Hello Laurie:- Rootsweb has been playing tricks on us -- List5 was down, so now the postings received are a "mixed bag" -- old ones plus newly posted memos. Jeff Paul's posting was about S-18 being introduced in the Senate on Nov.2, sponsored by Senator Lorna Milne. We will continue to receive old and new messages until Rootsweb has cleared the problems. Muriel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laurie Patterson" <lauriep@netrover.com> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 11:57 AM Subject: Jeff Paul's post on Nov 1 > I'm wondering if I am missing something, because a week ago on Nov. 1, Jeff > Paul posted the following: > > "I would encourage everyone to check their email regularly tomorrow after > 2:00pm." > > To date I have not seen any reference to this, or anything that appeared to > be what this post was referring to. Does anyone have any knowledge of what > this was about? > > Laurie Patterson > > ______________________________

Greetings All. FYI. I have posted on the Post 1901 Census Project website extracts from Hansard for Second Reading of Bill S-18. The major speaker in Wednesdays debate was Senator Gerald J. Comeau who has lived up to his well deserved RED X of opposition to the access we seek for Historic Census. He obviously does not go along with the leadership of his party, the Conservative Party of Canada, who have expressed support for that access. I have not yet counted up his many, many references to promises or the breaking of promises but I intend to. We obviously have not got through to him that NO PROMISE has ever been made that confidentiality of information provided to Census would last FOREVER. No such 'promise' exists now, nor has one ever existed. No one has been able to provide a single piece of documented evidence that any such promise was ever made. Not the Chief Statistician, not the former Privacy Commissioners, nor any of a number of parliamentarians that insist on referring to such a 'promise'. One wonders what part of "NO SUCH PROMISE WAS EVER MADE" do they not understand? I have several times challenged those who insist on making references to 'promises' of confidentiality that lasts 'forever'. I have asked them to 'Show me the promise'. I am still waiting. In response to someone who questioned why Senator Comeau opposed the access we seek he stated: "I have no objection whatsoever to release the 1911 census if in fact the current laws on the book dictate that the release is authorized". His speech in the Senate Wednesday certainly does not support this statement. Senator Comeau has been advised several times, as have all Senators and MPs that existing legislation makes specific provisions for access to information obtained through Census or Survey, by any person or body, 92 years after collection. They have been quoted chapter and verse regarding clauses in the Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Privacy Regulations that authourize that access. The Honourable Senator Comeau has chosen to ignore the information provided to him. I will not elaborate further here regarding Senator Comeau's speech to the Senate. Read it for yourself. I do NOT suggest that anyone write to the Honourable Senator Comeau berating him for his position -- you are unlikely to change his position. Should anyone feel absolutely compelled to write him I urge them to be polite and respectful. Do not let emotions run away with you, and do not be abusive. Be factual in the information you provide to counter the points he makes in his speech. Further Hansard extracts of the Bill S-18 debate in the Senate will be posted as soon as they become available. Happy Hunting Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-chair Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f Permission to forward without notice is granted

