Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Sex at birth

Release date: November 17, 2021
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Definition

Sex at birth refers to sex assigned at birth. Sex at birth is typically assigned based on a person's reproductive system and other physical characteristics.

Sex at birth may also be understood as the sex recorded at a person's birth (for example, what was recorded on their birth certificate).

Statistical unit(s)

Classification(s)

Reported in

2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981. For availability prior to 1981, refer to Appendix 2.1.

Reported for

Total population

Question number(s)

Direct variable: Question 2

Responses

Male; Female

Remarks

Prior to 2021, the name of the variable "sex at birth" was "sex." Beginning in 2021, the variable "gender" is expected to be used by default in most social statistics programs at Statistics Canada.

More information

Note of appreciation

Canada owes the success of its statistical system to a long-standing partnership between Statistics Canada, the citizens of Canada, its businesses, governments and other institutions. Accurate and timely statistical information could not be produced without their continued co-operation and goodwill.

Standards of service to the public

Statistics Canada is committed to serving its clients in a prompt, reliable and courteous manner. To this end, the Agency has developed standards of service which its employees observe in serving its clients.

Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2022

All rights reserved. Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 98-301-X

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

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