I'm boycotting the census

Everytime I hear some civil servant Stats Can asshole mouth off to protect their useless Goddamn job my resolve just increases, my refusal becomes more deeply rooted. Looks like over a million Canadians just can't be bothered, good, fucking eh!!! Fucking Stats Can goons, go get a real job. What kind of asshole looks at a job advert and thinks, "I would like to harass people and tell them they will go to jail if they don't fill out a form," my guess is a filthy asshole, a loser, a wanker, a tosser.

Malorie Beauchemin of La Presse asked if I would answer the following questions. 1-Why are you boycotting ? 2-How far are you willing to go ? (fine to pay, jail sentence ?) 3-Did Stat Can tried to contact you in any way to convince you to fill in the census ? How ? 4-Do you think the boycott movement has reached a lot of people ? 5-Do you think it will make a difference ? These are the answers I submitted. 1. I am boycotting the census for a number of reasons. a) Because hiring Lockheed Martin to provide the software and hardware for the census is just another giveaway by government to corporations and a slap in the face to the many Canadians with the technical skills to do the job as good or better than Lockheed Martin. b)Lockheed Martin ought to be considered a habitual criminal because of the number of convictions on their record, but due to our befuddled system, which grants corporations all the rights of individual human beings with none of the responsibilities, they are not Even so, why would the government hire a convicted criminal to do sensitive work such as the census and then expect us to turn our information over to them? I don't care what company was hired to whitewash the system and pronounce it unhackable. c)Some of the questions on the long form smack of racism and I will not have anything to do with any questionaire which dares to ask whether I am white or black or east asian or arab etc. I have other reasons but I will save them for court. 2. I will go to jail if needs be. 3. I was contacted by several stats can employees, the last one assured me that my name would not be submitted but would only be for her records. She didn't understand my reasons for refusing to fill out the census and claimed to be completely ignorant of who Lockheed Martin is and of their role in the census. 4.I think the boycott has reached a lot of people, 400,000 in BC and 20% of Albertans have not filled out the census, I don't know the number of these people who are purposefully boycotting the census but I applaud them all. 5. It has already made a difference, the census is supposed to be a snapshot of the country at a specific date, that date has passed and stats can is still trying to coerce people to fill out and return the census. They knew we were opposed to Lockheed Martin's role in the census and they chose to steamroller our concerns. Now they have a failed census and they deserve nothing less.

A couple of articles to peruse ... while waiting for the Census person to knock at your door: <a href="http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4973.htm">here</a> and <a href="http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3186.htm">here</a>. If that does not give one la chienne as the French would say, I don't know what would. Not on a personal level, mind you, but on a societal one. And check <a href="http://www.infoworld.com/article/06/04/05/77163_HNchoicepoint_1.html?DATABASES">here</a>: <blockquote>Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) blasted the DOJ and the FBI division for a recent five-year, $12 million contract for ChoicePoint to provide investigative analysis software to the FBI. In February 2005, ChoicePoint announced a data breach after criminals set up fake businesses that purchased private information from the data broker. "What in heaven's name are we doing allowing someone as careless as ChoicePoint to be in control of our data?" Leahy said at a subcommittee hearing on the DOJ's 2007 budget. "I consider them the poster child for lax security protection." U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales defended the contract, announced Monday. The ChoicePoint contract represented the best value for the FBI, and it covers software and technology, not data services, he said. Security and privacy issues were "taken into account in connection with this contract," Gonzales added. "Obviously, there were mistakes made by ChoicePoint, and they suffered the consequences for that." </blockquote> Sounds familiar? This is just a case of closing the barn door after the horses have bolted! Will Stats Can find itself in a similar situation? Anyway, the FBI contract has been given to Lockheed-Martin! Is that supposed to be more secure? Don't bet on it! In fact, the FBI has so much faith in Lockheed-Martin that it has built safeguards in the contract (or so it thinks!) As noted in that last quoted article: <blockquote>FBI Director Robert Mueller said the new contract with Lockheed Martin will face performance audits from investigators within and outside the FBI. Each of the four phases of the project will be reviewed, and the contract is structured so that the FBI can back out after any of the phases, he said.</blockquote> How's that for a trustworthy corporation!

Unfortunately, sounds like boycotters can look forward to potential prosecution in August. See the latest as posted to the Vive main page, <a href="http://www.vivelecanada.ca/article.php/20060712121454386">Statscan Threatens Prosecution of Census Boycotters</a>. Have had a few emails from people advising that rather than spoiling forms or refusing to send them in at all, people just fill in the bare minimum (name, number of people in household) as this may give lawyers a stronger case if there are charges laid or prevent charges altogether. This is something I have also been recommending, especially if you are being pestered a lot by StatCan employees. I also always advise that people fill in the comments section at the end of the form and talk about your disagreement with the involvement of Lockheed there. Also always recommended of course is contacting your MP and the chief statistician. If you are actually charged, please post. The more media attention we can get and the more people stick together the more likely we can raise the issues.

