The 2021 Census
Every five years, Canadians are invited to participate in the census to help paint a portrait of Canada's diverse population and the places where we live.
The Census of Population provides high-quality information on key socioeconomic trends and analysis that helps Canadians make important decisions that affect our families, our neighbourhoods and our businesses.
The Census of Agriculture is conducted at the same time and collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada.
The most recent census took place in May 2021. Learn more about how and why it was conducted, and how it was adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Census of Population
The 2021 Census of Population was Canada's 23rd national census. It collected information on the demographic, social and economic situation of people across Canada, as well as on the dwellings they lived in.
The information you provided ensures that the Census of Population accurately reflects Canada's changing society. Your responses are vital to your community for planning services that support employment, schools, public transportation and hospitals.
Census of Agriculture
The Census of Agriculture traces its roots back to 1871, the dawn of Canada's confederation. It will update the number of existing agricultural operations in Canada—in 2016, there were 193,650, and in 2011, there were 205,889.
The Census of Agriculture provides information on all aspects of the Canadian agriculture industry—from the township, rural or municipal level to the national level. Both public and private agricultural organizations use the data collected from the Census of Agriculture.
The 2021 Census in the context of COVID-19
The Census Program has adapted to the COVID-19 situation to ensure that the 2021 Census of Population is conducted throughout the country in the best possible way, using a safe and secure approach.
Whenever follow-up activities were required, Statistics Canada used practices aligned with the strictest health and safety directives from public health authorities. No enumeration activities took place inside the dwellings of respondents, and all interviews were physically distanced. In addition, personal safety equipment were provided to field employees to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public.
Statistics Canada is proud of its ability to rethink and rework all of the key aspects of this country's largest peacetime activity—while ensuring at all times the safety of Canadians, including our employees.
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