Ethnicity and the Census

by Andrew Cardozo, Pearson-Shoyama Institute
(May 17, 1996)

1. Synopsis
2. Analysis
3. Other views

   1. Synopsis It's been Census Time and once again there was an uproar about the ethnicity quesitons. The opponents resorted to a range of scare tactics and name calling, which suggests that the strength of their arguments may be convincing. Images of South Africa and enforced racisim were graphically created. But now let's take a cooler look at things.

   2. Analysis What is the purpose of the census?
   Most countries conduct a census of their population every five or ten years, the purpose of which is to gain information on a range of issues about their populations, the most used figure being the total population. A census also gathers information on the socio-economic status of the population, gender, language, religion, etc. In trying to get an accurate hold on this picture, the census has also asked about ethnicity. And this is the question that raises the ire of some.

   But are there some reasons for getting a better handle on ethnicity:

   1. First, for those who believe in gathering such figures, ethnicity is not a social disease which people have to be ashamed of. Critics of multiculturalism such as Richard Gwyn say that ethnicity is a private matter which people somehow do in their own homes. One would imagine that being open about ethnicity was something like being a nudist - you practice in behind closed doors and at secluded beaches!
   2. Every country in the world is culturally diverse and it is important for society to know more about the cultural composition. This information helps to respond to both the assets that come from such diversity as well as the challenges that arise from it.
   3. Part of the socio-economic picture is finding out how people of various ethnic origins are doing. If they are all doing equally well, then you know your system is working in an equal manner. If there are discrepancies based on ethnicity, then you need to find out why and decide if society - or government - is going to do anything about it. This is the essence of employment equity and and affirmative action plans. The argument about the merit of such equity policies is another matter that also needs debate. But if as some would want, we gather no figures, on socio-ecomomic status based on ethnicity, then you have no option but to assume - or pretend - that there is no problem or that there is no reason for anyone to do anything about it.

      It is noteworthy that when the Mike Harris Tories took office they decreed that all data collected to date for purposes of employment equity had to be destroyed. They took the freedom of choice away from all employers. It seemed that they were not only content to kill employment equity, but wanted to kill any attempts to make the case for equity policies. What better way than to outlaw the gathering of such data. That way you can comfortably sit back and laugh at those who argue that such policies are needed. You can just smirk and say, "Prove it!"

      So when the critics of employment equity wanted the second ethnicity question scrubbed, they really wanted to take away the ability of its supporters to make their case. In the battle for public opinion, information on your side is as much an asset as keeping information away from your opponent is.

   4. Data on ethnicity is particularly useful for medical reasons. When patients are seeking a particular bone marrow or blood type, there is a greater chance of finding a match within the ethnic group of the patient. This is not opinion, it's science. Similiarly, certain diseases or conditions are passed genetically and have a greater preponderance among people of that background.

      Note on the questions:

      There were two questions on ethnicity this year. The first (question 17) was the usual one that asked respondants to indicate their ethnicity and to pick from a long list or write in their own. A second question (question 19), asked people to identify a grouping, and these included: white, Chinese, South Asian, etc. This could accurately be called the white/non-white question", but the critics labelled it the "race question". For this new question an explanation is provided: that such figures are needed for purposes that advance equality of opportunity.

      3. Other Views posted on this topic:

      - A Critic's view: from Reform Party Critic, Mike Scott, (M.P. for Skeena, B.C.)

      - The 1996 Budget, Mike Scott, (M.P. for Skeena, B.C.)