| Name: | Catherine Callbeck |
| Political Party: | Liberal |
| Province: | Prince Edward Island |
| Senatorial Division: | Prince Edward Island |
| Telephone: | (613) 943-0686 |
| Fax: | (613) 943-0693 |
| Email: | callbc@sen.parl.gc.ca or mcculm@sen.parl.gc.ca |
| Website: |
| Address: | Senate of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A OA4 |
04/10/2003 -- email from office of Senator Catherine Callbeck to Ted Picard.
To: Ted Picard Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 1:38 PM Subject: Census Dear Ted: In response to your email we are pleased to inform you that Senator Callbeck will be voting for Bill S-13, an Act to Amend the Statistics Act and the National Archives of Canada Act. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact our office. All the best, Mary Moore Researcher to the Honourable Catherine Callbeck 04/02/2003 - email to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Ted Picard.
To: Catherine Callbeck Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 1:59 PM Subject: Census To Catherine, "Would you, as an elected Senator, 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)" Please advise, Sincerely, Ted Picard Summerside PEI 02/12/2003 - email to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Marion Jardine.
To: Senator Catherine Callbeck Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 1:06 PM Subject: Census Dear Catherine; I am writing this in the hopes that you will change your mind, or at least make a decision on the releasing the Census (Bill S-13), for all of us that like to know where we came from and who got us here. As a distant cousin of yours (I was a Rogers, born and brought up in Summerside, PEI. and a sister of Claudia) I know you realize how important the census has been to our collective families, and it would be a shame now, that we are starting to be able to find closer relatives from other parts of the country, without the census being released it would be really one of the biggest brikwalls we all would have to face and it would also set things back a good many years. I have more or less taken over the reins from Claudia as it is difficult for her to do the researching as she used to do. So on behalf of the two of us and all the genealogy researchers across this vast county, I beg of you to please come over to our side of the fence and back this bill to the hilt. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Best Regards, Marion (Rogers) Jardine Lethbridge, Alberta 02/17/2002 - letter to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Garth Staples.
You may be aware of my great concern about the possible non- release of the 1911 census. My presentation to the Census Consultations group when in Charlottetown is available to you . The suggestion that privacy is of great concern to Stats Can and the Privacy Commissioner cannot be true!. Personal , medical , financial and military information about my grandfather, and uncle's service in WW#1 is readily available to you or anyone in the world !. Is there a double standard.? I would be pleased to discuss this extremely important issue at your pleasure. Personal Regards Garth Staples 12/17/2001 - email from Senator Catherine S. Callbeck to Muriel M. Davidson.
To: 'Muriel M. Davidson' Sent: Monday, December 17, 2001 4:04 PM Subject: RE: Prince Edward Island Researchers NEED Census Records Released Dear Ms. Davidson: Thank you for your letter of December 1, 2001 expressing support for Senator Milne’s bill on releasing Census information. As you are likely now aware, the Bill has been examined by the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs and has been passed without amendment. The committee’s report on the Bill, its twelfth, can be found by following the links at Parliament’s website: The report summarizes the testimony heard by the committee and the arguments both for and against the release of Census information. As you will notice, many committee members favoured the release of information after 92 years and as such it was agreed to pass the Bill without amendment. When the Senate resumes after Christmas holidays, Bill S-12 will once again be addressed, this time by the entire Senate of Canada. Once again, thank you for your continued interest in this legislation and best wishes for the holidays. Yours sincerely, The Honourable Catherine S. Callbeck 10/17/2001 - email from office of Senator Catherine Callbeck to Gordon A. Watts.
To: "'Gordon A. Watts'" Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 11:35 AM Subject: RE: Bill S-12 Dear Gordon: I have visited your website and am impressed with the time and effort invested in it. This work is testament to the interest you and many others have in this legislation. We have indeed received much mail in support of Bill S-12; again, evidence of the nation's interest in this matter. Though we cannot guarantee a response to every letter, especially those outside the jurisdiction of Senator Callbeck's designation, I assure you that every letter is read, noted, and kept for future reference. We appreciate the time taken by individual Canadians to provide their opinion; indeed, the ability to voice grass roots opinions is the root of democracy. Again, thank you for writing and for bringing to my attention your wonderful site. I regret that I cannot give you the response you are looking for at this time, but I am sure you appreciate the discretion the Senator must maintain as a voting member on the Social Affairs Committee. This discretion extends to include the wording of your question, as appearing on your website. Best wishes, Matt 10/16/2001 - email from office of Senator Catherine Callbeck to Gordon A. Watts.
