Quebec language lobbies fight census change Lack of accurate data could adversely affect how services are provided, they argue

The Montreal Gazette, Monique Muise

MONTREAL – Several groups in Quebec have joined the chorus of voices condemning the federal government’s controversial decision to scrap the mandatory long-form census, saying the move could have serious consequences for organizations and individuals across the province.

At the forefront of the backlash is the Quebec Community Groups Network, which says the loss of data from the traditional long-form questionnaire will make it much more difficult for the government to pinpoint where Quebec’s English-speakers are concentrated, and thus allocate services accordingly.

“The services provided by government to the English-speaking minority in the province are determined, in large part, by their numbers,” Network president Linda Leith explained. Read more…