Who Are the "Canadians"?: Changing Census Responses, 1986-1996

摘要: ABSTRACT/RESUME At the close of twentieth century, "Canadian" has become fastest growing ethnic origin group, up from 0.5 percent in 1986 to nearly 4 1991 and 31 1996 census Canada. From what groups did this "indigenous" label draw five years between 1986-1991 1991-1996 censuses? Using unpublished tabulations 1986, Canadian censuses, paper traces temporal shifts for a cohort Canadian-born age 25-44 (and 34-54 by 1996). We find that most increases responses are accompanied intercensal losses British responses. Between 1996, increasing went hand with dramatic both French counts. In some provinces, notably Prairie provinces Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, also occurred out other groups. A la fin du [XX.sup.c] siecle, les [much less than] Canadiens greater sont devenus le nouveau groupe d'origine ethnique dont croissance ete plus forte, leur pourcentage passant de 0,5 % en pres 4% pour atteindre dans recensement Canada 1996. Quels groupes ont commence afficher cette etiquette Canadien entre recensements et 1991-1996? partir tableaux inedits des present document degage tendances temps une cohorte naissance ages 25 44 ans (et 34 54 La plupart augmentations reponses indiquant than]Canadien comme origine s'accompagnent fortes reductions britannique. Entre progression revelant cana dienne est allee pair avec chutes nombre personnes se disant britannique ou francaise. Dans certaines notamment Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan), aussi enregistree par d'autres ethniques. INTRODUCTION During past two decades, North American survey questions on ancestry or origins increasingly obtain invoke labels rather than external country (Lieberson, 1985; Lieberson Waters, 1988; Pryor, et. al., 1992). This is especially evident single multiple question increased 1991, escalated census. became largest exceeding even charter -- English, Irish, Scottish and/or Welsh (Renaud Norris, 1999; Statistics Canada, 1998). Why change? Conducted 1972 number surveys have probed affiliations various living The resulting analyses produced three generalizations useful understanding selection ethnicity respondents. First, was never unusual respondents during late century although response levels vary concept studied (identity versus origins), wording, existence an explicit reference term. Second, percentages who declare varied metropolitan, provincial, regional locations. 1974 national multicultural attitudes found outside Quebec were likely reply those residing answering "French-Canadian" "provincial" (Quebecois) 1991. …