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What should I know about the Canadian Census?
The census is a survey that the government uses to enumerate, or count, the population and gather information that helps different levels of government plan and make decisions.
The Canadian Census of Population is mandatory; every household must complete it.
For the census, “household” is defined as two or more persons living in the same home, which may or may not be related. This means you must include anyone living at the same address. For example, roommates sharing an apartment and the owner and tenant living in the same house would fill out only one census.
The next census will be in May 2026.
What is the census for?
The Government of Canada conducts a Census of Population every five years.
Census data, combined with information from income tax returns and immigration data, can help researchers and policymakers answer questions for different topics based on expected population sizes, such as:
- How many schools are needed in your area?
- How many staff do local Emergency Services need to hire?
- Do we have enough hospitals in your area?
- Will they need to make changes to public transit or build new roads?
- Is there enough affordable housing in the low-income areas of your city?
Fun Fact: According to the 2021 census, Canada had a population of 36,991,981 people, and 23% of those people were immigrants. That’s a total of 8,361,505 people who were born outside of Canada.
Are there different types of census forms?
In Canada, two types of forms are sent for the census. About 75% of people will receive the short form of the census; the rest will get the long form.
Short Form
The short-form version asks you basic questions about the ages, sex and gender, languages spoken at home, and how people in your household are related. There are usually about ten questions.
Long Form
The long-form version usually has about 60 questions and covers your family’s ethnic background, education levels, housing, employment status, mobility, transportation, and childcare needs.
Census of Agriculture
The Census of Agriculture collects detailed information on Canada's agricultural industry's physical, economic, social, and environmental characteristics. This census happens at the same time as the population census every five years. You only have to complete the Census of Agriculture if you are a farm operator.
Do I really have to fill it out?
Yes, the census is mandatory for everyone living in Canada. Every household must complete the census when you receive the census letter in the mail.
Each letter includes a unique 16-digit secure access code that allows you to access and complete your census questionnaires online at census.gc.ca
The current options are:
- online
- by mail
- in person
- by phone
If you do not complete the census by the deadline, staff from Statistics Canada will contact you to offer assistance.
You can find alternate formats of the census questions on the Statistics Canada website.
This includes translations and adaptations into:
- 13 newcomer languages
- 15 Indigenous languages and dialects
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)
- Audio
- DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System)
- Electronic braille
- E-text
You can feel safe to honestly answer the census because your personal information is protected by law.
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Last updated:
May 4, 2026
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