Salutations à tous. Comme je le fais à l'occasion, je tiens à rappeler à tous d'être poli et respectueux dans leur correspondance aux députés et aux sénateurs. Nous recherchons leur appui à notre cause. Nous voulons leur demander ce soutien, non pas l'exiger. Si notre message sonne exigeant, insolent ou même insultant, nous obtiendrons le contraire de ce que nous voulons. Personnellement, lorsqu'un interlocuteur s'addresse à moi d'une telle façon, je suis porté à tourner le dos à ses demandes. Les politiciens à qui nous écrivons réagissent de la même manière dans un tel cas. Il y existe maintes façon d'expliquer sa pensée sans offenser les autres. Restez-en aux faits quand vous expliquez votre position. Soyez clair dans votre demande. Dans l'absence d'une réponse immédiate, rappellez-vous qu'il y a en d'autres qui écrivent à votre interlocuteur et ce, pour toutes sortes de raisons différentes. Accordez leur du temps pour vous répondre. Même si vous ne recevez pas de réponse ou d'accusé-réception dans une période de temps raisonable, il ne faut pas s'énerver et devenir insolent. Envoyer une nouvelle lettre, polie et respectueuse pour demander une réponse à votre correspondance originale. Si vous ne recevez toujours pas de réponse, laissez tomber. Plusieurs députés et sénateurs ne répondent qu'aux électeurs de leur comté. Plusieurs membres du Cabinet accusent réception de nos lettres mais ne répondent jamais aux questions que nous leur posons. Ce sont les faits. Ils sont, peut-être, frustrants, mais il n'y a rien à gagner à se facher pour quelque chose hors de notre contrôle. Ceci dit, dernièrement, nous recevons des réponses à nos lettres plus positives que par le passé. D'ailleurs, depuis les dernières élections, nous avons ajouté 62 nouvelles marques en or, portant le total à 201. S'il-vous-plaît, rappeler vous les deux règles de base pour vos lettres: soyez poli et respectueux. Bonne chasse. Gordon A. Watts <mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net>gordon_watts@telus.net Co-président Comité du recensement canadien Port Coquitlam, BC <http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census>http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en français <http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Index_f>http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Index_f Distribution permise Gilbert Provost Membre pour le Québec Comité du recensement canadien ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Greetings All. > >As I do occasionally I once again remind everyone that when writing to >MPs and Senators we must be polite and respectful. We are seeking their >support for what we seek. We want to request that support -- not demand >it. > >If our messages come through as demanding, rude and/or insulting we will >achieve the exact opposite of what we wish. I know that if someone >comes on to me in such a manner I am more likely than not to be turned >away from what is being sought of me. The politicians to whom we write >are no different than we are in that respect. > >There are many ways of putting our points across without being obnoxious >about it. Be factual about the information you wish to provide them. >Be clear about what it is you seek. If you do not receive an immediate >response to your message remind yourself that you are not the only one >contacting them. They have many different people contacting them for >many different reasons. > >Give them some time to respond. If you do not receive a response, or at >least an acknowledgement of receipt in a reasonable period of time do >not get upset and do not get snarky about it. Send them another polite, >respectful note requesting a response to your original message. If you >still do not get any response, forget about it. Many MPs and Senators >will not respond to anyone not living within their constituency riding. >Many Cabinet Members will acknowledge our messages but will not answer >the questions we ask. These are facts. They are frustrating facts >perhaps, but there is little point in getting angry about something that >we can do nothing about. > >After saying all this, lately we have been getting a better response >from our messages than we have had for some time. Most of the responses >we have been getting have been positive -- since the election we had >added 62 new Gold Ticks, bringing the total to date up to 201 > >Please remember the two basic points of my message, at all times - be >polite - be respectful. > >Happy Hunting. > >Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net >Co-chair Canada Census Committee >Port Coquitlam, BC > >http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census >en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f Gilbert Provost Genealogy, Ships and Wines http://www.reach.net/~sc001198 Outgoing mail scanned by Norton Anti-virus

<color><param>0100,0100,0100</param>For those following the progress of Bill S-18, the Order/Notice Paper and Latest Debates are updated daily in English at http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/index.asp?Language=E&Parl=36&ses=1 et en français http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/index.asp?Language=F&Parl=36&ses=1 On the Order Paper today, Wednesday November 17th; GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Bills No. 1. November 16, 2004—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Milne, seconded by the Honourable Senator Losier-Cool, for the second reading of Bill S-18, An Act to amend the Statistics Act. In a message sent while the list was down I listed the milestones (copied below). The Honorable Senators and our freshly elected MPs need encourgment to support Bill S-18 as it works its way though the system. Regards, Leland Harvie Halifax, Nova Scotia ------- Forwarded message follows ------- </color>From: <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>"Leland Harvie" <<lharvie@ca.inter.net></color> To: <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com</color> Date sent: <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>Sat, 6 Nov 2004 09:45:10 -0400</color> Priority: <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>normal</color> Copies to: <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>nsroots@ednet.ns.ca</color> <bold>Subject: <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>[nsroots] Second Reading of Bill S-18 delayed at least until Nov.</bold></color> <bold> <color><param>0000,0000,8000</param>16th</bold></color> The Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, November 16, 2004, at 2 p.m. The status of the Bill S-18, An Act to ammend the Statistics Act can be tracked at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills.asp?Language=E There are still many steps. Yesterday I wrote to my MP, the Hon. Geoff Regan specifically requesting his support for Bill S-18 when it is introduced in the House of Commons. It will be interesting in the debates to see where some honourable members really stand on the issue. Bill S-18 An Act to amend the Statistics Act Senate 1st Reading November 2, 2004 Debate(s) at 2nd Reading 2nd Reading Committee Committee Meeting(s) Committee Report Debate(s) at Report Stage Report Stage Debate(s) at 3rd Reading 3rd Reading House of Commons 1st Reading Debate(s) at 2nd Reading 2nd Reading Committee Committee Meeting(s) Committee Report Debate(s) at Report Stage Report Stage Debate(s) at 3rd Reading 3rd Reading Royal Assent: Statutes of Canada: In Force: This bill comes into force when it receives Royal Assent. ___________________________________________ nsroots mailing list nsroots@ednet.ns.ca http://mailman.ednet.ns.ca/cgi-bin/listinfo/nsroots <color><param>0100,0100,0100</param>------- End of forwarded message ------- <nofill>

