Non-Census, you say?

The current debate around the federal government’s plan to scrap the long form census and replace it with a new voluntary questionnaire known as the National Household Survey is raising the ire of folks who depend on census information to develop policies and programs, funding allocations, and use the data as a learning tool.

Municipal services, social services, and researchers rely on census data. When a case for funding needs to be made, the proof is in the data. Without access to demographic information, there’ll never be an argument for needed funds by community service agencies.

With this in mind, I am posting a link to an online petition. I am not usually in favour of online petitions, but this time it’s worth the effort.

 Keep the Canadian Census Long Form

 Cartoon from "Punch", nineteenth century.