In 2011 the Conservative government announced that due to privacy concerns the long form census would no longer be mandatory. It would be replaced by a short form census that would only collect basic demographic data.Opponents of the census include civil liberty advocates who argue that the long form census is too invasive and violates people’s privacy. Proponents of reinstating the census voluntary survey argue that without the mandatory long form census it’s harder to track trends in income inequality, immigrant outcomes in the jobs market, labour shortages and demographic shifts.
61% Yes |
39% No |
51% Yes |
36% No |
4% Yes, if it was easier to complete online |
3% No, I would prefer a mandatory short form with an optional long form census |
3% Yes, the information is vital for economists, scientists, statisticians, and the government to accurately make important policy decisions |
1% No, privacy is more important than statistics |
3% Yes, but it should only be required every 5 years |
See how support for each position on “Long Form Census” has changed over time for 323k Canada voters.
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See how importance of “Long Form Census” has changed over time for 323k Canada voters.
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Unique answers from Canada users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@47BQ4GK3yrs3Y
It should be part of the income tax form
@4QXVML33yrs3Y
YES, but make it an online census and emailed to those email addresses given on their income tax submissions. If needed, offer paper format to those isolated areas.
@9K6M4542mos2MO
if the next government ran in today and was less corrupted and vindicative about people, i'd say yes for every set of years and online.
@9FL7MVH7mos7MO
Yes, but it should exclude information about identity (ie. sexual orientation and gender identity)
@9F5KMPV7mos7MO
The census shouldn't be mandatory. The census should be optional for all canadians. A person shouldn't have to share any information they don't want with government. The census is helpful in understanding the country and its citizens. A long form census would be more helpful but short form would do. Privacy matters.
@97T4JZC1yr1Y
Yes, but it should only be required every 5 years, easier to complete online, the information is vital for economists, scientists, statisticians, and the government to accurately make important policy decisions, but also ensure privacy
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