited February 2000 Introduction In November 1999, Environics Research Group Limited was retained by Statistics Canada and the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records to conduct a series of six focus groups to test public opinion regarding options to amend the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act. The purpose of the focus groups was to test versions of a draft questionnaire and to probe opinion about the release of individual-level census data for future censuses and for past censuses. Participants were asked about their awareness of the topic of the release of individual-level census data, about how they would respond if individual data from the next census or other future censuses were released after a time delay of about 100 years, and about how they would respond if legislation were changed to allow the release of individual-level data from past censuses, particularly the 1911 census. Six focus group sessions were conducted. The pilot phase of the research consisted of two focus groups conducted held in Ottawa on December 7, 1999. The second phase of the research consisted of four focus groups, including two in Toronto and two in Montreal. The two groups in Toronto were held on January 27, 2000 and the two in Montreal were held on January 31. In each city, one focus group included those with high education (a university degree) and the other those with mid-level education. All sessions included participants from a mix of age groups (18 years of age and over), occupations and genders and also included some representation of foreign-born. This report summarizes the results of the research on the substantive topics. General Awareness of Topic Almost no participants had heard about the topic of releasing individual-level census data for future or past censuses. A total of one or two participants in the Ottawa groups said they had heard of the topic. Future Release Most participants thought it acceptable that their personal census information might be released after a time delay of about 100 years. However, a few participants strongly objected to the release of this information. A variety of issues emerged in the focus groups: * Many questioned the usefulness of such data - why would anyone be interested in personal answers after 100 years? * A number of participants could not understand why anyone would need to know individual names. Among the few who were opposed to the release of these data, the most common concerns were: * Would this lead to more government control of individuals? * Would the information be used against them at some point in the future? * Would there be long-term consequences of disclosure for future family members in areas such as ethnicity, race, and health? Many participants said that they were not aware of the content of the questions in the census. When, in some of the sessions, the moderator described to them the questions contained in the 1996 census, the description raised several reactions: * Most felt it would be non-problematic for them if this type of information were released 100 years after a census was taken. * Some participants felt that the type of questions asked were basic ones and would be of little value for future historians or genealogists. * Some said that there are other richer data sources for individuals available in both the public and private sectors. * A few voiced a concern that in future censuses, once the principle of disclosing information is accepted, a series of new questions, more personal or intrusive, would progressively be added. Participants were presented with a number of arguments supporting the release of the individual-level data from future censuses after a time delay of about 100 years. When participants were presented with the argument that historians would find the information extremely valuable, most participants reaffirmed their scepticism concerning the validity or usefulness of the information for historians. Participants were more receptive to the argument that their information might be useful for their descendants. However, some felt that their own personal interest in knowing about their family origins was low and this would probably be the same for their descendants. Although many were fairly open to releasing this information for "medical" purposes, some were sceptical as to whether the kind of information available in the census would be of any value. They felt that hospital or doctor's records would be much more useful as a source of medical information. Most participants were open to the idea of changing the existing law to allow future census data on individuals to be released after 100 years. However, some felt that people participating in future censuses should be given an option, such as a check-off box, to indicate consent. Others felt there should be conditions placed on the release of this information. A few participants expressed concern about this issue. They felt that if the government is ready to rescind an existing law, what would stop the government from modifying a future one and reducing the 100 year prescription for future censuses? They were also fearful of who would have access to the data in the future and that it might be used against them in some undefined way, or against their descendants. Release of Historical Data The vast majority of participants responded negatively to the prospect of allowing the release of individual answers from earlier censuses including the 1911 census, after a time delay of about 100 years. The response was negative toward the principle of release as well as to changing legislation to allow the release. Most participants felt that the government made a promise of confidentiality and that this should be respected. People who answered those censuses believed their answers would be confidential, and thus it would be a breach to release the information. In some of the focus group sessions, as soon as the notion of "breaking a promise" emerged, the idea was seized upon by other participants who then expressed their opposition to release. Keeping these data as confidential came to be seen as the "right" or moral thing to do. Historical and genealogical reasons for releasing historical data were not powerful or even helpful in changing opinion, and participants reiterated many of the same doubts expressed earlier. When informed that historical census data were a unique data source for historians, some participants stated that there are other sources, such as local churches and schools, for historical information, so these data are not so critical. Some also felt that the information contained in the 1911 census would really be of little interest to historians. But even among those who accepted the idea that the data may be valuable for these purposes, this was not enough justification, in their opinion, to warrant the release of the data. However, a number of participants suggested that the information could be made available to specialists (historians, genealogists) under special request and/or that the access to an individual record should be limited to the close family or descendants of that person. Some participants were moved by the argument that this kind of data release has already occurred in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, but others felt this was not relevant and that Canada should develop its own approach to the issue. Impact of Change Most participants said that a change in the law to allow the release of future census data at the individual level would not affect their participation in the next census or the truthfulness of their answers on that census or other future censuses. However, some people expressed the view that others would be more inclined to be untruthful. Only a very small number said that they themselves might be more inclined to give untruthful answers. The vast majority of participants said that this change would not affect their opinion of Statistics Canada.

To all:- My apologies -- but guess my eyesight is not so great!!! The National Post's staff writer's one-sided report re CENSUS was at the bottom of the memo. As many are familiar with the article -- in a non-professional style -- I have not included it. I have saved it to disk -- again, sent in 14 pt. type. Will forward if requested. Bronskill's style of reporting is one that would have had me fired from a newspaper -- there are always two sides to a story -- this report seems padded by someone. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> PS:- I notice Ted White, MP already has ONE red X!!

To all:- I agree - I am not one of Ted White's constituents - but hope some researchers of that area read the following. Mr. White must have thought pneumonia affected my vision -- the memo was sent in 18 and 14 pt. print. I feel certain he has just exchanged his green fence for a red X -- meaning NO. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> ===================================== Email Memo Date : June 22, 2000 To : Muriel Davidson Subject : Census data Dear Ms. Davidson, I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your email of June 21st, 2000 in which you requested that I vote for ANY Bills and Motions that may come before the House of Commons which would result in the release of census records. I believe that I clearly outlined my position in my June 13th email to you, and since you are not one of my constituents I do not feel obliged to engage in further correspondence on this subject. I have quite enough work to do handling issues of importance to the voters of North Vancouver without using my time to respond to lobbyists living in 300 other ridings across Canada. The above having been said, attached to this email message is a copy of a recent article reporting the results of a poll and study related to your demands for the release of the census information. As you can see for yourself, and in complete alignment with my prediction, the MAJORITY of Canadians would not want MPs to vote for the retroactive release of census records. Just as I stated in my earlier email messages to hundreds of people who have been lobbying me, there would be a public outcry if we voted to end a Government promise to keep the census records confidential. Correspondence on this subject is now closed. Yours truly, Ted White, MP =================== The supposedly ATTACHED article was not included, likely a copy of the National Post article. Also, I am not a lobbyist -- just one hoping to help all of us! Muriel

-- MAY BE TRANSLATED -- To all residents of Quebec:- Quebec and its residents have a glowing, wonderful, historical heritage -- which might be LOST to present and future generations. The last Quebec census records available to family researchers are the 1901 ones. Many across Canada are hoping to obtain release of the Post-1901 census records, to be available in 2003. However, this might not happen -- unless YOU assist in the fight. As in other parts of Canada, residents of Quebec elected Members of Parliament to speak for them in Ottawa. If they are members of one party, he/she will be told HOW to vote, which might be contrary to the way YOU feel. Would you not like to know how your Member of Parliament feels about this topic???? Check the following list of Members of Parliament:- [Scoreboard] http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm You will notice now, or on the next update, only THREE (3) agree to census release, the others have (1) stated NO; (2) cannot make up his/her mind; (3) Blue ? denotes no answer to anyone. As in the rest of Canada, researchers will find it very difficult to learn about family members if the census is not available. The church records are great -- but may not include family groupings. We ask all readers to contact his/her Member of Parliament, and forward the replies to one of the following:- Jeannine Ouellette <jeannine.ouellet@sympatico.ca> (en francais) Christine Joudrey <cjjoud@bserv.com> (en francais et anglais) Muriel Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> <anglais) Gordon Watts keeps the scoreboard updated -- to be published before the next election -- his research THE MYTHS OF CENSUS is found at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html This MAY be printed and translated for all readers. {If TRANSLATED, please forward a copy to be posted to above URL} Let's all work together on this project -- we need the records for research. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canadian Census Committee member Brampton, Ontario

