| Name: | Mrs. Sue Barnes |
| Political Party: | Liberal Party of Canada |
| Constituency: | London West |
| Province: | Ontario |
| Telephone: | (613) 996-6674 |
| Fax: | (613) 996-6772 |
| Barnes.S@parl.gc.ca or barnes@parl.gc.ca |
| Website: | http://www.suebarnes.on.ca |
| Address: | House of Commons, Ottawa K1A OA6 |
| Constituency Address: | 460 Springbank Drive London, Ontario N6J 1G8 Tel. 519-473-5955 Fax. 519-473-7333 |
05/19/2003 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Mary Jo Cameron.
To: Sue Barnes, MP Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 12:17 PM Subject: Census I am an American citizen but both my parents were born and raised in Canada. I am writing to you to express how important the release of the 1911 census is to me and many other Americans with Canadian roots. My father was born in London, Ontario and because the 1901 census has not only been released but is on line I was able to find his parents and grand parents. Without the information I obtained from the census I would never known where exactly they lived, birth dates, dates of death and where they were buried - the census gave me enough facts to enable me to find the rest of the information. I have planned a three day trip to London this summer - I plan to visit St. Peter's cemetery and place flowers on my great grand parents grave, go and see the house where my father lived, the house my grandmother grew up in, the church they attended and the main library. While I am in London I will be staying in a hotel and eating in restaurants and most importantly spending money. I expect to find even more information on the 1911 census which will bring me back to London. My point is that the release of the census and better yet having on line access to it is not only important to people like me seeking their roots but it is important to Canadian Tourism - I have no way of estimating how many untold others make trips to Canada to see how and where their ancestors lived but I would imagine there are a great many doing just that given the rise in interest in tracing our roots. 02/05/2003 - letter from MP Sue Barnes to John Martin.
John Martin London, Ontario Dear Mr. Martin; A couple of months ago, you wrote to me regarding access to historical census records. I am writing to update you on the recent announcement by the Minister of Industry, the Hon. Allan Rock, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Hon. Sheila Copps regarding this access. The 1906 census records are now available for genealogical and historical research. These records are accessible from the National Archives of Canada under the same conditions as earlier census records. The 1906 census records are from a special Census that was conducted in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. While this census collected only basic information including name, address, age, sex, marital status and origin, it documented an important time in the history of Western Canada. the 1906 census records were not previously released, as you may know, because of a lack of clarity in the legislation under which that census was taken. Following exgtensive review of the issue, the Government of Canada has decided to release this special 1906 census of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The immediated release of these records is timely because it makes them available for research prior to the start of the centennial celebrations that will be taking place in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2005. For future releases of census records, the Government has determined that there is a need to clarify the Statistics Act. As a result, the Government will propose legislation to provide clarity and resolve this issue, and to allow access to subsequent census records while balancing concerns for the protection of personal information. I am looking forward to reviewing this legislation once tabled and will be supportive of it. For your information, I have attached background information about the release of the 1906 census records and how to access them. Thank you once again for bringing your concerns to my attention. Please do not hesitate to make your opinions and views known to me or to contact me for further assistance. Sincerely, Sue Barnes, MP London West 10/07/2002 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Gordon A. Watts.
To: MP Barnes, Sue Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 11:44 AM Subject: Post 1901 Census legislation Dear Ms. Barnes 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 09/20/2002 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Frank McKerry.
To: Sue Barnes, MP Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 2:48 PM Subject: Post 1901 Census Ms. Sue Barnes, M.P. London West: 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. 09/02/2002 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Muriel M. Davidson.
