A federal advisory panel is urging the government to keep the census long form, but drop the threat of jail time for not filling it out.

The National Statistics Council says there's a huge need for the data gathered through the mandatory long form and is proposing a compromise.

The council warned the government today that following through with plans to axe the detailed survey would handcuff efforts to track changes to society and the economy.

The Conservative government says Canadians shouldn't be threatened with jail or fines for refusing to divulge personal information.

The council agrees at least partially, saying the potential for jail time should be removed from the Statistics Act.

The statistics council, the government-appointed advisory body to the chief statistician, says it's too late to change the 2011 long form, but suggests a makeover for 2016.