Greetings All. As I do occasionally I once again remind everyone that when writing to MPs and Senators we must be polite and respectful. We are seeking their support for what we seek. We want to request that support -- not demand it. If our messages come through as demanding, rude and/or insulting we will achieve the exact opposite of what we wish. I know that if someone comes on to me in such a manner I am more likely than not to be turned away from what is being sought of me. The politicians to whom we write are no different than we are in that respect. There are many ways of putting our points across without being obnoxious about it. Be factual about the information you wish to provide them. Be clear about what it is you seek. If you do not receive an immediate response to your message remind yourself that you are not the only one contacting them. They have many different people contacting them for many different reasons. Give them some time to respond. If you do not receive a response, or at least an acknowledgement of receipt in a reasonable period of time do not get upset and do not get snarky about it. Send them another polite, respectful note requesting a response to your original message. If you still do not get any response, forget about it. Many MPs and Senators will not respond to anyone not living within their constituency riding. Many Cabinet Members will acknowledge our messages but will not answer the questions we ask. These are facts. They are frustrating facts perhaps, but there is little point in getting angry about something that we can do nothing about. After saying all this, lately we have been getting a better response from our messages than we have had for some time. Most of the responses we have been getting have been positive -- since the election we had added 62 new Gold Ticks, bringing the total to date up to 201 Please remember the two basic points of my message, at all times - be polite - be respectful. Happy Hunting. Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-chair Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f

