2011-07-13 Census: Don’t know what to do about the census? What’s happening to other people? some actual questions and answers might be helpful.

If the following can be useful to anyone,  please help yourself!    A selection of input, and Q & A’s.

Questions and input are related to Statistics Canada census work in 2011:

• May 2,    Census of population collection began,  all households receive
• May 10,   Census of Agriculture collection was underway, all farmers
• June & July,   National Household Survey (used to be the census long form)  is carried out.  Detailed information (83 questions) is requested, 1 in 3 households receive.
• July 29,  Collection activities for the Census of Population are to be completed.

Note:

1. COMMENTS from other postings about the Census have been moved to this posting.    (The overflow is at:   2011-07-13   continued)
2. Statistics Canada, Media Relations  posted a COMMENT – – scroll down to the bottom.  My reply follows their input.
3. 2011-05-28 Elizabeth asks What is Lockheed Martin’s actual role?   (contains information Canadians should know)
4. The full file of information on the Census – Lockheed Martin is at  http://sandrafinley.ca/?page_id=70.”

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Received:  Wed 8/10/2011 4:19 PM

Hi Sandra:  Yes by all means I would like you to use my letter and see if it furthers the resistance to the increasing intrusion of government into the private lives of Canadians.  I have added an interesting quote from the Jennifer Stoddard, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner, about that very topic. 

(Note: I (Sandra) missed this June email in my inbox until August 10)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Mr. Wayne Smith

Chief Statistician

Statistics Canada

Ottawa. Ontario, Canada

Dear Mr Smith

I write this letter in the knowledge that you consider the information requested in your current census form as vital for purposes, which are of little interest or value to me personally whereas my right to privacy is of utmost importance to me.

I respectfully request to be excused from your request for me to provide information, which I regard as an intrusion into my personal and private life.  Due to a long career as a management consultant I am very aware of the overabundance of detailed information that is available on individuals the fact of which I find highly objectionable.

However my request to be excused from the current census is based on three important and non-personal reasons:

1.    I insist on claiming my right to privacy according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom.  By abdicating my Charter Rights to privacy I not only abandon my personal rights but I also abandon the right of every other Canadian to claim their right to privacy.  This is not something that I take lightly as I sincerely believe abdication of this right is the beginning of absolute governmental control of the lives of it’s citizens.  Having had a business in China I am all too aware of how intrusive government control can be.

It is my clear and unequivocal opinion that my right to privacy supersedes any need on the part of government to manage its affairs and your request for personal information, accompanied as it was with a threat of legal action, contravenes that right.

2.     I am not alone in my profound concern over the choice of supplier for the software support made by Treasure Board.  Apart from the fact the choice is part of the industrial military complex of a foreign country, I believe at some point the database that you claim to be secure will be hacked.  Are you willing to give me your personal guarantee that Statistics Canada will not be compromised in any way?  What price will come directly from you or your pocket if it is?  Are you willing to come to my door and apologize to me or will there even be an apology.

Highly competent organizations such as the US Pentagon, Sony Corp., Google, Federal Governmental Departments etc., etc., the list is extensive, have all been the victim of Internet hackers.  So what then does it mean when the information provided by your department states that only authorized personnel will have access to the data?  In truth it is unlikely that you or anyone else can give absolute assurance that Stats Can will never experience an intrusion of this nature.  To my way of thinking question isn’t IF you are going to be hacked it’s when.

I would ask you to consider the following statement from the one of our few trusted civil servants, Jennifer Stoddard, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner.  In her “Message from the Privacy Commissioner” she writes; “Technological advances hold out the promise of greater convenience, but sometimes at a cost to human rights such as privacy and the ability to control our personal information.  Meanwhile, governments and businesses have a seemingly insatiable appetite for personal information.  Governments appear to believe – mistakenly, I would argue – that the key to national security and public safety is collecting mountains of personal data.  Privacy often receives short shrift as new anti-terrorism and law enforcement initiatives are rolled out.” Her comments are vitally important to those of us that choose to resist this constant intrusion into our personal lives, of which Stats Can is a participant.

3.     In addition, Stats Canada has received over $10,000,000. for information since 1996 from information that it has received through the collection of census data which is repackaged and sold.  Your department claims that no individual or personal information is sold but it is combined into consolidated statistical information that is sold; however I would like to point out to you that my information is a part of that consolidation for which Stats Canada is receiving money.  I therefore insist that a part of the monies received by Statistics Canada is rightfully mine.  If I am to be forced to provide data that is then sold to others it is only reasonable and just that I be compensated for that contribution.

As stated at the beginning of this letter I am a very private person and I more than strongly object to the way that information regarding the personal lives of individuals, including myself, are so disrespectfully collected and utilized for purposes that others profit by.  It is of little wonder that there is growing mistrust of all levels of government not the least of which Statistics Canada.  Finally I would like to point out that the self-serving admonition on the outside of the envelope that “It’s the law” is a poorly masked threat and I doubt anyone takes kindly to threats.

I realize you believe in the importance of statistical information and the value of that data and it is quite likely that you cannot conceive of anything more important than the statistics you desire but much more important than your need for data is my need for privacy.  Therefore, I will not, under any circumstances, respond to your request to provide private information regarding my personal life.  I respectfully decline to participate in the current or any other census taking from Stats Canada.

Yours sincerely;

(Name witheld for the time being)

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Submitted on 2011/07/29 at 2:27 pm

Thank you Sandra for your Site and insight.
A Few Week ago I put a Change of address and because They (Census) think I didn’t fill out the forms… They have withheld and/or did not redirect my mail
They can keep my 46 Dollars
Anything else I can do?
Ken

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Submitted on 2011/07/30 at 12:08 pm

Hi Ken,

You have done lots already! You connected yourself with the rest of us. And you are informed. Those are the two most important things, as far as I am concerned.