Lots of threats today, I notice. A friend who worked in the first wave of StatsCan naggers was part of a large group laid off on Saturday in Alberta (possibly just a low-productivity cut). My original nagger is still nagging my neighbours, but I have a new one. My neighbour was told by phone that if his filled-in form was not handed over by noon, Saturday, Monday morning, the claim would be passed to Justice Dept. I think the word is: *Stand Fast!* Maybe Derek Skinner will add a few words. It ought to be perfectly clear that GovCan *must* prosecute some- must make some of us examples to the nation. Failing to do so is to admit that there is merit to our objection to Lockheed-Martin's involvement; and merit in our argument that the combination of our "deep integration" with the USA and the existence of the Patriot Act means it's *not* reasonable to suggest that StatsCan information is secure. So who can say how many sacrificial goats will be enough? Perhaps the Palestinian answer is right, which I think is: "Who knows; but the more sacrifices, the louder we'll yell!" I have had Her Majesty's commission for fifty years now; always expecting that next year, or soon, I'd be called to step into harm's way. And I never have; it's been a great life. I think this is my time to stand fast. I think this stand is worthwhile. e.p.1

I love this quote from the CNW article: "The Census is how Canada knows what Canada needs" Really? Well since the last couple of censuses, Calgary's population has grown by nearly 20 percent, and yet the schools in Calgary are now falling apart (leaking, roofs caving in), and there are less hospitals now than there were 10 years ago! So this is "what Canada needs," eh? The truth is, the census has nothing to do with what is good for us and everything to do with controlling the masses, especially when we are now dealing with someone like Lockheed Martin who is notorious for treating people like cattle.

I also love how they keep on with the fear tactics stating that it's "the law", like that makes it right. Just remember that the government works for us, and I sure don't remember giving my permission to pass that "law".

Some new information: I received a notice in the mail yesterday (typed) that states some interesting stuff about Alberta. The title of it is "Media Advisory" and it states that "just under 20%" of Albertans have not completed thier forms That's 1 in 5! Considering how much pressure there is to fill these out, that is fantastic! It also goes on to state "the number of outstanding forms far exceeds that of the 2001 census" Good job everyone! Of course it continues with the usual threats and then a cheap guilt trip tactic saying "for every person counted, the province stands to gain up to $2995.00 per person per year in federal transfer payments" Notice how it says "up to", and anyway, I really doubt we'll end up seeing any of it put to proper use. I wonder what they did with the money from last time, use it to implode our hospitals?!!

"people just fill in the bare minimum (name, number of people in household)" I don't think people should fill in their names under any circumstances. My big beef is not with Lockheeds involvement, it is with the utter unconstitutional nature of a census. In reality the only information a government needs is a population count, that is it. As a previous poster stated about Calgary and the growth here, no census has any use or function in helping us cope with this growth. How knowing my name helps in this matter is totally beyond me. I would have no difficulty in filing out every question on the short form if I did not have to give them my name. Stats do not need names to function. One arguement I could see come up would be that of people lying if they don't put their name down, what? How do they know people don't lie already? Are people using their real names? If I wanted big government and lots of social services for all the lazy wankers out there then I would say I am unemployed, have no education and live off food from the food bank. I can skew my census towards any social model I choose. My big beef is with my name, this one issue shows that the census is not about "improving" government. DO NOT write your name in. As for being prosecuted, I think we need to start forming groups of resistors in our respective home towns, to get more media attention and to help each other deal with possible prosecution. If we stand back and hope we don't get picked to be one of the few to be made examples of then what is the point? If the assholes at Stats Can are met with a common front then they will find it hard to single one person out if 12 others then hound them and say charge me as well or why are you charging them and not me? I live in Calgary, any Calgarians who want to stand together or want some help on this issue, email me. As I said before, video and sound record all your meetings with Stats Can, if they do not follow the rule book (ie. if they yell and scream and peer into your windows), then they have no means of prosecuting you, sue them for harrassment. They very well cannot claim you are breaking the law if they break the law themselves. If any Stats Can employee walks into my backyard to peer into my windows then our family dog will be let out to maul them. Is there any way Vive can start a legal defence fund we can donate to? I won't need to use it but I am sure some people could. This could also scare Stats Can if it gets out in the media that there is an organization that is taking donations for the legal costs of fighting the census, it would also galvinize the refusniks.

Canadian Constitution Fundamental Freedoms 2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association. Legal Rights Life, liberty and security of person 7. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. PART VII GENERAL Primacy of Constitution of Canada 52. (1) The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law of Canada, and any law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of no force or effect. _______________________________________________________ By the freedom of conscience, thought, belief, and opinion (especially of concience), I don't fill the survey. My conscience is I won't help them destroy more innocent lives! Stop wars! Stop killings! Stop oppression of all kinds! And don't support shady governments! JackC

Constitution Act, 1867 8. In the general Census of the Population of Canada which is hereby required to be taken in the Year One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, and in every Tenth Year thereafter, the respective Populations of the Four Provinces shall be distinguished.