To: Sue Barnes, MP Sent: Monday, September 02, 2002 4:42 PM Subject: A Reply Would Be Appreciated To Mrs. Sue Barnes, MP of London West:- I have read over the letters sent to you, many by your constituents, and they all have the same complaint -- YOU HAVE NOT REPLIED Is there any Parliamentary reason you have been forced NOT to give a POSITIVE reply for release of Post-1901 census records? We know you are an attorney, therefore likely know there is NO law on the books to support Statsistics Canada's belief -- or does the answer your assistant is able to give dictated by the PMO office. Check your personal scoreboard http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Score3.htm#ONT Your message board is at the left -- does not look too nice to your constituents and other readers. Let's try again:- Will you SUPPORT release of Post-1901 Census Records? An explanation is at http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~downhome/1906census.html The 1906 census of many immigrants should have been released 1998 There were about 100,000 Home Children brought to Canada 1860 - 1930, about 25,000 have been located. Looking forward to a POSITIVE reply -- an assistant cannot obtain a GOLD tick for you, except if answer is dictated. I know you have stipulated you only reply to constituents, but in my capacity, I represent them -- from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Sincerely, Muriel M. Davidson Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 06/24/2002 - email from office of MP Sue Barnes to Vicki Moorhead.
To: 'Vicki Moorhead' Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 10:46 AM Subject: RE: census Dear Ms. Moorhead, Thank you very much for your email. We typically do not reply to messages outside of London West. This being said, she is aware of the debate surrounding the census. Thank you once again for your email. Sincerely, Alex Ciappara Legislative Assistant to / Adjoint législatif Sue Barnes, M.P. / député London West (Ontario) -----Original Message----- From: Vicki Moorhead [mailto:gmoorhead267796mi@comcast.net] Sent: June 21, 2002 9:11 PM To: Barnes, Sue - Assistant 1 Subject: Re: census Vicki Moorhead Canton Michigan 48188 I have many family members from Ont that are living and died. I have been doing my research in Ont 4 years now..Thank you so much for the reply...Vicki 06/20/2002 - email from office of MP Sue Barnes to Vicki Moorhead.
To: Vicki Moorhead Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2002 8:05 PM Subject: Re: census Dear Vicki Moorhead, Thank you for your email regarding the census. If you require a formal response, please provide your mailing address. Thank you once again for your email. Sincerely, Alex Ciappara Legislative Assistant to / Adjoint législatif Sue Barnes, M.P. / députée London West (Ontario) 260 West Block / Edifice De L'Ouest House of Commons / Chambre des communes Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0A6 (613) 996-6674 phone (613) 996-6772 fax barnes@parl.gc.ca http://www.suebarnes.on.ca -----Original Message----- From: Vicki Moorhead [mailto:gmoorhead267796mi@comcast.net] Sent: June 16, 2002 11:27 PM To: Barnes.S@parl.gc.ca Subject: census Hello Please consider the release of the 1906/1911 census...Our past is always a important part of are lives......thank you. Vicki 04/20/2002 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Grace Nesbitt Fulford.
To: Barnes.S@parl.gc.ca Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2002 9:47 AM Subject: What info do you need? Dear Ms.Barnes, I understand you are uncommitted on the Post 1901 Census issue due to a "lack of information" (your words) --- If your staff are unable to get you the information required, I would be happy to volunteer! Kindly indicate the areas needing research and I will respond within 30 days. Will you or your staff respond to this offer within the same time?????? One of your loyal constituents (meantime!) Grace Nesbitt Fulford 11/18/2001 - email from Sharon Haggarty to Gordon A. Watts re: MP Sue Barnes.
To: "Gordon A. Watts" Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2001 7:45 PM Subject: MP Sue Barnes Hi Gordon, Sue Barnes (London, ON) is my MP. She finally returned a form letter indicating that she was not prepared to make a decision as she did not currently have sufficient info--she is an attorney, so seems a bit unlikely that she is not capable of coming to a decision on this by now. Sharon. 08/27/2001 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Helene Conroy
To: Sue Barnes: MP Sent: Monday, August 27, 2001 6:45 PM Subject: Post 1901 Census Reports Dear Mrs. Barnes: Although I am not one of your constituents, I do feel a sense of urgency to express to you my concern regarding the post 1901 Census reports. I am one of 7.5 million plus Canadians involved in Genealogical research. Myself and millions of citizens, in our quest for our past, for our Canadian heritage, depend heavily upon the information provided in Census reports. It is very important to me that my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and so on, be educated and learn about their ancestors - where they were born, how they lived and what they did for a living. Many of our relatives are dispersed all across the world, and only through the post 1901 Census reports are we able to trace them. It would be wonderful to have family reunions and get to know these precious people. Unfortunately, these family reunions cannot take place because, 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 asking for your support to amend the legislation which will allow release to the Public of Census records after 92 years, starting with the 1911 Census. As a concerned Canadian citizen, I am asking you the following question: "Would you, 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, 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 await your answer to this question at your earliest convenience, and thank you for taking the time to read my e-mail. God bless you. Sincerely, Helene Conroy 08/02/2001 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Melville R. Andress.