To all who would like the Post-1901 Canadian Census released: Any person may write notes to the elected Members of Parliament, with the following question. Addresses at http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm You may use the pop-up located there. QUESTION: Will YOU, as an elected Member of Parliament and as our elected representative in Ottawa, support any Bills and Motions presented for the release of Post-1901 Canadian census records to the public? Saskatchewan is one of the important provinces -- YOUR 1906 census should have beern released in 1998, so your province will be able to research 1906 and 1911 if released to National Archives. YOU may ask your elected Members of Parliament if they have received Gordon Watts' THE MYTHS OF CENSUS - if not http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml YOU may also tell the Members the Scoreboard will be published before an election - reason it is being done. There are more than 7.5 million family researchers known in Canada -- also many more seeking answers. We need to get rid of the ????? -- means -- all Members of Parliament have been contacted -- ones below did not reply or ask a secretary to reply. Any reply to be sent to Muriel Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canadian Census Committee member Please do not ignore this request -- YOU might need the census! ========================== SASKATCHEWAN (14) ? - Mr. Bailey, Roy...........Souris--Moose Mountain G - Mr. Breitkreuz, Garry.....Yorkton--Melville F - The Hon. Goodale, Ralph...Wascana G - Mr. Gruending, Dennis.....Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar ? - Mr. Kerpan, Allan.........Blackstrap ? - Mr. Konrad, Derrek.......Prince Albert G - Mr. Laliberte, Rick.......Churchill River ? - Mr. Morrison, Lee.........Cypress Hills--Grasslands ? - The Hon. Nystrom, Lorne...Regina--Qu'Appelle ? - Mr. Pankiw, Jim...........Saskatoon--Humboldt G - Mr. Proctor, Dick.........Palliser ? - Mr. Ritz, Gerry...........Battlefords--Lloydminster G - Mr. Solomon, John.........Regina--Lumsden--Lake Centre G - Mr. Vellacott, Maurice....Wanuskewin Scoreboard Totals: GOLD (G) .... 6 FENCE (F) ....1 X - NO ........... 0 ????????? 7 Total -- 14 For more information, go to the following URL http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html Read THE MYTHS OF CENSUS by Gordon Watts Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canadian Census Campaign Committee member

