Long-Form Census is Getting the Short Stick

Tony Clement and the Conservatives are creating a more homogeneous representation of Canada.

The Liberal Party wants a parliamentary committee to reconvene so that Industry Minister Tony Clement can explain why the long-form census will no longer be mandatory for 20 per cent of Canada's population. Clement has said that the long-form census, which asks about income level and ethnicity, is intrusive and a burden to Canadians. However, the opposition parties say that researchers and policy makers will be affected if they don't have information that accurate represents the country.

Andrew Lang, the Liberal Party's federal candidate for Toronto-Danforth, spoke with The Mark about why the long-form census is important to politicians. He also expressed concern that the Harper government is trying to create a homogeneous representation of Canada.