This Year’s Census Will Commence On May 21

The 2016 Census data collection will be conducted from May 21, 2016 to December 31, 2016 and the proposed cost will be $1.7 million dollars, Premier Michael Dunkley said in the House of Assembly today.

“The general benefit of a census is that it provides a snapshot of the size and profile of the population and housing stock at a given point of time,” the Premier said.

“Census data is used to devise effective strategies relating to infrastructure, education, health, employment and other economic and social issues.

“This year’s Census will commence on May 21, and census data will be collected by a variety of means including online, mail, telephone interviews or personal interviews.

“As we introduce a primary and preferred method of collecting data online, we are encouraging all residents to participate in this year’s Census via the E-Census method. We believe that this is the quickest, easiest and most convenient method.

“It is also anticipated that the combination of these census methods will be more cost-effective as it will significantly reduce the number of interviewers required to personally visit residences; and, when interviewers have to visit homes, the use of net-books will reduce the time spent completing each questionnaire.

“Here is a sampling of some of the Census topics that will be included in the questionnaire: Characteristics, Birthplace, Immigration, Health, Marital Status, Education, Economic Activity, Income from Main Job, Income from Other Sources, Household Members and Visitors, Dwelling Characteristics and Emigration.

Premier Dunkley added, “This year’s proposed Census cost will be $1.7 million dollars. This represents a reduction of $1.2 million dollars from the 2010 Census, which cost $2.9 million dollars.”

The Premier’s full statement follows below:

Good morning Mr. Speaker,

I rise to inform the Members of this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda about the tabling of a Bill entitled Statistics [Census of Population and Housing] Order 2016.

Mr. Speaker, Section 5 [1] of the Statistics Act mandates that, “a census of population and housing in Bermuda shall be taken in the year 2010 and from time to time thereafter as the Minister may by Order direct.”

The 2016 Census data collection will be conducted from May 21, 2016 to December 31, 2016.

Mr Speaker, the general benefit of a census is that it provides a snapshot of the size and profile of the population and housing stock at a given point of time.

Census data is used to devise effective strategies relating to infrastructure, education, health, employment and other economic and social issues.

Mr. Speaker, the length of time between the 2010 and 2016 Censuses is the smallest in Bermuda’s history. More frequent censuses would allow for the Government and other stakeholders to make policies and decisions based on current information.

Mr. Speaker, as noted, this year’s Census will commence on May 21, and census data will be collected by a variety of means including online, mail, telephone interviews or personal interviews.

More specifically, it will be conducted in four phases:

1. A web-based application solution for the collection and management of census information during the 2016 Census of Population and Housing.
2. Collecting data via Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews [CATI];
3. Collecting data in person via Computer Assisted Personal Interviews [CAPI] using net-books; and
4. A mail-out questionnaire option.

I should point out Mr. Speaker that historically, data collection in Bermuda’s censuses involved person-to-person interviews only.

In the 2010 Census, the Department of Statistics introduced telephone interviewing as a data collection method.

This year Mr. Speaker, as we introduce a primary and preferred method of collecting data online, we are encouraging all residents to participate in this year’s Census via the E-Census method. We believe that this is the quickest, easiest and most convenient method.

Overall, Mr. Speaker, it is also anticipated that the combination of these census methods will be more cost-effective as it will significantly reduce the number of interviewers required to personally visit residences; and, when interviewers have to visit homes, the use of net-books will reduce the time spent completing each questionnaire.

Mr. Speaker, here is a sampling of some of the Census topics that will be included in the questionnaire: Characteristics, Birthplace, Immigration, Health, Marital Status, Education, Economic Activity, Income from Main Job, Income from Other Sources, Household Members and Visitors, Dwelling Characteristics and Emigration.

For further information Mr. Speaker, the question topics pertaining to each subpopulation of Bermuda are outlined in Schedules 1 to 4 of the Statistics [Census of Population and Housing] Order 2016.

I should also note that over the course of the Census period, we will have a phased awareness campaign that will be aligned with each of our Census collection efforts to ensure the public’s full cooperation and participation.

Finally Mr. Speaker, I wish to touch on the budget allocation for this year’s Census. You will recall that I stood on the floor of this House last May and advised the Members that part of our decision to delay the Census was so that we could find the most cost effective solution to conduct this national undertaking.

This year’s proposed Census cost will be $1.7 million dollars. This represents a reduction of $1.2 million dollars from the 2010 Census, which cost $2.9 million dollars.

Mr. Speaker, in order to achieve cost savings we have: [1] reduced the duration of interviewing and to minimise response burden on the public; and [2] invested in technology that has reduced the total cost allocated to hiring field workers and clerical workers. I wish to thank the Department of Statistics for seeking solutions to realise savings and increase efficiency in this regard.

As I close Mr. Speaker, I just wish to say that as Census Day – May 20, 2016 – approaches, let us be reminded that our participation in the e-Census is imperative. It’s your civic duty.

And more importantly the information we obtain is critical to helping the Government make informed and effective decisions that benefit the people of Bermuda.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

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