Dear Editor:

I am writing with regard to the removing of the mandatory long-form portion of the 2011 Census.

As a representative for Langley  I have an inherent duty to protect the rights and privacy of my constituents. That is why I feel it is important that Canadians know and understand the importance of the decision to make changes to the intrusive, mandatory long-form census.

It has become clear that the mandatory nature of the long-form portion of the census is unnecessarily intrusive. Put simply, it is not appropriate to coerce Canadians to divulge extensive private and personal information by threatening them with fines and/or jail time for not completing the 40 page census long-form.

While the basic, 8-question, 2011 short-form mandatory census will proceed, the changes we have made simply eliminate the penalties associated with non-completion of the questions on the new National Household Survey. Interestingly, if you review the comments shared with the members of the Industry Committee during their hearing on July 27, many suggested that very course of action.

The Ignatieff Liberals promise to force all Canadians to answer invasive questions about their private lives under threat of jail, fine, or both. The Government of Canada simply does not support such an overbearing approach to data collection when there exist less intrusive methods that are equally viable and workable.

The people of Langley have the right to protect their personal information and should not feel forced into sharing that information with the government if they do not so wish.

The changes to the census represent a reasoned and responsible approach that finds a better balance between collecting necessary data and protecting the privacy rights of Canadians. I encourage all Canadians to complete both the short-form census and the National Household Survey next year.

Thank you very much,

Mark Warawa, MP
Langley
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment