Dear Editor:- I sincerely hope you are able to find space in your newspaper for this very timely topic - the release of the 1911 census -- now overdue by 1 1/2 years. Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, ON L6W 2R8 905-451-3542 === More information available ============================ A common item in every household years ago was the Family Bible -- with events recorded as births, deaths, marriages occurred. Now, families are scattered and we have to rely on Canadian census and other records for information, with the census records being a starting point. Census records have been available since the mid-1600s, with a few years missing or non-sequential prior to 1867. Now, due to restrictions we have to petition the government to gain release of these, our historical records. Genealogists, historians and family members were pleased when the Deputy Leader of the Government introduced Bill S-18 on November 2, 2004, with Senator Lorna Milne as sponsor. At present, Bill S-18 has had First Reading but must have Second and Third Reading before proceeding to the House of Commons. Not only Canadians, but people of other countries, are granting support by signing petitions for release of the 1911 census - 92 years after enumeration. All people are invited to sign petitions, available from <http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index.htm> There is a great deal of information which would be suitable for a school project and both Senate and House of Commons petitions may be signed by teenagers. Addresses are on the above site, or contact <muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca> It would be appreciated if petitions would be placed in strategic spots such as libraries, etc. When Bill S-18 is passed, it will amend the problems incurred previously with Statistics Canada and all historical records from 1911 to 2001 will be automatically transferred to Library and Archives Canada, following the 92-year release period. Above all, when you see your Member of Parliament or Senator, ascertain if he or she is in agreement with census release -- I will be pleased to accept your replies at above email address. Let's assist Senator Lorna Milne in her fight on behalf of us for census release! Muriel M. Davidson Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee Brampton, ON =============