Group seeks restitution of proper survey for 2016

(Ottawa) Today's first release of Census data and information concerning the 2011 Census proves the federal government made a massive error in eliminating the mandatory nature of the “long form census” collecting detailed information to guide decision making in Canada, according to one of the largest non-government user of Stats Can data.

The reported participation rate for the National Voluntary Household Survey is just 69% down from 94% in the 2006 Mandatory Census. “This (drop) will prevent many disadvantaged Canadians from having their needs recognized and being able to fully participate in society“ says Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) President Peggy Taillon on behalf of the “Equal Right to be Counted” charter challenge group. The group has a court challenge on the census on behalf of vulnerable groups currently awaiting judgment from the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ms. Taillon notes that the Head of Treasury Board today, erroneously referred to the short form data as proof that the cancellation of the long form was justified. His error of course, the National Household Survey data has yet to be released.

“We need much more than a head count and the government promised Canadians that their voluntary survey would work as well or better” Ms. Taillon adds “Clearly that is not the case.” The next five years will be difficult ones for addressing social challenges without accurate census data to rely upon.

Ironically the 2011 NHS costs over 600 Million dollars, 30 million more than the mandatory long form to get a much lower quality data and 27% fewer responses.

“The government should not waste any more money fighting the evidence or trying to justify their action” says Ms. Taillon. “The census results are in: the government should admit its mistake and agree to support a mandatory census in 2016 without delay.”

The group is also requesting the government to sit down and discuss how to prevent potential distortions in government programs from using the flawed data arising from 2011 census particularly as they consider sweeping cuts.

What is the Mandatory Short Form?
The Short Form is the only mandatory tool that reaches every Canadian, it asks 10 questions: Age, Gender, Language and Marital Status very basic stuff. No questions in the short form about ethnicity, aboriginal heritage or disability, all very essential. The Short Form data is the data released today.

What is the National Household Survey?
4.5 Million Canadians received this voluntary survey and it is a survey, not a census. Statistics Canada is reporting a 69% response rate to the NHS. The NHS asked questions about income, religion, mobility, education and place of birth, but for the first time in Canadian history, the one in five selected citizens were not required to fill it out, and many did not. Given its Voluntary nature, Stats Canada admits that it cannot measure the data's bias or rely on its accuracy, as it cannot confirm which segments of Canadians responded.

What Does this Mean?
The participation data confirms what CCSD and over 700 organizations (see list) have been fighting for since the government announced its decision to cancel the mandatory long form census, The Long Form Census is in fact the gold standard and that the replacement the National Household Survey is just not up to the task.

For more information: President, Peggy Taillon via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 613-236-8977 x1 or 613-769-5499

Read more about the Equal Right to Be Counted Charter Challenge.