I am happy to see the our government has finally seen fit (assuming that the new Bill S-18 is passed, which it should with ease) to commit to continuing to release all censuses to date after 92 years, just as they have done in the past. It is a shame it has taken this long and this much effort to achieve what has always been the law and therefore should have been done all along. I am, however, very disappointed to see that the "informed consent" clause is still proposed to be implemented on censuses from 2006 onward. and it is even worse that the respondent must "opt in" (check a box) in order for his/her information to be released. In the first place, it is a shame that much historical data will be permanently lost to future historians and genealogists because of this provision. Release of all census information after such a long time is no threat to anyone. I would certainly hope that common sense will prevail and that we will see an amendment proposed and carried that would remove this clause. If it is decided that a choice box is absolutely necessary, I would much rather that the respondent be required to check it only if he/she specifically does NOT want the information released. Sealing of this information should not occur by default as it is very easy to miss filling out a small check box that is part of a larger response form. I feel very sorry for the person who, in 2098 or later, is looking in the 2006+ censuses to try to find out who were his/her grandparents (this could be you) who may have been born as early as 1915, only to realize that grandpa and grandma, or their parents, forgot to check the box allowing future access. Further, in the Questions and Answers page relating to Bill S-18, it is stated as follows: Q: What happens to my information if I answer "no" to the consent question? A: If you answer no or leave the consent question blank, your information will never be made publicly accessible. Q: What happens if I change my mind and decide not to release my information? A: It is important that you carefully consider the question before you respond to ensure that it reflects your views. However, should you decide to change your response, Statistics Canada will accept any such request." How fair or logical is it that one can, at some later date, decide to reverse an earlier decision to release his/her census information, but the same person cannot, at some later date, decide to reverse an earlier decision not to release his/her census information (information that may have been provided on his behalf when he/she was only one year old)? Fortunately, this provision does not appear in the proposed Bill and will likely therefore be only a Regulation, which should be much easier to change. On the more positive side, I notice that the Statistics Canada press release announcing this new bill promises that "Statistics Canada, in conjunction with Library and Archives Canada, will, as part of the 2006 Census public communications campaign, encourage Canadians to allow future access to their census records to preserve Canada's history for future generations." Also, on the Question and Answer page, they state: Q: Why would I want to make my personal information accessible in 92 years? A: If you choose to make your name-identified census information available, you will make a valuable contribution to preserving Canada's history for future generations. It boggles the mind that Statistics Canada would on one hand "encourage Canadians to allow future access to their census records" in order to "preserve Canada's history for future generations" and on the other hand would continue to inhibit the full release of census information by insisting on the "informed consent" clause. However, if implemented properly (I think we will have to rely on Library and Archives Canada to ensure that this happens, not Statistics Canada), this government encouragement should help to ensure as large a positive response as possible. I hope that this is well publicized, that the encouragement is strong and prominent, and that it is also printed on the form itself. The fight is not quite over until Bill S-18 is passed. Hopefully there will be at least one amendment deleting the "informed consent" clause, but we may have to hold our collective noses and accept the Bill as it stands, in order to avoid the possibility of further delays in, or even never, obtaining access to any further censuses. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all of those responsible for helping to obtain ongoing access to Canadian censuses and, in this case, an improved Bill. I would especially like to thank Senator Lorna Milne, who has led the fight in Parliament, Honourable David Emerson, who has acted quickly to resolve this matter, and Gordon Watts, who has worked so hard and so effectively over the past several years to achieve our goals. Gordon Berdahl A reminder that we are seeking your thoughts about Bill S-18. Full details about this new Census Bill are available at the Post 1901 Census Project website at www.globalgenealogy.com/Census . Briefly, this Bill would provide full, unrestricted public access after 92 years, with no added conditions or restrictions, for Censuses from 1911 to 2001. For Censuses from 2006 and later it would impose an 'informed consent' clause that would require each respondent to the Census to give permission for their information to be released 92 years later. There is a provision that would require a review of the effect of the 'informed consent' clause after two Censuses had been conducted. When sending us your opinions please copy in Senator Milne at paulj@sen.parl.gc.ca

Greetings All. In a review of the current list of Senators I found that a number have retired in the past six months, or are about to retire this month, and one has resigned. Those Senators that have retired or resigned are Senators Ed Lawson (BC), D. Roche (AB), R. Kroft (MB), J-R Gauthier (ON), G. Beaudoin (QC), B. Robertson (NB), and E. Rossiter (PEI). Retiring this month are Laurier LaPierre (ON) and Yves Morin. There are currently 13 vacancies for Senators. I have updated the Senator's Scoreboard to reflect these changes. The Scoreboard Totals have been brought up-to-date as well. A reminder that we are seeking your thoughts about Bill S-18. Full details about this new Census Bill are available at the Post 1901 Census Project website at www.globalgenealogy.com/Census . Briefly, this Bill would provide full, unrestricted public access after 92 years, with no added conditions or restrictions, for Censuses from 1911 to 2001. For Censuses from 2006 and later it would impose an 'informed consent' clause that would require each respondent to the Census to give permission for their information to be released 92 years later. There is a provision that would require a review of the effect of the 'informed consent' clause after two Censuses had been conducted. When sending us your opinions please copy in Senator Milne at paulj@sen.parl.gc.ca Happy Hunting. Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-chair Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f Permission to forward without notice is granted

To all:- Did I hear a very loud HOORAY when the Canada-Census- Campaign lists appeared for the first time today. Much has been mised, but we did our best via available mail lists and the Canada Census Committee. Due to a lot of hard work, our positive Members of Parliament now total 200 -- with more replies expected when Parliament resumes on Tuesday. Re the Canada Census Committee -- "something" happened to the Address Book -- and if anyone is receiving postings from both the Canada-Census-Campaign lists and prefer not to do so, please let me know. The total, if correct, is now 62 on the committee list, plus Friends. One thing I have requested of a number of committee members, is to post a shortened version of Gordon Watts' column to all Members of Parliament and Senators, including Senator Lorna Milne -- so she can see what I was doing. I did receive a phone call from our only RED X person (Ontario) who stated he did not have the copy of Bill S-18 at home (he had it sent to him). PETITIONS -- Many more needed -- at present for the Senate, where Bill S-18 has already had First Reading on Nov. 2nd. Let's get the colour schemes changed on both Senate and House of Commons scoreboards, http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Senscore1.htm http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index6.htm http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index.htm Muriel M. Davidson muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca Co-chair, Canada Census Committee

I haven't received any emails for a few days. Is something wrong?

