Hi Adele. By all means write letter to the editor of the National Post, marked attention Jim Bronskill. I would suggest that any letters written be polite and factual. Mr. Bronskill is not who we have our complaint with, he is simply the messenger. A brief letter stating disagreement with the survey results are more likely to be printed than a long dissertation. I think the reason few of my letters get printed is they consider them too lengthy for their purposes. As all of you know I can get a little wordy at times <]:-) Write something that you think might get printed rather than a blast at anyone. Happy Hunting. Gordon ----- Original Message ----- From: Adele J. Turner <aturner@axionet.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, 20 June, 2000 11:15 PM Subject: Re: [CCC-L] Keep Census Date Secret - Public Tells Ottawa Can we email Jim Bronskill at the National Post and bombard him with emails? Adele Turner Vancouver ----- Original Message ----- From: Stella Stanger <sstanger@coord2.ucs.sfu.ca> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: June 20, 2000 10:44 AM Subject: [CCC-L] Keep Census Date Secret - Public Tells Ottawa > There is a two column article in the National Post - June 20, 2000 issue - > page A11. > snip> > The Headline: Keep Census Data Secret Public Tells Ottawa. - by Jim > Bronskill. Ottawa - Canadians reject the idea of releasing historical > census data that the government gathered under promises of > confidentiality,suggests a newly released focus group study prepared for a > federal panel. > The study found people objected to retroactively changing the law to allow > disclosure of Individual answers from the 1906 and subsequent population > surveys > > <snip> Most participants felt that the government made a promise of > confidentiality and this should be respected, says the study. People who > answered those censuses believed their answers would be confidential and > thus, it would be a breach to release the information" > > This is probably the first time that the majority of the general Public ( > at least the readers of National Post) have been made aware of this issue. > Hopefully this article will encourage more people to support the efforts of > this campaign - rather than attempt to stifle the cause. > Stella > > ______________________________

Can we email Jim Bronskill at the National Post and bombard him with emails? Adele Turner Vancouver ----- Original Message ----- From: Stella Stanger <sstanger@coord2.ucs.sfu.ca> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: June 20, 2000 10:44 AM Subject: [CCC-L] Keep Census Date Secret - Public Tells Ottawa > There is a two column article in the National Post - June 20, 2000 issue - > page A11. > snip> > The Headline: Keep Census Data Secret Public Tells Ottawa. - by Jim > Bronskill. Ottawa - Canadians reject the idea of releasing historical > census data that the government gathered under promises of > confidentiality,suggests a newly released focus group study prepared for a > federal panel. > The study found people objected to retroactively changing the law to allow > disclosure of Individual answers from the 1906 and subsequent population > surveys > > <snip> Most participants felt that the government made a promise of > confidentiality and this should be respected, says the study. People who > answered those censuses believed their answers would be confidential and > thus, it would be a breach to release the information" > > This is probably the first time that the majority of the general Public ( > at least the readers of National Post) have been made aware of this issue. > Hopefully this article will encourage more people to support the efforts of > this campaign - rather than attempt to stifle the cause. > Stella > > ______________________________