It is only if we are kept in ignorance and isolated from each other that the Government and the corporations can get away with what they are doing. If we know who Lockheed Martin is, what they do in the world, that they are involved in the census, and a bit of history (the role of census data bases in Nazi Europe for example); if we stand up together – – there is no greater force for good and for sanity.

We definitely have the power to stop bad decisions. It is our democracy to either protect or to let slip through our fingers.

Maybe the postal strike caused your change of address to get overlooked?

Cheers!
Sandra

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Submitted on 2011/08/03 at 7:29 am

Hi Sandra,
Thanks for the feed back.
No, The mail strike has not interfered with our mail.
I was given Canada Post Toll free number and as I was listening to Their Commerical, one of the Commercial was IT IS THE LAW to do the 2011 Cencus, Please Call Bla,Bla,Bla.
I hung up.
I know that If someone was to come online and speak with me and then asked my old address, On their computer would be a red flag that This address DID Not file the cencus even though it got loss in the mail. I guess they can keep my mail, Ha
Ken

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Submitted on 2011/07/23 at 6:59 am

So my story starts with not answering the door to the Stazi-Can agents. After many visits on holidays, Sunday at 8 pm, Saturday at 830am, agents hiding from the peap hole, harassing my children through the window and is now at a point where the Stazi-Can Agent opened the INTERIOR latch to my 6 foot back gate and tried to coerce my 4 year old son and his friend to remove the stones preventing her illegal access to my property. My friend spotted her and closed the gate and warned the children against helping fascist lackeys of whatever form.
If the people of Canada don’t stand up and assert their rights then its just a matter of time before we are merged with our southern police state cousins. This is experience talking not speculation, treaties already exist that allow US troops on Canadian soil during “emergencies and domestic disturbances”. Do you people even understand what that means? Please wake up Canada your survival depends on it.

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From:  Albert     Date: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 1:19 PM

Subject: Attn: Sandra Finley…

Hello Sandra Finley,

I am emailing from Waterloo Ontario. I have been following what you have experienced over the Census.  I just had a census supervisor come to my door and was quite rude and not respectful of my time. He told me that I was breaking the law if I did not fill out the census with him in front of my door. I told him that I had already filled one out, however he proceeded to threaten me  that the next people at my door would be the crown prosecutor, or the police, I would go to jail etc…. I told him that I did not break any law,  as I had already filled out the form to the best of my ability  and sent it in the mail and that the ink from my pen hit the form, therefore I reiterated to him that I broke no law. He proceeded to say that they never received it, and I told him it was not my problem, that it was Canada Post’s problem. So I took another form, filled it out to the best of my ability. He was completely disrespectful of my time and space, so I said that I would fill it out to the best of my ability and tape it on my door and he could pick it up at eight PM, so that he would not have to bother me anymore.

I just thought that I would share my experience with you.

PS: it makes me wonder if the software is in Canada and does the information stay in Canada?

All the best,

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SENT:    Fri 7/15/2011 3:08 PM

Hi Albert,

Your input is valuable.  Thanks for taking the time to write.

If at least 3 people have tracked me down with the same story as you (filed the form but StatsCan is still coming after them) then I would guess that it has happened to many more.

I have posted questions I’ve been asked and responses on my blog, at  http://sandrafinley.ca/?p=2655

You will find Allison’s story (the last one on this page),  she filled in the form twice and they still came back, saying that they hadn’t received a form from her. I will add your story, but change your name  (which I routinely do if the person is new to me, because I don’t want to make people uncomfortable or worried).

If you have  questions I might be able to help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Happy summer!

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From Mabel:    Wed 7/13/2011 5:44 PM

Census interviewed me last May, just four months ago.  They obtained my number randomly,  since it is unlisted.  I finally gave in to their forty minute questionnaire.  I was extremely uncomfortable.  One question referred to sterility.  I immediately became concerned due to my research into GMO and NWO etc.  …  I am extremely terrified by what is soon to come.  Four months after providing the census information, I am again being harassed one day every week by someone who has been depositing the short form request for contact card.  Why do I have to submit information every four months.  Am  I on the red or blue list?  Please help.  I do not know if I will be arrested for not filling out the form contracted to a US firm who specialize in killing people.

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SENT:  Wed 7/13/2011 10:18 PM

Hi Mabel,

Thanks for getting in touch.  When we are connected to each other, working together, we can help shape the direction that things will go.  There are HUGE challenges to overcome.  Yes, it is frightening.  But on the other hand, when you know how many people are waking up and are determined to stop the bad things, you can think that maybe, just maybe,  we will create a new way of being in the world.  We’re fighting hard!

Here is my guess as to what happened in your situation:

–    In May you received the census form, as did every household in Canada.  It is shorter.

–    Following that, Statistics Canada is doing the “National Household Survey” (NHS).  It used to be called the “census long form”.  One in every 3 households is to be sent an NHS.  I read where the number of questions is now 83  (up from 50 on the old form).

–   It is interesting that they asked about sterility.  It is a recognized and growing issue in the world.  More than a decade ago European countries had recognized it.  The story of the Aamjiwnaang at Sarnia ON (poisoning from nearby petro-chemical plants) is part of the story (a 40% decline in male births)  – – information circulated in our network,  much of it now posted on this blog.   Infertility is due to all the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, poisons, heavy metals, etc. that we are dumping into the environment and into our bodies in one way and another.  They want a better idea of the numbers of infertile people.

–   I do not think that you are on the red or blue list.  I think that you were “the one in three” households that received both forms – the “short” census form and then the National Household Survey (long form) .