Lois, In the US,we have what we call a class action suit mechanism. It doesn't avoid the up front costs, but it does up the ante as a motivator. It also requires "damages" (I think - since I am not an attorney/barrister) so the premise I see for such damages revolves around the medical history information gathering problems. I am also not a doctor or medical researcher, but do work with statistics in computer simulations, and I am curious if this type of class action mechanism also exists in Canada. Here's why ... Anecdotal medical research occurs with all family history researchers as a bi-product of our poking around in records. It makes an impact on me when I see that my paternal great grandfather died of colon cancer since my father has had a colonostomy due to colon cancer. However, since my father and 4 of his 5 siblings have also had heart surgery ( 4 aorta valve replacements and 3 triple-by-pass combinations), I am now looking for maternal line issues and am blocked in some respects by 2 ggm's and one gggm who died of TB. MS and rheumatoid arthritus are also issues. Cousin branches are key clues to sorting out "environment vs heredity" and trends. Cousins research is especially aided by the census. Such damages issues are quite substantial for the more imminent problems in finding bone marrow transplant and organ donor matches when the expeditious culling of potential donors could be statistically calculated based on both the medical stats for matches and the historical stats for locating branch members through the census snapshots. 92 years represents about 3 generations back which also bridges the gap between living family members and "history". Currently, medical efforts in this area revolve around voluntary registrations drives, which is statistically "the luck of the draw". The draw is improved when more people register, but it is certainly nowhere near the impact that you would have for targeted families. So, I wonder if there are medical research groups or issues in the Western provinces whose efforts would benefit from the 1905 census release and if there are any statistics that might help support such a case. I also wonder if there are any statitistics from the longitudinal Quebec medical studies that would highlight potential benefits from branch as well as direct line statistics Thank you for your efforts in the legal issues. I think making headway in such a multi-disciplinary issue might be aided by confering with folks who know about the medical end. Sharon --- SPARLING LOIS <sparlinl@home.com> wrote: > Dear Sharon and List > > Its the 1906 census of Sask and Alberta which is just begging to be > the > test case. See my legal memo on Gordon's web site at Global > Genealogy. > What we need are plaintiffs, a team of volunteer lawyers and money - > not > to mention a consensus that a test case in the Feberal Court is worth > the energy, money and resources versus the other routes we could > take. > > Lois SParling > Barrister & Solicitor > Calgary, Alberta > > Sharon Sergeant wrote: > > > > Hello, > > It is - or seems - clear from the article > > > > > http://www.nationalpost.com/news.asp?s2=national&f=000620/322391.html > > > > that the leaked spin of the report has deliberately avoided the > actual > > legal issue versus the Phillips spin. The "promise" has been > > retrofitted to the normal contemporary census concerns about > privacy - > > from other contemporaries. > > > > The only way this could be viewed as a political "hot potato" is if > > there is an understanding of the weakness in the legal aspects of > the > > advertised "promise". Attempting to "try" this case with the > public > > emotional spin is a smokescreen as Phillips steps down. > > > > The goal of the release of the 1911 census after 92 years is still > too > > far off for political minds. It seems to me that the overdue 1905 > > provincial census' needs to be the focus to find a test case. > > > > Hoping to hear from some Parliamentary/Legal minds on this as I am > in > > the US biased by the political chennanigan pratices here. > > > > thanks > > Sharon > > http://bostonstates.rootsweb.com > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Do You Yahoo!? > > Send instant messages with Yahoo! Messenger. > > http://im.yahoo.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/

Hi Jacqui. I received a copy of the focus group report from Pamela White this morning. It was somewhat disappointing as it only gave the summary conclusions. I had hoped that it would include the questions asked and the order in which they were asked. I have enquired of Dr. White if this report is considered in the public domain so that I might post it to the list and include it in my column. She has been responding quite quickly to my queries so I would hopefully expect an answer tomorrow morning. Unless I receive a specific prohibition I will post the survey results to the list. Dr. White indicated that the complete survey would be posted on the StatCan website, possibly by the end of the month or early July. The hold up is that Environics submitted the survey only in English and they will not post it until it has been translated into French so it can be posted in both languages. Gordon. ----- Original Message ----- From: jacquie <jacnex@home.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, 21 June, 2000 7:47 PM Subject: [CCC-L] Focus Group Hi, I recieved an email today from Jim Bronskill, of the National Post, informing me that the poll has been released to National Libraries and we should be able to get a copy from there. I am trying to find out if UVic has a copy, and have also asked Stats Canada for a copy of the poll, especially the raw data. At this point just wait and see. Hopfully we can get a copy shortly. I will keep you all updated Jacquie Nex

To all who are willing to get rid of the BLUE ?????:- Do not worry that this Session of the House of Commons is over until Monday, September 18, 2000 -- all good politicians have mail sent to them or some form of communication. When he or she is on the homefront (riding) NOW is the time to find out his/her opinion re release of post-1901 census records. When you receive an answer, please let us know so the scoreboard can be updated! Many have asked about Archives files: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/CAN/CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN.html The Scoreboard for Members of Parliament is found at:- http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm At this site, in another section, you will find petitions to download -- these are still coming for Senator Lorna Milne. Any for Mr. Murray Calder would go to Gordon Watts. Need some great summer reading -- you will need about 100 sheets of paper --THE MYTHS OF CENSUS by Gordon Watts: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html This site will remain as coast-to-coast genealogy site AFTER we band together to get the Members of Parliament saying YES!!!! Be an INFORMED WRITER when you write to the ?????, cute little pieces of fence and even the Red X ones. Even if the answer is one or two lines, with name, Gordon Watts needs it for the message section for each Member of Parliament. Take time to study the Scoreboard -- it takes a lot of work and time. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Hi, I recieved an email today from Jim Bronskill, of the National Post, informing me that the poll has been released to National Libraries and we should be able to get a copy from there. I am trying to find out if UVic has a copy, and have also asked Stats Canada for a copy of the poll, especially the raw data. At this point just wait and see. Hopfully we can get a copy shortly. I will keep you all updated Jacquie Nex

