Stats Canada has always been very careful about lengthy consultations to ensure that any questions asked meet real demands out there. Last year's census consultation process.... The National Statistics Council is a minor part of that. They go out to ensure that there is need for those data and that there are not easier and less intrusive ways of getting it. What is in the census itself, long form or short form, is winnowed down and subject to a very high test of relevance and need.
On March 8th, 2011. See this statement in context.