2010-08-03 Census long form, Janette Doering “politely declined”

For the last census, I received the long form. After answering the first few questions regarding age, marital status, etc., which the government already knows about me anyway, I began reading the questions carefully. I wrote on the subsequent pages “I respectfully decline to answer any further questions” and mailed it back to Statistics Canada. About two weeks went by before someone from StatsCan called to ask why I didn’t fill out the rest of the form. I explained that I didn’t think it was anyone else’s business to know what I pay for power or groceries or how much I still owe on my mortgage. That information is between me and various service providers. The StatsCan employee responded with, “You’re not the only one.” I left it at that. To all politicians, policy-makers and bureaucrats who think this information is so vital in forming your platforms, promises and red-tape plans, know this: I pay too much in taxes already for the lack of services from all levels of government, I pay too much in service fees to corporations to supply power, cable, phone, etc. And I think everyone is paying way too much attention to this whole issue. Should I again be selected to receive the long form, I will, again, respectfully decline to answer.

Janette Doering,

Canmore