To: Gordon A. Watts Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2001 9:36 AM Subject: Bill S-12 Dear Mr. Watts: Thank you for your letter of October 15 in regard to Bill S-12. As you are likely aware, the standing Social Affairs Committee of the Senate recently examined Senator Milne's bill. As you are also aware, there are numerous arguments from both sides that the Committee is hearing and deliberating on. In the effort to give the bill its due comprehensive analysis, the Committee has agreed that more time and study is necessary, and has not reached the clause-by-clause stage. At the earliest available opportunity, the committee will continue its study on Bill S-12. Please rest assured that stringent consideration is being given to arguments in favour of the bill as well as to those against. Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. Matt MacFarlane Special Assistant to Hon. Catherine Callbeck The Senate of Canada 354 East Block Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4 800-267-7362 Senate Switchboard 613-943-0693 Fax 10/14/2001 - email to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Gordon A. Watts. A response to this letter indicated that because Senator Callbeck was a voting member of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology that was currently reviewing Bill S-12 she did not feel she could offer a definitive response of support at this time.
To: Catherine CALLBECK -SEN Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2001 9:43 PM Subject: Your support of Bill S-12 Dear Senator Callbeck. A 'little bird' has informed me that your are being inundated with letters and email seeking your support for Senator Milne's Bill S-12. That same 'little bird' indicated that you have expressed your support for her Bill personally to Senator Milne. To date, however, we have seen no correspondence from you to confirm that support. The only responses we have seen have been three identically worded messages from your assistant, simply acknowledging receipt of messages and giving assurances that they would be brought to your attention. If you would be so kind as to send a brief message stating your support for Bill S-12, to either myself and/or Muriel M. Davidson, I will immediately post that message to your correspondence log on the Senator's Scoreboard of the Post 1901 Census Project website (located at the URL following my signature). I will also send a post to the various Genealogy mail lists stating your support for Bill S-12. That should slow the amount of messages you receive re: this issue, except for some notes of appreciation. Your confirmed support of Bill S-12 will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC 10/09/2001 - email from office of Senator Catherine Callbeck to Sharon Walker.
To: "'sharon walker'" Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2001 10:10 AM Subject: RE: Post 1901 census records Dear Ms. Walker: On behalf of Senator Callbeck I acknowledge and thank you for your letter dated October 4, 2001 re Bill S-12. Please rest assured that your letter will be brought to the Senator's attention at the earliest possible opportunity. Yours very truly, Martha McCulloch Assistant 10/04/2001 - email to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Sharon Walker.
I am interested in researching my family's history and wish to gain access to the 1911 and subsequent census records. It has been estimated that 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. I am aware that Statistics Canada will not transfer these records to the National Archives because they claim it would violate Section 17 of the Statistics Act. Strong representations have been made to Mr. Tobin's office as minister in charge of Statistics Canada to change the legislation that controls release of the census. I have recently learned that there are two alternatives to correct this undesirable situation. The first alternative is to introduce retroactive legislation to permit the release of all census records once they are 92 years old, as now provided for in the privacy regulations. The second alternative is to change the legislation to permit the release of census records STARTING WITH THE 2001 census. The second alternative is completely unacceptable as it would prevent researchers from viewing any census records falling between the years 1911 and 2001. The 92-year-rule gives more than adequate privacy protection to citizens enumerated in the census. 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. We have requested the legislation be amended to allow release to the Public of Census records after 92 years, starting with the 1911 Census. I write to ask the following question: would you vote FOR or AGAINST a Bill supporting release to the Public of Post 1901 Census Records after 92 years, starting with the 1906 Census? I respectfully request and strongly urge you to support the retroactive legislation to permit the release of the 1911 and subsequent census records. I await your answer to this question at your earliest convenience. Sharon Walker 10/01/2001 - email from office of Senator Catherine Callbeck to Martha MacDonald.
To: 'M MacDonald' Sent: Monday, October 01, 2001 7:29 AM Subject: RE: Release of Post 1901 Census Dear Ms. MacDonald: On behalf of Senator Callbeck I acknowledge and thank you for your e-mail letter of September 29, 2001 re Bill S-12. Please be assured that I will bring your letter to the Senator's attention at the earliest opportunity. Martha McCulloch Assistant 09/29/2001 - letter to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Marg MacDonald.
I am aware that you are 'UNDECIDED' regarding the release of the 1906 and subsequent Census records to the public. As a Canadian citizen, I do support the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Access to Historical Census Records, and I encourage you to take a strong stand on BILL S-12, which will allow the publishing of the post 1901 Census records and any future census records as well. I have been researching my families' roots for many years. Without records such as the Census' being available for all to review, it make the search very difficult, if not impossible. These particular census are especially vital to my research and I'm sure to many others, since huge number of our forefathers immigrated during this period. The Expert Panel acknowledges that these records are important and says they should continue to be made available. I strongly urge you to support Bill S-12, making the information available to future generations of Canadians. If you have bery good reasons why you cannot support this Bill, I would appreciate knowing what they are. Thank you. Respectfully, Marge MacDonald Maple Ridge, BC 09/30/2001 - email from office of Senator Catherine Callbeck to Robert Wiffin.
On behalf of Senator Callbeck I acknowledge and thank you for your e-mail letter of September 25th re Bill S-12. Please rest assured that I will bring your letter to the Senator's attention at the earliest opportunity. Yours very truly, Martha McCulloch Assistant 09/25/2001 - email to Senator Catherine Callbeck from Robert Wiffin.
Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, Ontario. Dear Senator Callbeck: I am writing to you today to urge you to suppport Bill S-12 for release of the 1906 and subsequent Census records to the public. As an amateur genealogist, I am particularly interested in the 1911 Census to resolve conflicts in the records of my grandparents contained in the 1891 and 1901 Censuses. As you are aware, the purpose of Bill S-12 is not to create some new function but rather to RESTORE access to the Census records. This access has been denied to the public, not by an Act of Parliament, but by a LEGAL OPINION from the Justice Department which claims that a promise was made of non-disclosure in perpetuity. Mr. Gordon Watts, who appeared before your committee, has done extensive work in searching the parliamentary records for evidence of this promise but was unable to find any supporting evidence. Nor have the supporters of the non-disclosure position been able to produce any evidence to support their stand. The Expert Panel, which was formed by the previous Liberal government to look into the issue, was also unable to find any supporting evidence and recommended that the Census records should be released. There is no record of any complaint regarding the release of Census information 92 years after collection. There are, however, thousands of signatures on petitions presented to the House of Commons and the Senate calling for the return to release of the Census to the public after 92 years. The United States of America and the United Kingdom both have legislation which releases Census records to the public. For the U.S., the time delay is 72 years and in the U.K. it is 100 years. However in both places there is considerable activity aimed at making the Census records more readily available. In the U.S., the entire 1900 Census has been indexed and is available over the internet after payment of a fee to the private company that put it on line. It is time to stop the foot-dragging and I urge you again to support Bill S-12. Yours truly, Robert Wiffin Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 3B5. 09/11/2001 - email from office of Senator Martha McCulloch to Lauralene Van Loon.
To: "'Laura Van Loon'" Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 6:41 AM Subject: RE: Bill S-12 Dear Ms. Van Loon: On behalf of Senator Callbeck I acknowledge and thank you for your e-mail letter dated September 10th re Bill S-12. Please be assured that I will bring your letter to the Senator's attention upon her return to the office on September 18, 2001. Yours very truly, Martha McCulloch Assistant 07/01/2001 - letter sent to all Senators by Gordon A. Watts.
Greetings. You may be aware that in the past several years a great many Canadians have been seeking to regain public access to Historic Census Records, 92 years after collection, as allowed by Regulations attached to the Privacy Act. Public access to Census Records after 1901 is currently prevented because of misinterpreted legislation and faulty legal opinions from Justice Canada that cause Statistics Canada to withhold control of these records from the National Archivist. In November of 1999, then Industry Minister John Manley commissioned a panel of experts to study and make recommendations relating to public access to Historic Census Records. Their Report was submitted at the end of June 2000. It was finally made public, because of an Access to Information Request, on 15 December 2000. Current Industry Minister Brian Tobin, on releasing the Report of the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census, rejected the recommendations contained therein, stating that “further broad based consultation with all Canadians” was required. It is the considered opinion of this writer that Mr. Tobin has likely not even read the Report of the Expert Panel, and is taking his direction from Chief Statistician Dr. Ivan Fellegi, who opposes public access to these records. I urge each of you to read for yourself the findings of the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census Records. It is available in hard copy, or accessible on the Statistics Canada website at: http://www.statcan.ca/english/census96/finalrep.htm en français http://www.statcan.ca/francais/census96/finalrep_f.htm 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 advised caution only 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. This message is being sent to all Members of the Senate of Canada to ask for individual responses to a specific question regarding how you would vote on a Bill supporting public access to Historic Census Records. An example of such would be Bill S-12, presented to the Senate by the Honourable Lorna Milne. Bill S-12 has received second reading and has been referred to Committee. Bill C-312, identical to S-12, has been presented to the House of Commons by MP Murray Calder. The Question: “Would you, as a Member of the Senate 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.)” A website dealing with Post 1901 Census has been posted at http://globalgenealogy.com/Census Among other things, it contains an explanation of the problem, petitions to download, links to various submissions to the Expert Panel, Bills and Motions relating to Historic Census, extracts from Hansard for the House of Commons and the Senate, and to columns written by myself that have been published in the Global Gazette -- an e-magazine published by Global Genealogy. The website also contains ‘Scoreboards’ showing the position of MPs and Senators relating to the above question. Your response (or lack thereof) to the question above will be recorded on the Senator’s Scoreboard located on this website. Should you wish to comment, or elaborate on your position, a correspondence log for each Senator is accessible from the Scoreboard. Correspondence to or from you that has been forwarded to me, will be recorded in this log. The Post 1901 Census web site is sponsored by The Global Gazette, an online magazine serving the genealogical and heritage community. A vast number of e-mails and calls from subscribers and web site visitors, clearly demonstrates that this issue is extremely important to them. I look forward to your early reply. Thank you. Sincerely, Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee |
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