Quote:
Originally Posted by calumniate
I think it cut off a lot of regional policy making and reform, and long term industry planning. The census provides detailed demographics across all corners of Canada, and without it local municipalities were left without data to make effective decisions. So basically it took the power of information away from municipalities and provinces allowing Harper to do what he wanted without as much resistance
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I'm not a supporter of non evidence based decision making, but I had never spent a couple hours in a more intrusive, boring, useless waste of my time than filling out a long form census. I am not certain how the numbers of rooms in my home, how many of which are bedrooms and if the dwelling is in need of any repairs and "how much time I spent doing unpaid housework, yard work or home maintenance for members of this household, or others" is vital information for government decision making in this country.
Edit to add: Here are the 'vital' questions that were the 2006 long form census
http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb-bmdi..._Q2_V3-eng.pdf