'All else is voluntary'

With every Census year that comes by, there seems to be a lack of uncertainty as to what information is required to be provided, or should be provided, and what information is voluntary.

The federal Statistics Act provides that clarity in sections 8 and 31, which are included herein.

Section 8:
Voluntary surveys

8 The Minister may, by order, authorize the obtaining, for a particular purpose, of information, other than information for a census of population or agriculture, on a voluntary basis, but where such information is requested section 31 does not apply in respect of a refusal or neglect to furnish the information.

This section, entitled “Voluntary surveys” clearly states that only “information for a census of population and agriculture” is required to be provided. And “information, other than information for a census of population and agriculture” is “on a voluntary basis”.

This section goes on to say that where other such (voluntary) information is requested, the penalties under section 31 do not apply “in respect of a refusal or neglect to furnish the (voluntary) information.”
 
So, the only information you must provide is, how many people live in your specific dwelling, and whether or not you are involved in any agricultural activities. All else is voluntary.
 
Therefore, only STEP B and STEP D of the census questionnaire are required to be completed.

Section 31:
False or unlawful information

31 Every person who, without lawful excuse,

(a) refuses or neglects to answer, or wilfully answers falsely, any question requisite for obtaining any information sought in respect of the objects of this Act or pertinent thereto that has been asked of him by any person employed or deemed to be employed under this Act, or

(b) refuses or neglects to furnish any information or to fill in to the best of his knowledge and belief any schedule or form that the person has been required to fill in, and to return the same when and as required of him pursuant to this Act, or knowingly gives false or misleading information or practises any other deception thereunder

is, for every refusal or neglect, or false answer or deception, guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both.

Section 31 sets out the punishment for not filling in the required information, that being at Step B and Step D.

Grant Baudais