–   The NHS is DEFINITELY VOLUNTARY.  You do not have to fill it in.  The Government cannot do anything if you decide not to fill it in.:

a.   We have a Charter Right to Privacy of personal information.  The second paragraph  on  http://sandrafinley.ca/?page_id=70 has a link to the LEGAL ARGUMENT.

b.    The law regarding the “census” and a “survey”  is different.   By changing the “census long form”  to a “survey”, they made it definitely “Voluntary”.  Surveys are, by definition in the Statistics Act, voluntary.

(Q & A’s, other people)  . . .   You will see that you are not alone.  There are literally thousands of us.

Please get in touch anytime.

Take care and Best wishes,

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From: Mabel     Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 9:37 AM
Subject: RE: Census

I am on vacation.  I was enjoying my river front property, when suddenly a woman crossed my back yard.  In order to do so, she had to park her vehicle, and walk beyond the chain link fence accompanied by no trespassing signs. After a 450 foot walk down my lane, she crossed my backyard. I was sun bathing.  My attire was not appropriate.  I ran to my home extremely upset.  I called O.P.P. who cannot accommodate us under the trespass act. They claim that census is federal and not provincial, out of their jurisdiction.  Apparently, they do not see
census as trespassing.

Tomorrow, RCMP may return to our home and arrest me.  What happens then?  Do I go through the procedure and allow them to detain me in prison, or do I have other alternatives?  Please respond before tomorrow. I truly believe that after their five consecutive attempts at forcing me to fill out a secondary census, these people will do whatever it takes to make me
comply.

Sincerely,

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Sent: Sat 16/07/2011 6:33 PM
Subject: RE: Census

Hi Mabel,

INFORMATION GIVES YOU POWER.

Print off a copy of the appended newspaper article  “2010-06-29  Tories eliminate compulsory long census form”.

If StatsCan comes to your door again,  show them the article.   I believe that they are trying to collect a National Household Survey from you (used to be called the long census form).  You are under absolutely no obligation to fill  it in.  Read the newspaper article – –  in June 2010  the Govt announced that it is not compulsory. (INSERT:  the Government never did pass legislation to enact what they announced.  The Law remains unchanged.  What they did was to change the census long form to a “Survey”.  Surveys are, by legal definition, voluntary.  )

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY,  the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms makes it ILLEGAL for the Government to try and force citizens to hand over personal information.

StatsCan relies on the fact that most people do not know their rights or the law or the Census system.

You can

Stand up.

Put your feet firmly on the ground.

Take a real deep breath.

And then have a real good laugh!

You have probably scared off the StatsCan worker.

Your method of scaring them off (private sun-bathing) is pretty funny!

You will not be arrested.

You will not be detained in prison.

You submitted a census form (back in May).

You have complied with the law.

That is the end of the story.  Nothing more can happen to you.

If you think StatsCan might come back, practice what you will do.

You will be just like you are now with your feet firmly on the ground.

Imagine the person you are talking to.

That person is nothing more than a man or woman who needs a few bucks and has taken the StatsCan job to earn some cash.

If they come,  relax and have a laugh with them.   “You guys are sure persistent.  Last time you caught me sun-bathing.  I even called the police~!”

Tell them:  “I have already filled out a census form.  I did that in May.
By law, that is all that is required.   Here is a copy of the newspaper article from June 2010:  any other information you might want is not compulsory.   Have a good day.”

Practice saying the line.  Watch yourself in the mirror.   All you need is some confidence.

Given your email address I assume you work for Ottawa Transit.

Do you have conversations with people at work?

I was just thinking that you might receive support from them.

Some support would be good for you.  You’ve done a great job already, even if you didn’t intend to!

Best wishes,

APPENDED NEWSPAPER ARTICLE,  from my blog, page   http://sandrafinley.ca/?p=585 �
2010-06-29  Tories eliminate compulsory long census form

Published On Tue Jun 29 2010   – – in the Globe & Mail, the Toronto Star and many other newspapers.

Jennifer Ditchburn The Canadian Press

OTTAWA-The federal government is scrapping the mandatory long census form in favour of a voluntary survey – –  –

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From: heather
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 9:00 AM

Subject: Census protest

(Insert:  The Global Research article referred to is at  http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8647 )

Dear Sandra,
I . . .  recently read an older article about you at www.globalresearch.ca regarding your protest of the census in 2006.  I have recently received several phone calls from a census worker who claims ottawa still has not received my census which was mailed three weeks ago.  She threatened me with jail time and a fine if I didn’t complete it with her over the phone.  I am writing to follow up on what happened with you back in 2006.
Sincerely,
Heather

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Hi Heather,

The short answer to your question, what happened to me back in 2006?:

It was two years before I received a summons to court (March 2008).  I was found “guilty” in January this year (2011) but then given an “absolute discharge”.  That was related to the census long form.  I expect to win on Appeal – the “guilty” has to be overturned.  The Appeal Hearing is on October 19, 2011.

Regarding your situation:

You do not have to provide answers to the census worker over the phone.  The threats she is using amount to nothing more than intimidation and coercion.   You mailed in your census form.  That is sufficient.   If you are contacted again, it is entirely within your right to repeat that you already mailed in the form.  There is no requirement that you fill in another form.

You will not get in trouble with the law.  StatsCan would not refer you for prosecution because they would have to prove that you did NOT mail in a form;  they have no way of proving that you didn’t.    You are not the only person who mailed in a form and who StatsCan now claims that you have to do it again.

I have appended some questions and answers that might be helpful to you.

There is detailed information on my blog :  www.sandrafinley.ca (click on Lockheed Martin/Census/War economy) – –  but it is probably more information than you want!!

Best wishes,

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BUT, WHAT TO DO? (excerpt from a reply)

Personal circumstances are different and so people’s responses are different.

You can supply the information that suits the original intent of the census:  the number of people that live in the residence (a head-count for electoral boundaries).

