QCGN opposed to changes in Census data collection

MONTREAL, July 9 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network is opposed to plans by the federal government to do away with the mandatory long Census form and replace it with a voluntary national household survey. Our Network, which represents 36 English-language groups in Quebec, is concerned this change will make it more difficult to obtain reliable, detailed information that is essential to our work.

QCGN president Linda Leith, who has written to Industry Minister Tony Clement to express our concerns, notes that the Census is a critical source of evidence that supports our work on behalf of English-speaking Quebec and that making the completion of the long form voluntary will undermine the credibility of the data collected. "Decisions and actions that affect the legitimacy and consistency of this irreproachable data source are of great concern to the QCGN and the English-speaking Community of Quebec," Leith noted.

To read the full press release, go to www.qcgn.ca.

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.

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