(July 23, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today asked Industry Minister Hon. Tony Clement to reconsider the decision to eliminate Census Canada’s mandatory long form. Clement announced the decision to replace the Census Canada long form with a form to be completed on a voluntary basis for the 2011 Census.

“Inuit rely heavily on the information gathered by the long form to provide an accurate picture of the health, social, educational, cultural and economic circumstances in our communities. It is possible that many households receiving the voluntary survey will not respond,” said Eetoolook. “Changes in the data collection method will also skew results meaning accurate information about the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of Inuit will not be gathered or presented.”
As well, for comparative purposes, consistent and reliable data has to be collected from all regions of Canada.

“The change has implications for meeting the objectives and carrying out the obligations of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). Inuit participation in the design and delivery of social and cultural programs, policies, and services can be most effectively accomplished when we have access to adequate and realistic information,” said Eetoolook.

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For further information:

Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
fbuscemi @ tunngavik.com