Reality and perception

The Globe and Star survey the reach and impact of the census. CP considers the political calculation.

While belief in the change runs deep in the government, communicating that belief could have been much better, said Tim Powers, a conservative strategist. But the Conservatives see no reason to back down, despite the outcry.

"The Prime Minister is not going to be heart broken over a division between elites and Main Street," Powers said. Till now, the experts have been good at putting forward their arguments, while the Tories have been less together, he said.