To all:- It is a delight to visit a Newfoundland web site, scenery, genealogy, Project 21 (1921 census) with 1935 open, plus much, much more. http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Heritage/NGB/ When the census records are posted - typed by volunteers, the following data is given:- NAME SEX REL ___ D.O.B. RESIDENCE SMITH, JOHN.......M.....Head.....M....(date) (place) SMITH, MARY.......F.....Wife.....M.... " ..... " Others are listed as "son" and "daughter" This is the only data we need on census records, except I do like to find religion so I can search church records, and occupation. We can dream -- can't we, of 1921, 1935, 1945!!!! The place names are beautiful and interesting. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Thank you Muriel for posting this. Her explanation is in the clearest of english instead of what we have been seeing. Although I don't like the outcome, it was refreshing to read a reply that was as clear as a bell. Oh well, we all plug on along. Lori-Ann ----- Original Message ----- From: Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 2:01 PM Subject: [CCC-L] Reply from JULIAN REED, M.P. - Halton > (Crest) > House of Commons > Chambre des Communes > Canada > > JULIAN REED, M.P. > Halton > June 16, 2000 > > Mrs. Muriel M. Davidson > 25 Crestview Avenue > BRAMPTON, Ontario > L6W 2R8 > > Dear Muriel: > > I want to end the interpretation that I was undecided regarding the > release of post-1901 census records to the National Archives. > > I have tried to make it clear to everyone that under the present > situation, I > consider it rather foolhardy to release information earlier because of > its impact > on the people answering current census questions. The whole business of > the confidentiality of information has come to the fore recently when > the Ministry > of Human Resources Development, commonly known as HRDC, has been > castigated for assembling information, however confidential. > > I suggested to all those who wrote in to me that if they could propose a > way > to do it without running those risks, please let me know. There are some > things > people would rather remain buried about their family history. I am sure > you > have no skeletons in your closet but I am not so sure about mine. > Anyway, > you can appreciate the dilemna. If that gets me a green fence award, so > be it. > > Kindest regards, > > Sincerely, > > Julian Reed, M.P. > OTTAWA OFFICE:- > 208 Wellington Bldg., House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 > tel: (613)996-7046; fax: (613) 992-0851; e-mail: reedj@parl.gc.ca > website: www.julianreed.on.ca > CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:- > 14 Martin Street, Milton, ON L9T 2P9 > tel: (905) 875-3393; 1-800-363-6178; fax: (905) 875-1060; e-mail: > reedj@stn.net > ================================= > Dear Julian:- > > Many thanks for your letter, and I do agree HRDC did assemble too much > information. I was shocked when I learned what Jane Stewart had put > together about me - bank accounts, car, van, investments, etc. > > However, the various departments have picked off all the data that has > been needed for their usage -- from 1906 to 1996 -- family members have > been > unable to research their family histories, with or without skeletons. > > As for these, back in 1906 and 1911, those were different times and they > were different people -- I do not mind anyone knowing I have found a few > bare > bones (or twigs) in my family tree. > > Should legislation be passed to release census records to National > Archives, > where they are safely stored, the general public would not be able to > view > these records until 2003. > The 1906 census of three prairie provinces should have been released in > 1998. > > By the way, grab your copy of THE MYTHS OF CENSUS as researched by > Gordon Watts, sit under a shady tree and read!! This document was sent > to all Members of Parliament -- has nothing to do with HRDC, can be > found at either: > http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html > http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml > Also, MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Lois Sparling. > > Julian, we will have to see which award Gordon Watts gives you > http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm > > The Blue ??? really means "ones who have not written". > As ever, > Muriel <davidson3542@home.com> > > > >

Dear Muriel, Thank you for your email of June 10, 2000. Regarding your question on releasing the census records, I will support Bills and Motions presented in the House of Commons for release of post-1901 Canadian census records to the National Archives. Sincerely, Maurice Vellacott Wanuskewin Constituency