Greetings All. FYI. I have posted my latest Post 1901 Census column and it is now online at: http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazce/gazce108.htm This issue provides information on Bill S-18 - An Act to Amend the Statistics Act. It includes the Bill itself, a personal message and a news release from Senator Lorna Milne, and a news release from Statistics Canada. It also includes clauses from the existing Statistics Act that are referred to in the new Bill. Your comments regarding Bill S-18 are invited. Please send them to myself at gordon_watts@telus.net or Muriel M. Davidson at muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca . When sending your comments to us please copy in Senator Lorna Milne at paulj@sen.parl.gc.ca . Rootsweb is still experiencing problems with listserver5 which houses the Canada-Census-Campaign and many other mail list. There is no indication at this time when they will be back online. To keep updated on the situation read the information in the yellow block at http://helpdesk.rootsweb.com/ Happy Hunting Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-chair Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f Permission to forward without notice is granted

I'm wondering if I am missing something, because a week ago on Nov. 1, Jeff Paul posted the following: "I would encourage everyone to check their email regularly tomorrow after 2:00pm." To date I have not seen any reference to this, or anything that appeared to be what this post was referring to. Does anyone have any knowledge of what this was about? Laurie Patterson

Subject: Remembrance Day "A Pittance of Time" Greetings All. As November 11 is approaching a number of mail lists to which I normally send Post 1901 Census messages are experiencing problems and are offline. It is hoped that these problems will soon be resolved so that this message might be viewed in a timely manner. The following URL was sent to me by someone who normally only sends me jokes. I accessed the website by the URL provided and read the opening page. As I viewed the video and listened to the song I found tears coming to my eyes. We hope soon to have access to the 1911 Census of Canada. Many enumerated at that time went to fight in World War I. Many did not return to be enumerated in the following Census. They died so that the rest of us could live a better life -- so that we would not have to live under a regime that might otherwise have been forced upon us. Many others have fought and died in other wars so that we might enjoy the life we have today. November 11 is Remembrance Day. I urge all to access the website below. Watch the video and listen to the song. Let us not forget those who have gone before us, or those who still fight for the freedom we enjoy today. http://www.army.gc.ca/chief_land_staff/remembrance/English/Home.asp Lest we forget. Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-chair Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f Permission to forward without notice is granted

The Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, November 16, 2004, at 2 p.m. The status of the Bill S-18, An Act to ammend the Statistics Act can be tracked at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills.asp?Language=E There are still many steps. Yesterday I wrote to my MP, the Hon. Geoff Regan specifically requesting his support for Bill S-18 when it is introduced in the House of Commons. It will be interesting in the debates to see where some honourable members really stand on the issue. Bill S-18 An Act to amend the Statistics Act Senate 1st Reading November 2, 2004 Debate(s) at 2nd Reading 2nd Reading Committee Committee Meeting(s) Committee Report Debate(s) at Report Stage Report Stage Debate(s) at 3rd Reading 3rd Reading House of Commons 1st Reading Debate(s) at 2nd Reading 2nd Reading Committee Committee Meeting(s) Committee Report Debate(s) at Report Stage Report Stage Debate(s) at 3rd Reading 3rd Reading Royal Assent: Statutes of Canada: In Force: This bill comes into force when it receives Royal Assent.

To all:- Senator Lorna Milne presented Bill S-18 on November 2nd -- an unrestrictive Bill which, if passed in both Houses of Parliament, will ensure automatic transfer of records from 1911 to 2001. The following site will give all the information to describe Bill S-18. http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/S18milnenews.htm Bill S-18 can be supported by signatures on petitions. Thanks to Gordon Watts for posting the above site. Muriel M. Davidson muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca Co-Chair, Canada Census committee Brampton, NS -- formerly Nova Scotia

