With the 2011 Census upon us, the City of Steinbach and the municipalities of La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, and Hanover strongly encourage all households to participate as the census numbers determine the amount of provincial and federal funding communities will receive. The information gathered in the census provide statistical data needed to plan, develop, and evaluate community programs and services, including things such as neighbourhood improvement programs, housing programs, and recreational opportunities.
Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen said, With everyone’s participation, we will maximize our federal and provincial support and ensure the creation and continuance of first-rate programs and projects in our communities.
The 2011 Census is important to our communities in order to identify the future needs of residents, said Reeve Stan Toews of the R.M. of Hanover. It is a source of revenue other than property taxes and everyone should participate.
For example, a family of five that is not counted in the census is a loss of funding equaling 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, otherwise, may be made up through taxes.
It is of utmost importance that all citizens participate in the census, said Reeve Claude Lussier of the R.M. of La Broquerie. Our communities have welcomed hundreds of new residents over the past ten years from within the province and from outside Canada. Information obtained through the census will guide us in the development of policies and services that can accurately reflect the needs and aspirations of our people.
Through provincial policy, a percentage of provincial taxation is returned to municipalities to fund programs or services, said Reeve Art Bergman of the R.M. 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.
If a member of your household does not complete and return the census form by the beginning of June, an enumerator will visit your household to obtain the questionnaire. All residents of Canada are legally required to complete the census questionnaire, according to the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada is bound by law to protect the confidentiality of the information respondents provide in the census. Only Statistics Canada employees have access to census questionnaires.
For more information, please visit www.census2011.gc.ca.