(Crest) House of Commons Chambre des Communes Canada JULIAN REED, M.P. Halton June 16, 2000 Mrs. Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue BRAMPTON, Ontario L6W 2R8 Dear Muriel: I want to end the interpretation that I was undecided regarding the release of post-1901 census records to the National Archives. I have tried to make it clear to everyone that under the present situation, I consider it rather foolhardy to release information earlier because of its impact on the people answering current census questions. The whole business of the confidentiality of information has come to the fore recently when the Ministry of Human Resources Development, commonly known as HRDC, has been castigated for assembling information, however confidential. I suggested to all those who wrote in to me that if they could propose a way to do it without running those risks, please let me know. There are some things people would rather remain buried about their family history. I am sure you have no skeletons in your closet but I am not so sure about mine. Anyway, you can appreciate the dilemna. If that gets me a green fence award, so be it. Kindest regards, Sincerely, Julian Reed, M.P. OTTAWA OFFICE:- 208 Wellington Bldg., House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 tel: (613)996-7046; fax: (613) 992-0851; e-mail: reedj@parl.gc.ca website: www.julianreed.on.ca CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:- 14 Martin Street, Milton, ON L9T 2P9 tel: (905) 875-3393; 1-800-363-6178; fax: (905) 875-1060; e-mail: reedj@stn.net ================================= Dear Julian:- Many thanks for your letter, and I do agree HRDC did assemble too much information. I was shocked when I learned what Jane Stewart had put together about me - bank accounts, car, van, investments, etc. However, the various departments have picked off all the data that has been needed for their usage -- from 1906 to 1996 -- family members have been unable to research their family histories, with or without skeletons. As for these, back in 1906 and 1911, those were different times and they were different people -- I do not mind anyone knowing I have found a few bare bones (or twigs) in my family tree. Should legislation be passed to release census records to National Archives, where they are safely stored, the general public would not be able to view these records until 2003. The 1906 census of three prairie provinces should have been released in 1998. By the way, grab your copy of THE MYTHS OF CENSUS as researched by Gordon Watts, sit under a shady tree and read!! This document was sent to all Members of Parliament -- has nothing to do with HRDC, can be found at either: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml Also, MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Lois Sparling. Julian, we will have to see which award Gordon Watts gives you http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm The Blue ??? really means "ones who have not written". As ever, Muriel <davidson3542@home.com>

Dear Mrs. Davidson: Thank you for the recent e-mail. The contact information for Mr. Hearn is the following: Loyola HearnRoom 430West BlockHouse of CommonsOttawa, OntarioK1A 0A6E-mail: hearnl@parl.gc.ca I hope this information will assist in contacting him. If I may be of any future assistance, please do not hesistate to contact me at 527-5655. Wishing you and your family a great summer. Sincerely, Gerald Keddy, M.P. ======================== Many thanks, Gerald, and we also wish you and your family a great Nova Scotian summer! Sincerely hope you read up on THE MYTHS OF CENSUS by Gordon Watts -- can be found on Bryan Keddy's site: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html Re Loyola Hearn -- the address you have given was "returned -- Unknown" That is why I referred to him as an Unknown. Many thanks, Gerald, Muriel <davidson3542@home.com>

