| Name: | Mrs. Carolyn Parrish |
| Political Party: | Liberal Party of Canada |
| Constituency: | Mississauga Centre |
| Province: | Ontario |
| Telephone: | (613) 995-7321 |
| Fax: | (613) 992-6708 |
| Email: | Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca or parric@parl.gc.ca |
| Address: | House of Commons, Ottawa K1A OA6 |
| Constituency Address: | 1100 Central Parkway West Unit 3 Mississauga, Ontario L5C 4E5 |
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10/07/2004 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Muriel M. Davidson. From: "Parrish, Carolyn - M.P." Dear Ms. Davidson, Thank you for your e-mail. I fully agree that census records should be released. Best wishes, Carolyn Parrish, MP 08/29/2004 - letter sent to MP Carolyn Parrish from Gordon A. Watts 29 August 2004 Ms. Caroly Parrish Dear Ms. Parrisht Congratulations on your recent election as a Member of Parliament. To have the trust and respect of those who voted for you is a great honour. Members who have been re-elected will be aware of an issue affecting a great many Canadians that seek their personal ancestry through research of Historic Census records. Newly elected Members may not yet be aware of this issue. It has been estimated that in excess of 7.5 million Canadians have an interest in genealogy and family history. These individuals seek to regain the same public access, with no added conditions or restrictions, to 92-year-old records of Census after 1906 that is currently available for 240 years of Census records up to that time. Access to Census records after 1906 is prevented at this time because of the (believed illegal) policy of a federal civil servant - Dr. Ivan P. Fellegi - Chief Statistician of Canada. The Library and Archives of Canada Act (and it's predecessor) has designated to the Librarian and Archivist the authority to determine what records of government are of archival or historical value and that shall be deposited in the National Library and Archives. Librarian and Archivist Ian E. Wilson determined that schedules of Census have archival and historical value. He declared them to be a National Treasure. He requested the Chief Statistician to return care and control of the records in question to his authority. Dr. Fellegi denied that request. The Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Privacy Regulations, make specific provision for personal information collected through Census or Survey to be made available to any person or body for purposes of research, 92 years following collection. The legislation assumes these records to be under the care and control of the National Archivist. By refusing to return care and control of the records in question to the Librarian and Archivist for subsequent public access the Chief Statistician has acted in deliberate contravention of the Library and Archives of Canada Act, the Access to Information Act, and the Privacy Act. He has usurped the authority of the Librarian and Archivist to determine what governmental records are of archival or historical value and that shall be deposited in the Library and Archives of Canada. In dictating policy instead of following policy determined through legislation passed by Parliament he has usurped the authority of that body. Do you believe that any Federal bureaucrat, regardless of how highly placed or regarded, is above the Laws of Canada? Do you believe that a civil servant has the power to dictate policy that contravenes legislation passed by the Parliament of Canada? The Access to Information and Privacy Acts are complementary Acts born of the same Bill debated and passed by Parliament. Do you believe the parliamentarians who passed this legislation would knowingly include clauses in one Act, the effect of which would be to totally nullify clauses in the other? If your answer to any of these questions is 'NO' we ask that you support our efforts to regain the same public access - with no added restrictions or conditions - to Historic Census records after 1906 that is currently available for 240 years of Census records up to that time. We seek nothing new. We seek only that which current legislation states we are entitled to - access that we have had in the past but is currently (believed illegally) withheld from us by the Chief Statistician of Canada. We ask that you call upon the Government of Canada to immediately direct the Chief Statistician of Canada to obey the Laws of Canada. We ask that he be directed to return care and control of schedules of Historic Census to the Librarian and Archivist of Canada for subsequent public access in accordance with the Access to Information and Privacy Acts. We ask further that you ensure continued public access to Historic Census records by seeking a government Bill that would add to the Statistics Act a single clause, similar to the following: "Original schedules of Census or authentic copies thereof shall, not later than thirty (30) years following collection, be transferred to the care and control of the National Archivist for subsequent public access in accordance with provisions of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Regulations attached thereto." In reading my letter you may not feel any obligation to respond to someone living outside your electoral riding. The votes you cast in Parliament, however, affect all people living in Canada and in that respect your constituency is all of Canada. Considering this, even though I do not reside in your riding I would greatly appreciate your personal response to my letter. Your response, stating your support (or otherwise) of the access we seek, will be posted to your Correspondence Log on the Post 1901 Census Project website. It will be available for viewing by your constituents on the MPs Scoreboard at www.globalgenealogy.com/Census Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and for your consideration of this very important issue. Respectfully Gordon A. Watts 10/07/2002 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from Gordon A. Watts.