[QUOTE BY= JackC] Canadian Constitution Fundamental Freedoms 2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association. Legal Rights Life, liberty and security of person 7. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. PART VII GENERAL Primacy of Constitution of Canada 52. (1) The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law of Canada, and any law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of no force or effect. _______________________________________________________ By the freedom of conscience, thought, belief, and opinion (especially of concience), I don't fill the survey. My conscience is I won't help them destroy more innocent lives! Stop wars! Stop killings! Stop oppression of all kinds! And don't support shady governments! JackC[/QUOTE] Well said Jack, and know you are not alone.

hello everyone, I wanted to share with you my experience. I got that census form and sort of left it by the wayside...anyhooo Today on a Saturday, I guess an "agent of Canada" came by my home and left a form to fill out in my mail box. I was like? This is weird??? I live in Quebec. So he wrote a note on the form saying that I need to please fill it out and that he will come by Monday night to pick it up ??? WTF??? <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/eek.gif' alt='Eek!'> So now i have this form , and its in FRENCH so I want One in ENGLISH...lol BUT PLEASE HELP ME. What am I allowed to fill out as the BARE MINIMUM?????? Thanks <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'>

Y'all might be interested: High rate of unreturned census forms alarming July 14 2006 Comox Valley Record High rate of unreturned census forms alarming By Colleen Dane Record Staff Writer It's not only the law, it's important to fill out the 2006 census The high number of unreturned census forms in B.C. and on Vancouver Island is both a surprise and concern, say Statistics Canada staff. With over 290,000 questionnaires still unreturned, B.C. has one of the lowest completion rates. According to local census office manager Mike Griffin, Vancouver Island accounts for 41,000 of those delinquent forms, and the mid-island including Parksville and the Comox Valley area, is responsible for almost 10,000. "(That) is a very large number," said Lisa Gibbins, regional communications manager for Statistics Canada about B.C.'s poor showing overall. "It far exceeds that of the 2001 census." In the past census, B.C. came in the highest for returned forms. This year, though, the province is at one of the lowest rates in the country. "It's quite alarming for us and for the province," said Gibbins. That's because of the importance the nationwide person count has on programs and planning for both the provincial and federal government. Most importantly, the results from the questionnaire help to determine the transfer payments from Ottawa to Victoria. Gibbins and Griffin said StatsCan estimates it to cost the province $1,100 per person, per year if a resident isn't counted during census time. "It's really necessary information, so they're doing nobody a favour by not sending them in," said Gibbins. "That's a huge amount of money if we don't count people and they aren't included," said Griffin. "Some people sometimes just don't see the importance." Census information also helps provincial and municipal governments to plan community services such as school, health care, social and emergency services. That's why census workers are now targeting specific addresses that haven't returned their form. That, noted Griffin, is more unnecessary spending of taxpayers' money. The workers will continue to target those still not complying for awhile, but sooner or later, those files will be handed over to the justice department. Because Canadian residents must fill out a census by law, non-compliance can be punished with fines and/or jail time. Anyone who has questions about the form or did not receive one should phone the toll-free help line at 1-877-594-2006. [email protected] http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/

kiss2006, see sthompson's post above for minimum response.

Quote: Most importantly, the results from the questionnaire help to determine the transfer payments from Ottawa to Victoria. Gibbins and Griffin said StatsCan estimates it to cost the province $1,100 per person, per year if a resident isn't counted during census time. Well if they want to count me in I could arrange for them to send that $1100 directly to my bank accout because I do not consider this provincial government fit to handle any money it is given by me or the Feds for that matter. What the hell benefits am I getting from that? A uranium mine in a mountain across the river from me and a healthcare system that will not be around when I need a cure for cancer. I don't see it. If the Feds are doling out funds the Province should have then they should collect less taxes and the Province more. And why are these papers not talking about the Lockheed Martin contracr when doing their articles? Maybe they need a letter explaining why some people have not filled out their forms?

From the Vancouver Sun: [QUOTE] Census collection called a 'screw-up' Abysmal pay system, disorganization ex-enumerator's complaints Darah Hansen, Vancouver Sun Published: Friday, July 14, 2006 A record number of British Columbians have failed to complete their 2006 census forms, according to Statistics Canada. And while federal bureaucrats are pointing the finger at public apathy, a former census enumerator said the government's failure to collect hundreds of thousands of census forms since the May 16 deadline has more to do with a general lack of organization in the enumeration system. "It was such a screw-up from the beginning," said Brian Horgan, who worked as a census enumerator before calling it quits last Friday. "It's so disorganized -- it's embarrassing, actually." To date, more than 300,000 census forms remain outstanding in B.C. -- a figure significantly higher than the number not returned in 2001, said Jerry Page, western regional director for Statistics Canada, said B.C.'s return rate on this latest round of census forms was among the lowest in the country. [/quote] <a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=09772817-c222-4c7a-8366-c96a2247e86d&k=57524&p=1">The Vancouver Sun</a>. People fron the Western Region of Stats Can have told me that Jerry Page, the regional director, is a tyrannical, down-sizer type. If you read more in the article, a census taker notes he was paid the equivalent of $3.50/hour before he quit. I wonder where all the extra money they're saving is going? Oh yeah, Lockheed Martin. Wasn't the Western Region at Edmonton, also the Stats Can office that tried to keep the Lockheed Martin employees on after Ivan Felligi said to fire them?