(Crest) House of Commons Chambre des Communes Canada JULIAN REED, M.P. Halton June 16, 2000 Mrs. Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue BRAMPTON, Ontario L6W 2R8 Dear Muriel: I want to end the interpretation that I was undecided regarding the release of post-1901 census records to the National Archives. I have tried to make it clear to everyone that under the present situation, I consider it rather foolhardy to release information earlier because of its impact on the people answering current census questions. The whole business of the confidentiality of information has come to the fore recently when the Ministry of Human Resources Development, commonly known as HRDC, has been castigated for assembling information, however confidential. I suggested to all those who wrote in to me that if they could propose a way to do it without running those risks, please let me know. There are some things people would rather remain buried about their family history. I am sure you have no skeletons in your closet but I am not so sure about mine. Anyway, you can appreciate the dilemna. If that gets me a green fence award, so be it. Kindest regards, Sincerely, Julian Reed, M.P. OTTAWA OFFICE:- 208 Wellington Bldg., House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 tel: (613)996-7046; fax: (613) 992-0851; e-mail: reedj@parl.gc.ca website: www.julianreed.on.ca CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:- 14 Martin Street, Milton, ON L9T 2P9 tel: (905) 875-3393; 1-800-363-6178; fax: (905) 875-1060; e-mail: reedj@stn.net ================================= Dear Julian:- Many thanks for your letter, and I do agree HRDC did assemble too much information. I was shocked when I learned what Jane Stewart had put together about me - bank accounts, car, van, investments, etc. However, the various departments have picked off all the data that has been needed for their usage -- from 1906 to 1996 -- family members have been unable to research their family histories, with or without skeletons. As for these, back in 1906 and 1911, those were different times and they were different people -- I do not mind anyone knowing I have found a few bare bones (or twigs) in my family tree. Should legislation be passed to release census records to National Archives, where they are safely stored, the general public would not be able to view these records until 2003. The 1906 census of three prairie provinces should have been released in 1998. By the way, grab your copy of THE MYTHS OF CENSUS as researched by Gordon Watts, sit under a shady tree and read!! This document was sent to all Members of Parliament -- has nothing to do with HRDC, can be found at either: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml Also, MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Lois Sparling. Julian, we will have to see which award Gordon Watts gives you http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm The Blue ??? really means "ones who have not written". As ever, Muriel <davidson3542@home.com>

To all:- When Senate sessions resume in the fall, my friend, Senator Lorna Milne should have a large number of petition signatures to report. Today's mail brought 44 signatures from the Family History Center, Box 336, Powell River, BC V8A 5C2 Powell River has previously sent in at least five petitions. Lorna will really enjoy the fat envelope I have for her!!! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Hi All I would suggest a letter to the various newspapers carrying the story on the focus group sessions with the theme 'Lie Perpetuated' of 'Myth Perpetuated', and emphasizing that the questions asked of the groups dealt with the braking of a promise, whereas no such promise has/had been made. Since the letter would be confrontational in nature, about an article just published, there is a high probability that the papers would print it. Cheers Barrie -----Original Message----- From: Gordon A. WATTS <gordon_watts@telus.net> To: CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2000 11:53 PM Subject: Re: [CCC-L] Keep Census Date Secret - Public Tells Ottawa >Greetings All. > >I have participated in a focus group on another subject through >another company and the "focus group" itself consisted of 12 people. >Considering that Pamela White informed me there were six focus >groups, 4 in English and two in French, that totals 72 people >involved in the "focus groups". The purpose of the focus groups was >to test the wording of questions to be included in a subsequent >survey. It is my understanding that 2000 people were polled at >random for that survey. There were three times that number of >signatures on our main petition presented to the House of Commons, >and untold thousands of signatures on numerous other petitions >presented to both the House and the Senate. > >As Wayne quoted part of the National Post article referring to the >"promise" it seems clear to me that information garnered from the >focus groups is tainted -- that the questions were worded in such a >way as to obtain a pre-ordained response. If the goal of the >questions were to find out the true feelings regarding access to >Historic Census records, the question of the non-existent promise >would never have been brought up. > >Pamela White, in a previous email to me indicated she expected the >survey to be posted on the StatCan website. As of today it is not >there. I have sent another email asking it this morning. > >The article in the Vancouver Sun was somewhat smaller than that in >the National Post, simply reporting the announced results without >any editorial elaboration. > >It is to be hoped that we will have a groundswell of letters to the >editor denouncing the results of this survey. I look forward to >seeing some of your letters posted to this list. I will be writing >my own letter but do not let that stop you from writing your own. > >Wayne mentioned my submission "The Myths of Census". Feel free to >direct anyone you are writing to to locations where it may be >viewed, i.e. Wayne's website or the Post 1901 Census Project >website. Feel free also to direct interested parties directly to >myself. > >We have not lost this campaign yet. The only way we can lose it is >if we give up. If we do not succeed on this round, we will continue >to fight the next. We must continue to write our letters and gather >signatures on our petitions. The MPs have taken a vacation from the >House but we have to keep at them. > >Gordon > >----- Original Message ----- >From: Wayne Cook <wtcook@idirect.com> >To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> >Sent: Tuesday, 20 June, 2000 4:21 PM >Subject: Re: [CCC-L] Keep Census Date Secret - Public Tells Ottawa > > >Hi, >"In some of the focus group sessions, as soon as the notion of >'breaking a >promise' emerged, the idea was seized upon by other participants who >then >expressed their opposition to release. Keeping these data as >confidential >came to be seen as the 'right' or moral thing to do." >There is that promise again sticking out its ugly head! >That is a very disturbing article as a rebutal they should print >Gordon >Watts' "Myth of Census". >I think the Liberals (I use that word loosely) have their annual 2 >day >meeting this week. I think with an election call next year and the >fact that >the 2001 census will be sent out then, this is starting to become a >Hot >Potato. >All I know as a Canadian the focus group didn't ask me. Did they ask >you? > >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 557 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 > > > > > >