To: Barnes.S@parl.gc.ca Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 11:37 AM Subject: Post 1901 Census release. Dear Member of Parliament; I notice by the Score Board, that you have not yet indicated your support for release after 92 years, statistics relating to Post 1901 Census(s). Please indicate a positive approach to this unacceptable stalemate. Sincerely, Melville R. Andress Abbotsford, BC. 07/21/2001 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Dr. Sharon Haggerty.
To: Sue Barnes, MP Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 8:15 AM Subject: Post 1901 Census I am writing you concerning the Post 1901 census because until very recently you were my MP and I have met you personally when consulting you concerning a legal matter. It has come to my attention that you are one of the very few MPs who has not taken the time to respond to the following request concerning your position on this matter: "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)" The request was made over two years ago--surely you can manage a few moments to address this issue. As you must be aware, the Expert Panel on Access to Historic Census, appointed by your government, determined that there was no reason to withhold these data. I am an associate professor of education at The University of Western Ontario and a family historian. To withhold these records from academics and family historians serves no useful purpose and will result in an essential part of our Canadian heritage being withheld from our citizens. I urge you to accept the recommendations of the Expert Panel and take a public stance supporting their findings. Thank you (Dr.) Sharon M. Haggerty London, ON 07/20/2001 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Muriel M. Davidson.
To: Sue Barnes, MP Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 9:09 PM Subject: April 1999 was a LONG Time Ago!!!!! To Sue Barnes, MP:- Periodically I check the personal message board of the elected Members of Parliament, especially the Ontario ones. This evening I was surprised to learn you have been unable to answer the first letter sent to you in April, 1999 -- surely someone could have helped you write it during this time period. YOU have a personal message board -- yours messages are ?missing? http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Score3.htm#ONT Just click on your name and read the non-existent mail. QUESTION: As an elected Member of Parliament, serving the constituents who elected you, will you SUPPORT release of Post-1901 Canadian Census Records by voting YES to any Bill, Motion on this subject? This would mean the 1911 census would be available from National Archives in 2003, and every ten years thereafter. We do suggest you discuss this subject with constituents, be dictated to by them, rather than others, as many seem to be doing. Census records are needed for family searches, one large one the 100,000 British Home Children brought here as "slave labourers" over a period of time. We also need the census for genetically inherited diseases -- just this evening, I learned of another family member with Alzheimer's -- my husband has vascular dementia. Looking forward to a very POSITIVE reply from you -- it may be by e-mail, will be posted immediately by Gordon Watts on your board. Muriel M. Davidson Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 06/19/2001 - email to MP Sue Barnes from Muriel M. Davidson.
To: Barnes.S@parl.gc.ca Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 5:37 PM Subject: YOU have never even answered Global Genealogy To Sue Barnes, MP:- Way back in March 1999, the Canada Census Committee was formed -- all volunteers with no pay and no perks such as MPs receive. It had been hoped that all Members of Parliament would be courteous and reply to Rick Roberts' staff at Global Genealogy, the firm which provides the space for the Post-1901 Census Campaign. Regardless of your party affiliation, you must have an opinion about census release after 92 years! Imagine trying to find your grandparents in the 1911 census -- only to be told this is the one the MPs prefer us not to have released. QUESTION:- Do YOU, as an elected Member of Parliament, representing the constituents of your riding, SUPPORT census records release after a period of time? After such release, records would go automatically to National Archives, 1906 prairie one should have been released in 1998, the 1911 census records in 2003, etc. There are 35 Members of Parliament in Ontario who have not replied, Could we change this number? This is the FIFTH time I have written. Muriel M. Davidson Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee 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. |
|
|