You can dodge the StatsCan employees with 99% confidence that you won’t be prosecuted, so long as you do not say to them “I am not going to fill in a census form”.

You can openly refuse to cooperate and know that there are thousands of others who stand with you.   The contracting-out of census work to Lockheed Martin Corporation is unacceptable.  The Government does not have a leg to stand on morally, rationally or legally.

For the Government it can be a long and costly exercise to prosecute people for non-compliance.   In order to prosecute they have to have EVIDENCE to PROVE to the Court that the law was broken.  They rely on the THREAT of prosecution to make people comply.  If that doesn’t work, the cases that are selected from among thousands of non-compliers are ones where the non-complier has accepted that they are responsible for filling in the census AND provided the evidence to census workers that they didn’t complete a census form.

(More on this topic below.)

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From: Rebecca
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:37 PM

Hello,

I had a chance to briefly read your story and was hoping you could tell me about the legal end of actually not filling out a census form. I simply don’t understand why it’s important for the government to know my ethnicity, salary, etc. In order to conduct a count to determine population.

Any suggestions?

RESPONSE:

The second paragraph  on  http://sandrafinley.ca/?page_id=70 has a link to the LEGAL ARGUMENT.

In a nutshell, we have a Charter Right to privacy of personal information:

“In fostering the underlying values of dignity, integrity and autonomy, it is fitting that s. 8 of the Charter should seek to protect a biographical core of personal information which individuals in a free and democratic society would wish to maintain and control from dissemination to the state.”

Section 31 of  The Statistics Act makes it a punishable offence (jail and a fine) not to hand over the information requested on the Census form.  I received the “long form”.   For the 2006  census it contained about 50 questions, many of them personal.   (I read in a news report that the number of questions for 2011 is 83.)

The Statistics Act is in contravention of the case law associated with Section 8 of the Charter.  And the Government cannot meet the test to override the Charter Right.

The Government has been using propaganda, intimidation and coercion to force citizens to give up their Charter right to privacy of personal information.

In June 2010 the Government said that the census long form is no longer mandatory;  it is voluntary.  However, they did not change the legislation.   It is evident from the questions I’ve been asked that StatsCan continues to use threats and misinformation to force people to give up their Charter Right.

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SENT TO CHARLOTTE.  Sandra speaking:

I’ve received calls about the census from Medicine Hat, some from Ontario – – people who don’t know what to do from Vancouver – –   StatsCan seems to be more aggressive in Vancouver than here?  Or maybe they decided to leave me alone?

Best,

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Submitted on 2011/05/27 at 2:46 pm

I’d like to get some information please. I ignored the census envelop when it came, it was filed under G. I ignored the reminder when it came. It to was filed in the same place.

In the last two weeks I have received a phone call from I don’t remember, if he even told me his name, but someone advising me that I have to fill out the census and giving me the telephone number to do so, as I was busy when this person called. I was told that if I didn’t fill it out there would be reminder phone calls and or messages if I didn’t answer my phone. Well, there was a message advising me I had to fill out the form. There was a second phone call advising me that I could face a $500 fine if I didn’t fill out the form.

I came home the next night after walking my dog to find someone had been at my home and left a form taped to the front door, stating that I should fill out the census and giving me the phone numbers.

The night after I had two telephone calls, I didn’t answer the phone and don’t have call display. The calls were later in the evening. Very few people call me and I phoned those who might have, only to find that they didn’t. That night I noticed a car parked across the street at the time of these calls.

Today I came home from work and within a half hour there was someone knocking on my front door. I did not answer the door. I noticed again a car parked across the street with a male person sitting inside. I have no idea what he was waiting for, perhaps he thought he’d catch me coming from work… I just don’t know. He parked there for a while and then left.

I am becoming very angry about this. IF I fill out this form it will be in my own sweet time. I will not be goaded, forced or threatened to do this. At this point in time, I am thinking of calling the police and reporting these strange occurrences. I’m at a loss here and need some information to handle this situation. I think it is important that I contact some authority to put my concerns on record.

Thanks for any assistance.

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Submitted on 2011/05/28 at 1:54 am

Hi Diana, (almost the same reply as to Monica below)

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June 5^th, 2011

. ..    everything about this census is wrong and I choose to be a non participant.

–        I don’t think you need to worry about legal support.  You can be a non-participant and not get prosecuted.  Details follow.

–        And IF they try to prosecute you it may be two years before they issue a summons (based on my personal experience with the 2006 census).

–        Just for the record:  I have not looked at the information they are asking for on the 2011  “census form”.  What used to be the census long form that asks for detailed info will likely be coming in the next week or so (to one in every three households).  It is now called the National Household Survey.  The NHS is definitely not mandatory because of the Charter Right.

I recently read that the NHS has 83 questions, up from the 50 on the old census long form.

–        Stay in touch.  Let me know anytime you have a question.  There are a lot of people working together on this.

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. . .   the threat you received from StatsCan (a $1000 fine) is way outside the law,  an example of intimidation/coercion tactics.  The most that the law (the Statistics Act) allows is a $500  fine – – if you were ever prosecuted and found guilty which is highly unlikely.

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Submitted on 2011/05/28 at 1:54 am

Hi Monica,

I am wondering whether this might work for you?  In 2006  I was anxious at first, but found there was no reason to be:

In 2006 in conversation with census workers (one came to my door, one by phone call) I thanked them and accepted whatever they wanted to give me. I told them I understand that they are doing a job that they are paid to do. Everyone needs the money.

I then asked. “Do you know who Lockheed Martin Corporation is?” Neither of them knew. That offered the opportunity to explain that LM is an American weapons manufacturer, they manufacture weapons that are against Canadian and International Law, are heavily into international surveillance, the number one player in the military-industrial complex, with a long record of court convictions, AND they have contracts for work on the Canadian census.

I asked the census worker to please understand: I have a big problem with Lockheed Martin’s involvement in the census. The quarrel I have is not with you (the census worker): it is with bureaucrats in Ottawa who contracted out census work to essentially the American military. Maybe they know about the Patriot Act in the U.S.? It overrides all Canadian laws.

The census workers generally appreciated the information; one asked questions and came to the conclusion that she wouldn’t have filled out a census form either, if she had known.

I told them I will deal with the matter, leave it in my hands. They have done their job.

We both went away happy.

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Monica
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2011 9:23 AM
Subject: RE: Census Lockheed Martin: response to your questions

Hi Sandra,

Thank you for getting back to me.   The evening is the best time to call me.

I really appreciate your assistance with this situation, particularly since I work for the provincial government.  I’m wondering what repercussions this could have on my job.

Regards

Monica

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything… They make the best of everything! So live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God. The richest person is not the one who has the most but the one who needs the least.”

– Taken from The Wisdom in Hot Chocolate

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Date: Sun, 29 May 2011 21:04:09 -0600
Subject: RE: Census Lockheed Martin: Time difference – sorry I didn’t call you tonite

Hi Monica,

RE:  repercussions for your job.  I had not factored that in when I wrote the response.   We can discuss.

Sandra

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From: Monica
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2011 4:13 AM
Subject: RE: Census Lockheed Martin: Time difference – sorry I didn’t call you tonite

Hi Sandra,

. . .  Please just call when you can.  I received a couple of more “notes” in the mail in the last couple of days.  Thankfully, they didn’t bother me Sunday.

If you can just give me an idea of what I can do to spoil my response, which will have to be on the internet of course, because I don’t have forms.   Perhaps that would help me out.  Although I’m at the point that I just don’t wish to cooperate with them.  These things can happen when one gets pushed around, at least in my case.

Just to let you know, I work for the Ministry of the Attorney General here in Ontario, and they are becoming sensitive to just about everything.  One has to walk softly…

Regards

Monica

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RE:  “HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS”, “LIKELIHOOD OF BEING PROSECUTED” and  “HOW TO DO RESISTANCE TO LOCKHEED MARTIN”

Sent sometime in May:

Hi Monica,

Two excerpts from Don Rogers (Count Me Out website  http://www.countmeout.ca/ )   website are appended.

In addition:

As I understand, you (Monica) received the same form as I received.  It provides an access code and tells you to go on-line to complete your census form (different from those people who received the actual census form in their mailbox).

HOWEVER,  there is a SECOND OPTION for the people who received the “form with the access code”:

Instead of doing the census on-line, you phone and ask for the form to be sent to you.  (UPDATE:  I don’t think the mail strike is an issue.  I would guess that they have census workers to put the form in your mailbox.) On the phone you quote the access code (which maybe contains locator information – the address –  for your residence).   My guess is that they can then track the fact that someone from your residence received the form, called them, and they then deliver the form to your residence, also tracked.

(SIDE NOTE:  I received the access code form and now a second “Census Reminder” with the line “Complete it today – it’s the law”.   I have not received an actual census form to complete.  It seems to me that they are now saying that it is up to the citizen to obtain the census form.  Some  people, urban as well as rural, received the actual form.)

(ANOTHER ASIDE:  when the Government does things it should not be doing (contracting-out to Lockheed Martin Corp) and against the expressed wishes of citizens, it loses the good will and cooperation of citizens.  With widespread non-compliance, you and they discover that  “The Law” loses its force as a tool of coercion when thousands of citizens decide to stand up.  I have written a number of times through the years:  The Government is under-mining  the rule-of-law which means that they are under-mining democracy.  This is a very serious development.

BACK TO THE POINT:

A census form is delivered.  But WHO in the household is responsible for filling out the form? WHO can they pin it on, in a Court of Law?   I don’t think that the Statistics Act actually says WHO in the household is responsible for filling out the form.   A tactic that could work for some people:  don’t say anything that indicates you accept responsibility.

If you (the citizen) say “I am the one responsible for filling out the form for this household” you help them build a case against you, one that the prosecutors can take to trial.    You could, for example, receive the form, or take the phone call from StatsCan,  but say that you will give it to the right person to fill  out.  If they ask who that is, you could say, “I’d prefer to leave that to them to tell you.  I’ll give them the form.”   Receive it but don’t fill it out.  If they return, you can say “I gave it to the right person to fill out;  I don’t know what they did with it.”   Or,  “I’m quite sure the form went into the mailbox.”    …  don’t say that a form has not been submitted.

If you are the owner of the residence maybe a court would view that you are responsible, but did you receive the form?  Use the example of a rental property.  Who can they prosecute if the form is not filled out for that residence?   If you assume that you are not the responsible person, if you know very little about what they (census workers) are talking about, if you for example, put the form on a desk for someone else to look after, if you don’t answer the door,  . . .  where does that leave them?  .. .  they don’t have easy evidence to make a case in court.

There are a lot of assumptions involved, whether it’s a rental property or not.  Now we have this new situation wherein you are responsible for using an access code and going on-line or telephoning for the form.  Repeat:  BUT  WHO at your residence is responsible for obtaining the form?  As you see, IF the Government loses the good will and cooperation of citizens the system has to resort to  propaganda and coercion (fill out the form or your French Language Association won’t receive Government money; you will be fined; etc.) .

I also believe that the system of intimidation can work only because it is known that the majority of citizens tell the truth.   Our first impulse is not to tell a lie.   . …  “Did you receive the census form?”.  . .  . .   If you did receive a StatsCan form, you will be more inclined to say “yes” than to say  “what are you talking about?”.   Knowledge of psychology is useful to the manipulator.  AND it’s useful for us to understand our own behaviours.)

“HOW TO DO RESISTANCE TO LOCKHEED MARTIN”

Don Rogers’ website offers ideas and information for minimal cooperation.    http://www.countmeout.ca/

In whatever way you choose to handle things, in whatever way works for you and your particular situation, your action is a contribution.  It is one more straw on the camel’s back.   You can be effective without breaking the law, if you choose that route.   (“The law” is set out on my blog,  ask if you have questions.  Basically, we have a Charter right to privacy of personal information.  Click on “Lockheed Martin, Census, War Economy”  (from  www.sandrafinley.ca – – you’ll see the Legal Argument.).

My situation and therefore my actions are different from yours  (2006:  I did not fill in a form,  I told them I could not and the reasons why – – I gave them everything they needed in order to prosecute me.  They thought that I would eventually cave in under the many threats.)    But not all of us need to do that.   I am thankful that you are also concerned and active.  I could not do what is necessary for me to do, if you and others are not willing to play a role in some fashion.

FYI – the likelihood of being prosecuted.

First:   It is unlikely that they will prosecute people who have not given them the information that they need to make the case in Court.

There are thousands and thousands of resistors, people who have not complied in one way or another.   In 2001 and 2006 they prosecuted a small number (65) – as I say, people who have provided them with the information they need.   It is easy to engage in resistance and NOT give them what they need to make a case in Court.

The prosecutors use witnesses to present information to the judge.  At my trial two of the three witnesses were local census workers, one who came to my door and  the other, a supervisor who telephoned me.    In 2006 I could have led the census workers on in a number of ways – –  told them that I put a form in the mail, not answered the door or phone,  or  I could have returned a form with bogus information, etc.

Would they have prosecuted me?  Not likely;  I was prosecuted because I made it easy for them to do, and because I was vocal.   I asked the census workers if they knew who Lockheed Martin is – – they didn’t.  I explained and told them that I could not fill out a form, I will not be complicit with the enrichment of Lockheed Martin Corp.

You can resist;  but don’t give them the information they need to mount a prosecution – be evasive with them.  Talk with your friends, but don’t announce it in the newspapers – – although you will find (on my blog) letters-to-editor from people who DID announce it in the newspapers and weren’t prosecuted.   But StatsCan would have been on the chopping block if they went after those people:  StatsCan was using the threat of jail and a fine OUTSIDE the census period which is diametrically opposed to what the law allows.

I wrote to the Chief Statistician more than once before the census (they didn’t use that information but it was obvious that I was engaged in active resistance to Lockheed Martin’s role in the census).

So the odds of being prosecuted are very small.

Second Point:  BUT EVEN IF you receive a summons to court, there are numerous opportunities to avoid prosecution at no monetary expense to you.   The system is one of coercion.    In my case they waited until the end of the two-year limitation period before laying charges, before issuing the summons.   Even after the summons was issued I could have submitted a census form and the trial would not have proceeded.   When the trial date finally arrived,  they STILL thought that I would back down:  the Judge had not done the required “pre-trial” work.   It threw them off – – and is one of the reasons that after 3 years the trial is still not finished.  It was a game of chicken.  But for me Lockheed Martin is deadly, and not a game.

– – – – – – – –  –

The head of the census operations, Anil Arora, telephoned in 2006 to convince me to fill in a census form.  We had a lengthy conversation:  I stuck by my guns.  It wasn’t difficult.  They have to resort to non-arguments because they can’t refute Lockheed Martin’s court convictions,  weapons that are in contravention of Canadian and International Law, etc.   They try to duck responsibility (StatsCan doesn’t negotiate the census contracts, Public Works did it, for example) but even that is easy enough to refute.   StatsCan had to agree to work with Lockheed Martin.  I did not have to agree to talk with Arora.  As I say, I could have resisted but not given them any of the statements that they needed for evidence for the Court.

They can’t prosecute all the non-compliers, there are simply too many.  They’ll pick off the easy ones.

You might ask the census worker if they know who Lockheed Martin is, but little more than that.   The census worker later documents what you said.    It gets Lockheed Martin onto the record.  Say no more, other than “Leave the census form with me; I’ll give it to the right person to complete”  or whatever.

If there are census workers who come to my door this time around, I have a small tape recorder that I might use (and show them that I’m recording the conversation).     Alternately, I will make notes about what was said immediately after they leave, so I don’t have to rely on memory.   It can’t hurt to have a solid record.  It will be interesting to see if they go after me again:  they can use my blog against me, I suppose.  But I think they might be smarter now:  every time I have been in court over the last 3 years I have gotten more press coverage which means that many more people now know about Lockheed Martin’s role.  Their attempt to use the Justice System as a tool of coercion has created most/much? of the non-compliance with the 2011 census.

Don has good advice:  you have a right to fill in the form when it is convenient for you.  And you can choose to mail in the form.   You do not have to fill in the form while the census worker is standing there.

You may want to consider writing “NO LOCKHEED MARTIN”  across the form.

You could consider providing the minimum information which is the number of people living in the residence.  StatsCan does not need the names of people.  In the past names were not part of the information on the actual data base.  Also, they say that the information is only used IN THE AGGREGATE.  You do not need actual names for aggregate information.

From Don:

Starting May 2, citizens will be urged to go online and complete a census form on the internet. Statistics Canada will be pushing this new online option, which Lockheed Martin has been involved in developing. We strongly recommend against filing online. We recommend you opt for filling in the paper questionnaire, adding several minimum cooperation embellishments, and mailing it in.

Census forms mailed out in early May. In rural areas, Census reps are knocking on doors, personally delivering the census form, and wanting to complete the form on the spot, then and there. You are perfectly entitled to take the forms and state that you will mail them in yourself, as your schedule permits. Make sure the rep gives you the postage-paid mail-in envelope

Bar-coded Census form to be mailed back on Census Day in a special envelope with a see-through window to display the bar-code.

