The following News Release was made by the Honourable Lorna Milne, Senator, Friday January 24, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- OTTAWA -- January 24, 2003

Genealogists, historians and researchers across the country won a major victory today as Industry Minister Allan Rock announced the immediate release of the nominal records from the 1906 census. Ontario Senator Lorna Milne (Liberal - Peel Region) welcomed the news.

"This is what genealogists have been waiting for, for five years", Milne noted. "The government has finally come to the realization that the nominal census records form an integral part of Canada's historical record, and should be released for research purposes".

For the last four years an active campaign by tens of thousands of Canadians and hundreds of others from around the world has called for the release of the records. Until now, Statistics Canada had refused to give the records to the National Archives, citing privacy concerns.

"When Allan Rock took on the position of Industry Minister one year ago he promised me that he would thoroughly study the issue. He also committed himself to taking action if in fact it was in the best interests of the country", Milne disclosed. "Today he has followed through on that commitment in a very big way".

Microfilm copies of the 1906 census records are already in the possession of the National Archivist. He will be sending them via courier to libraries in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia later today. The 1906 Census will also be on line this week.

"I am particularly pleased that Allan Rock has agreed with the position of genealogists that the 1906 census should be released on the same basis as the 1901 census. This will allow research to continue unencumbered" said Milne.

It is expected that the government will be bringing legislation forward early in the winter session that will allow for the 1911 and subsequent censuses to be relesed to the Nation Archives. Senator Milne looks forward to working with Minister Rock to ensure that that legislation is passed.

For more information please contact Jeff Paul, Policy Advisor, at 613-947-9744