SOCIAL PLANNING TORONTO’S LETTER TO STEPHEN HARPER

July 26, 2010

The Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario

Dear Prime Minister Harper:

I am writing to add the voice of Social Planning Toronto to the growing chorus of opposition to the recent decision of your government to discontinue the mandatory long-form questionnaire for the 2011 Census in favour of a voluntary National Household Survey (NHS).

Social Planning Toronto is an independent, non-profit organization, whose work links research with community action.  As a local research and development organization, we work to enhance the quality of life of people as they live and work in local neighbourhoods and across our city. We work to create an equitable and socially inclusive Toronto and Ontario.

Census data provides some of the most reliable socio-demographic data at the neighbourhood level. It simply cannot be replaced by a voluntary survey. In our experience over many decades in communities, we have never been made aware that local citizens resented the time needed to respond to the survey nor that they believed their privacy was being invaded. Quite to the contrary, grass-root community groups have been pleased and grateful to have access to quality data that provide insights on their communities so that as citizens they can engage in responsible and informed decision making on local issues.

The information from the Census provides communities with valuable knowledge about themselves. Without this information local communities will be left without local knowledge about:

1. •the make-up of our community- age, gender, ethnicity, income
   

2. •emerging demographic trends – aging population, decreasing birth rate, immigration
   

3. •local labour force changes – unemployment, under-employment, participation, types of work
   

4. •place of work and place of residence – family life, transportation, housing,  and environmental issues
   

5. •educational attainment, language, and income inequality
   

6. 
   

Census data is a critical building block of public and community programs as they are informed by local demographics. Census data provides quality information to guide community dialogue and citizen engagement on important social and economic issues facing a community.  It is critical to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective allocation of scarce community resources.  Without it, Toronto residents will be poorer, sicker, and less safe. 

It is hard to imagine a decision with a more damaging impact on Canada’s long term health, prosperity, and stability.  Please add our voice to the vast majority of Canadian individuals and organizations who are demanding that this decision be rescinded.

 

Sincerely,

John Campey

Executive Director

cc.
The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry Canada

City of Toronto MP’s
The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario