If it ain't broke, don't fix it... scrap it?

The recent decision by the Conservative government to scrap the mandatory long-form census come 2011 has certainly stirred up a lot of talk within media circles... and between friends! Though it stresses one of my friends out completely, I appreciate that there is finally an issue that seems to be broadly affecting Canadians (I will get into other Conservative decisions that affect ALL OF US that have generally gone unnoticed in other posts :D).

http://www.cbc.ca/m/rich/news/story/2010/07/27/pol-census-clement-sheikh-hearing.html

I'm posting this most recent news item I could find. CBC seems to be doing the best job of throwing in all recent discussions and info from both sides. Though, since the Cons have the media on a short leash, it's hard to get anything official from their camp.

What do I think about it, you ask? Being as concise as possible, I think that if the Conservatives had legitimate concerns regarding the mandatory long-form census, they could have very easily changed certain portions. I think if they were serious about doing what's best for our country, they'd have consulted with StatsCan (they did not) before making such huge decisions, and would also try to improve upon the mandatory portion of our statistical harvest. They would not have simply gotten rid of it. That, to me, smells foul. But I'm not surprised.

They have already done irreparable damage to many pieces of legislation (without fanfare, as not to worry you with the details - kind of like census details!), what's one more blow to the country?

They are counting on public apathy to get them through. So far, it's worked wonders. We really need to wake up. Please, keep yourselves informed! Continue sending your letters!

In the meantime, heed Mr. Mackenzie King's warning, folks!

"Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government." - William Lyon Mackenzie King