OTTAWA, May 25, 2006 -- Millions of Canadians from coast to coast
to coast have completed their 2006 census questionnaires. Statistics Canada
would like to thank all those Canadians who have already "counted themselves
in". But if you haven't returned your questionnaire, it's not too late.
"The internet has made it simpler and faster to fill in the census
questionnaire and millions of households have tried it out very successfully"
said Ivan Fellegi, Chief Statistician. And while the online feature has been
popular, Statistics Canada still welcomes respondents to send in their
questionnaire by mail.
By law, all households must complete and return a census questionnaire.
By the same law, personal information provided on census questionnaires is
kept strictly confidential. Only Statistics Canada employees have access to
census information and are sworn to secrecy. No one outside the Agency can
have access to personal information provided by respondents.
The census, conducted every five years, is crucial for both the country
and for individual communities. Estimates of provincial populations, which are
based on the census, are used in transferring billions of dollars annually
from the federal government to the provinces and territories. The Census is
the major source of detailed information at the local level. This information
is used to determine the need for police, firefighters, schools, public
transportation, support for seniors and community programs.
It's not too late! Everyone in Canada is asked to complete and return
their questionnaire, by internet or mail. If you have not received a
questionnaire, or you need help to complete it, please call the toll-free
Census Help Line, at 1-877-594-2006.
- 30 -
For further information:
Louisa Coates
National Media Relations
Tel.: (613) 951-2722
E-mail: louisa.coates@statcan.ca
Sherry Wallace
Western Region Media Relations
Tel.: (306) 780-3880
E-mail: sherry.wallace@statcan.ca
Jim McKibbon
Central Region Media Relations
Tel.: (416) 973-3413
E-mail:jim.mckibbon@statcan.ca
Diane Blanchette
Quebec Region Media Relations
Tel.: (514) 283-4218
E-mail:diane.blanchette@statcan.ca
Keith Matheson
Atlantic Region Media Relations
Tel.: (902) 426-8701
E-mail: keith.matheson@statcan.ca