A few weeks after Census Day, a pleasant reminder (probably by a personal visit) to file your Census form (the Census representative may want to complete the form for you on the spot at your home, or over the phone–but you have every right to opt for doing it yourself when convenient, and mailing it in–don’t be pressured.

Repeat reminders for you to file your Census return; turning to nagging, turning to pressure, and finally turning to hair-raising threats of fines, jail, and eternal damnation.

Special software developed by weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin will track returns filed, by immediately reading bar-codes of arriving census returns, even before the envelopes are opened and processed.

Returns filed on paper are electronically scanned by the Lockheed Martin scanning system. Returns unreadable in whole or part by the scanner (e.g. torn edges, inconsistent, misplaced, or faint lettering, upside-down answers, coffee spills, tears, stickers on the forms, stray markings, crumpled sheet etc.), must be separated for traditional human processing, which is slower and displeasing to Statistics Canada.

– – – — – – – – –  – –

(2)    LIKELIHOOD OF BEING PROSECUTED:  Also from Don’s website.

We can only speculate. Those few who were prosecuted seem to have made public statements, or told Statistics Canada directly and unambiguously, that they did not file a census return. This made the task of prosecution easy, since those persons provided evidence against themselves, in a legal sense.

So it seems that perhaps the best way to avoid prosecution is never to state publicly that you outright refuse to complete the Census. If you write or e-mail Statistics Canada, you could complain about the Census without stating flatly that you will not complete it.

And you could tell the Census rep at the door that there is a possibility that you might not complete the census, or that you are still thinking it over. But you would avoid stating flatly that you will not complete the Census. By not declaring outright refusal, you would make it a very difficult task for StatsCan to prove a case in court against you. The legal onus is on StatsCan to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did not file a census return. And the fact that StatsCan’s system may not have registered the receipt of a census return does not necessarily prove that a return was not submitted.

Given that over 2 million Canadians did not answer the 2006 census and that only 52  (INSERT:   Don – “52”  should be “65” )   prosecutions were launched, it seems that the probability of prosecution is extremely low.

So again, each Canadian must decide whether or not to complete the upcoming May 2011 Census and National Household Survey. Based on past experience, millions of Canadians will refuse. And those who decide not to refuse can opt instead for the minimum cooperation techniques that this website advocates.

Over and out!!

Sandra

– – – – — –  – – – — –

From: Linda
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 9:42 AM

To: Sandra Finley
Subject: Re: Census

Hi Sandra,

My sister has requested a hard copy of the census.  I had told her of your suggestion to just put NO TO LOCKHEED MARTIN or something like that.  I cannot find your e-mail with that suggestion and the reasons why.  Would you be able to send that to me?

Thanks.

Keep up the battle.  It’s looking pretty gruesome out there.

Linda

– – – – – – – — – – – –

ALLISON:

I will respond to your comments and questions – – embedded in your email,  in red below.

There is a full file of information on my blog, www.sandrafinley.ca .  You’ll see a button “Lockheed Martin, Census, War economy”.  There are three summary arguments (the moral, legal and rational).   It is not simple and straight forward, there are some complexities.   You might like to try the summary arguments  – – otherwise there is TOO MUCH information!  – – postings on what has happened with the U.S. census, the U.K., etc.

Thanks for offering to keep me informed about what happens in your case – – please do.  I am very surprised that they would come back to you for a third form to be filled out, especially when security of information is the highest priority.

Best wishes,

P.S.  I’ve run an activist email network for more than ten years, as you will see from the blog.  By myself I would not be so brave.  I have a luxury that most people do not have:  I know that there are many people who stand behind me.  That makes everything possible.   And now you have joined the rest of us – – welcome!   As is explained in the appended we don’t all have to do the same thing.  Different things work for different ones of us.   You have already made a significant and informed contribution.  As far as I am concerned, that is the very best contribution.  /S

From: Allison
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 9:05 PM
Subject: My census experience (and how I found you!)

Hello Sandra,
I hope you don’t mind me emailing you; I found this address on the Green Party website (you’re tricky to get an address for, and I hope that I’m not intruding

no intrusion at all! By myself I would have no effect, I couldn’t accomplish anything.  I see us as ordinary citizens banding together to stand up for what is right.  Democracy fails if we don’t do that – – stand together.).

I  want to make a long story short(er).�
After receiving my census this year I filled it out and sent it in (I requested a paper copy; I’ve never been a fan of online).  A few weeks after, a nice young man rings my door and tells me that they haven’t received it.  I said okay, should I just file another one, or did you want to wait to see if you receive it?  He asked I file another, and I said that would be fine.  Sent that one in just before the canada post labour dispute began.

About a week ago, the young man returned and informed me they hadn’t yet received my form.  I told him I wasn’t surprised since canada post was now locked out.  He requested I do another one, and if it would be alright to do now.  I said no, now isn’t good, but you can come back tomorrow to pick it up.  He said how about the day after, and I said that would be fine, so we arranged a time.  Great, now I don’t need to worry about it getting lost or misfiled.  Except… now I’m a little irate.  And after filing two, could I be blamed?

So I started to do some reading to see what I could do about this, gathering information about how the census is collected, and how it has been used in the past.  I had no idea that such terrible things were implemented directly through the hands of the people, and worst of all without their knowledge!  So what do I do now, I don’t want to just not file it (I’m afraid I’m not as courageous as you are Sandra) for risk of a fine, but maybe I can make it harder or see what else is there.  This is when I cracked open the Statistics Act – and no I’m not a lawyer either.
First part I drew my attention to: Section 31: the punishment for not answering.  Okay, I don’t want to not file since I’m not that brave.  Maybe it will tell me what I actually have to answer.  Section 21 and 22, indicating that the minister can define the questions to ask, and the chief statistician can create aggregate data.  Okay, but this still doesn’t answer what I’m required to actually answer.  The minister can ask me if I have a vehicle, if I have fine China dinner ware, or a dog named Sprinkles, as nothing in here says that the minister is bound to only ask question(s) directly related to the purpose of the act.
Of course, the next step is §19.2:
The census of population shall be taken in such a manner as to ensure that counts of the population are provided for each federal electoral district of Canada, as constituted at the time of each census of population.

