What is the census and why is it conducted every five years?
The Census of Population is a survey conducted to enumerate (or count) the entire Canadian population based on a "usual place of residence," that is, at the location where a person lives most of the time. The data collected helps paint a statistical portrait of Canada's population and the places we live.
The Census of Agriculture is conducted at the same time and collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada. It provides a comprehensive and integrated profile of the physical, economic, social and environmental aspects of Canada's agriculture industry.
Conducting the census every five years helps ensure that census data accurately reflects Canada's changing society.
How many households will receive a short-form and a long-form questionnaire?
Seventy-five percent (75%) of Canadian households receive a short-form Census of Population questionnaire, which collects basic demographic information.
A sample of 25% of Canadian households receive a long-form questionnaire. The long-form questionnaire collects the same demographic information as the short-form questionnaire, as well as information about the social and economic situation of people across Canada and about the dwellings they live in.
The Census of Agriculture uses the same questionnaire for all farm operations across Canada.
How will the 2026 Census collection be conducted?
In early May 2026, an invitation letter will be sent to most Canadian households, with the exception of select northern and remote areas of the country, where collection begins in February 2026. The letter provides information about the census, as well as instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online.
Completing the census questionnaire online is the best way for Canadians to fulfill their census obligation. Respondents without reliable access to the Internet can call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire over the phone, or to request a paper questionnaire.
Why is the census taking place earlier in certain areas of the country?
From February 2026 to March 2026, census collection will occur in select northern and remote communities. Collection begins early to ensure access to areas that are easier to reach in winter when roads are frozen and to count populations that typically migrate out of their communities in the spring.
For the 2026 Census, residents in these areas will be able to complete their questionnaire online. An invitation letter with information and instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online will be delivered by enumerators, who can also assist households in completing a paper questionnaire if needed. Those without reliable Internet access can also call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire over the phone.
For more information, please visit Census collection in select northern and remote communities.
How reliable and accurate are census data?
Census data are of high quality and provide an accurate picture of the resident population in Canada. Quality assurance takes place throughout the census process, from before the data are collected until after they are released.
Statistics Canada's analysts provide expert advice on what content to collect and how to process the collected data, and certify the information before it's released to Canadians. Analysts are deeply involved at every step of the process to ensure that census data are reliable and accurate.
Is there a legal requirement to conduct the census?
Yes. The legal authority for conducting a census in Canada is the Statistics Act (opens in a new window). The act requires that Statistics Canada conducts the Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture every five years, in the years ending in 1 and 6.
Is participation in the 2026 Census mandatory?
Yes, participation in the 2026 Census is mandatory. Under the Statistics Act (opens in a new window), all Canadian households are required to complete a Census of Population questionnaire, and all agricultural operators are required to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire.
Are there penalties for not completing the census questionnaire?
Yes. Completion of the census questionnaire is mandatory under the Statistics Act (opens in a new window), and there are penalties for refusing to complete a census questionnaire.
What kinds of questions are asked on the 2026 Census of Population questionnaires?
The short-form census questionnaire contains questions on basic demographic information such as age, sex at birth and gender, language, marital status and household composition.
The long-form census questionnaire consists of the same questions as the short-form questionnaire, plus additional questions on topics such as place of birth, ethnic or cultural origins, population groups, religion, mobility, education, labour, commuting and housing.
The 2026 long-form questionnaire will include a new question to collect information on the health status of people in Canada, and a new question on sexual orientation to fill data gaps that other existing statistical programs cannot address at the level of detail or geography required.
Statistics Canada has also included new questions that will measure the number of people in private dwellings who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness over the past 12 months, to help shed light on those with the greatest housing needs.
Why is it important that everyone be counted in the census?
The Census of Population provides a detailed statistical portrait of Canada and its people by their demographic, social and economic characteristics. The census is the primary source of sociodemographic data for specific population groups such as:
- one-parent families
- Indigenous people
- immigrants
- seniors
- language groups.
How are census data used?
Census data are used by governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, farm organizations, businesses and others to make informed decisions that benefit individuals, communities and the country.
They can help young families find the best neighbourhood by showing dwelling types, average age, family size, and languages spoken. Municipal and provincial governments use them to track growth, stability, or decline and decide whether to add or expand services like public housing or emergency services. Businesses rely on population counts and information on age, sex, income, and household type to find new locations. City planners use them to identify areas with high student housing and transportation needs, while graduates can see job opportunities, common occupations, and median incomes. Indigenous communities use census data to evaluate services and plan programs in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, housing, and early childhood.
When will the 2026 Census data be available?
Statistics Canada strives to release census data as quickly as possible to present a statistical portrait of Canada that is timely and relevant for all Canadians to use.
For the 2026 Census, Statistics Canada plans for all major releases to be completed approximately 18 months from Census Day.
Visit census.gc.ca to stay informed about the latest 2026 Census data releases.