To all:- It seems IDENTITY THEFT is the "excuse" for possibly cutting off access to various census records, possibly on both sides of the 49th Parallel. When one thinks about it -- various departments of government, credit card companies and others commit "identity theft" every time we use or access any of these known facilities. Has one been able to access many governmental departments without the well-known S.I.N. [Social Insurance Number]? If one does not have this, information is not procured. Credit Cards? Has anyone ever signed up for one without having to give your mother's MAIDEN name? With your name and your mother's maiden name, plus a bit of computer research, including Ancestry.com and any L.D.S. centre, the whole family is revealed. OBITUARIES are one of the greatest items a family researcher is able to use to complete a family. However, read the following and visualize HOW the information may be utilized:- SMITH, JOHN JAMES -- The family of John James Smith, age 17, are grief-stricken following his untimely death after a short illness. He was an honors student at Mytown Secondary School, Mytown, where his family had lived for more than 50 years. Surviving the well-liked young man are his parents, John James Smith Sr. and his mother, the former Mary Elizabeth Jones; grandparents William Jones and Maizie (Steel); James Smith and Catherine (Uphill). Just read over the above obituary -- not a real one -- and one can put together a family group sheet. A few phone calls in Mytown would ascertain place and occupations of survivors. IDENTITY THEFT often may begin with the proud announcement of a new baby -- parents are thrilled and include names of all grandparents with maiden names and places of residence, date of birth, hospital, even the weight -- often a photo. Political members will likely turn a blind eye to the IDENTITY THEFT which would continue even if the records were sealed. In Canada, we are hopeful our politicians will remember this vile type of theft would continue -- and also remember, many have had wallets (with identification) LIFTED while innocently waiting to pay for groceries. [This method of Identity Theft came from my husband's companion at Sunnybrook Veteran's Wing -- It happened to her -- I.D. and money stolen] Please visit your elected and appointed politicians -- let this not be a poor excuse for non-release of census records -- we need support of all -- many have never replied!!! Muriel M. Davidson [email protected] Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 25 Crestview Avenue, Brampton, ON L6W 2R8 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.377 / Virus Database: 211 - Release Date: 7/16/02