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/

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

----- Original Message ----- From: White, Pamela - DACS/SACD <pamela.white@statcan.ca> To: <gordon_watts@telus.net> Sent: Wednesday, 03 May, 2000 6:32 AM Subject: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Mr. Watts: Donna Dasko forwarded to the Expert Panel your email regarding the public opinion research that was conducted by Environics on the topic of access to historical census records. The public opinion research was commissioned by Statistics Canada for the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records. The objective of the research was to find out how Canadians felt about the release of future and past personal census records. It also attempted to determine how Canadians felt about a retroactive amendment to permit the release of past census information. The company Environics was hired to undertake this public opinion research. The contract was made thorough the Client Advisory and Public Opinion Research Directorate of Public Works and Government Services Canada. This Directorate maintains a Standing Offer list for the Government of Canada of the companies able to undertake public opinion research. Environics was selected as it has an Omnibus Public Opinion Survey that is conducted every four months. In this survey, a number of public opinion type questions are asked of 2,000 randomly selected Canadians. The sample covers all of Canada and the results are within 2.2% 19 times out of 20. Environics has conducted focus group and survey work related to this project. Six focus groups were held. A pilot session of 2 groups was held in Ottawa in December, 1999. In January, 2000 four other groups were conducted: 2 groups in English were held in Toronto and 2 in French were held in Montréal. For these focus groups, a cross-section of Canadians was selected though participants were grouped by education level. In each location, one group contained university or college educated participants and the other contained persons with less than a university or college degree or diploma. The recruiting of participants for the focus groups was done by Environics. The purpose of the Focus Groups was to test the wording of the questions to be used in the public opinion survey and to permit Canadians not directly involved in the debate to discuss their views regarding the release of future census information, a retroactive amendment to permit the release of historical census information and the need for historical census information. The Environics Omnibus Survey was conducted in March and April, 2000. The survey included 9 questions on the topic of access to historical census records. Upon review of the results of this survey, it was decided that additional information needed to be obtained. A further 7 questions are asked on a Special Omnibus Survey that Environics is holding in late April/May, 2000. This May 2000 Special Omnibus Survey had been planned by Environics to meet the needs of another client. Given the Panel's tight time requirements, it was decided to add these additional questions to this survey rather than wait for the next regular Omnibus Survey planned to occur in June/July, 2000. In both instances, the amount of time taken to ask the questions on the access to historical census records was about 5-8 minutes. The entire survey may have taken about 45 minutes to complete. The results of the public opinion research (focus groups, surveys: waves 1 and 2) will be presented by Environics in a report that will made available to the public. This report will present the questions asked and an analysis of the results. In accordance with Treasury Board Guidelines, public opinion research reports are to be made available in both official languages and deposited with the National Library and the Library of Parliament. I have been assured by the staff at the Client Advisory and Public Opinion Research Directorate of Public Works and Government Services that they will make the report available to the National Library and Library of Parliament as soon as they receive it. The Public Opinion Report will be submitted by Environics once the results of the second survey have been analysed. It is expected that this report will be available to the public in early June, 2000. I trust that I have answered your questions on this topic. Yours sincerely, Pamela White Secretariat, Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records ---Original Message----- From: Donna Dasko [mailto:donna_dasko@environics.ca] Sent: May 2, 2000 10:08 AM To: 'gordon_watts@telus.net' Cc: 'Richard_VanLoon'; 'White, Pamela - DACS/SACD' Subject: FW: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Dear Mr. Watts, For information about public opinion research on the topic of access to historical records, I would ask you to contact Dr. Richard Van Loon, President of Carleton University, who is Chair of the expert panel that is investigating this topic, or Pamela White, at Statistics Canada. They are both copied on this message. Thank you kindly. Donna Dasko, Ph.D. Senoir Vice-President Environics Research Group Ltd. > -----Original Message----- > From: Gordon A. WATTS [SMTP:gordon_watts@telus.net] > <mailto:[SMTP:gordon_watts@telus.net]> > Sent: Friday, April 28, 2000 1:02 PM > To: research@environics.ca > Subject: Survey re: Access to Historic Census > > Environics Research > > Dear Sir or Ms. > > I have just been advised that your company recently conducted a survey > relating to public access to Historic Census in Canada. The name I was > given to contact was Joe Borge at 416-920-3506. As I am a pensioner on a > fixed income I have chosen to contact you via email and save the long > distance charges. > > I am one of the leaders of a campaign on the Internet, the purpose of > which is to obtain access to the Public, after a reasonable period of > time, of Post 1901 Census records. As such I am very interested in > knowing about any surveys regarding Census. > > It is my understanding that this survey took 45 minutes to one hour to > complete over the telephone. > > If possible could you please advise me regarding the following: > > By whom was the survey commissioned? I understand that you may not be > able to tell me this because of privacy concerns and this is not my > primary interest. > > What geographic area was covered by the survey? Was it limited to a > specific area, or was it conducted throughout all of Canada? What were > the numbers of respondents to the survey?> > > Was the survey conducted specifically on this subject, or was Census just > a small part of a larger survey? > > What were the questions asked, and how were they put to the survey > respondents? Were they worded in such a way to elicit a predetermined > response? I would very much like to see the questions asked. > > What were the conclusions reached by your survey? To what degree of > accuracy are your surveys normally credited? > > I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience. Thank you. > > Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net <mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net> > 1455 Delia Drive > Port Coquitlam, BC > V3C 2V9 > Tel. (604) 942-6889 > Fax. (604) 942-6843 > > 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> >

