We would like to share with you an e-mail received from a viewer. It tells us a lot about Statistics Canada tactics, and how to stand firm:.

Hello everyone - as a Canadian who is 100% behind the statements and beliefs stated on your website, and wanting to be CountedOut, I telephoned the Census people just a few minutes ago. Here is how it went: I began by asking for 2 supplementary forms to be sent to me. The worker began to ask me a myriad of questions ...

At first she wanted to know why I was requesting 2 additional forms. I said "please just send me 2 additional forms". She asked "how many people are in the dwelling"? I replied "you will get that information when I fill out the forms". She then asks "could you tell me why you are requesting these forms, or do you choose not to"? I replied "I choose not to share that information". She then said "Well, I can't send you one without a reason that I can type in the computer". I replied "Well then you can type whatever you want as a reason". She said "Well, I need to have a reason". I replied "I am exercising my right to request and file individual returns, etc". Silence.

She then said "Well, as my call volumes are very high right now, I will need to do this on paper". She then proceeded to ask me many more questions - so we don't have your name? (that's correct, you don't) what is your phone number? (unlisted) how many people live in the dwelling? (she asked me this on 3 different occasions - "I am not answering that right now", was my reply each time) is this an apartment? is the dwelling new? what are the 2 cross-streets near your dwelling? (I think you can figure that out) is there a landmark by your dwelling? (I'm sure you can get a map and figure it out where the 'dwelling' is) so, you are not willing to give us directions? (I'm sure you have employees who can figure that out too, as the form had to be dropped off in the first place. Just send me the 2 forms please). So, the only information I gave to the worker was my address ...

In conclusion, the woman on the phone became quite frustrated with me as I stuck to my mimumum cooperation tactics. She ended up hanging up with a curt "okay, bye" once she ran through the gamut of all the questions she 'needed to ask'. I was not told when the forms would be mailed out, nor was I was given a reference number to use if and when a Supervisor comes to my door. I had absolutely no idea that I would repeatedly be asked the same questions, so they could get information out of me on the phone.

Now that I have taken the first step, I am confident that I can continue to stand up for myself and my beliefs. Thank you for your website. It's good to know that I am not the only Canadian who refuses to just roll-over ...

We thank our viewer for sharing her experience. We think that her answer for a reason for her request --that she chose to exercise her right to request separate forms--was a superb answer.

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