Every five years, Statistics Canada conducts the national Census of Population, and the Census of Agriculture. Collection across the country for both surveys begins May 4, 2026.
Canadians rely on census data to tell us how our country is changing. Important decisions that affect our families, our communities and our businesses are based on the information and the insights it delivers.
The Census of Population
The Census of Population provides high-quality information on key socioeconomic trends that Canadians need to make informed decisions for their future. The 2026 Census questionnaire contains questions on basic demographics such as age, sex, gender, marital status, and language. The data collected allows for detailed analysis of these demographic indicators, which in turn may be used by governments at all levels as well as businesses, associations and community organizations to plan services that support employment, schools, public transportation and hospitals, among others.
The Census of Population enumerates all Canadian residents, including citizens (by birth or naturalization), landed immigrants, refugee claimants (e.g., asylum seekers), Canadian Foreign Service officers, Canadian Armed Forces members stationed abroad, and people who hold a Canadian work or study permit (non-permanent residents).
The 2026 Census will be available online as of May 4, 2026. All residents will receive a letter that contains a unique secure access code (SAC) that respondents can use to access their questionnaire online, as well as instructions on how to complete it.
Respondents without reliable access to the Internet can call 1-833-663-2026 to request a paper questionnaire or call the Census Help Line at 1-833-852-2026 for assistance and to complete their census over the phone. This is a free service available to all respondents.
Respondents who have a hearing or speech impairment and need help completing their questionnaire can call the Census Help Line TTY number (1-833-830-3109) to request assistance. A chatbot is also available to assist respondents online.
If respondents do not complete their questionnaire, a census employee will follow up and help them complete their questionnaire. This is to ensure that everyone is counted in the census.
The Census of Agriculture
The Census of Agriculture collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada. The data collected provides high-quality information that is used by farm operators, agricultural producer groups, governments, businesses, academics, and the media to understand the sector and make informed decisions.
Census of Agriculture data provide Canadians with critical and accurate statistical information. It is regularly used by farm operators, agricultural businesses, farming communities and agricultural associations across Canada. Farm organizations also draw on census data to formulate policy recommendations, develop communications and outreach work, and conduct market research.
Policymakers from all levels of government use Census of Agriculture data to develop strong farm support programs, to evaluate the impacts of external events on the agricultural sector, and to provide rapid, effective assistance in times of natural disasters—such as floods, droughts, storms and wildfires.
Canadian farm operators will be asked to complete the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire online to help create an accurate profile of the agriculture sector in Canada. Each one will receive a letter with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire online. The Census of Agriculture Help Line (1-855-859-6273) will be available to farm operators from May until the end of July 2026 to answer any questions they might have and to provide assistance to complete the questionnaire.
The Census of Population and Census of Agriculture are conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all information provided by individuals will remain confidential. Statistics Canada attaches the highest importance to protecting the confidentiality of the personal information it collects.
For answers to frequently asked questions or for more information on either the Census of Population or the Census of Agriculture, please visit census.gc.ca.
Contact for media inquiries:
Statistics Canada
Media Relations
statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca