LOIS SPARLING, a barrister and solicitor, from Alberta, Canada, has written and posted a very thought-provoking article re post-1901 census, our fight to have it released, the governmment's stand and viewpoints. Go to: <http://www.waynecook.com/simcoe.shtml> The lengthy article, with only one paragraph printed below, is found at <http://www.calcna.ab.ca/afhs/censuslaw.html> "Historians and genealogists study census returns for information about family groups, neighbourhoods and communities. It is the only primary source which places the individual in his or her family and community context. Historians and genealogists want the historic census returns to continue to be released to the public after a suitable period of secrecy, i.e., 92 years." Also available from the first site is Gordon Watts' THE MYTHS OF CENSUS. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

1826 UTC Sat 27 May 00 Muriel & Heather: Amen, Amen, Amen!!!! Spater... Liebe, 73, Caroll KC7TCK Dezort Massie 2 Grosh Avenue Dayton Nevada 89403-9304

Hi Jim. It seems to be an unfortunate truth that with a few exceptions we have had little luck in getting the media to pay much attention to our campaign. We do not have the name of a large organization that they would pay attention to. The only thing we can do is to keep trying. There is a possibility that with the report of the Expert Panel due within a few days there will be some media coverage of it and this would be a good time to consider letters supporting a hopefully positive report, or opposing a negative report. They might see fit to print the odd letter that dealt with something they had just reported about. I would not, however, hold my breath. Gordon ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim & Muriel Gambrel <jgambrel@mts.net> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 8:41 PM Subject: [CCC-L] Re: Newspapers > I have sent several E-mails to the Winnipeg Free Press and also to > the Winnipeg Sun, the last ones addressed to the Editors. I gave them > Muriel's E mail address, also the site address. > > I have never seen anything in the Winnipeg Free Press regarding the > Post 1901 Census, or all future census being destroyed, etc, etc. I > do not subscribe to the Sun, but never received a reply from either > paper. > > I don't understand why the newspapers are so slow on the take-up. It > is the right of the public to know what is happening re the census, > and I said this in my email to each editor. > > j gambrel > > >

I agree with Ross Bagley that many postings on this site about genetically inherited disease are not directly related to the campaign for the release of future census data. Let us keep in mind that census questions, past and current, do not collect detailed information on health conditions that can be used to identify specific diseases. Once you find family members by using the census, you can only trace genetically transmitted diseases if there are good medical records available or you can find accurate causes of death for them on death registers. Muriel has done an excellent job of identifying a possible potential use of census data and there is obviously a lot of interest in the topic. It would be a good idea to create a specific site for this concern rather than piggy-back on the Census-Campaign site. Ruth Dibbs.

To all -- and I have likely forgotten some Census Committee members:- Grab a piece of paper and pencil -- draw a circle -- color it Do not place any mark representing the centre of the circle Around the circle, mark above names in ANY order Turn the paper around a few times -- is there any one person heading this committee???? NO -- we are all working together -- some with more input than others -- one common goal -- release of census records. It had been hoped to have had French translation of memos to be sent to French language Members of Parliament and researchers in Quebec -- hopefully, we will be able to obtain a French-language member for the committee. We need the many French language people -- and they have a right to know what is being said -- not everyone reads English. Now that the Expert Panel report is about to be released, we will have to study it, abide by it -- and keep working! If Australia is able to release two lots of census records, now being prepared, surely the Canadian government can release ones that are already at National Archives and awaiting legislation. Keep the memos coming, please -- just because my name "always seems to be there" does not mean there is not room for others. It would be nice to have company -- Gordon will soon be back and there are many others -- we want to hear from ALL in the CIRCLE! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com.

FRENCH TRANSLATION OF MEMO REQUESTED -- TO BE FORWARDED TO FRENCH LANGUAGE RESEARCHERS -- Thanks! I have "Sent Page" to myself -- but as it becomes an attachment, will forward the URL --in both French and English languages. <http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/infosource/Info-Srce-Menu_e.html> You will have to scroll down, and eventually you will find Privacy and Access to Information files. Should you not have Adobe Acrobat Reader downloaded, it is very necessary to read these files -- a form of security. The other form is ZIP files -- as not every person has these accessibilities. Please let me know of any further errors -- I had been warned our CENSUS list was being monitored -- I had even been congratulated by Dr. Pamela White about the number of Genetically Inherited Diseases memos I continue to receive -- hope she was trying to tell us something positive!