----- Original Message ----- From: Gordon A. WATTS <gordon_watts@telus.net> To: White, Pamela - DACS/SACD <pamela.white@statcan.ca> Sent: Tuesday, 20 June, 2000 2:05 PM Subject: Re: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Dear Dr. White. In response to my email to you of 2 May 2000, asking questions regarding the Environics Survey regarding Access to Historic Census, you sent the email below indicating that you expected the report of this survey would be available on the Expert Panel site at statcan.ca. To date I have been unable to find any reference to this report. Please advise if this report has been posted to a website, and if so, please advise also the URL for same. If the report has not been posted to the statcan.ca website, please provide me with the URLs for the National Library and Library of Parliament you mention in you first reply of 3 May 2000. Being as this day the print media has been making reference to this report I am quite anxious to view it. I am hopeful that this report includes not just the conclusions reached, but the questions asked as well. Responses to surveys can be easily swayed not only by the questions asked, but the manner in which they are asked as well. In my email of 2 May 2000, I asked you for confirmation that my submission, titled "The Myths of Census" had been received by the members of the Expert Panel. I did not receive that confirmation and would ask again that you provide it. I look forward to your speedy reply. Thank you. Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net ----- Original Message ----- From: White, Pamela - DACS/SACD <pamela.white@statcan.ca> To: 'Gordon A. WATTS' <gordon_watts@telus.net> Cc: <RVanLoon@pigeon.carleton.ca> Sent: Wednesday, 03 May, 2000 7:03 AM Subject: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Mr Watts: In response to your email received today, I have already sent a response regarding the survey. Concerning the report of the Expert Panel, the most efficient and economical way to distribute the report will be through the Internet. I expect that it will be available on the Expert Panel site at statcan.ca. Yours sincerely, Pamela White -----Original Message----- From: Gordon A. WATTS [mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net] Sent: May 3, 2000 12:56 AM To: pamela.white@stcinet.statcan.ca Cc: RVanLoon@pigeon.carleton.ca Subject: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Dr. Pamela White, Secretary Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records Dear Dr. White. I was recently advised regarding a survey conducted on Access to Historic Census records. On contacting the company that did the survey, Environics Research Group Ltd., in order to find out how, on whose behalf the survey was conducted, what questions were asked, and the results of the survey, etc., I was advised to contact yourself and Dr. Van Loon. (see my original email and the response below). As one of the leaders of the campaign on the Internet to obtain Access to Historic Census records I am very interested in any such surveys, the method by which they are conducted, and the results thereof. It has been my experience that not only are the questions asked in a survey important, but the manner in which they are asked may be even more important. I would appreciate anything that you might be able to tell me about this survey and it's results. At such time as the Expert Panel brings down their report on Access to Historic Census I would be very interested in obtaining a copy of it. Could you please advise me how I might accomplish this. Should it be available by mail, my address is Gordon A. WATTS 1455 Delia Drive Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2V9 My submission to the Expert Panel, titled "The Myths of Census" was delivered to Statistics Canada during a period that you were absent. Mary Ledoux advised me of receipt of my submission and that she would see the members of the Expert Panel received it as soon as possible. A copy was sent for each of the panel members. Could you please confirm that they were in fact received by the panel members. Thank you. Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net <mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net> Port Coquitlam, BC ICQ # 9183352 _____ ----- Original Message ----- From: Donna Dasko < donna_dasko@environics.ca To: < gordon_watts@telus.net Cc: 'Richard_VanLoon' < RVanLoon@pigeon.carleton.ca 'White, Pamela - DACS/SACD' pamela.white@statcan.ca Sent: Tuesday, 02 May, 2000 7:08 AM Subject: FW: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Dear Mr. Watts, For information about public opinion research on the topic of access to historical records, I would ask you to contact Dr. Richard Van Loon, President of Carleton University, who is Chair of the expert panel that is investigating this topic, or Pamela White, at Statistics Canada. They are both copied on this message. Thank you kindly. Donna Dasko, Ph.D. Senoir Vice-President Environics Research Group Ltd. _____ -----Original Message----- From: Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net <mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net> Sent: Friday, April 28, 2000 1:02 PM To: research@environics.ca <mailto:research@environics.ca> Subject: Survey re: Access to Historic Census Environics Research Dear Sir or Ms. I have just been advised that your company recently conducted a survey relating to public access to Historic Census in Canada. The name I was given to contact was Joe Borge at 416-920-3506. As I am a pensioner on a fixed income I have chosen to contact you via email and save the long distance charges. I am one of the leaders of a campaign on the Internet, the purpose of which is to obtain access to the Public, after a reasonable period of time, of Post 1901 Census records. As such I am very interested in knowing about any surveys regarding Census. It is my understanding that this survey took 45 minutes to one hour to complete over the telephone. If possible could you please advise me regarding the following: By whom was the survey commissioned? I understand that you may not be able to tell me this because of privacy concerns and this is not my primary interest. What geographic area was covered by the survey? Was it limited to a specific area, or was it conducted throughout all of Canada? What were the numbers of respondents to the survey? Was the survey conducted specifically on this subject, or was Census just a small part of a larger survey? What were the questions asked, and how were they put to the survey respondents? Were they worded in such a way to elicit a predetermined response? I would very much like to see the questions asked. What were the conclusions reached by your survey? To what degree of accuracy are your surveys normally credited? I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience. Thank you. Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net <mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net> 1455 Delia Drive Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2V9 Tel. (604) 942-6889 Fax. (604) 942-6843

Hi Jacquie. I was aware of the survey some time ago but not the results. I wrote to Environics when I found out about the survey and they sent my questions to Pamela White as it was StatCan that commissioned the survey. Pamela sent some information but not the report, indicating that it should be posted on the StatCan website. As it has not yet appeared I sent another email to Pamela this morning asking about it. Will post my emails to her separately. Gordon ----- Original Message ----- From: jacquie <jacnex@home.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, 20 June, 2000 5:11 PM Subject: [CCC-L] Focus Group Hi Everyone, I found Environics Research Group Web site and sent them an email asking for a copy of their study, or at least the questions they asked. Lets face it its all in how you pose the questions. I am also going to try and send a request to the National Post as to where they got this data. How was it released to them, where can we get a look at it. I will let everyone know what I find out. Lets keep hoping Jacquie Nex

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

The article is available on-line and it is very disturbing. http://www.nationalpost.com/news.asp?s2=national&f=000620/322391.html L. Harvie Halifax, NS On Tue, 20 Jun 2000, Stella Stanger wrote: > There is a two column article in the National Post - June 20, 2000 issue - > page A11. > snip> > The Headline: Keep Census Data Secret Public Tells Ottawa. - by Jim > Bronskill.

Hi Everyone, I found Environics Research Group Web site and sent them an email asking for a copy of their study, or at least the questions they asked. Lets face it its all in how you pose the questions. I am also going to try and send a request to the National Post as to where they got this data. How was it released to them, where can we get a look at it. I will let everyone know what I find out. Lets keep hoping Jacquie Nex

Good day, Thank you for your correspondence. There has been a motion presented to Parliament with reference to that issue. It will be debated during the fall session. The PC Party and myself will support that motion as we believe it is paramount that those census records be released. Please feel free to contact my office if you have further comments. André Bachand, M.P, Deputy House Leader PC Party of Canada Richmond-Arthabaska (613) 992-4473

