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Your privacy is important

(Document last updated May 1, 2001)

The protection of personal census information is of top priority at Statistics Canada. As a result, measures are firmly in place to protect the privacy of census respondents.

For example, no one has to provide personal information or give a completed questionnaire to a census representative they know. In such cases, arrangements can be made with the census representative for a supervisor to accept the questionnaire.

Although names, addresses and telephone numbers are required on the census form, it is only to ensure that no household or household member is missed or counted more than once. This information is not entered in the census data base.

Great care is taken to ensure that the census collects information that is clearly in the public interest and cannot be obtained from other sources. As part of the process to determine which questions would appear on the 2001 Census questionnaire, Statistics Canada consulted with organizations across Canada. More than 350 written submissions were received and more than 65 meetings were organized throughout Canada, giving rise to some 1,650 comments.

The 2001 Census questions will provide up-to-date information required to meet the changing needs of communities across the country. For example, census information is used to:

• determine federal government transfer payments to the provinces and territories
• administer social programs such as Family Allowance and Employment Insurance
• develop plans for health care services, education and training, housing for seniors, and many other important programs
• calculate the number of federal electoral districts in each province and territory.

Don't forget to Count yourself in on May 15, 2001.