To: MP Parrish, Carolyn Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 11:44 AM Subject: Post 1901 Census legislation Dear Ms. Parrish At long last there has been a public acknowledgement by the Government of Canada that they have an interest in the concerns of Canadians, and others, that seek continuing access to Post-1901 Census records. That acknowledgement took the form of inclusion of a statement in an address of the Hon. Don Boudria, Minister of State and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. The address was made to the Newsmakers Breakfast at the National Press Club, 3 October 2002. It was titled "The Government's Fall Legislative Program". On page four of Mr. Boudria's notes for that address, he states: "Other legislation will also be introduced respecting: The release of 92-year old census records for historical research purposes - which responds to recommendations and work done by parliamentarians in the House and Senate such as MP Calder and Senator Milne;" This acknowledgement of our concerns, on behalf of the government, is welcome news. It does not yet mean, however, that continued public access of Historic Census records has been approved and those records are now available to access for purposes of research. The proposed legislation has not yet been brought down, and it remains to be seen if, when it is brought down, it meets the needs and expectations of those seeking access. Senator Lorna Milne continues to work with the Hon. Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, to ensure that the end result does meet those needs and expectations. I remind you that what we seek is exactly the same unrestricted access to records after 1901 that is currently available for those records up to and including 1901. I currently show you on the MPs Scoreboard of the Post 1901 Census Project website (at the URL following my signature) as "sitting on the fence". You have been given this position by virtue of the fact that you have yet to give a definitive response stating your support, or otherwise, for public access to Historic Census records, 92 years after collection. (Or, at least, that I have seen no such response.) In view of the fact that the Government has now stated it's intention to introduce legislation that will hopefully address our concerns, will you now give a definitive response stating your supportive position for such legislation? I am not one of your constituents, but in writing to you I believe that I speak on behalf of a great many others who are your constituents. As such, I hope that you will afford me the courtesy of a response to this message. In responding to my message with a supportive answer to my question, so that it might be posted to your correspondence log, you would likely save yourself a great many similar requests by others. Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and for responding thereto. Have a great day! Sincerely Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 1455 Delia Drive Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2V9 09/23/2002 - email from office of MP Carolyn Parrish to Frank McKerry.
To: 'Frank McKerry' Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 2:03 PM Subject: RE: Post 1901 Census Thank you for writing. I will pass your letter on to Ms. Parrish. Adam Patenaude Executive Assistant to Carolyn Parrish, M.P. Mississauga Centre 995-7321 parric@parl.gc.ca 09/20/2002 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from Frank McKerry.
To: Carolyn Parrish, MP Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 2:48 PM Subject: Post 1901 Census Mr. Carolyn Parrish, M.P. Mississauga Centre: It is noted on the Post 1901 web site that you are on the fence (undecided) on how you are going to vote for this Bill when it comes back to the floor of the House. Have you contacted any of your constituents on this matter ? The people who elected you to represent them in the House ? Many of your constituents are eagerly awaiting the release of the 1906 and 1911 Census and are trying to get family information to complete their family tree and ancestry links. I am not one of your constituents, but I am doing research for family in your riding and your YES vote will assist me in my search. Would you please change you Undecided mark to a YES vote on the 1906 and the 1911 Census release to the Archives Canada ? Respectfully M. Frank McKERRY, C.D. Vernon, B.C. 09/17/2002 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from Sharleine M. Haycock.