Dear Ms. Davidson, Thank you for your recent letter, in which you inquire about my opinion on the declassification of heritage information contained in census records. I appreciate having your concerns brought to my attention. I believe that general census information should be released to the public as soon as practicable, and that complete records should become public after a longer, protracted period of time. Census information is, by its very nature, public information. Any information contained in census records should be in the public domain immediately, except that which infringes upon individuals' rights to privacy. To answer the question in your letter, I currently see no reason why I would not support a bill that would release full census information 92 years after having been collected. Such a bill would generally not violate privacy concerns of living persons, yet would greatly aid historical research - both private and academic. My colleague and Opposition Heritage Critic, Inky Mark, is in full agreement with me on this issue. You may rely on the Canadian Alliance to unwaveringly support measures which would augment freedoms of information in Canada. Thank you again for writing. Sincerely, Chuck Strahl, MP Fraser Valley -----Original Message----- From: Muriel M. Davidson [mailto:davidson3542@home.com] Sent: Monday, June 12, 2000 11:25 PM To: Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca; davidson3542@home.com; Kenney.J@parl.gc.ca; Calder.M@parl.gc.ca; Lorna Milne : SEN Subject: I know There is GOLD in BRITISH COLUMBIA Good Morning Chuck:- Many voters, resident of British Columbia, would enjoy the release of the post-1901 census for family research. I am looking at a ? beside your name on the Scoreboard for Members of Parliament re census. http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm The ? stands for "Ones who did not reply to letters" Personally, I would like to see British Columbia have all Members of Parliament with GOLD ticks - meaning YES -- when the scoreboard is published prior to the next election -- it is being updated now by Gordon Watts. At present 20 of the 34 British Columbia Members of Parliament have NOT answered any letters!!! Six Members agree to census release, G = GOLD Seven Members are hesitant, denoted by a piece of fence. The only NO member listed to date now has a GOLD marker. QUESTION:- Will YOU, as an elected Member of Parliament support ALL Bills and Motions presented in the House of Commons for release of Post-1901 Canadian census records to the National Archives? WILL YOU VOTE FOR US -- YOUR CONSTITUENTS?? Presently we have Murray Calder's Bill C-484, Jason Kenney's Motion M-160, and Senator Lorna Milne has S-15, duplicate of C-484. The census records are safe at National Archives - legislation needed for release. Will you send me a short note telling me you agree to release of census records -- let's get rid of that ? Or, if you have replied YES to a constituent, a copy would be appreciated. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Brampton Centre riding [address/phone by request] Print and read THE MYTHS OF CENSUS by Gordon Watts http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html

Dear Ms. Davidson, Thank you for your e-mail message regarding the post 1901 census records. As you may know, the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada, Hon. John Manley, appointed a panel in November 1999 to study the issues surrounding release of this information. Specifically, they were asked to examine the legal, privacy and archival implications of releasing historical census data. Although the panel was asked to report to the Minister by May 31, 2000 Richard Van Loon, Chair of the panel has requested an extension until the end of June. While I see no reason why the public should be denied access to the post 1901 census data, I feel it is necessary to consider all relevant issues prior to implementing legislative changes that would allow for the release of this information. Thank you for contacting me. I trust that my comments are helpful. Sincerely, John Cummins, M.P. Delta - South Richmond -----Original Message----- From: Muriel M. Davidson [mailto:davidson3542@home.com] Sent: June 12, 2000 11:13 PM To: Cummins.J@parl.gc.ca; davidson3542@home.com; Kenney.J@parl.gc.ca; Calder.M@parl.gc.ca; Lorna Milne : SEN Subject: I know There is GOLD in BRITISH COLUMBIA Good Morning to John:- Many voters, resident of British Columbia, would enjoy the release of the post-1901 census for family research. I am looking at a ? beside your name on the Scoreboard for Members of Parliament re census. http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm The ? stands for "Ones who did not reply to letters" Personally, I would like to see British Columbia have all Members of Parliament with GOLD ticks - meaning YES -- when the scoreboard is published prior to the next election -- it is being updated now by Gordon Watts. At present 20 of the 34 British Columbia Members of Parliament have NOT answered any letters!!! Six Members agree to census release, G = GOLD Seven Members are hesitant, denoted by a piece of fence. The only NO member listed to date now has a GOLD marker. QUESTION:- Will YOU, as an elected Member of Parliament support ALL Bills and Motions presented in the House of Commons for release of Post-1901 Canadian census records to the National Archives? WILL YOU VOTE FOR US -- YOUR CONSTITUENTS?? Presently we have Murray Calder's Bill C-484, Jason Kenney's Motion M-160, and Senator Lorna Milne has S-15, duplicate of C-484. The census records are safe at National Archives - legislation needed for release. Will you send me a short note telling me you agree to release of census records -- let's get rid of that ? Or, if you have replied YES to a constituent, a copy would be appreciated. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Brampton Centre riding [address/phone by request] Print and read THE MYTHS OF CENSUS by Gordon Watts http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html

