Census helps allocate resources to the vulnerable

Have you received your census yet? There’s still time to complete it.

For some, this data collection is met with excitement and hopes for the long version. For others, there may be some misinformation or mistrust about how the data is used. 

The census is a non-political, confidential national survey conducted every five years by Statistics Canada. Its purpose is simple but important: to provide an accurate picture of the population—our ages, housing needs, education levels, income trends, and more.

This information directly influences decisions about funding, services, and infrastructure in communities like Prince Edward County. When people are undercounted, especially those who are already vulnerable, our community risks missing out on the resources it genuinely needs.

Locally, census data plays a critical role in informing The County Foundation’s Vital Signs program. Vital Signs uses reliable, community-level data to track trends in health and wellness, belonging, environment, education and economic well-being. These insights help community organizations, service providers, and funders to understand what’s working, where gaps exist, and how to design programs that respond to real, evidenced needs.

Without accurate data, this work becomes much harder—and less effective. Complete census participation strengthens Vital Signs reporting, supports smarter decision making, and ultimately contributes to a healthier, more resilient community for everyone.

The census is confidential, straightforward, and vitally important. By taking part, you help ensure that our community is seen, counted, and supported—today and for years to come.

Dominique Jones, Executive Director, and Anne VanVlack, Vital Signs Coordinator,  The County Foundation 

Sir John A. Macdonald part of A Path Forward

The deputation to Council April 21 by Mark Johnson, representing Save Our History, was a surprise. Contrary to his belief that the “passion has cooled” over this sissue, the room was filled with residents, some arguing in support of returning the Sir John A. statue to Picton Main Street, and the rest arguing against.  

Tempers flared: people were hurt, and understandably upset, that they felt obligated to once again reiterate their beliefs and re-experience their hurt.

Truth and Reconciliation in this country has only just begun. The A Path Forward exhibit at Macauley Museum is an example of the respectful and inclusive representation of our history. The John A. Macdonald statue was offered a place within this exhibit. This offer was made by the Holding Court Working Group after months of extensive consultation and gathering perspectives from the whole community. The staff report presented on April 27, 2022 to the Committee of the Whole outlines the entire process.  Unfortunately, the owners of the statue declined this offer. 

Putting this statue back on Picton Main Street is not an option, in my mind. Do no harm is the phrase that comes to mind: there would absolutely be further harm done to many people if this statue were to reappear on Main Street. Statues are not history, they are simply placing someone on a pedestal.  If this statue is incorporated into a fulsome history as part of A Path Forward, people could learn and discuss the good, the bad and everything in between of this man’s life. I suggest that the owners reconsider this offer and continue the discussion with the other Path Forward participants.

Penny Morris, Picton

And Now for General Picton

Following Council deliberations on April 21 regarding whether or not to restore the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to Main Street in Picton, perhaps councillors should be aware of the history of the person after whom the town is named. 

General Picton was appointed Governor of Trinidad in 1797, at the height of the slave trade. Infamous for his cruelty, including severe punishments meted out to slaves on the island, he was summoned home by England’s Privy Council to face prosecution. 

General Picton was killed at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, mourned by the slaves he persecuted in Trinidad no doubt. Name change anyone?

Desmond Bohn, Prince Edward County