2021 Census of Population

The 2021 Census is almost here! As you know, census data are critical to decision makers and Canadians from coast to coast to coast. In addition to informing public policy, census data are vital for planning schools, hospitals, daycare centres, family services, public transportation, and skills training for employment. In addition, census data support numerous municipal programs related to infrastructure and public transportation and are used to measure Canada’s sustainable development and environmental goals. Information from the 2021 Census will be even more crucial because it will help your community evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to better plan for the future.

Census collection will begin on May 3, 2021. Statistics Canada has adapted the collection process to ensure that all Canadians and our employees remain safe while participating in this vital national exercise. Data collected in the 2021 Census will inform many of the economic and health-related policy decisions that must be made by all levels of government in the coming months and years, as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the lives of Canadians.

Statistics Canada will do everything it can to get Canadians to respond to the census without an in-person visit from a census employee. Completing the census questionnaire online is the best and fastest way to fulfill the census obligation. We anticipate that the great majority of Canadians will complete the questionnaire through our efficient, secure and user-friendly online application. Respondents without reliable access to the Internet can also call the Census Help Line Toll-free at  1-855-340-2021 to complete their census questionnaire over the phone or request a paper questionnaire on their website HERE.

Answering your top five questions about the census

Participating in the census is part of our heritage and civic duty, but many of us do it without knowing why certain information is collected or how it is used. To help you get a better understanding, check out these answers to common questions.

1. Will my personal information be secure?
   Statistics Canada has stringent measures in place to ensure the confidentiality of respondents. When questionnaires are completed online, the information is protected through a secure login process and strong bidirectional encryption between the participant's browser and official servers.
2. Are the questions available in languages other than English and French?
   The 2021 Census questions will be available in 24 languages, in addition to English and French. When the census collection starts, you will be able to get a copy of the census questions in any of these languages on the census website.
3. Why are some, and not all, areas visited by an enumerator?
   About 1% of dwellings are visited by a census enumerator. Most of these households are located in remote and Northern communities, where it is difficult for census employees to make repeat visits to conduct follow-up activities to obtain completed questionnaires.
4. Why does Statistics Canada require names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses?
   This information helps ensure that every person in each household is counted and is counted only once. Phone numbers and emails allow an enumerator to follow up if a questionnaire hasn't been answered completely.
5. How do I know if a caller or in-person visit is really from the census and not a scam?
   All enumerators who call respondents will clearly identify themselves and explain the purpose of their call. Enumerators at the door will always present their official identification. You can always verify their identity by contacting the Census Help Line.