To: Parrish, Carolyn - M.P. Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 9:57 PM Subject: Re: POST 1901 CENSUS PROJECT Dear Mr. Patenaude: Thank you for your reply. Please convey to Carolyn, that the Census Committee appreciates her open mindedness and we sincerely hope that she will give every consideration to voting YES when it comes to voting on this vitally important issue. As I give more and more thought to this, I have difficulty in understanding why anyone would oppose Bill S-12. I was at a Lyme Disease Association meeting the other day and most of the afflicted were seniors. Every one of them signed the petition for the Release of all Post 1901 Census Reports. All were enthusiastic amateur genealogy buffs and very interested in their ancestry and family trees. In fact, as one of them put it very succinctly, "This is our DNA!", and as such we should be entitled to access it. I didn't give much thought to my heritage when I was young, but as we age, there is a growing appreciation for where and from whom we came, as we attempt to leave something for our youth to connect to and show their respective children. There is nothing in those reports that would breech any confidentiality as a result of their release. And remember, most of these folks (in those reports) have gone to meet their Maker by now. It is their descendants that long to connect to their heritage - and a rich and varied heritage we all share. I beseech thee Carolyn, to ponder these things in your heart and take a softer stance when it actually comes down to a vote in the House. I have been a supporter of you at election time and I am now counting on you for your support on a decision that will affect all Canadians for generations to come. Thank so much for keeping an open mind. Very sincerely, Sharleine M. Haycock Member, Census Committee for Ontario Mississauga, ON 09/17/2002 - email from office of MP Carolyn Parrish to Sharleine M. Haycock.
To: Sharleine Haycock Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 9:13 AM Subject: RE: POST 1901 CENSUS PROJECT Dear Sharleine, I apologize for taking so long to respond to your e-mail. Carolyn and I have discussed this issue on a number of occasions. Although she was originally opposed to releasing the census records, this is no longer the case. Carolyn does not intend to be an advocate for the cause, but she has instructed me to inform her constituents that she will approach any vote on the issue with an open mind. I hope this information is satisfactory. Regards, Adam Patenaude Executive Assistant to Carolyn Parrish, M.P. Mississauga Centre 995-7321 parric@parl.gc.ca 09/11/2002 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from Sharleine M. Haycock.
To: PARRISH, The Honorable Carolyn, MP- Mississauga Centre Cc: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 1:45 AM Subject: CAROLYN, THE ATTACHED PUTS THINGS INTO THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE Note to Assistant: Kindly do not withhold this e-mail from Ms. Parrish. Dear Carolyn: I am anxiously awaiting some word from you with respect to the Census situation. Please take just a couple minutes out of your busy schedule and read the attached letter. It really does put things into the proper perspective. As a tax payer, I resent my tax dollars and the dollars of all Canadians being wasted on something as ridiculous as the haggling over whether is it is, or is not appropriate to release the Post 1901 Census Reports to the public. Of course it's appropriate and long over due! Surely there must be more pressing issues for the government to utilize its time with. Please respond as soon as possible to the affirmative supporting Senator Milne's Bill S-12. A faithful constituent, Sharleine M. Haycock Member, Post 1901 Census Committee for Ontario Mississauga, ON [Attachment follows] 11 June 2002 Editor, Toronto Star CENSUS PRIVACY HAS BEEN KEPT FOR LONG ENOUGH Re: 1906 census a locked treasure trove, June 9 I believe that the information given by our great-grandparents to the enumerators back in 1906 belongs to us now. As an amateur genealogist, I have used information from previous census records, and I always feel triumphant when I find an ancestor's birthdate, or how many siblings they had, or where they lived, or if they lost a parent at an early age, etc. It brings them closer to me. I am not a grandparent, nor am I retired, but I have a strong desire to find my roots so I can pass something concrete on to my children. Having access to historical census records is very important to genealogists worldwide. Great Britain and the U.S. offer their records online, so the whole world can see them. What is StatsCan hiding? This legal wrangling is costing us, the taxpayers, a lot of money. I am not a lawyer, but I'd like to give my interpretation of the words given to the enumerators of 1906. The enumerators were our great-grandparent's neighbours, working for the government. The enumerators walked from door to door with paper and pen to take the census, information given to them by their neighbours. The government told these enumerators to tell the people, some of whom would be extremely reluctant to give such personal information out to the enumerators, that they, meaning the enumerator's neighbours, wouldn't blab about the information given to them to other neighbours over backyard fences. After 92 years, we can reasonably assume that all the people directly involved in the census of 1906 have died, and so the privacy promised to them was kept for all those years. Now the information given by the people of 1906, our great-grandparents, should be stored in the Public ARchives so the people of 2002 can find that information and use it to answer the questions about their nationality for StatsCan on the next census. What's the problem here? There is no need for further studies, or government bills, or legal opinions, or town-hall meetings, or court battles. It's time for StatsCan to come to its senses. Lynn Burris Edmonton, Alta. 08/12/2002 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from Sharleine M. Haycock.
