Tammy L. Vallee, of Saskatoon posted the following Letter to the Editor in the March 24, 2007 issue of the Star Phoenix - please take heed, as only 55% said YES for release of family data in 2098. For those who do not say YES, there could be only obituaries to assist research. Also some state they never received 2006 census forms. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Genealogists and family historians view the 2006 census results with saddened hearts. Only 55 percent of the 31.6 million people counted answered "YES" to releasing their census information in 92 years. Some may not be aware of the seriousness of this question and its impact on future generations. The privacy of personal information is paramount in today's society. >From the perspective of family history, however, the privacy laws risks sealing recordsthat are key sources in tracing a family tree. http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/letters/story.html?id=64850d26-4e2f [Copy of what is being typed as timing of letters is often brief] Most of us will have passed on in 92 years. [only Obituaries?] By then, four generations could have come along and produced the next family historian seeking information. Where will that genealogist go for information on grandparents or great-grandparents? Genealogists tuen to such records as the census in hopes of finding information. Their glimmer of hope will soon fade to disappointment and heartache if their ancestors have refused to release personal census information. Those who answer "NO" must have a reason, but is it one that your great-grandchild might accept in 92 years? Those who didn't bother to answer YES or NO to the census question are letting someone else decide for them. For a genealogist, the issue is not what answers were given on the census, but that in 92 years there's proof that you existed. The data provides a better understanding of who you were and where you lived. There is still a chance to change your answer to a "YES". http://www.12.statscan.ca:80/english/census06/reference/info/request.cfm Tammy L. Vallee, Saskatoon - - - - - - - Muriel M. Davidson [email protected] Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee, Brampton, ON --------------------------------------------------- >From Gordon A. Watts:- The question in English can be found on the Statistics Canada website at http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/reference/info/personal.cfm To view it in French, click on the Francais link in the top left corner of the link bar at the top of the page. Gordon A. Watts [email protected] Co-chair, Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC