In June 2010, the Canadian federal government announced plans to remove the mandatory long-form questionnaire from the 2011 Census and replace it with a voluntary survey.
The government's announcement instigated much debate across the country. Those who supported the elimination of the mandatory long form argued that the questionnaire is too difficult to complete, invades personal privacy, and that respondents should not be forced by law to complete the form. Those who supported the retention of the long form argue that the data collected is vital to research, public policy, and social programs and that there are appropriate privacy protection mechanisms in place.
This guide was adapted from Burnaby Public Library's 'What's all the fuss about the census?'