Wait a minute.  Back that up again?
The census of population shall be taken in such a manner as to ensure that counts of the population are provided for each federal electoral district of Canada

So the purpose is simply to gather information about the population, in particular the counts of the population for each federal electoral district?

Excellent sleuthing Allison!  Yes – I and many others believe that was the intent when the Act was written.  The Government has gone beyond what was ever intended. Back to 31 again:
Every person who, without lawful excuse,  As you will see in the LEGAL ARGUMENT (Summary on the blog) I argue and believe that the Charter Right to privacy of personal information provides “lawful excuse” not to hand over personal information.  The Charter Right is a higher law than the Statistics Act.

(a) refuses or neglects to answer, or wilfully answers falsely, any question requisite for obtaining any information sought in respect of the objects of this Act or pertinent thereto that has been asked of him by any person employed or deemed to be employed under this Act, or
(b) refuses or neglects to furnish any information or to fill in to the best of his knowledge and belief any schedule or form that the person has been required to fill in, and to return the same when and as required of him pursuant to this Act, or knowingly gives false or misleading information or practises any other deception thereunder
is, for every refusal or neglect, or false answer or deception, guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both.

Okay, so if I’ve interpreted this correctly, according to this I can only be punished by section 31 if I neglect to answer any question that is pursuant to the Act.  So… back to §19.2 again, the purpose of this act is to generate a head count of the population for each electoral district it says?  So what about all these extra questions?  My name, gender, relationship to others in my home, my language, my sexual orientation, etc, etc, where exactly do these play into the generation of the counts of population for each federal electoral district?  Best I can tell, they don’t; none of this information appears to be at all relevant to the purpose of this Act.

Well said!

So, with my new found (though potentially incorrectly interpreted) information,

(also dependent upon a judge’s interpretation, as I have found out!)

I proceeded to file my third form with two pieces of information: my address, and the number of people living in the home (handwritten, I don’t want to use that awful lockheed martin machine).  I followed up by adding comments by stating that after having two forms of personal information ‘lost’, I decided to take a stronger stance.  I pointed out the interpretation that I have of the Act, and why I believe that this requires only the two pieces of information provided.  I also informed them if my interpretation is incorrect that I would conditionally accept the filing of a replacement questionnaire if they can provide me with all supporting documentation of how each question is considered relevant to §19.2.

Bravo!  You are very resourceful!

I really hope that I interpreted it right, or that if not they won’t bother.

See the appended regarding the likelihood of being prosecuted.  I highly doubt they would in your case – – especially since you have documented the lost forms.   That would be embarrassing for StatsCan if it were to come out in Court.  No – – you are on safe ground.  AND you have simultaneously made an excellent contribution to challenging them.   Enough straws will break the camel’s back.

As for the nice young man, I told him that I was concerned with my personal data, and I wasn’t comfortable with giving it to him.  I told him since the canada post dispute was over that I was willing to compromise and he can watch me deliver it to the post box.  I was very careful of how I answered the questions: “Did you fill it out completely?” I replied with “I filled it out”, etc.

Good.  Well done.

I know you have gone through a long process in regards to you’re 2006 census (albeit the long version, not the short version), but I’m curious if you have any insight to this?  Census employees are dodgy at best when trying to drag out the information that is actually required of me versus what they are asking.  I know you are not a lawyer yourself, but I’m wondering if perhaps you know of the legal minimum required information

The trial continues.  I was found guilty but given an absolute discharge.  We have appealed the decision.  I represented myself in the beginning but now have a young lawyer who specialized in nothing but privacy law.  He is confident (and so am I) that we will win on appeal – the provincial court judge made errors in her judgment.   The Government has really messed up on this one by not listening to the thousands of protesters who started telling the Govt in 2003 not to out-source to Lockheed Martin.  Now we are in a situation where thousands upon thousands will not cooperate.   I believe we have reached a situation where it almost doesn’t matter what the law is.   The Govt loses its power to enforce laws with the very high rates of non-compliance that now exist AND our ability to share information.

What IS the law?  I believe it is as you worked it through:  a head-count of the number of people who live in the dwelling.  Nothing more.  The lawyer has pointed out that under privacy law what the individual believes to be private information is private information.   “In a free and democratic society”  the Government cannot force Canadians to hand over personal information.  That is a Charter Right.  The appeal hearing is October 19^th – – should have it defined then!

to provide on the census, and if perhaps I should be concerned?

As noted, no need for concern.

Also, if you would like I’d be glad to follow up and let you know if I end up hearing back from them.

Yes, please!

See appended, notes sent to other people.   You’ve already done a fine job – – you might be interested anyway.

In closing, I just wanted to say that I’m very impressed by your bravery!  You stand up for what’s right even when some of us are still lurking in the shadows; aware but afraid.  You have opened my eyes, and I will always look to answer questions before I blindly commit myself from this day forward; you are an inspiration and I could only strive to be a fraction of what have become!

Thank you so very much!

You are kind.  Thank-you for saying.   I am likely older than you Allison!  (I’m 62)  Age brings benefits!!!  And as I explained, I have the benefit of a whole network of people from across Canada and beyond, behind me.   You can follow the postings on the blog, if the topics are of interest to you.  Or I am happy to add you to the email dis’n list.

Best wishes, Sandra

= = = = = = = ===

Please click on    2011-07-13   continued for  more of  the input, and questions & answers.