Town of Battleford council's meeting was held online Monday evening.(Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Count yourself in

Town encourages participation in Statistics Canada Census

May 4, 2021 | 9:07 AM

The Town of Battleford is asking everyone to complete their 2021 Census forms from Statistics Canada currently being mailed to residents in all communities.

The forms are also available online at census.gc.ca

Mayor Ames Leslie said during council Monday evening it’s important for all residents to fill out their census, as the results impact the municipality.

The census data also supports programs and services that benefit the community, as well as many non profits.

The deadline to submit the completed form is May 11.

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Councillor Judy Pruden said she was able to use the findings from the previous census to support one of the town’s grant applications.

Council passed a resolution that it supports the census, which also helps determine the municipality’s needs and access to funding.

“Federal funds, grants and support to provinces, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race, and other factors,” CAO Ash Alam stated in his submitted report. “Our community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. When we respond to the census, we help our community getting its fair share of the federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs.“

He said businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, which helps create jobs. As well, developers use the data to determine where to build new homes and revitalize old neighbourhoods. Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness.

“Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy,” Alam stated.

He added Statistics Canada ensures the information gathered in the census questionnaires is kept confidential.

Statistics Canada indicated in its letter to municipalities it will do everything it can to enable Canadians to respond to the Census without an in-person visit from a Census employee during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Statistics Canada Census employees need to be sent to a resident’s home as a follow up if a household does not complete the form, they will adhere to all COVID-19 protocols.

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow