By Andy Fan, Rafael Moraes; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Introduction

Born out of the winning entry of the inaugural Canadian Public Service Data Challenge, we have had the incredible opportunity to build AgPal Chat, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) search tool that provides helpful federal, provincial, and territorial agricultural information to Canadians in a conversational manner. It is available on the AgPal.ca website as a new, complementary way to connect users with relevant Canadian agricultural information. It is the result of an incredible cross-functional effort across industry, academia, and other government departments to improve service delivery to Canadians.

In this article, we focus on sharing our lessons learned on the technical and policy aspects of implementation of AgPal Chat. Some of our key findings and recommendations include: the use of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance AI accuracy, the necessity of guardrails to ensure ethical and safe AI interactions, and the role of strong data governance and policy compliance in creating responsible AI systems.

Prompt Engineering

Prompt engineering is a fascinating and intricate field at the intersection of human expertise and AI. Its central goal is to fine tune queries in a way that elicits the most accurate, unbiased, and relevant responses from AI systems, especially those based on language models. This practice is of utmost importance because, unlike traditional software interfaces, natural language systems rely heavily on the subtleties of human language with all its nuances and complexities. Therefore, designing effective prompts is both an art and a science, one that requires a deep understanding of the underlying AI technology, as well as the particularities of human language and cognition.

It is also a continuous, iterative process that involves testing and refining prompts to ensure AI systems generate accurate, unbiased, and relevant responses. This ongoing adjustment is crucial to avoid introducing unintended biases, as even small changes in wording can significantly impact AI behavior. Regular assessment and careful balancing of technical and linguistic elements help maintain the reliability and impartiality of AI outputs.

It's important to recognize that each large language model (LLM) will have its own optimal prompt that elicits the best performance, as different models may respond differently to the same prompt due to variations in their architecture and training data. However, the process of discovering this optimal prompt remains consistent across models. It involves the same iterative cycle of experimentation, evaluation, and refinement to ensure the prompts guide the AI in producing accurate and unbiased outputs.

Retrieval-Augmented Generation Technique

"Retrieval-Augmented Generation" or RAG is a framework that combines the retrieval of information from a knowledge source (like a database or a collection of documents) with the generative capabilities of a language model. Without it, there is a higher chance even fine-tuned LLMs will output “hallucinations” when asked about topics they have not seen extensively in their training set. To ensure that an AI provides more precise information, RAG must be implemented within the prompt construction process. Figure 1 below showcases an example of the RAG process. Open-source libraries like Langchain or Llama Index, as well as proprietary solutions (such as Azure Cognitive Search) can be employed if you want to use RAG without building it from scratch. In AgPal Chat’s case, we decided to build the RAG pattern ourselves. This led to a more flexible solution that fits our specific needs.

Here is how the RAG technique generally works:

1. Retrieval Step: Given a chat history, the RAG system first retrieves relevant documents or pieces of information from a database or a corpus. This is usually done using a retrieval model or search algorithm optimized to quickly find the most relevant content from large collections of information.
2. Augmentation: The retrieved documents are then used to augment the input to the generative model. This means that the language model receives both the chat history and the content of the retrieved documents as context.
3. Generation Step: A generative language model then generates a response based on this augmented input. The model uses the additional information to produce more accurate, detailed, and contextually relevant answers.

RAG frameworks are particularly useful for tasks where a language model needs access to external information or must answer questions based on factual data that may not be stored within its parameters. Examples of such tasks include open-domain question answering and fact-checking. The retrieval step allows the system to pull in up-to-date or specific information that the language model alone would not have access to, based upon its training data.