Greetings All. FYI. My letter to the National Post. Gordon --------------------------- Editor, National Post. Re: Keep census data secret, public tells Ottawa. Dear Sir As one of those actively campaigning to obtain access to Historic Census records after 92 years as per Regulations attached to the Privacy Act of Canada, I am understandably upset with the report of Jim Bronskill. ( NP 20 June 2000, p. A11) Having received thousands of email and letters in the past few years from those who support access to Historic Census, I dispute the findings of the Environics Research Group survey. I have grave concerns that the questions in that survey were skewed so as to obtain a pre-determined response. The fact that this article refers to "census data ..... gathered under promises of confidentiality", and "breaking a promise" is proof of that skewing of questions. Any mention of a promise, or of breaking such a promise, contained in questions of the survey would show a bias towards the answers sought by Statistics Canada. In preparation for my submission to the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census records I spent several months of dedicated research seeking the "promise" upon which Statistics Canada bases their position of non-disclosure of Historic Census. My submission, titled "The Myths of Census" proves conclusively that the "promise" does not exist. Statistics Canada, and Privacy Commissioner have been asked to "show me the promise." I have asked them to prove me wrong in saying "the promise does not exist." To date they have been unable to do so. On 2 June 2000, Liberal MP Murray Calder presented to the House of Commons our petition containing more than 6000 signatures. Numerous other petitions containing untold thousands of signature have been presented in both the House of Commons, and the Senate. Thousands, perhaps millions, of Canadians anxiously await the report of the Expert Panel. We are confident that after having studied all the facts, their report will favour allowing access to these records. Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net Canada Census Committee P.S. For your information, and as proof of my statements above, I have attached the files of my printed submission to the Expert Panel to this message. At your request I will provide for you a CD containing all the files of supporting documentation mentioned in Appendix 4, and more. If you are interested in balanced news reporting you will read my submission. I extend the same invitation to you that I have to Statistics Canada and Privacy Commissioner Bruce Phillips -- "If you can prove me wrong, please do so."

To all:- Many thanks who helped with the updating of the Members of Parliament Scoreboard by sending in even the two-line messages received -- every reply counts. MISSING MEMOS have been received re DIANE ABLONCZY.......Calgary-Nose Hill IRWIN COTLER..............Mount Royal Should anyone have a positive reply, please forward. Often people might be in a hurry -- and rather than write a very long two or three paragraph message (or repeat what we have read umpteen times) the politician might try to keep all happy by simply stating "I will support census release" with his name. Many letters seem to be coming from Assistant 1 or Assistant 2 -- I would prefer a two-line message from the Member of Parliament. However, if the message says YES -- what can we do. Do not be afraid to state the Scoreboard will be published prior to an election -- it will be, you may be certain. Include the URL for the Scoreboard: http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm I have received five messages by e-mail plus one letter during the past two days -- the messages have been posted. UNKNOWN PEOPLE are one of my pet hates -- also politicians without e-mail address, for example:- THE HON. HERB DHALIWAL -- Vancouver South-Burnaby LOYOLA HEARN -- St. John's West, Newfoundland (I have resorted to contacting Gerald Keddy re this newcomer) Gordon Watts likes to keep updating the scoreboard -- let's keep him busy!!! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Brampton Ontario