Pearson-Shoyama Institute
HOT BUTTON

Mike Scott, M.P.
Skeena

NEWS RELEASE

SKEENA M.P. BLASTS 1996 CENSUS DOCUMENT
AS DISCRIMINATORY AND UNSAVOURY

Terrace, B.C., April 3, 1996 - Skeena M.P. Mike Scott charges the Liberal Government's 1996 census questionnaire is a violation of democratic principles because it asks Canadians to identify themselves by racial origin.

"The social engineers in Ottawa are at it again," said Scott. "What legitimate purpose can there possibly be in asking Canadians to identify themselves by race?"

Scott was reacting to the 1996 census form, question #19, which specifically asks, "Is this person: White, Chinese, South Asian, Black, Arab/West Asian, Filipono, South East Asian, Latin American, Japanese, Korean, Other - Specify." The explanation for the question: This information is collected to support programs which promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural and economic life in Canada.

"This census question is all about setting quotas for hiring based on race. Here after, employment opportunities with the Federal Government will be extended as a function of race, rather than a function of abilities shared by all races," stated Scott.

"This census question, and it's obvious intent is a national discrace. Social engineers observe no bounds or limits in pursuit of their pipe dreams." Scott concluded by saying "Several British Columbians have suggested, they might lodge a protest by placing the word Martian' or unknown' on the line marked other.' The imagery of Human Resources Minister, Doug Young and his department scrambling to cope with employment equity programs for several million Martians is wonderful."

- 30 - For more information contact - Mike Scott, M.P.
1-604-635-1601 or 1-800-661-2208