To: Carolyn Parrish, MP Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 6:09 PM Subject: POST 1901 CENSUS PROJECT Dear Carolyn: As a resident in your constituency, I would like to be informed of your rationale for not supporting the POST 1901 CENSUS PROJECT (Open the door to Canada's Historic Census). Whatever happened to the access to information we as Canadians are supposed to enjoy? I await with great enthusiasm, your response. Sincerely, Sharleine M. Haycock Mississauga, ON 12/04/2001 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Gordon A. Watts.
To: 'Gordon A. Watts' Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 8:59 AM Subject: RE: Your determination that Bill C-312 is non-votable Thank you for your e-mail regarding Bill C-312. Allow me to clarify that votability is not a personal decision of any member of the Sub-Committee on Private Members’ Business. The committee operates on a consensus basis, it comprises six members from all five political parties. There are two Liberals and one from each of the four recognized opposition parties. If the six members of the committee do not reach a consensus, meaning the Bill is not supported by nearly all or all of the members, it is not put forward as a votable item. I am sure that all members realized there was a petition and that there has been an extensive lobby on this subject. Many high profile and controversial bills come before the committee. No bill can be exempt from the regular set of rules governing votability. I’m sure you are aware that this issue has already come before the House by way of a Motion in September 2000. The motion called for the release of the 1911 census data in 2003. It passed with unanimous consent. The government is strongly encouraged to act when a motion is passed and it has done so in this case. Statistics Canada is in the process of beginning another consultation process on the matter. It is therefore very likely that we will be dealing with the issue again in the near future. As you mention in your letter, Senator Milne is working on a Bill that addresses this same issue, in the Upper House. While we cannot revisit our decision on Bill C-312, this issue has not disappeared from the agenda of the House of Commons. Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish M.P. Mississauga Centre Chair, Sub-Committee on Private Members’ Business -----Original Message----- From: Gordon A. Watts [mailto:gordon_watts@telus.net] Sent: November 24, 2001 8:08 PM To: Michel GUIMOND - MP; Pierre BRIEN - MP; Carolyn PARRISH - MP; Bill BLAIKIE - MP; Garry BREITKREUZ - MP; Jay HILL - MP; Marcel PROULX - MP Cc: Senator Lorna MILNE; Murray Calder - MP Subject: Your determination that Bill C-312 is non-votable Members of the Sub-Committee of the House Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs I am one of the leaders of the campaign that seeks to regain public access to Historic Census Records, 92 years following collection. This access is permitted under Regulation 6(d) attached to the Privacy Act. We are currently denied that access, however, because of misinterpreted legislation and faulty legal opinions based upon those misinterpretations. As a leader of this campaign I represent a great many people - perhaps as many as the 7.5 million plus Canadians who are estimated to have an interest in genealogy and history. I write to you at this time in your capacity as a member of the Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. I wish to express, in the strongest possible terms, our extreme disappointment that this Sub-Committee has deemed Private Member Bill C-312 - An Act to amend the Statistics Act and the National Archives of Canada Act (census records) to be non-votable. We had hoped that this Bill, being of great importance to so many, would be considered votable so as to receive a reasonable period of discussion, and at least a chance of being passed, within the House of Commons. In excess of 40,000 signatures have been sent to Ottawa in letters, email, submissions to the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census Records, and petitions to the House of Commons and the Senate, seeking support for a bill that would regain the public access to these records that we are currently denied. C-312 was a Bill that might have accomplished that goal. Because six people on a sub-committee could not reach a consensus of opinion this Bill has been killed before being given a chance at life. A perfect example of our Democracy in action. The Sub-Committee can be proud of another job well done. Should there be a mechanism to do so we would ask that the Sub-Committee reconsider their decision relating to Bill C-312. We would hope that should Senator Milne's Bill S-12 (identical to C-312) be referred to the House, those determining the fate of that Bill will be more in tune with the wishes of the people of Canada. Sincerely, Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 12/04/2001 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Renee Cummings. Similar responses were received by Dalcy D Gripich, Wayne Scott, Melville R. Andress, Doris Bourrie, Pat Wyatt, Suzanne B Sommerville, and James P. Barnaby.
