I’m a Saskatchewan boy. Living here off and on We were one of the lucky ones – one in four chances of winning! We were one of the 25%.
The long form census came directly to us in the mail. We filled it out online. A mere few minutes of soul searching. The government hopes the census will be a marker in determining public policy, business strategies and social trends.
So, what is the long form census?
The long form census is comprised of two parts.
First is the general census. This is general information – the kind of thing I ask a neighbour in casual conversation – such things as name, gender, age, marital status, and language spoken. OK, I might get a slap on the wrist for asking your age, but I’d do it with a smile!! You are then asked if you want to make this information available for public and archival study in 92 years (in 2108).
The second part of the census – the longer part – is called the National Household Survey. You are once again asked if you want to make this information public in 92 years. But here, the questions are more particular. You are asked personal questions about immigration, work hours and commutes, child care, health problems, culture and ethnicity, mobility, education, rental and ownership of homes and languages used. You might not want these particulars known in 2016, let alone in 92 years.
Trekkies might have wanted a question on whether Klingon was spoken at home. Having been involved in religious institutions for around forty years, I would have loved a question related to religion.
You will remember that the long form census was disputed – in fact this issue became a part of the debate in the recent federal election. The Liberals wanted to return to a mandatory long form census. The Conservatives had moved to a voluntary survey.
Two things struck me – policy and privacy.
Let me make an overstatement! In politics you are a “we” person or a “me” person. Those who are often found in the forefront of exploration, the pioneers and early adopters, are often “me” people. They can do things on their own to make this world a better place. To have a government ruling them in every little area is unthinkable. Those who are social creatures are “we” people. They are often found in the forefront of community organization; the social workers and consensus builders, are often “we” people. They can do things together to make this world a better place. To have a government that doesn’t care for every detail of a community’s life is unthinkable.
When a government prepares a long form census, the questions reflect their bias. They are seeking to know their public in order to implement their policies. Childcare was front and center in this census. As was immigration. As you explore the census, a comparison with policies espoused in the recent federal election by the ruling Liberals, and the long form census questions, might just reveal a correlation.
I expect the Kindersley Cemetery will house my mortal body in 92 years. Releasing my census data at that point could affect my reputation – although I would hope my life is an open book that I would gladly grant others an opportunity to read here and now. Privacy is guarded by those who have the most to hide, and by those who recognize the corruption of the heart. On this census, an evil person will probably lie. A cynic will probably cross their fingers as they answer the questions. Either way, the question regarding privacy comes down to a very simple one: “Can the government be trusted with our private information?”
I tend to take a middle road. Life a good life, extend trust, and pray to God to direct the government for the good of the people. A simple approach that lets me sleep at night and love my neighbours during the day!