Hello Diana:- As a Co-Chair of the Canada Census Committee, we know that Executive Assistants CANNOT vote and we also know the ins and outs of the many Bills -- Bill S-18 was presented in the Senate, but we would like the opinion of the elected Member of Parliament before the Bill reaches the House of Commons. We know the legislation has to be passed - also Bill S-18 will eliminate many of the problems caused by Stats Canada. Could the ELECTED Member of Parliament please respond? Muriel M. Davidson muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kadis, Susan - M.P." <Kadis.S@parl.gc.ca> To: "Muriel M. Davidson" <muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca> Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 3:42 PM Subject: RE: Hoping You will change your GREEN to GOLD Dear Ms Davidson, On behalf of Susan Kadis, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-amil correspondence. As you are no doubt aware, on November 2nd the government proposed new legislation to amend the Statistic Act that will enable access to both past and future census records. It provides access to historical census records for the period 1911 to 2001 inclusive, 92 years after each census. The 1911 Census records will be released once the legislation has been passed. The legislation is a balance between meeting the legitimate interests of genealogists and historians while continuing to put all appropriate safeguards in place to protect the privacy of individuals. Sincerely, Daria Bradbury Executive Assistant -----Original Message----- From: Muriel M. Davidson [mailto:muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca] Sent: November 3, 2004 2:06 PM To: Kadis, Susan - M.P. Subject: Hoping You will change your GREEN to GOLD To Ms. Susan Kadis - MP, Thornhill riding Yesterday Senator Lorna Milne announced there will be a new Bill -- S-18 for release of the 1911 census records. We have waited for this new Bill, which has no restrictions, and sincerely hope you will be in favour of the Bill when it reaches the House of Commons. Your message board may be seen at http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Score3.htm#ON [Click on your name at the left] Also, I am not one of your constituents, but as Co-Chair of the Canada Census Committee, remain unpolitical but work for Senator Lorna Milne - collecting petitions and writing to Members of Parliament and the Senate of Canada who do not have the glowing GOLD symbol. Will you consider changing the GREEN symbol to GOLD? If so, it would be appreciated very much. Muriel M. Davidson muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee Brampton, ON

Well Folks it took me since September but I finally received my answer from D Kramp to day. He says he and his party are in favour of the census release after 92 years. Whoopee Carol (tweetybird) Home page:<http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~tweetybirdgenealogy/> Visit my home page for "Home Children" information and other "world wide" links plus various passenger lists. Family Tree; <http://www.tweetybirdfamily.bravehost.com/> Searching : Hart, Haslip, Jackson, Stevens, Little, Budge, Chipman, Welch, Russell, Johns & Glover

The text of Bill S-18 at first reading is available on-line at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/38/1/parlbus/chambus/house/bills/government/S-18/S-18_1/ContentsE.html In other Senate business from Wednesday.... Debates of the Senate (Hansard) 1st Session, 38th Parliament, Volume 142, Issue 12 Wednesday, November 3, 2004 The Honourable Dan Hays, Speaker Access to Census Information Presentation of Petition Hon. Lorna Milne: Honourable senators, I have the honour to present 1,432 signatures from Canadians in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia who are researching their ancestry, as well as signatures from 317 people from 13 states of the United States and one from South Africa who are researching their Canadian roots. A total of 1,750 people are petitioning the following: Your Petitioners call upon Parliament to take whatever steps necessary to retroactively amend the Confidentiality- Privacy clauses of Statistics Acts since 1906, to allow release to the public after a reasonable period of time, of post-1901 Census reports starting with the 1906 Census. Including the 20,987 signatures I presented to the Thirty- seventh Parliament and over 6,000 signatures I presented to the Thirty-sixth Parliament, I have presented petitions with over 28,737 signatures all calling for immediate action on this very important matter of Canadian history.