The following has been copied from:- <http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/infosource/site_map_e.htm> Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> [Have fun!!!] The Access to Information Request Form and Personal Information Request Form can be used for making requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act respectively. For more information, see the brochures on these acts. These forms can be downloaded in the following formats: Word and WordPerfect These can be filled out on-screen and printed. Self-extracting zip files The above formats are also available in a compressed, zipped format for faster downloading time. To unzip these files, follow these instructions. Adobe Acrobat This can be printed and filled out by hand. (To view this, you will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from the Adobe web site.) Note: To download files you may need to hold the "shift" key while clicking. Access to Information Request Form Word 6.0 (214 KB) Word 6.0 self-extracting zip file (35 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 (146 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 self-extracting zip file (64 KB) Adobe Acrobat (17 KB) Personal Information Request Form Word 6.0 (214 KB) Word 6.0 self-extracting zip file (35 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 (124 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 self-extracting zip file (57 KB) Adobe Acrobat (17 KB) Instructions for unzipping self-extracting zip files Download and save the file. Go to the directory where your file is saved (using File Manager or Windows Explorer). Double-click on the file. A WinZip Self-Extractor window will appear. Type in the directory where you would like the unzipped file to be saved in the Unzip To Folder box. Select the Unzip button. Select Ok then Close. Open the unzipped file in your word processor from the directory where you saved it. =================== Adobe Acrobat is worth its "weight in gold" for many purposes!

The following has been copied from:- <http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/infosource/site_map_e.htm> Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> [Have fun!!!] The Access to Information Request Form and Personal Information Request Form can be used for making requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act respectively. For more information, see the brochures on these acts. These forms can be downloaded in the following formats: Word and WordPerfect These can be filled out on-screen and printed. Self-extracting zip files The above formats are also available in a compressed, zipped format for faster downloading time. To unzip these files, follow these instructions. Adobe Acrobat This can be printed and filled out by hand. (To view this, you will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from the Adobe web site.) Note: To download files you may need to hold the "shift" key while clicking. Access to Information Request Form Word 6.0 (214 KB) Word 6.0 self-extracting zip file (35 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 (146 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 self-extracting zip file (64 KB) Adobe Acrobat (17 KB) Personal Information Request Form Word 6.0 (214 KB) Word 6.0 self-extracting zip file (35 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 (124 KB) WordPerfect 6.1 self-extracting zip file (57 KB) Adobe Acrobat (17 KB) Instructions for unzipping self-extracting zip files Download and save the file. Go to the directory where your file is saved (using File Manager or Windows Explorer). Double-click on the file. A WinZip Self-Extractor window will appear. Type in the directory where you would like the unzipped file to be saved in the Unzip To Folder box. Select the Unzip button. Select Ok then Close. Open the unzipped file in your word processor from the directory where you saved it. =================== Adobe Acrobat is worth its "weight in gold" for many purposes!

Muriel : I called INFORMATION CANADA for the address of HRDC and was informed that the information I was seeking I had to submit it directly to the ACCESS OFFICE and not HRDC - I asked if the address to the HRDC was a state secret but got no reply, INFO CANADA have been directed to funnel all requests to ACCESS OFFICE directly. WHY ????? Frank McKERRY mckerry@home.com ========================================== Hi Frank:- Mr. John Bryden had to "dilute" his Access to Information Bill C-206, and although he is a member of the Liberal Party, it seems there is a lot of "talking in the back rooms" -- he does not ever expect to get his Access to Information Bill passed. If passed, it would open up much of the information Jane Stewart and the Liberal government have on us -- Sorry, Lorna, that is how I feel!! I sincerely believe they do not want US (the ones who vote) to know what we know about ourselves. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> ============================================ Hi Muriel, Just following the thread of this message FYI Info Source has "Access to Information Request Form" online at the following: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/infosource/info_6%20(atip%20coords,%20impl- rprts,%20forms)/Request-Frms_e.html When I downloaded it it went into Microsoft Word as a template which you can type in your information and reuse it for multiple requests...very simple...you don't have to go to library to get it. for more info go to: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/infosource/site_map_e.html and http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/infosource/Info-Srce-Menu_e.html regards Viv <vmk@telus.net>

