2026 Census Teacher's Kit
Census of Population quiz questions (answer key)

While you can use the current Web version to navigate the Teacher's Kit, each individual activity and handout is available in a downloadable PDF format. We encourage you to access the following PDF version in order to print and complete the activities.

2026 Census Teacher's Kit—Census of Population quiz questions (answer key) (PDF, 111.88 KB)

1. What is the main purpose of the Census of Population?

  1. To track people's spending habits
  2. To count the number of tourists in Canada
  3. To collect information about Canada's population
  4. To record historical events

Correct Answer: C

2. How often is the Census of Population conducted?

  1. Every year
  2. Every 5 years
  3. Every 10 years
  4. Every 2 years

Correct Answer: B

3. Who is included in the Census of Population?

  1. Only Canadian citizens
  2. Only people over the age of 30
  3. Everyone living in Canada
  4. Only property owners

Correct Answer: C

4. Which government agency is responsible for conducting the census in Canada?

  1. Canada Revenue Agency
  2. Statistics Canada
  3. Service Canada
  4. Canadian Heritage

Correct Answer: B

5. What type of information does the Census of Population collect?

  1. Medical records
  2. Internet usage
  3. Population and housing data
  4. Personal bank details

Correct Answer: C

6. Is completing the census mandatory in Canada?

  1. No, it's voluntary
  2. Yes, by law
  3. Only during election years
  4. Only if you were born in Canada

Correct Answer: B

7. How do governments use census data?

  1. To plan public services like schools and hospitals
  2. To create advertisements
  3. To give out fines
  4. To track online activity

Correct Answer: A

8. Which of the following is not a typical census question?

  1. Age
  2. Gender
  3. Favorite color
  4. Employment status

Correct Answer: C

9. What is the long-form census questionnaire?

  1. A version sent to every person
  2. A test for government workers
  3. A quiz for students
  4. A more detailed questionnaire sent to a sample of households

Correct Answer: D

10. What percentage of the population receives the long-form census versus the short-form census?

  1. Long-form (25%) and short-form (75%)
  2. Long-form (50%) and short-form (50%)
  3. Long-form (75%) and short-form (25%)
  4. Long-form (90%) and short-form (10%)

Correct Answer: A

11. Can your personal information and individual census answers be shared with other government departments?

  1. No, it's confidential by law
  2. Only with your doctor
  3. Yes, automatically
  4. Only if you agree

Correct Answer: A

12. What can happen if someone refuses to complete the census?

  1. They may be fined or required to complete it
  2. They may lose access to certain services
  3. Nothing
  4. They may be reminded the next year

Correct Answer: A

13. Who uses census data?

  1. Only teachers
  2. Only politicians
  3. Government only
  4. Governments, businesses, researchers, and communities

Correct Answer: D

14. How do most people complete the census today?

  1. Through social media
  2. In-person
  3. By phone
  4. Online or on paper

Correct Answer: D

15. What does the census help the government understand about a community?

  1. Its history
  2. Its current needs and how to plan for future services
  3. Its social media trends
  4. Its weather

Correct Answer: B

16. Who is especially important to include in the census?

  1. Every individual, especially underrepresented communities
  2. Celebrities
  3. Tourists
  4. Businesses

Correct Answer: A

17. How does the census help schools?

  1. It helps determine funding and where schools are needed
  2. It gives homework topics
  3. It evaluates teachers
  4. It rates students

Correct Answer: A

18. Why could census data be important for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities?

  1. To monitor environmental changes
  2. To reduce taxes
  3. To support programs and services tailored to their needs
  4. To compare to other countries

Correct Answer: C

19. What happens to census records after 92 years?

  1. They're mailed back to participants
  2. They're sent to international organizations
  3. They're published through Library and Archives Canada for public and historical research
  4. They're destroyed

Correct Answer: C

20. What is a benefit of students understanding the census?

  1. They become informed citizens who understand how decisions are made
  2. They get paid
  3. They can influence video game design
  4. They can skip class

Correct Answer: A

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