Although the 2011 Census date is still a couple months away, the City of Steinbach and the municipalities of La Broquerie, Ste. Anne and Hanover are already working together to promote participation in the Census. So why is everyone’s participation so important to these communities and others?
“The census numbers determine the amount of provincial and federal funding our communities receive,” said Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen. “With everyone’s participation, we can maximize our federal and provincial support and ensure the continuance and creation of first-rate programs and projects in our communities.”
Reeve Stan Toews of the RM of Hanover said, “The 2011 Census is important to our municipalities to identify the future needs of the residents. It is also a source of revenue other than property taxes. Everyone should be counted this May.”
For example, a family of five that is not counted in the census is a loss of funding equalling about $550 each year. Given that a federal census only occurs every five years, this adds up to a total loss of $2,750 in federal and provincial funds – amounts that may otherwise have to be made up through taxes.
Furthermore, public participation is key to gathering the statistical data needed to plan, develop, and evaluate community programs and services, including things such as neighbourhood improvement programs, housing programs and recreational opportunities.
“It is of utmost importance that all citizens participate in the upcoming census,” said Reeve Claude Lussier of the RM of La Broquerie. “Our municipalities have welcomed hundreds of new residents over the past ten years from within the province and from outside Canada. The RM of La Broquerie will work jointly with Census Canada to collect census data from our citizens. This joint effort will serve us well in the future as it will guide us in the development of policies and services that the RM of La Broquerie needs to be able to correctly reflect the aspirations of its people.”
“Through provincial policy, a percentage of provincial taxation is returned to municipalities to fund programs or services,” said Reeve Art Bergman of the RM. of Ste. Anne, “and this is based on the census head count. So help your town or municipality get its fair share – ensure you are counted.”
The Census will take place on May 10, 2011. For more information, please visit www.census2011.gc.ca.
