Dear Ms. Davidson, Thank you for your e-mail message regarding the post 1901 census records. As you may know, the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada, Hon. John Manley, appointed a panel in November 1999 to study the issues surrounding release of this information. Specifically, they were asked to examine the legal, privacy and archival implications of releasing historical census data. Although the panel was asked to report to the Minister by May 31, 2000 Richard Van Loon, Chair of the panel has requested an extension until the end of June. While I see no reason why the public should be denied access to the post 1901 census data, I feel it is necessary to consider all relevant issues prior to implementing legislative changes that would allow for the release of this information. Thank you for contacting me. I trust that my comments are helpful. Sincerely, John Cummins, M.P. Delta - South Richmond -----Original Message----- From: Muriel M. Davidson [mailto:davidson3542@home.com] Sent: June 12, 2000 11:13 PM To: Cummins.J@parl.gc.ca; davidson3542@home.com; Kenney.J@parl.gc.ca; Calder.M@parl.gc.ca; Lorna Milne : SEN Subject: I know There is GOLD in BRITISH COLUMBIA Good Morning to John:- Many voters, resident of British Columbia, would enjoy the release of the post-1901 census for family research. I am looking at a ? beside your name on the Scoreboard for Members of Parliament re census. http://www.globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm The ? stands for "Ones who did not reply to letters" Personally, I would like to see British Columbia have all Members of Parliament with GOLD ticks - meaning YES -- when the scoreboard is published prior to the next election -- it is being updated now by Gordon Watts. At present 20 of the 34 British Columbia Members of Parliament have NOT answered any letters!!! Six Members agree to census release, G = GOLD Seven Members are hesitant, denoted by a piece of fence. The only NO member listed to date now has a GOLD marker. QUESTION:- Will YOU, as an elected Member of Parliament support ALL Bills and Motions presented in the House of Commons for release of Post-1901 Canadian census records to the National Archives? WILL YOU VOTE FOR US -- YOUR CONSTITUENTS?? Presently we have Murray Calder's Bill C-484, Jason Kenney's Motion M-160, and Senator Lorna Milne has S-15, duplicate of C-484. The census records are safe at National Archives - legislation needed for release. Will you send me a short note telling me you agree to release of census records -- let's get rid of that ? Or, if you have replied YES to a constituent, a copy would be appreciated. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com> Brampton Centre riding [address/phone by request] Print and read THE MYTHS OF CENSUS by Gordon Watts http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html