Hon. Roméo Antonius Dallaire:

Honourable senators, there is small problem. The aim of the exercise is not a survey but rather a census, and we are talking about two completely different exercises. If we want a survey, we can hire any Tom, Dick or Harry in town to do it. We are talking about a census, the fundamental data of a nation. In so doing, we have the right to impose certain responsibilities upon the citizenry. In Australia, an individual has to vote. People are sanctioned if they do not vote, and I do not think they are less democratic than we are. Why does the leader think it is inappropriate to demand that citizens do their duty, and if they do not, then those who are pushing for law and order can hold people accountable for not doing their duty by filling out the census form?

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