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Jewish group wants everyone who receives long-form census to fill it out

On the heels of the most exciting federal election in recent memory, one of the more contentious issues from the previous Parliament has already resurfaced.

Canadians began receiving the new short-form census, now just called the census, in the mail Monday. One question that is not on it is the one about religion or ethnicity and that is a problem for some groups.

That question remains only on the voluntary National Household Survey, formerly the long-form census, which will be sent to one in three households.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver is trying to make sure everyone who receives the voluntary National Household Survey fills it out.

"Proudly check off 'Jewish' in the 'religion' or 'ethnicity' box," it writes on its website. "This will help ensure large population numbers so that our voice will be strongly heard."

"The census is an indispensable tool used by Jewish community leaders and planners to better understand their communities and plan for the future," states its website. "The census information is often used by social services organizations to solicit funds from government. The figures often provide powerful justifications for their funding needs."

Native groups in the Maritimes have also taken issue with how it will count all aboriginals. They argued in Federal Court that aboriginals would be at a disadvantage because the voluntary nature of the National Household Survey would produce skewed data about how many people live off reserves. The court dismissed the action in January.

In addition to the same eight questions on the short-form census, including those about gender and date of birth, it now includes two questions about language.

One in three households will also be asked to complete the voluntary National Household Survey and these people will receive it in about four weeks.

The mandatory long-form census was successfully scrapped despite a heated debate in Parliament and a Facebook group with more than 11,000 people listed.

The census can be completed in 33 languages including English and French as well as Braille.

Statistics Canada asks people to fill out the forms within 10 days either online or by mailing it. If a person fails to return the form, an enumerator will visit the household to get the information.

According to Statistics Canada, it is mandatory to fill out the census. Those who don't may be fined.

(CBC Photo)