Thank you for your letter that I received from you yesterday dated October 25, 2004 and I quote: Mervin C. Tweed, MP Constituency Office 8-223-18th Street North Brandon, MB R7A 2V8 Tel: (204) 726-7600 Toll Free: 1 - 866- 558-0555 Ottawa, October 25, 2004 Dear Miss Turner: Thank you for your recent letter regarding the release of census data. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this matter. I am well aware of the importance of census data to genealogists, historians and others. I am pleased to be given the opportunity of providing you with our position. The Conservative Party supports the preservation of census records and the subsequent transfer of these records to the National Archives for public release. We believe that keeping the records confidential for the historical 92-year period is an adequate length of time, and that this is generally consistent with the practice in Britain and the United States, where records are kept confidential for 100 and 72 years respectively. Again, thank you for writing. Sincerely, signature: M. Tweed Merv Tweed, MP Brandon-Souris UNQUOTE I have forwarded it to our Co-Chairpersons so that they can record your reply. I hope that this means that when this BILL comes to a vote on the floor of the House of Commons that we CAN count on your support. Thanks again for your reply. Adele Turner, North Vancouver, BC -----Original Message----- From: Adele Turner [mailto:ajturner@shaw.ca] Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 12:37 PM To: Tweed.M@parl.gc.ca Subject: Waiting for a reply re: Post 1901 Historical Census Mr. Merv Tweed: First of all, please accept my congratulations and best wishes for winning your Manitoba riding. Please do us proud while serving all Canadians across the country and to finally take a personal stand on whether you desire to preserve Canadian history. Don't forget, you are answerable to ALL Canadians not just to those in your riding....when you vote in the House of Commons, you vote for all Canadians and your vote effects us all. I need to know HOW YOU stand on the Post 1901 Historic Census? Do you support its preservation or its destruction? I sure hope in the future that it will not be typical of your office to ignore correspondence sent to you or worse still by sending a "thank you letter…then stating I have passed on your concerns to Mr. Emerson whose responsibility this belongs". I HAVE written to him too and I heard nothing from him. If I eventually do, probably it will be another "thank you for your letter and your concerns, I have passed it on to Statistics Canada". PLEASE DON’T PASS THE BUCK AGAIN. I just want an answer to my question. It can’t be that difficult to do take a stand. My goal, as a member of the Canada (Save Our) Census Committee, is to draw your attention to the Chief Statistician’s refusal to release control for the 1911 Census records to the National Archivist. According to law, the 1911 Census should have been released June 1, 2003 and to date this has not happened. Legally, the Chief Statistician should immediately transfer all national treasures such as the 92-year-old Canadian Census to the control of the National Archivist for safekeeping and not destroyed as Dr. Ivan Fellegi wishes. You may or not be aware that for the past seven or so years, there has been a public campaign by genealogists and historians have been seeking to regain the public access to Historic Census records after 1901 that has been improperly, (and believed illegally), withheld from public access by Canada's Chief Statistician, Dr. Ivan P. Fellegi. The campaign has sought to regain the same unrestricted access to records after 1906 that has been available for 240 years of Census records up to that time. We have made submissions and provided more than 65,000 petition signatures in an effort to voice our concerns for all who are searching for their historic family information. A history of our struggles with the Chief Statistician is well documented on our website, www.globalgenealogy.com/Census. Included here are findings of an Expert Panel, and the results of cross-Canada Town Hall meetings, which all show agreement that there was misinterpretation on the part of the Chief Statistician with relation to the instructions given to Enumerators. Our law presently states that release of Census data must occur 92 years after collection. During the last session of Parliament there was an attempt to push through Bill S-13, supposedly to ‘correct’ a deficiency, (a deficiency only perceived by the Chief Statistician). Thankfully Parliament closed down in time to prevent passage, which ultimately would have done nothing to correct anything, except add an additional 20 more unnecessary years to the release time, and provide the Chief Statistician with more control. Most other countries in the world vary in release date from 70 to 100 years. Canadian taxpayers fund a Heritage Ministry, and what is more meaningful to our heritage and history than knowing and understanding our origins and ancestry, to say nothing of valuable medical information to be found. Mr. Wayne Easter has stated thus "In this age when criticism is leveled at our educational institutions for not making Canadian history courses readily available to our students, this attempt by Stats Can to further remove Canadians from their recorded historical roots must not be allowed to happen". The only resolution acceptable must be the same unrestricted public access for records after 1906, as is presently available for the existing 240 years of records up to that date. Access to these records is currently permitted under The Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and no legislative changes should be necessary for us to view these or any future records. What is required is a government which will live up to the pre-election promises the Prime Minister made of less interference by bureaucrats, and as well would require the Chief Statistician to obey the laws of the land. To date we have not had such a government. After all, the Chief Statistician does not have the legal right to enact or propose laws. His is an appointed position. Perhaps he has served his usefulness plus he has passed his legal retirement age when it is compulsory for all Canadians to retire. We would request that you introduce a Government Bill which would add to the Statistics Act, a single clause similar to the following: "Original schedules of Census or authentic copies thereof shall, not later than thirty (30) years following collection, be transferred to the care and control of the National Archivist for subsequent public access in accordance with provisions of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Regulations attached thereto." In closing, I hope to hear in the near future that an "original" promise voted into law by government will finally be kept. Over the years, so many promises have been made to the Canadian people have been broken by government. A couple of the broken promises made by government are the discontinuation of the GST plus the Income Tax that was to be discontinued after WWI. Neither promise was ever kept when they got voted into office. And those are but two unkept promises. So PLEASE don’t give me the same old rhetoric about the Right to Privacy. My Dad at age 90 years wasn’t even born when the 1911 Census was conducted. So whose Right to Privacy are you pretending to preserve? It certainly isn’t my Dad’s. So please help us correct this potentially tragic destruction to Canada's past and its history. I would really appreciate receiving confirmation by email whether you support our cause or not so that we can post your reply on our website. Then these letters will cease. Thanking you in advance for your PROMPT reply to this email Yours respectfully, (Miss) Adele J. Turner Canada Census Committee Member – Save our Census #67 - 1947 Purcell Way North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H4 604-987-5137 ajturner@shaw.ca