Forwarded by Jack Hebert -- with thanks <davidson3542@home.com> ====================== LONDON (Reuters) - A consortium of international scientists has identified the gene that causes a rare female hereditary disease in a finding that could promote better detection and understanding of the illness. Incontinentia pigmenti (IP), which is known also as Block-Siemens-Suizerger Syndrome, affects about one in 10,000 women. Males with the illness usually die before birth. Because it causes a variety of symptons, ranging from unusual skin rashes and eye and teeth problems to strokes and seizures in severe cases, it is often misdiagnosed. Scientists from Britain, Italy, France, Germany, and the U.S. have not only traced the illness to a damaged gene called NEMO on the X chromosome but have figured out how the mutation is caused. "Identification of this gene is a major breakthrough for diagnosing as well as understanding the cause if IP.", said Dr. Sue Kenwrick, a member of the International Incontinentia Pigmenti Consortium. ================================ That's it. Jack Hebert <coraliehebert@hotmail.com>

To all:- I am sharing this bit of personal history with all, about a young man who became a member of the United States Navy medical corpsmen. Edward was attached to First Marines Division in Korea and the USS BENFOLD site has the complete story, BUT NOT HIS PHOTO. Edward (Teddy) attended school in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, but later moved with his mother to Camden Heights, New Jersey. He was first buried in Arlington Cemetery, then moved to Beverly Veterans Cemetery - a special section for those who received Medal of Honor. As he "fitted in" between brother #2 and #3 -- he was part of my family. Check <http://www.benfold.navy.mil/> Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

To all committee members and members of the CENSUS list:- I am issuing A CHALLENGE to one and all -- plus spouses -- to check and see what the government knows about you!!! I did one time -- and was shocked -- yet we cannot learn what data is on census records. Let us know when you receive your replies -- we DO NOT WANT TO LEARN YOUR INFORMATION -- but we would like to know the residents of Canada are very interested. Pick up your Personal Information Request forms as below!! Also are replies as given to one writer and addresses. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> [Doug Joudrey and I discussed this challenge via telephone this evening -- he agreed to A CHALLENGE! Hi Muriel; I need help! Which Federal Govt. Institution should I fill in on this Form (see step 1) requesting personal information about myself ? Mel:- As there has been too much about Human Resources mentioned, I would definitely state that one. Frankly I would be tempted to send more than one form, which I plan to do --- to addresses given by Mr. John Bryden, MP and Senator Colin Kenny. (2) What information should I be requesting? Mel:- As you must use your S.I.N. number, which can belong to only YOU, I would request EVERYTHING found under that number. The information belongs to you!!! I forget where I wrote, but I even learned how many bank accounts I had, what investments, my mother born in Maine. Thank you, Mel R. Andress P.S. Is this appropriate Form? Sorry -- about this question -- I am picking up a form tomorrow, the library said "Personal Information Request" -- I will know better tomorrow. This advice came from Murray Calder's office. ====================================== From:- John Bryden MP <brydenmp@interlynx.net><brydej@parl.gc.ca> As requested - here's where people can write to request the information about them that is in the HRDC database. Citizens need to include their NAME, ADDRESS and S.I.N. number and write to: Access to Information and Privacy Co-ordinator - HRDC Place du Portage Phase IV, Level 1 140 Promenade du Portage Hull, Que K1A 0J9 Terri Shewfelt Constituency Assistant Office -- Mr. John Bryden, MP ====================================== From:- Senator Colin Kenny's office In response to your request I have been able to get the following information. Access to Information Commissioner's Office 112 Kent Street, 22nd Floor Ottawa, ON K1A 1H3 Tel: 995-2410 Commissioner- Mr. John Reid Hope that helps! Tara Hughes Special Assistant to Senator Colin Kenny The Senate of Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4 Tel: (613) 943-3187 Fax: (613) 996-3737 ========================================= I have received many e-mails requesting WHERE one can obtain Personal Information forms -- after we all learned Hon. Jane Stewart of Human Resources had a huge database on all Canadians, dead or alive. Mr. John Bryden, MP, presently has Bill C-206 before the House of Commons -- he had to change some of it -- and I am waiting to receive the changes. We all want to know what Jane Stewart has about us -- when we cannot access the 1911 Canadian census records. Mr. Murray Calder's office phoned early this morning with great news:- It does not matter if you do or do not hold a Public Library card. Go to Information at the nearest large library, ask for the forms. Complete and mail -- address is on the form. Brampton Public Library has these forms, as does Orangeville, a smaller community. Wish all luck in finding out what the government knows about us! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Read about Access to Information & Bill C-206 <http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html>

