Every five years, Statistics Canada conducts the national Census of Population. In select northern and remote communities, collection begins early to ensure access to areas that are easier to reach in winter and to count populations that typically migrate out of their communities in the spring. Census collection in these communities begins in February 2026. For the rest of Canada, it will begin in May 2026.
An invitation letter providing information about the census, as well as instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online will be delivered to the door by enumerators in these communities.
Enumerators will complete a paper questionnaire with respondents if they cannot complete the questionnaire online. Respondents without reliable access to the Internet can also call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire over the phone.
If residents do not complete their census online before follow-up activities start, a census employee from Statistics Canada will visit their household to assist them in completing the questionnaire. This is to ensure that everyone is counted in the census.
The data provided can help communities and governments plan and evaluate programs and services that matter to northern residents. The census is the most detailed source of information available to individuals, communities, and governments. Census data supports local planning and decision-making and can help to inform the development of language and school programs, health and social services, and business and economic opportunities.
Further details about the 2026 Census can be found at www.census.gc.ca/north.