There is a two column article in the National Post - June 20, 2000 issue - page A11. snip> The Headline: Keep Census Data Secret Public Tells Ottawa. - by Jim Bronskill. Ottawa - Canadians reject the idea of releasing historical census data that the government gathered under promises of confidentiality,suggests a newly released focus group study prepared for a federal panel. The study found people objected to retroactively changing the law to allow disclosure of Individual answers from the 1906 and subsequent population surveys <snip> Most participants felt that the government made a promise of confidentiality and this should be respected, says the study. People who answered those censuses believed their answers would be confidential and thus, it would be a breach to release the information" This is probably the first time that the majority of the general Public ( at least the readers of National Post) have been made aware of this issue. Hopefully this article will encourage more people to support the efforts of this campaign - rather than attempt to stifle the cause. Stella

In a message dated 6/19/00 12:11:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time, larc@buckeye-express.com writes: << Thanks for your efforts and HOURS of concern! Just my opinion folks....no offense PLEASE! >> Ditto, from me also, if it were not for the two busiest people on the list, how would any of us know what is going on. Please keep up the very hard work. We know it has not been easy. God Bless you both Muriel and Gordon. Connie Goodwin RI

Hi fellow CCC-L members, It is all well that Muriel and Gordon send all of this info but, it would be great to hear what any of you others have to think about it too! I myself am just appaulled by these pompous idiots who sit there and use their clever little words to try and hide a yes or a no vote! Ivory Tower B.S. and climbing that golden ladder. Put them in power and they cover their "behind"...smiles....C.Y.A. known to any of the working world....Cover Your A......! They make a killing on taxing, a killing on those who have to pay even a dime for records of their ancestors or access to such and their Archives yet, they cannot seem to open up and agree that the Census should be released????? Without the laws, they do not see the Business sense of it all. Imagine how much more they would make by those that find their ancestors in these census' and the further purchasing of certificates of various kinds. How easy it is to hide behind the laws that Gordon has posted for our knowledge and reminded those in power that they quote word for word. I better stop now before I get nasty or something! :o) p.s. Muriel and Gordon, thank you so much for keeping ontop of the fight! ----- Original Message ----- From: Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, June 19, 2000 2:53 PM Subject: [CCC-L] Hon. Andy Scott, M.P., Fredericton > Crest > House of Commons > Ottawa-Canada > K1A 0A6 > > June 15, 2000 > > Mrs. Muriel M. Davidson > 25 Crestview Avenue > Brampton, Ontario > L6W 2R8 > > Dear Mrs. Davidson: > > Thank you for your email of June 10, 2000 regarding the release of > Post-1901 Census Records. I appreciate you taking the time to write me. > > I would like to inform you that I support the release of Post-1901 > Census Records for public access. As well, I anxiously await the > recommendations of the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census > Records, which will be submitted to the Honourable John Manley, Minister > > of Industry, by the end of June. > > Once again, thank you for taking the time to write my office. > > Yours truly, > > Hon. Andy Scott, M.P. > Fredericton > > >

What a pleasant email....someone actually agreeing instead of playing with words!!!!! ----- Original Message ----- From: Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, June 19, 2000 2:53 PM Subject: [CCC-L] Hon. Andy Scott, M.P., Fredericton > Crest > House of Commons > Ottawa-Canada > K1A 0A6 > > June 15, 2000 > > Mrs. Muriel M. Davidson > 25 Crestview Avenue > Brampton, Ontario > L6W 2R8 > > Dear Mrs. Davidson: > > Thank you for your email of June 10, 2000 regarding the release of > Post-1901 Census Records. I appreciate you taking the time to write me. > > I would like to inform you that I support the release of Post-1901 > Census Records for public access. As well, I anxiously await the > recommendations of the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census > Records, which will be submitted to the Honourable John Manley, Minister > > of Industry, by the end of June. > > Once again, thank you for taking the time to write my office. > > Yours truly, > > Hon. Andy Scott, M.P. > Fredericton > > >

