Coverage estimates for the 2016 Census (final)
Archived Content
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.
Released: 2018-09-27
After each census collection period since 1961, Statistics Canada has conducted rigorous studies that combined a large survey and matches to administrative data in order to assess the quality of its census population counts. The Reverse Record Check Survey and the Census Overcoverage Study measure, respectively, the number of people missed and the number of people counted more than once on census reference day (May 10 for the 2016 Census).
For the 2016 Census, the net undercoverage rate (percentage of people missed less those counted more than once) was 2.4%, similar to the 2.3% rate for the 2011 Census.
Although census data are not adjusted by the results of the coverage studies, both are used to rebase the population estimates also made available in today's release by the Demographic Estimates Program.
Statistics Canada wishes to thank Canadians for their overwhelming support of the 2016 Census and all our staff who contributed to the delivery of good quality data for decision-making.
Note to readers
Overcoverage was first measured in the 1991 Census. It was also the first census where the coverage errors were measured for the territories.
Studies have shown that error due to the enumeration of people who should not have been is negligible.
Comparisons with previous censuses should be made with caution, as the methodology for both the census and its coverage studies changes with the objective of producing the best information possible at each occasion.
When taking into account the sampling variability in the studies, the difference between the 2016 and 2011 net undercoverage estimates at the Canada level is not statistically significant.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; STATCAN.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.STATCAN@canada.ca).
- Date modified: