Hi George. A boycott of census has been brought up on occasion by some of our active participants. It is something that might be considered but only as a last resort. It would be very difficult to organize enough people to have any appreciable effect. There are substantial penalties for refusal to participate in Census, including fines and imprisonment and most would not be willing to risk that. While the idea that if enough people did boycott, the government would not be able to enforce things, there is no guarantee that either enough would participate or that the laws would not be enforced. Realistically, it is unlikely that we would get a great deal of participation in a boycott. I choose to be optimistic and think the Expert Panel will recommend allowing access to Census. I am looking forward to seeing their report at the end of the month. Thank you for your interest and support. Gordon ----- Original Message ----- From: George Gouraud <ggouraud@direct.ca> To: <gordon_watts@telus.net> Sent: Monday, 12 June, 2000 4:07 PM Subject: Re:Census Mr Watts: As a VERY,VERY amateur genealogist, trying (so far in vain) to trace my family origins, I would like to have access to the 1911,1918 and 1921 census records. I don't know if anyone has thought of this angle before, but here goes. If I'm not mistaken, 2001 is a census year, so if the measures now under way to secure the release of these records fail, maybe we should organize a boycott of the upcoming census until such time as these prior records are released. If it were to be "advertised" far enough in advance, with enough people taking part, this might put some additional pressure on the Government to act to release these very important and personal records. Especially today, when any time you log on to just about any Internet or Web site or use an "Air Miles card, a "Store Discount" card or any kind of "Points" card, that site is gathering CURRENT information about you, I for I have no problem with my records being released after 92 years and I don't think that many other people would either. As I said, this is just a thought from an amateur. George Gouraud (ggouraud@ direct.ca