Thanks Senator McCreery I value your positive reply. I had only just been informed of this new Bill shortly after I sent my email to you. However, I believe it will still have to be voted on by MP's in the House of Commons and in the Senate. Thanks for taking time to answer I really appreciate it. Adele Turner -----Original Message----- From: McCreery, Christopher: SEN [mailto:MCCREC@SEN.PARL.GC.CA] Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 8:50 AM To: ajturner@shaw.ca Subject: Census Records Dear Miss Turner: Many thanks for your letter regarding Census Records. Senator Kirby asked that I e-mail you about your concerns. Are you aware that legislation has been introduced in the form of Bill S-18, An Act to Amend the Statistics Act? This was introduced on 2 November.I have attached a copy of the bill and can fax you a copy of the press release related to it. This Bill is SIGNIFIACNTLY different than the old S-13. The Bill will allow for censuses taken between 1911 and 2001 to be accessed 92 years after the census has taken place. Starting in 2006, Canadians will be able to decide if they will allow their personal census information to be released publicly after 92 years. Individual census records would be released only when consent is given" The Bill also provides for Parliamentary review after two censuses. http://www.parl.gc.ca/legisinfo/index.asp?Lang=E&Chamber=N&StartList=A&End List=Z&Session=13&Type=0&Scope=I&query=4305&List=toc-1 I believe that this will solve the current problem. As a fellow historian I am glad to see that so many people have taken a keen interest in this subject. With all kind regards, Chris McCreery Christopher McCreery, PhD The Office of Senator Michael Kirby The Senate of Canada Parliament Ottawa K1A 0A4 (613) 943-2005

Thanks Mr. Zed. I had only just been informed shortly after I sent my email to you but it will still have to be passed through voting by the House of Commons and the Senate. Thanks for taking time to answer. Adele Turner -----Original Message----- From: Zed, Paul - M.P. [mailto:ZedP@parl.gc.ca] Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 3:34 PM To: Adele Turner Subject: Census Dear Ms. Turner: As you know, yesterday in the Senate; the Government of Canada introduced S-18, An Act to amend the Statistics Act. This bill will enable access to both past and future census records. This bill has a provision that for censuses taken between 1911 and 2001, access will be permitted 92 years after the census has taken place, and starting with the 2006 Census, Canadians will be able to decide if they will allow their personal census information to be released publicly after 92 years. Individual census records would be released only when consent is given. Statistics Canada, in conjunction with Library and Archives Canada, will, as part of the 2006 Census public communications campaign, will encourage Canadians to allow future access to their census records to preserve Canada' s history for prospective generations. This bill provides for a parliamentary review to occur after two censuses, to assess the rate of opting in and to examine how improved public communications and procedures might improve this rate. I believe that this bill moves in the right direction, and I am pleased that it provides access to records that were previously inaccessible. I plan to support this bill when it comes up for a vote in the House of Commons, and I support the preservation of historical documents. Regards, Paul Zed