THE SENATE OF CANADA [CREST] LE SÉNATE DU CANADA The Hon. Joan Fraser L'hon. Joan Fraser Ottawa K1A 0A4 May 6, 2003 Mrs. Muriel Davidson Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6W 2R8 Dear Mrs. Davidson: Thank you for your letter regarding Bill S-13. I am sympathetic to your position. I was at the meeting where the Social Affairs committee reviewed the bill clause-by-clause. Indeed, I would have supported amendments in committee, but was outvoted. This being said, Senator Milne's third reading speech in the Senate Chamber on April 30th really impressed upon me that perhaps the bill was best left as it was. She told Senators about Senator Lowell Murray's characterization of the bill as being a delicately framed balance that should not be disturbed. Just listening to the questions and comments following her speech made me realize just how divisive this issue still is. As there is no clear concensus on the release of census data versus the right to privacy, I believe that the balance achieved allows both sides to go away winners. And I don't think that's so bad. Thank you again for writing. I would note that your fight does not end in the Senate. The bill will move on to the House of Commons, where you will have the opportunity once again to influence the lawmakers. I wish you luck with your work in this matter. Sincerely, Senator Joan Fraser ================= http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Senscore3.htm#PQ Senator Joan Fraser supported Senator Milne's Bill S-15, in 2001. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.481 / Virus Database: 277 - Release Date: 5/13/03