To: "'Renee Cummings'" Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 12:09 PM Subject: RE: [Q-R] Fw: re. release of post 1902 census Thank you for your e-mail regarding Bill C-312. Allow me to clarify that votability is not a personal decision of any member of the Sub-Committee on Private Members' Business. The committee operates on a consensus basis, it comprises six members from all five political parties. There are two Liberals and one from each of the four recognized opposition parties. If the six members of the committee do not reach a consensus, meaning the Bill is not supported by nearly all or all of the members, it is not put forward as a votable item. I am sure that all members realized there was a petition and that there has been an extensive lobby on this subject. Many high profile and controversial bills come before the committee. No bill can be exempt from the regular set of rules governing votability. I'm sure you are aware that this issue has already come before the House by way of a Motion in September 2000. The motion called for the release of the 1911 census data in 2003. It passed with unanimous consent. The government is strongly encouraged to act when a motion is passed and it has done so in this case. Statistics Canada is in the process of beginning another consultation process on the matter. It is therefore very likely that we will be dealing with the issue again in the near future. It is also my understanding that Senator Milne is working on a Bill that addresses this same issue, in the Upper House. While we cannot revisit our decision on Bill C-312, this issue has not disappeared from the agenda of the House of Commons. Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish M.P. Mississauga Centre Chair, Sub-Committee on Private Members' Business -----Original Message----- From: Renee Cummings [mailto:reneecummings@auracom.com] Sent: November 23, 2001 1:55 PM To: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Subject: [Q-R] Fw: re. release of post 1902 census Dear Ms Parrish As a Canadian interested in Canadian history and genealogy I am very disappointed in the decision of the sub-committee to deem Bill C-312 non-votable. Considering the interest of Canadians in genealogy (1 in 4) and that in excess of 40,000 signatures showing support for public access to Post 1901 census Records have been sent to Ottawa, I can't help but wonder if the members of the committee are truly aware of the importance of census records in finding ones ancestry. I am very disappointed in the committee's decision. I have used census records in my genealogical journey for many years now with no complaints from my deceased relatives. Yours truly Renée Cummings 11/23/2001 - email to MP Carolyn Parrishfrom Fred V. Provoncha.