NATIONAL GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES Records Preservation and Access Committee c/o Federation of Genealogical Societies Post Office Box 200940 Austin, Texas 78720-0940 Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6W 2R8 Dear Mrs. Davidson: Enclosed are petitions with 139 signatures in support of Canadian genealogists' efforts to gain release of the post-1901 Canadian censuses. Signatures on these petitions were secured at the recently completed National Genealogical Society Conference at Providence, Rhode Island. Genealogists engage in family history research for many reasons, not the least of which is to strengthen the bonds that unite families across both time and borders. Because of the long history of intercourse across the Canadian/US Border millions of both Americans and Canadians have family ties in both countries. Access to census records is an important means to identify and strengthen such ties thus promoting not just the creation of genealogical charts and studies, but the sense of amity between our two countries as well. We hope the enclosed petitions will help you accomplish your goal of opening the census records and thus contribute to stronger families and stronger friendships. Sincerely, Jack Brissee Chair, FGS/NGS Records Preservation and Access Committee <jbrissee@earthlink.net> ================================ Six petitions were received for Senator Lorna Milne -- 139 signatures. Many, many thanks! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Crest House of Commons Ottawa-Canada K1A 0A6 June 15, 2000 Mrs. Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6W 2R8 Dear Mrs. Davidson: Thank you for your email of June 10, 2000 regarding the release of Post-1901 Census Records. I appreciate you taking the time to write me. I would like to inform you that I support the release of Post-1901 Census Records for public access. As well, I anxiously await the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records, which will be submitted to the Honourable John Manley, Minister of Industry, by the end of June. Once again, thank you for taking the time to write my office. Yours truly, Hon. Andy Scott, M.P. Fredericton

CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-D-request@rootsweb.com wrote: > Subject: > > CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-D Digest Volume 00 : Issue 182 > > Today's Topics: > #1 [CCC-L] Should YOU be thinking of ["Muriel M. Davidson" <davidson3542] > #2 Re: [CCC-L] Should YOU be thinking ["larc" <larc@buckeye-express.com>] > #3 [CCC-L] PLEASE PRINT AND RETAIN TH ["Gordon A. WATTS" <gordon_watts@te] > #4 [CCC-L] MPs Scoreboard updated. ["Gordon A. WATTS" <gordon_watts@te] > > Administrivia: > To unsubscribe from CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-D, send a message to > > CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-D-request@rootsweb.com > > that contains in the body of the message the command > > unsubscribe > > and no other text. No subject line is necessary, but if your software > requires one, just use unsubscribe in the subject, too. > > ______________________________ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Subject: [CCC-L] Should YOU be thinking of UNSUBSCRIBING...... > Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 00:04:08 -0400 > From: "Muriel M. Davidson" <davidson3542@home.com> > To: CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com > > To all listers who may be contemplating UNSUBSCRIBING from the > CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com > list for any reason > PLEASE........CLIP THE FOLLOWING AND SAVE:- > > I am not the listowner > I cannot unsubscribe you > Send your request to the following, check to see if you are List or > Digest > > CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L-request@rootsweb.com > In subject line simply type in > UNSUBSCRIBE > If you are Digest mode, change the L to a D > > One person requested me to unsubscribe her, then added at least > 20 inches of memos -- all with my name on them. [I do not mention > names] > > Should anyone get tired of seeing my name or that of Gordon Watts, > we have a suggestion: > Write a memo/letter (whether to praise us or whatever) and sign > your name -- presto! a new name will appear! > > Looking for more NEW postings! Keep letters going to politicians! > > Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> > > ______________________________ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Subject: Re: [CCC-L] Should YOU be thinking of UNSUBSCRIBING...... > Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 00:04:21 -0400 > From: "larc" <larc@buckeye-express.com> > To: CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com > > Hi Muriel and Gordon, > We all sit in the wings reading the messages and get the > responses ONLY due the two of you. > I appreciate your voices in our place and view the comments > on the list. > Thanks for your efforts and HOURS of concern! > Just my opinion folks....no offence PLEASE! > Lori-Ann > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> > To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Monday, June 19, 2000 12:04 AM > Subject: [CCC-L] Should YOU be thinking of > UNSUBSCRIBING...... > > > To all listers who may be contemplating UNSUBSCRIBING from > the > > CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com > > list for any reason > > PLEASE........CLIP THE FOLLOWING AND SAVE:- > > > > I am not the listowner > > I cannot unsubscribe you > > Send your request to the following, check to see if you > are List or > > Digest > > > > CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L-request@rootsweb.com > > In subject line simply type in > > UNSUBSCRIBE > > If you are Digest mode, change the L to a D > > > > One person requested me to unsubscribe her, then added at > least > > 20 inches of memos -- all with my name on them. [I do not > mention > > names] > > > > Should anyone get tired of seeing my name or that of > Gordon Watts, > > we have a suggestion: > > Write a memo/letter (whether to praise us or whatever) > and sign > > your name -- presto! a new name will appear! > > > > Looking for more NEW postings! Keep letters going to > politicians! > > > > Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> > > > > > > ______________________________ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Subject: [CCC-L] PLEASE PRINT AND RETAIN THIS MESSAGE > Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 22:05:24 -0700 > From: "Gordon A. WATTS" <gordon_watts@telus.net> > To: CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com > > Greetings all. > > The total number of subscribers to this list has dropped by several > in the past week or so. Those who I have questioned as to the > reason indicated mostly that they would be away for reasons such as > vacation, etc. and would be re-subscribing on their return home. > Hopefully, this would be the reason for all who wish to unsubscribe. > > Unsubscribing, like subscribing, is normally done automatically, and > the address to unsubscribe is different than that to post a message. > It also differs depending upon whether you are subscribed in Mail > mode, or Digest mode. While I can unsubscribe someone manually, it > takes away from the time I have available for other activities, such > as updating files for the MP Scoreboard, etc. I prefer that you do > it the automated way. If, AFTER FOLLOWING THESE INSTRUCTIONS you > have been unsuccessful in getting unsubbed, THEN send a message > directly to me. > > Please be aware of what mode you receive messages in before > attempting to unsubscribe. > > For MAIL mode the address is: > > Canada-Census-Campaign-L-request@rootsweb.com > > For DIGEST mode the address is: > > Canada-Census-Campaign-D-request@rootsweb.com > > Send a message with ONLY the word UNSUBSCRIBE in both the Subject > line and body of the message. DO NOT include ANY other text, such > as a signature or reason for unsubbing, in the body of the message. > Send the message in Plain Text mode. > > If you send your UNSUBSCRIBE email to the wrong address for the mode > you receive in, you will receive a message that "Your are not > subscribed." If this happens try the other address. > > I am the list administrator. If you have comments or complaints > regarding how this list is operated please send a message to me at > > Canada-Census-Campaign-L-admin@rootsweb.com > > This list was set up to create a forum for those concerned with > obtaining access to Post 1901 Census records in Canada. It was not > intended that only myself and a few others post messages. Your > comments and questions are not only welcome, but invited. Please > feel free to post your messages. > > There are only two rules for this list -- NO FLAMES, and NO > INDIVIDUAL QUERIES OR LOOKUP REQUESTS. > > Please print and retain this message for future reference. > > 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 > > ______________________________ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Subject: [CCC-L] MPs Scoreboard updated. > Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 22:49:27 -0700 > From: "Gordon A. WATTS" <gordon_watts@telus.net> > To: CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com > > Greetings All. > > The MP's Scoreboard and Correspondence Logs on the Post 1901 Census > Project website have been updated. In the past week and a half > there has been more than 100 changes. Several update files were > sent tonight and I expect they will be loaded some time Monday > morning. > > Access the website at > > http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census > > Check how your MP feels about allowing access to Canada's Post 1901 > Census records after 92 years, as allowed under Regulations attached > to the Privacy Act. > > If your MP still has a blue question mark on the Scoreboard it is > because he/she has not responded to letters or email asking how they > would vote on a Bill to allow access to Post 1901 Census records, or > constituents receiving answers have not forwarded them to us. > > If you have had a response from your MP, stating a position on this > question that differs from that shown on the Scoreboard, please > forward a copy of that response to me at > > gordon_watts@telus.net > > Changes to the Scoreboard include a dated list of totals at the top > of the page. With the work done in the past two weeks I have > reached the point where I should be able to keep the Scoreboard > current with those responses sent to us. > > 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 the Albert-L, British Columbia, > Canada-Census-Campaign-L, 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. -- ----------------------------------------------------- Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/