Hi Muriel ~~ I don't know where you picked this up, but it does make one pause..... Thanks for sharing. Heather

Someone dared to complain about Michael J. Fox & Parkinson's Disease - on ONTARIO-L@rootsweb.com list To Ross Bagley:- You may be surprised how many people are interested in Genetically Inherited Diseases -- which COULD obtain the release of the post-1901 census records for your genealogy. Parkinson's Disease, as I wrote it, is not a charity -- BUT even you could be diagnosed with it -- but hopefully not at 28, as Michael J. Fox was. Also, census records are part of genealogy and family history -- I do not care how much is raised for the research foundation -- but I would like to know there might be a cure, in time. The ONTARIO list is generally one that stays "on topic" -- yours is the first complaint. The Delete key is below the Insert key. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Canadian Census Release Committee member Ross Bagley wrote: Why is this being posted to this site. This is a genealogical site to be used for the discussion of genealogy, not to push your favorite charity no matter how well intended. Discussion groups soon lose serious members if e-mails continue to go off topic. Lets keep it related to genealogy. Ross Bagley bagley.wray@sympatico.ca > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Muriel M. Davidson" <davidson3542@home.com> > To: <ONTARIO-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 1:31 PM > Subject: [ONT] Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research ===================== Be my guest -- let the writer know that census and genetically inherited diseases are part of family history/genealogy. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

And the U.K. GRO is already carrying out indexing of the 1891 and 1901 Censuses but these will certainly not be available until 2001 and 2002 respectively.! It really makes you wander! Well it does me since I came across the Canadian plan! AnnMcClean. Cc: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: 26 May 2000 15:38 Subject: Re: Destruction of Canadian censuses/Aust census > I have just read in the June issue of "Family Tree Magazine" > and I quote: > > "Exciting News! The census Act Amendment bill has passed through > the Senate. That means that we have saved the next Australian census > for posterity. This will be the first Australian national census ever > retained in some 200 years" > > From a letter written by Nick Vine Hall, Chairman, Census Working Party. > > Food for thought, I think? > > So if Australia has seen sense, why on earth are the Canadian politicians > trying to destroy the census records? Makes you wander what they're > afraid of being found!

I have just read in the June issue of "Family Tree Magazine" and I quote: "Exciting News! The census Act Amendment bill has passed through the Senate. That means that we have saved the next Australian census for posterity. This will be the first Australian national census ever retained in some 200 years" >From a letter written by Nick Vine Hall, Chairman, Census Working Party. Food for thought, I think? So if Australia has seen sense, why on earth are the Canadian politicians trying to destroy the census records? Makes you wander what they're afraid of being found! Regards, Ann McClean. Subject: Re: Destruction of Canadian censuses/Aust census > Hi there Ann, > Just as a by-the-way, I understand that the Australian government destroys > their census records as soon as they have extracted whatever data they > require for planning/demographics/whatever. > My genealogist's heart cringes.... > Evanie C > > > this last paragraph in your posting > is rather disturbing: > > > > > > canadian government is currently planning on destroying all censuses > > > after 1901. these censuses will not just be locked away..they will be > > > destroyed. > > ______________________________

