Canada census 2011

A mailing from Statistics Canada arrived on May 3, but it didn't contain a census form. Instead it had a web address for providing the information online, www.census2011.gc.ca/, and a 15 digit access code. Also included were instructions on how to obtain a paper copy which involved calling a 1-866 telephone number and entering the 15 digit code. Successfully doing that was acknowledged with the information that the paper copy should arrive in five days.

On the website a section called "Genealogy corner" includes the information that:

The 2011 Census questionnaire contains a question that permits you to be part of the history of Canada. If you check yes to this permission question, your descendants will be able to do family and genealogical research on you and your family in the future.

There is further information in a Q/A

Q. Why am I being asked for permission to make my census information available in 92 years?

A. Starting in 2006, respondents to the census are asked if they want their personal census information publicly released after 92 years. For those who give explicit permission for the public release of their 2011 Census information, Statistics Canada will transfer that information to Library and Archives Canada in 2103, which in turn will make it publicly available. For those who do not give permission, their personal information will not be transferred.

Sadly, the information provides no encouragement to provide permission in recognition of the value of the information for historical social research.

The logo at the top is from the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society website. It's unfortunate that none of the other Canadian genealogical or family history societies websites I visited, including AFHS, AGS, BCGS, BIFHSGO, OGS, and QFHS, reflect any effort to encourage members and others to provide such permission. 


As the ultimate custodian of these records, which ideally would be as complete as possible, why would LAC not also encourage providing permission?