POST 1901 CENSUS PROJECT
Open the door to Canada's Historic Census
TOWN HALL MEETINGS |
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This page contains correspondence from John D. Reid, relating to the Town Hall Meeting held in Ottawa. John attended the evening session of these meetings. From: John D. Reid To: Gordon A. Watts Sent: Friday, December 14, 2001 8:36 PM Subject: Census Town Hall in Ottawa Gordon: Here are my perspectives on the evening session of the Ottawa "town hall" meeting run by Environics today, Friday, 14 December 2001. The meeting was chaired by Chris Baker of Environics, who will be conducting the other meetings across the country, and the focus groups. The proceedings were video and audio-taped, and simultaneous translation was available. A copy of the "third option" from Statistics Canada, that would restrict access to "genealogical research about one's own family (direct descendants of direct ancestors) and for historical research," was available at the back of the room. Baker said a summary of the afternoon and evening sessions will be posted on the Environics web site on Monday. Baker started by giving background on the process being followed. Then there were presentations by four people whose names were posted on a flip chart at the front. Following each presentation Baker asked questions. Finally the floor was opened to additional comments and questions. There were about 35 people in the room, not bad for an evening with snow falling. I understand there were about the same number of people in the afternoon session. The first four presenters were: (1) Allison Hare, Chair of the Ottawa Branch of OGS; (2) Chad Gaffield, University of Ottawa history professor and immediate past(?) President of the Canadian Historical Association; (3) Patricia McGregor, citizen and member of the Kingston Branch of OGS; (4) Murray Long, presenter invited to participate by Environics and "leading expert on private sector privacy law in Canada." All presentations were excellent. The familiar ground was well covered, including emphasis and illustrations of the importance of having access to complete census information, not just for direct ancestors. Each presentation received long and enthusiastic applause. Chad Gaffield was particularly effective. He spoke around three key points: 1. There is a high priority on the preservation of the statistical system in Canada; 2. Maintenance of the system depends on the good will of the citizen; 3. That good will is under threat by the ill advised position that census data should be forever hidden. He pointed out that major historical changes occur as much from the ordinary citizen as from the political elite, giving demographic transition as an example. The census access is essential to understanding this. Asked about the third option Gaffield characterized it as "profoundly insulting to genealogists and historical researchers." Murray Long, who was there to provide an alternative perspective, concluded that "in the case of the 1906 and 1911 census information, I am satisfied that there is no privacy or confidentiality issue that would stand in the way of the release of this information to the National Archives and the public." Others who spoke were Dave McKenzie from Brockville and Robert Bennett from Ottawa who effectively gave their perspectives as individuals. My attempt to have a straw poll taken of the audience on continuing the practice of releasing the census after 92 years was not allowed by the Chair. He did admit he had heard no arguments or persuasive points against release of the census. Asked about the focus groups, Baker said the participants were selected from the total population to be a demographically balanced group of people who at least recognized what the census is. Asked about tricks in directing the focus group questioning to get the desired answer, he stated that Environics had a reputation gained by not using that kind of approach just to get the answer the client wants. (Would anyone say otherwise?) Baker was well aware of the petition and letter writing campaigns. Your forthcoming appearance in Vancouver was noted in response to a question about the relative desirability of three different options for releasing the census. Note that in setting up the speaker schedule an effort was made to restrict organizations to one presentation. Unless you are the organization's prime representative you stand a better chance of getting a speaking spot if you don't mention affiliation with a group. I hope you find this helpful. John D. Reid Ottawa, Canada |
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