To: Carolyn Parrish, MP Sent: Friday, November 23, 2001 1:02 AM Subject: Access to Canadian census records Hello, I have spent the last 10 years researching my ancestry, on my mothers side, in the US, on my fathers side in Canada/New France, I'm deeply saddened to hear that it may never be possible to find some of these, my ancestors, what a loss to so many descendants of the early pioneers, that they may never know about these heroes. Think about the millions of Americans who will never know they have roots in Canada. Regards, Fred V Provoncha, descendant of Sebastien Provenchere et Marguerite Manchon 11/21/2001 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from William Cotnam
To: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 5:15 PM Subject: Use of Census reports Carolyn Parrish, M.P. House of Commons Parliament Buildings Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Dear Madam: There are some 7.5 million plus Canadians involved in Genealogical research. These citizens, in their quest for their past, for their Canadian heritage, depend heavily upon the information provided in Census reports. Under current legislation, post 1901 Census reports will not be released to the Public after 92 years, as have been Census reports up to and including 1901. In the past two years, many of those 7.5 million plus voters, including myself, have sent numerous letters and email to their local Members of Parliament, Government Ministers, and Senators expressing their dismay with, and opposition to, this legislation. They have requested the legislation be amended to allow release to the Public of Census records after 92 years, starting with the 1911 Census. I have been advised that as a Member of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada, having been placed in that position by the voting citizens of your Constituency, you would vote AGAINST a Bill supporting release to the Public of Post 1901 Census Records after 92 years, starting with the 1906 Census? I have recently spent 2 weeks in Ireland researching my family roots and have experienced first hand the frustration and and time consumming work of dealing with inadequate records which is necessary because so many records were destroyed by fire as a result of the conflict in Ireland in 1922. I can not perceive that today we would knowingly destroy or keep such valuable information from use by our citizens. So much time and effort was made to capture this information and I am certain that our forefathers would support our efforts to ensure that this information is put to good use. I write to you, as the Member of Parliament in the riding that I work that you reconsider your position on this issue and that you agree to vote FOR a Bill supporting release to the Public of Post 1901 Census Records after 92 years. Thank you. Sincerely yours William (Bill) Cotnam 11/15/2001 - email to MP Carolyn Parrish from Gordon Blanchard
To: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2001 10:00 PM Subject: Bill C-312 Dear Ms. Parrish: I would like to ask for your support in making Bill C-312 votable. I am doing family history research and would find the Canada Census information so very valuable. Thanks for your consideration. Gordon Blanchard, Alberta. 03/20/2001 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Lynda Squires Vaillancourt Jane Moser Page. From: "Parrish, Carolyn - M.P." To: Jane Mosher Page Sent: March 30, 2001 2:06 PM Subject: RE: census Ms. Page, Thank you for making me aware of your views on the release of census data. As I'm sure you are aware, the Minister of Industry has asked that further consultations on this issue be undertaken. Historians and genealogists have had their say on this matter but the Government of Canada still needs to gather more opinion on the privacy issues that surround the release of census data. I will be watching the results of those consultations very carefully because I am always concerned about infringements on privacy rights. Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish M.P. Mississauga Centre -----Original Message----- From: Jane Mosher Page Sent: March 12, 2001 3:18 PM To: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Subject: re:census Hello, We are writing to ask for your YES vote to allow census records to be made available. One group in particular needs to have this information: British Home Children. This is the name used to describe children who were taken from England starting in the mid 1800's until the mid 1900's. These children often lost complete contact with their families. British Home Children and their descendants need the census information to trace their family histories and medical histories. Please, vote Yes to allow open access to census records. Thank you for your attention. Linda Squires Vaillancourt Jane Mosher Page 02/06/2001 - email from Gordon A. WATTS to MP Carolyn Parrish. Dear Ms. Parrish This afternoon you an email, copied below, in response to one from Muriel M. Davidson. In this email you stated "The proposal to release the results of the 1911 census would break the legal promise Parliament made to Canadians in 1911-and every census year following." Might I respectfully ask if you have seen this wonderful promise for yourself? Statistics Canada has produced many documents making unsubstantiated references to "promises of confidentiality in perpetuity", "explicit guarantees of