[or-roots] Canada English or Scottish

[Leslie Chapman]

Here's a poser for you Pat, in the 1881 Canadian census few of my cousins are listed as being of Scottish Ethnic Origin which is probably the correct answer while most of them are listed as English. My question is whether in 1881 and several generations, well maybe only three generations removed from our ancestor who was born in Scotland is that really a valid answer per their questionnaire? I realize that is a little off topic, but it just occurred to me apropos your information on the instructions. Has anyone ever seen the instructions for the Canadian Census?
Les C

--- On Fri, 5/11/12, Kith-n-Kin <Kith-n-Kin at cox.net> wrote:

From: Kith-n-Kin <Kith-n-Kin at cox.net>
Subject: Re: [or-roots] Canada English
To: "'or-roots mail list'" <or-roots at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Date: Friday, May 11, 2012, 8:48 AM

Ronda

In Canada, in the 19th century, "Canada-English" generally refered to
Ontario and the "English" provinces, rather than Quebec -- "French"
provinces.

"Can Eng" "Can West" and "Upper Canada" mean Ontario
"Can Fr" "Can East" and "Lower Canada" mean Quebec

However, on the 1900 census, the instructions were:

143. If the birthplace reported is Canada or Newfoundland, ask whether the
person is of English or French descent. Write Canada English or Canada
French, according to the answer.

So, presumably, a person born in Quebec of "English" origin rather than
"French" origin would be so noted. 

In 1930, we have:

170. French Canadians should be distinguished from other Canadians. For a
French-speaking person born in Canada, enter "Canada-French"; for all other
persons born in Canada, enter "Canada-English" (even though they may not
actually speak English).

In 1940 we have:

475. French Canadians, i.e., Canadians of French mother tongue, should be
distinguished from other Canadians and reported as Canada-French. For all
other persons born in Canada, enter Canada, English, even though they may
not actually speak English.

Isn't this fun?

Just goes to show that you ALWAYS have to read the enumerators instructions
before deciding what a particular usage means.

Here's a great resource for that:

http://usa.ipums.org/usa/voliii/tEnumInstr.shtml

Pat
In Tucson

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