In June 2010, Canada’s Conservative majority government made a controversial announcement that the mandatory long form Census of Canada questionnaire would be replaced by the voluntary National Household Survey, as the former was deemed to be too invasive to Canadians’ privacy, threatening imprisonment for non-compliance. This practicum examines the anticipated implications of the Census change through an analysis of existing information – the repository of letters either supporting or contesting the elimination of the mandatory questionnaire. Planning processes are contingent upon understanding socio-economic conditions and demographic distribution. The long form Census is arguably an integral planning tool that provides an indication of community change. This research explores the role of information with respect to planning processes and the use of knowledge in enabling power within or over communities. Finally, this practicum provides suggestions for planners to mitigate changes to statistical information and adapt planning processes.

In June 2010, Canada’s Conservative majority government made a controversial announcement that the mandatory long form Census of Canada questionnaire would be replaced by the voluntary National Household Survey, as the former was deemed to be too invasive to Canadians’ privacy, threatening imprisonment for non-compliance. This practicum examines the anticipated implications of the Census change through an analysis of existing information – the repository of letters either supporting or contesting the elimination of the mandatory questionnaire. Planning processes are contingent upon understanding socio-economic conditions and demographic distribution. The long form Census is arguably an integral planning tool that provides an indication of community change. This research explores the role of information with respect to planning processes and the use of knowledge in enabling power within or over communities. Finally, this practicum provides suggestions for planners to mitigate changes to statistical information and adapt planning processes.