Jul 13 2010
BCNPHA Urges You to Support the Reinstatement of the Mandatory Census Long Form
As you may have heard, the Federal Government has made a decision to eliminate the mandatory Census long form questionnaire. It has been replaced by the voluntary National Household Survey.
The long-form Census collects vital information that allows governments and communities to comprehensively plan for the well-being of all Canadians. The long-form collects information on housing, diversity, disability, income, education and a number of other indicators that tell us about the lives of Canadians. The mandatory survey was sent to 20% of Canadian households during the Census period. This ensured that the data were valid and reliable. It also meant that it could be compared over time. A voluntary survey, even if sent to more households, cannot replicate this validity and reliability.
Disadvantaged groups served by the Non-Profit Housing Sector are less likely to complete voluntary surveys, meaning that we will have less evidence on which to base any future planning for affordable housing in our communities.
BCNPHA’s research relies on sound census data. We recently published three studies on the need for non-profit housing for families, seniors and people with developmental disabilities in B.C. All of these studies relied on income data from the 2006 Census. Our research provides an evidence base for the advocacy that BCNPHA conducts on behalf of the sector.
A broad range of groups, from the business community to academics and community-based researchers are calling on the government to reinstate the mandatory census long form.
We urge you to join the call by signing this petition and insisting that the mandatory long-form be reinstated. We will keep our membership updated on this issue.
You can view the petition by clicking here. You can also view a letter sent by BCNPHA to Industry Minister Tony Clement for your reference.