Census: Quebec Community Groups Network supports FCFA in its judicial
measures to prevent Census change

MONTREAL, July 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network is entirely behind the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada in its endeavour to get the federal government to reverse its decision to scrap the mandatory long form census. The FCFA has filed an application with the Federal Court for judicial review of the government's decision.

The FCFA, which represents Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, maintains that the decision to replace the long-form census questionnaire with a new, voluntary National Household Survey is an infringement of their Charter rights because the government relies on the language data from the mandatory long form census to determine which federal offices in various regions will offer services and communications in both official languages. Information about people's mother tongue, language spoken in the home and knowledge of both official languages are all used in determining what services will be available where.

The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 36 English-language community organizations across Quebec. Its mission is to identify, explore and address strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of English-speaking Quebec and to encourage dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

To read the full version of this press release, go to: www.qcgn.ca

For further information: Rita Legault, Director of Communications, Telephone: [phone], ext. 223, cellular: 514-912-6555, [email protected]