indefinite confidentiality", and "an unqualified promise of confidentiality". Despite many requests to do so, Statistics Canada has to date failed to produce any documented evidence that supports the existence of any promise or guarantee that confidentiality of information given by respondents to Census would last forever. The promise does not exist! You further stated "Legislation in 1906 guaranteed that the information would not be made public and I think we should respect it." Have you read for yourself the legislation you refer to, and the associated "Instructions to Officers and Enumerators" of Census that by that legislation were given "the force of law"? I have studied every statute relating to Census and Statistics from 1871 to the present. The words "promise", "guarantee" and "forever" relating to confidentiality appear nowhere in these statutes, or the associated "Instructions to Officers and Enumerators". I urge you to read the Report of the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records, commissioned by former Industry Minister John Manley 5 November 1999, and finally made public on 15 December 2000. It is accessible on the Statistics Canada website at http://www.statcan.ca/english/census96/finalrep.htm The Panel considered over 3555 letters, email, and faxes, 95 submissions from historical, archival and genealogical association and other interested Canadians, results of 6 focus groups and 2 National surveys, and draft legislation and motions before the Senate and the House of Commons together with related speeches and documentation. They held two telephone conferences with provincial genealogical associations. Briefly, the Expert Panel found that a guarantee of perpetual confidentiality was not intended to apply to the census. They felt that it had always been intended that census records would eventually become public and did not view any legislation deemed necessary to do so as breaking of a promise to respondents. The Report recommended allowing public access to all Census records, past, present and future, 92 years following collection. They only advised caution regarding any legislative steps that might be thought necessary to effect release of Census between 1921 and 2001. They suggested that any legislative change felt necessary be done in the National Archives Act rather than in the Statistics Act. I would request that in addition to the Report of the Expert Panel you read my submission to the Panel, titled "The Myths of Census", the files of which were sent to you by email attachment on 24 April 2000. In putting together my submission to the Expert Panel I compiled a CD-ROM containing most of the material used in my research. This includes extracts from Archivaria, Canadian Public Administration, Instructions to Officers and Enumerators of Census from 1871 to 1941, Debates of the House of Commons for 1879, 1905, and 1918, Debates of the Senate for 1905 and 1918, every Statute relating to Census and Statistics from 1870 to the present, and more. The CD-ROM also contains all of the files for my submission as given to the Expert Panel. Should you so request, I would be more than happy to send you a copy of this CD. Should you have any questions regarding the issue of public Access to Historic Census Records I would be more than happy to correspond further with you. Thank you. Gordon A. WATTS gordon_watts@telus.net Canada Census Committee 02/06/2001 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Muriel M. Davidson.
Date: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 3:29 PM To: Muriel M. Davidson Subject: RE: The Census Records Are OUR Heritage Ms. Davidson, I may have held back previous responses because it is not always appropriate to respond to an individual living in the constituency of one of my colleagues. In any event, my opinion of this issue is as follows. I do recognize the possible benefit of having access to census data. I do however, believe that the right to privacy in relation to the census trumps any possible benefit that may be derived from its release. The proposal to release the results of the 1911 census would break the legal promise Parliament made to Canadians in 1911-and every census year following. Legislation in 1906 guaranteed that the information would not be made public and I think we should respect it. Regardless of the fact that these people are deceased, releasing the census would constitute, in principle, an undesirable intrusion into their private lives. Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish M.P. Mississauga Centre 02/02/2001 - email from Muriel M. Davidson to MP Carolyn Parrish. From: Muriel M. Davidson Sent: February 2, 2001 12:59 AM To: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Subject: The Census Records Are OUR Heritage To Mrs. Carolyn Parrish, MP:- Your Blue ? means you have NOT bothered to answer any letters re Canada's Post-1901 Census Release Campaign. This is a very important issue -- it should have been resolved long ago, and we hope you will support Senator Lorna Milne and Murray Calder, MP as they try again with Private Member's Bills. My letter to you is a request for your assistance in rightfully gaining access to our heritage, yours and mine -- OUR Canadian census records. At present, due to present laws, the last available census one may view is the 1901 census -- family researchers hope to search further than