Industry committee  The issue of the 92 years is not really a statistical issue. This is an issue for genealogists and historians. The tradition has been in Canada that after 92 years, generally speaking, public records become accessible, and that used to apply to the census. A long time ago, the

Industry committee  On the amendments, I think Dr. Fellegi and I both indicated the key elements. We need amendments around the selection process absolutely, in my view. It needs to provide for a selection committee. The selection has to be based on merit, on demonstrated ability to run large organi

Industry committee  As I was enumerating a minute ago, in order to avoid the confusion that the courts have introduced in ruling that the long-form census can be voluntary, you need to define that the questions to be be asked on a 100% basis or on a sample basis are all part of the census. That woul

Industry committee  No, no, no, I simply want the law to define that the census of population is all of those questions that are approved, by whatever the approval process is—which at the moment is by cabinet—and that the questions to be asked of the Canadian population on a sample, or on a 100% bas

Industry committee  I'm saying that's a choice.

Industry committee  At the moment, if Statistics Canada comes forward with a census of the magnitude of the 2016 census, the current act says that the government can decide that, no, we're only going to ask five questions, and say, “Sorry, the rest of it's not necessary”.

Industry committee  This amendment does not correct that. The scope of the census is entirely in the hands, not of the chief statistician but of the government under this legislation.

Industry committee  I certainly agree with that, but whether it's—

Industry committee  My understanding of this issue is that it's tied into the whole Westminster system and is not quite so easy to carve out, but ideally that should be the case, yes.

Industry committee  So those four pieces need to be there. They're not there today, and as a result, as both of us have said—

Industry committee  —a government in the future will be just as capable of doing what happened in 2011.

Industry committee  I share Dr. Fellegi's view. It could be somewhat smaller than 40, but still, 10 is too small.

Industry committee  The thought that comes to mind is about 20 to 24, somewhere in there.

Industry committee  Regional representation, sectoral representation, a wide range of views.

Industry committee  Very much so. They meet twice a year, and they are invaluable in ensuring that our program evolves in line with the interests of Canadians.