Nova Scotians Encouraged to Participate in National Census

Nova Scotians are being reminded of the importance of taking part in the 2011 national census.

Households in Canada will receive a yellow census package early this month. In addition to the mandatory short-form census, about one-third of households will also receive a voluntary National Household Survey in June.

"Good policies and programming depend on good information," said Graham Steele, Minister of Finance. "The national census and household survey provide us with up-to-date and relevant statistics about our communities."

Information gathered from the census is used to calculate transfer payments between levels of government, including transfers from Ottawa to Nova Scotia.

"It's vital for our province that all Nova Scotians be counted in the 2011 national census," said Mr. Steele. "I encourage Nova Scotians to take the time to do their part."

Information collected in the National Household Survey provides data about communities that inform government planning for services and program delivery.

Socio-economic and other data showing unique characteristics of more than 200 of Nova Scotia's communities is provided through the Community Counts website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance/communitycounts .

People can complete the census questionnaire online or by paper. More information and help is available at www.census2011.gc.ca or by calling the Census Help Line toll-free at 1-877-777-2011.