Census 2001

What’s up?

Tuesday, May 15, 2001 is Census Day in Canada!

Every five years, Statistics Canada conducts a national census.

This year, for the first time ever, the 2001 Census will ask a question about same-sex relationships.

Why is the Census important to gays and lesbians?

In 2001, same-sex couples will finally have the opportunity to count themselves in, and see the reality of our families reflected in this national profile of Canadian society. The Census will provide important information about how we live our lives and structure our relationships.

The Census will also go to every household in Canada. Our inclusion in the questionnaire will send a powerful message in communities large and small across Canada that same-sex couples are an integral part of Canadian family life.

Why is Statistics Canada recognizing same-sex partners at this time? What’s changed?

In recent years, there has been a lot of progress towards recognizing same-sex couples equally. Last year, the federal government enacted the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, recognizing same-sex couples equally with opposite-sex couples in some 68 federal laws. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by a number of provinces and private employers. The information provided by the 2001 Census will help governments, employers and others in the administration of their programs to same-sex couples.

What does the 2001 Census say about same-sex partners? How should my partner and I answer?

There are two questions which recognize same-sex partners. Here’s what they say:

In Question 5, which asks if the person is living with a common-law partner, same-sex partners should mark the Yes circle. The definition of “common-law partner” includes both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

In Question 6, “Relationship to Person 1”, same-sex partners should mark the circle for “Common-law partner (same-sex) of Person 1”.

The same-sex partner of another member of the household can report the appropriate relationship using the fill-in space marked “Other—specify” e.g. by writing "Son’s same-sex partner".

What about our children?

Question 6 is explicit that “children of a common-law partner should be considered sons and daughters.” In other words, your partner’s children should be treated as your own sons or daughters, even if the laws of your province or territory do not allow you to formally adopt or share guardianship of the children.

What’s not covered?

The census will address same-sex relationships, but will not generate any information about lesbians, gays and bisexuals as individuals, since there is no question on “sexual orientation”. Transgendered people are not recognized in the census. Although same-sex couples will be counted, we will still have to mark our marital status as ‘single’.

Will my responses remain confidential?

Neither names nor addresses are entered into the census database. All employees who work with census questionnaires are sworn to secrecy when they are hired, and only a small number of employees have access to completed questionnaires. The Statistics Act contains penalties in the form of a fine of up to $1,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both, if an employee releases personal census information.

Is information shared with other government departments?

Government departments have no special right of access to the information—they can only have access to the same statistical information as the general public.

Will the 2001 Census provide an accurate count of the number of same-sex relationships in Canada?

No. Many same-sex couples are cautious about providing their personal information to the government. It was only about three decades ago that homosexuality was a criminal offence, and many federal laws were only changed last year. Discrimination remains an unfortunate social reality. As a result, EGALE expects significant under-reporting this first time that the question is asked.

Nonetheless, the 2001 Census will provide a good start, and will at least provide information about the minimum number of same-sex couples in Canada. By helping distribute these materials and by accurately reporting your same-sex relationship, you will help to minimize under-reporting of same-sex relationships.

Over time, as the question is asked again in future censuses, community-members are likely to feel more comfortable with the question and we expect that the accuracy of the information generated will increase.

I live in a smaller community where everyone knows everyone. What do I do with my questionnaire if I don’t want my census representative to see it?

Census representatives are responsible for gathering the census information in each region, but you don’t have to deal with them. You can fill in your census questionnaire over the telephone by calling a Census Help Line operator at 1-800-591-2001, or you can ask to mail your completed questionnaire directly to a Regional Census Office.

When will census results be available?

The first 2001 Census results will be released in April, 2002. More detailed information will be available beginning in the fall of 2002. You can keep track by consulting EGALE’s Website at www.egale.ca or Statistics Canada’s Web site at www.statcan.ca.

What if I still have questions?

If you need help, you can call the Census Help Line (toll-free) at 1-800-591-2001 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., May 1^st to 31^st. EGALE representatives will also be available to answer questions on a confidential basis. You can call EGALE toll-free at 1-888-204-7777.

EGALE Canada
205-176 Gloucester, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0A6
Ph.: 1-888-204-7777 | Fax: 613-230-9395
www.egale.ca | egale.canada@egale.ca

Want to know more about EGALE?

EGALE is a national organization committed to advancing equality and justice for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people—and our families—across Canada. We regularly produce newsletters, fact sheets and information kits on current issues affecting lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people.

Egale Canada ©2010

Égale Canada est résolue à promouvoir l’égalité et la justice pour les personnes lesbiennes, gaies, bisexuelles et trans-identifiées, ainsi que leur famille, à travers le Canada.