That's a very good question. Thank you, Mr. Arthur.
I could answer you by saying that the Constitution of Canada requires the Government of Canada to conduct a census, but that that obligation concerns a census in the strict sense. However, the trend in Canada is increasingly toward surveys that go beyond that obligation. The purpose of a number of questionnaires is to obtain information on the everyday lives of Canadians so that we can create programs better suited to their needs.
The question you raise should be studied. I believe that, right now, the census is necessary. We have to meet our obligation, which is constitutional in nature, but perhaps there are grounds to question, as a government, the scope of the census.
Thank you.