FREDERICTON (CNB) – New Brunswickers are being urged by Finance Minister Blaine Higgs to participate in the 2011 Census, to be carried out this month.

"The census is more than a population count," said Higgs, who is responsible for the Statistics Act. "It provides all levels of government with social and demographic information essential for making decisions regarding the many programs – such as health care and education – that each provides to the public.”

Statistics Canada conducts a census every five years. Beginning this week, yellow census packages will be delivered to more than 366,000 households in New Brunswick.

"It is a vital tool for New Brunswick since funding formulas for major federal transfer payments to provinces are based in part on population counts,” said Higgs. “Every person not counted in the census will result in lost dollars to the province and, therefore, lower funding for essential programs."

Statistics Canada carries out the Census of Agriculture at the same time as the Census of Population. These data will be used to produce detailed, accurate information about the agriculture industry in New Brunswick and in Canada.

"Agriculture is constantly changing, and the census informs us of these changes," Higgs said. "The census also provides a unique source of data for small and rural areas."

Households will have the option of completing the census online. Each letter or paper questionnaire will have a secure access code printed on the front along with the 2011 Census website address. Answering the questions online is a secure, simple and convenient way to complete the census.

People needing help to complete their questionnaire, needing another questionnaire, or preferring to have the form in another language may call the Census Help Line, 1-877-777-2011, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Some residents will also be asked to participate in the new National Household Survey, to be carried out about four weeks after the 2011 Census.

Statistics Canada is asking everyone who receives the survey to recognize the importance of the information and to respond. The information collected will be useful for future planning and decision-making because it will provide data to support family services, housing, roads and public transportation, and skills training for employment.

LINK:

●    Statistics Canada (2011 Census): www.census2011.gc.ca


03-05-11