Hello Muriel Since you have such a good idea, let's take it all of the way. Why not get a counterpart in Australia and England? I have seen many inquires come from those two countries. Lets get them behind this movement. STAND AND BE COUNTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what it is going to take to get the census released. Have a good week end Barbara ============================================ To all who have read the United Nations memo and OUR rights to have access to OUR census records, memos were requested to be sent to Barbara Marrs <bmarrs@uswest.net> and copy to me. We have truly gone INTERNATIONAL -- as the one who suggested this lives in Canada, Barbara is in United States. Is there anyone who will volunteer from Australia and England, and other countries -- ANY LANGUAGE with English translation will be accepted. Barbara has already received memos -- will save these to disk, then they will all be put together as one HUGE submission. As it is international, it will have to go to Senator Lorna Milne. Should anyone start a submission re Canadian Charter of Rights, that could go to House of Commons, if from Canadians. We all want the census records to research our families -- As Barbara said -- STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!!!! Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>

Muriel: Did you watch any of the moving ceremonies today? At one point, one speaker mentioned the historic significance of this event, families having closure, knowing where their loved ones are buried, etc. I can't quote the exact words but the inference was that every human being deserves to be remembered and their history recorded. Certainly is another bullet for the arsenal being assembled. Gwen Christie <pgchristie@ns.sympatico.ca>

Welcome to your new post in Ottawa. I would like to make sure that you will be voting "YES" for the release of the Post 1901 Canadian Census when it comes to a vote. It appears that there are those that will deny the ordinary Canadian citizens the right to delve into our family history by destroying all Census' after 1901. Would you like to deny your children the right to gather information on your family history too? I sure hope not. I, for one, would like to obtain information on my father's mother and until I can view the 1911 Census, I have my hands tied. My father, who is 85 years old, is the only son born to my grandmother and she died in 1942 leaving no solid information. My father has never had the luxury of knowing or having any family members and I would like to give him back his family before he passes away. Please help me do that for my father. PLEASE, PLEASE LISTEN TO THOSE OF US DOING FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH. OUR VOICES DO NOT SEEM TO BE LOUD ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE TO HEAR US. Adele Turner #67 - 1947 Purcell Way North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H4 (604) 987-5137 aturner@axionet.com

Dear Mr. Hill: My name is Jack Hebert, and I live in Taylor, B.C., which is in your riding. I respectfully submit the following for your information and consideration, and, hopefully, action: There is a campaign going on to persuade the Canadian Government to release post 1901 censuses after a reasonable length of time - of 92 years is the norm. Our government, at the moment, leans toward not releasing them - ever, and indeed, seems bent on destroying them altogether. The non-release or destruction of these census records would rob all Canadians, and others who have Canadian roots, of access to their family heritage and history. I suspect Mr. Phillips is concerned that if census records were released, the information contained in them would be used unscrupulously, but I submit that no one is interested in any but their own family. A Mr. Gordon Watts, whose e-mail adress is above, is one of a committee spearheading this campaign, and has submitted a substantial presentation to the "Expert Panel" that has been convened to consider this matter. Mrs. Muriel Davidson, whose e-mail address is also above, has submitted a presentation concerning genetically inherited diseases and defects. You might consider contacting these people to get copies of their submissions. I really think it would be in your best interests, as in mine, to lend your support to this worthwhile campaign. Incidentally, I just very recently discovered that my wife has inherited two G.I.D.'s - diabetes, and some sort of retinal degeneration that is causing her to go blind. I, myself, was born with a condition called strabismus (cross-eye), and since it was not corrected by surgery in time, it caused a condition called amblyopia (a blind spot in the crooked eye to compensate for double vision.) I not only think it would be of medical interest for research, and therefore family records as contained in the censuses, but I hereby feel I would be remiss if I did not demand that access. I do not know if you have any interest in your own family history, but you just might have a G.I.D. in your family tree that you don't even know about - yet. It is an undeniable truth that our roots helped make us what and who we are, and to deny Canadians the right to delve into their past family history is not only a sacrilege, but a downright crime. Thank you for your consideration, Jack Hebert <coraliehebert@hotmail.com>