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