The Canadian Association of University Teachers is welcoming today’s announcement that the Liberal government will restore the mandatory long-form Census.

“This sends a promising signal that the new government plans to support Canada’s research community and evidence-based public policy,” said David Robinson, executive director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

The mandatory long-form census, eliminated in 2010 by the previous Conservative government, was a critical source of data and information for academic researchers, policy-makers, urban planners and small businesses.

“Restoring the Census is an important first step, but there’s more to be done to rebuild Canada’s scientific and research capacity,” stated Robinson.