that. Due to the cremation and scattering of ashes, we are often confronted with NO written record of the death of a loved one, unless the church records have recorded this part of one's life. Family history often is recorded from newspaper obituaries, if one is inserted in the paper. Therefore, the only reliable records in Canada would be our census records, as we often find some religious denominations have sealed records. I do not believe family history should have had to be brought into politics, but to gain release, this has had to be. Senator Lorna Milne and Murray Calder, MP will be re-presenting Private Member's Bills and if passed, each census would go automatically to the National Archives for our perusal - at a time period set by Parliament. QUESTION: Will you, as an elected Member of Parliament, SUPPORT these Bills when these are presented by the above-mentioned? This would mean 1911 records released in 2003, 1921 in 2013 -- unless a time period of release is changed by law. Check http://globalgenealogy.com/census/index6.htm - for scoreboard. More census information at http://globalgenealogy.com/census Please read THE MYTHS OF CENSUS and MEMORANDUM OF LAW at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7843/poll.html Looking forward to a positive YES reply with YOUR signature, either in e-mail or letter form. Muriel M. Davidson Canada Census Committee Member Brampton, Ontario 02/06/2001 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Beverly Pinder. From: Parrish, Carolyn - M.P. To: 'Beverley Pinder' Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 7:33 AM Subject: RE: Ms. Pinder, I do not advocate civil disobedience, you can be charged if you refuse. As long as your privacy continues to be assured, I would suggest you cooperate. The anonymous census results are extremely valuable to government planning and are useful to business and individuals. Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish From: Beverley Pinder Sent: February 1, 2001 8:52 PM To: Parrish, Carolyn - M.P. Subject: Re: Thank you for your response. Do you also agree that I have a right to privacy by not completing further census. 02/01/2001 - email from MP Carolyn Parrish to Beverly Pinder. From: Parrish, Carolyn - M.P. To: 'Beverley Pinder' Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 7:15 AM Subject: RE: Dear Ms. Pinder, Thank you for your e-mail. I do recognize the possible benefit of having access to census data. I do however, believe that the right to privacy in relation to the census trumps any possible benefit that may be derived from its release. The proposal to release the results of the 1911 census would break the legal promise Parliament made to Canadians in 1911—and every census year following. Legislation in 1906 guaranteed that the information would not be made public and I think we should respect it. Regardless of the fact that these people are deceased, releasing the census would constitute, in principle, an undesirable intrusion into their private lives. Sincerely, Carolyn Parrish M.P. Mississauga Centre 01/25/2001 - email from Beverly Pinder to MP Carolyn Parrish. From: Beverley Pinder Sent: January 25, 2001 12:12 PM To: Parrish.C@parl.gc.ca Subject: I strongly believe that the 1911 census should be released just as all the others before. If we wish to change the rules then lets allow a "release of information" spot on all future ones for the generations of our ancestors to follow. I believe I have a right to know who my ancestors are and to keep this from me is an injustice and an insult to my ancestors. They meant for me to know but unfortunately like so many others, I didn't listen enough and when they died it was all too late. We, the people, the ones who elect you, have a voice in this matter and we wish to be heard. You only want statistics, we want our heritage rights. If it is decided that all those who passed before us have such a right to privacy then we that are alive should have the same right and refuse to complete any further census. Beverley Pinder .Just what makes makes that little old ant think he can climb that rubber tree plant?.. 04/30/99- e-mail from The Global Gazette to MP
A web site has been posted at http://globalgenealogy.com/census to record MP's responses, so that those who are interested, will know the position that their elected representative has (or has not expressed) on the issue. Also included on the web site, is a correspondence log for each Member of Parliament, which will contain responses to this e-mail plus any other correspondence from the MP. The Question: "Would you, as an elected Member of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada, vote FOR or AGAINST a Bill supporting release to the Public, of Post 1901 Census Records, 92 years after they were recorded. ( 1911 census information available in 2003, 1921 in 2013 etc)" If you would like to expand on your position, your entire response will be posted to your individual correspondence log. The Post 1901 Census web site is sponsored by Global Genealogy & History Bookstore. A vast number of e-mails and calls from subscribers and web site visitors, clearly demonstrates that this issue is extremely important to them. Many readers have expressed that their current MP's position on this issue will weigh heavily in their decision process during the next election. |
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