ETHNOCULTURAL COALITION SAYS QUESTIONS ON
ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS MUST STAY IN CENSUS

OTTAWA, February 18, 2000 -- The Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC), a coalition of over 30 national ethnocultural organizations in Canada, has expressed concern regarding reports that Statistics Canada is considering removing the questions on ethnicity and religion in the next Census.

Mr. Emmanuel Dick, President of the CEC, stated that it was not clear to him why Statistics Canada would consider such a move. "The information from the census on these two areas is invaluable in helping to address programs and policies that deal with social, culture and economic concerns. It also provides the business community with important information for market development, international trade and product development" says Mr. Dick.

"Collecting census data is integral to Canadian identity and builds on our collective history. Categorization by ethnic group is all about being Canadian. It is the thread of history which glues the nation together and makes it the unique country that it is," said Mr. Dick.

"Canada leads the world in providing unique answers to new situations and challenges. Other nations are looking at the positive way in which we deal with diversity, for they too will have no choice but to accept this reality. The 21st century will be about letting people be who they want to be without fear of repercussion or persecution. Individuals need not feel that they must conform to a mould or be afraid to express their cultural heritage. They can be fiercely proud of their country and their ancestry at the same time, as are many 'ethnic' Canadians", says Mr. Dick.

Mr. Dick felt that removing the question of ethnicity and religion from the census data was a regressive measure and one which would be an embarrassment in the international arena. The data provided through Statistics Canada fulfils many obligations, including the Multiculturalism Act, and perhaps most importantly the recognition that people have, under the United Nations Charter, the right to their ethnic and religious ancestry. This is an important and significant achievement and one that marks the development of a culture of peace and the foundations of democratic pluralism.

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Contact person: Anna Chiappa, Executive Director, (613) 230-3867