Ottawa, November 6, 2015 – The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) applauds the Government of Canada’s decision to restore the mandatory long-form census.
The data obtained through the mandatory long-form census constitute a vital source of information that is essential for sound evidence-based policy-making at all levels of government. Moreover, researchers rely on these data to produce credible social, historical, and scientific research about all aspects of life in Canada. These data are a public good that must be fostered.
CARL members recognize not only the value of long-form census data for research on current issues, but also the increasing importance of that data over time for demonstrating changes and trends. The reinstatement of the long-form census is a crucial decision to ensure the continued collection of reliable information about the Canadian population.
“Research libraries were extremely concerned about the cancellation of the mandatory long-form census and the impact on matters critical to policy development and our understanding of Canadian society,” said CARL President Martha Whitehead, Vice-Provost and University Librarian, Queen’s University. “We commend the government of Canada’s decision to reinstate this critical data source.”
– 30 –
CARL members include Canada’s twenty-nine largest university libraries as well as two national libraries. Enhancing research and higher education are at the heart of its mission. CARL develops the capacity to support this mission, promotes effective and sustainable scholarly communication, and public policy that enables broad access to scholarly information.
For more information:
