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Census collection in select northern and remote communities
Collection for the 2026 Census is underway in select northern and remote communities.
Census data can be used to help design programs and services that support employment, Indigenous languages, health care and child care services in your community.
Statistics Canada employees will be in communities to deliver an invitation letter with information and instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online. They can also assist households in completing a paper questionnaire, if needed. Those without reliable Internet access can also call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire over the phone.
The census questions have been translated into in 15 Indigenous languages and dialects for reference purposes, and are available on the census website: census information in many languages.
Statistics Canada ensures that census data are secure and kept strictly confidential.
To learn more about completing the census, and to find out if your community is included in early collection, please visit census.gc.ca/north.
Help shape your community's future
The 2026 Census is now underway in select northern and remote communities.
Census invitation letters will be delivered to dwellings in select northern and remote communities, providing residents with the information they need to complete their census questionnaire.
Collection begins in February in certain communities to ensure that we can access areas that are easier to reach in winter and to count populations that typically migrate out of their communities in the spring. For the rest of Canada, collection will begin in May 2026.
To ensure an accurate and representative picture of each community, it’s important for each household to participate. Households can choose to complete their questionnaire online or with a Statistics Canada employee.
The census questionnaire gathers economic, health and education data. Information collected through the census can help communities plan services such as child care, schools, and health care.
The census questions are available in 15 Indigenous languages and dialects: Atikamekw, Inuktitut (South Baffin), East Cree (Northern and Southern), Nunavimmiutitut, Nehiyawewin (Plains Cree), Nehinawewin (Swampy Cree), Nihithawiwin (Woods Cree), Saulteaux (Western Ojibway), Innu (Montagnais), Naskapi, Oji-Cree, Blackfoot, Mi’kmaq, Inuinnaqtun and Tlicho (Dogrib). Translations allow respondents to read the census questions in their own language to assist them in completing their questionnaire in English or French. The translated questions are available on the census website, visit census information in many languages.
Statistics Canada ensures that census data are secure and kept strictly confidential.
To find out if census collection begins early in your community, please visit census.gc.ca/north.