Cracks In Conservative Caucus in Ottawa

Given the across the board criticism, it was only a matter of time before a Conservative MP "broke ranks" on the census decision. Given Harper’s iron rule, and his past history of punishment for any dissent, have to give James Rajotte some credit:

Tory MP breaks ranks on census

OTTAWA – The government continued to take fire Monday over its decision to make the long census voluntary as one of its own MPs publicly asked for an explanation.

James Rajotte, a Tory MP who used to chair the House Industry committee, wrote a letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement saying his constituents have "expressed concern" about the change.

"A number of my constituents have indicated that they rely on the information produced by Statistics Canada for professional and personal uses," he wrote in a letter dated July 19.

Rajotte says in the letter he wants to know why the government made the long census voluntary and how the government will make sure the change won’t hurt the quality of the information collected.