Guardrails

Guardrails are pre-defined rules or constraints that are put in place to prevent an AI system from generating inappropriate, biased, or unbalanced content. They work by guiding the generation process away from certain topics or phrases and by post-processing the AI's output to remove or revise problematic content. These guardrails are crucial for several reasons:

1. Content Control: They prevent the generation of inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content. This includes hate speech, sexually explicit material, and other types of content that might not be suitable for all audiences.
2. Ethical Guidelines: Guardrails help ensure that LLMs and chatbots abide by ethical guidelines. They can prevent the endorsement of illegal activities or those that might cause harm to users or third parties.
3. Bias Mitigation: Despite best efforts, LLMs can sometimes perpetuate or even amplify biases present in their training data. Guardrails can be designed to identify and mitigate such biases, ensuring more fair and balanced interactions.
4. Safety: By keeping the AI's behavior within certain limits, guardrails enhance user safety by not allowing the system to provide dangerous or incorrect information. This is particularly important in high-stakes domains like healthcare or legal advice, where incorrect information can have serious consequences.
5. User Trust and Compliance: Ensuring that the system behaves predictably and within the bounds of socially acceptable norms helps to build user trust. Guardrails also help in compliance with various regulatory standards and legal requirements, which is essential for the deployment of chatbots in different industries.
6. Prevention of Misuse: Guardrails are also important for preventing users from manipulating or 'tricking' the AI into behaving in unintended ways, such as generating malicious content or participating in deceptive practices.
7. Maintaining Focus: They help the system stay on topic and relevant to the user's intent, improving user experience by preventing the chatbot from producing irrelevant or nonsensical responses.

To incorporate guardrails effectively, one must first identify the potential vulnerabilities that could instigate the model to have a bias and understand the context in which impartiality might be compromised. For example, if an AI model is generating objective news summaries, it should treat different entities and subjects objectively and not provide an opinion. Guardrails for this scenario could range from eliminating certain opinion laden words to implementing more sophisticated sentiment analysis checks that flag excessively positive or negative language around specific topics. Lastly, ensuring that an AI tool responds solely to pertinent inquiries is a matter of both discrimination and focus within the guardrail system. The AI should discern between questions that it should answer and those that are either irrelevant, inappropriate, or outside the scope of its functionality. Again, guardrails play a crucial role here. By giving clear instructions and examples for what constitutes a pertinent inquiry, the AI can deflect or refuse to answer questions that do not meet those criteria.

For example, in building AgPal Chat, queries about only Canadian agricultural information in the AgPal system would be pertinent. Guardrails were therefore set up to provide comprehensive and focused responses to agricultural- related questions, while avoiding or redirecting those concerning other unrelated data. A simplified example of the implementation was including a line in the system prompt stating, "Do not answer questions that are not related to data provided by the AgPal system".

In practice, guardrails can take many forms. Based on our experience in building AgPal Chat, we would recommend having at least:

• Filtering systems that detect and block unwanted types of content.
• Rate-limiting features to prevent spamming or abuse of the system.
• Explicit prompting of "do not say" lists or behavior rules.
• Review processes or human-in-the-loop mechanisms (e.g., logging and monitoring user prompts and answers) Microsoft has a great example of a guardrail prompt (Figure 2):

Implementing guardrails in AI systems is crucial but challenging. It requires careful design to ensure they handle diverse inputs while maintaining accuracy. Ongoing maintenance is also necessary to keep guardrails effective as language models and content evolve. Despite these challenges, guardrails are essential for ensuring safe and responsible AI interactions.

Data Management and Data Governance

The output of the retrieval augment generation pattern is directly correlated with quality of the underlying data that is being used. AgPal Chat leverages the result of years of strong data management and governance practices from the AgPal team, who provided a foundation of high quality, well-curated data on Agricultural programs and services on the AgPal website. In this context, having good data management and governance practices can improve the accuracy and relevance of the generated texts by ensuring that the data sources are reliable, consistent, and up to date. Some recommendations to help realize the benefits of data management and governance include:

1. Establishing a clear and comprehensive data strategy that defines the vision, goals, and principles of data management and governance.
2. Implementing a robust and flexible data architecture that supports the integration, interoperability, and accessibility of different data sources.
3. Adopting a data quality framework (see related TBS guidance) that ensures the validity, completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of data sources.
4. Applying a data security model that protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data sources and generated texts.
5. Creating a data governance structure that assigns roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for data management and governance.
6. Monitoring and evaluating the data management and governance performance and outcomes, and making continuous improvements based on feedback and best practices.

Policy Related Considerations

When building AI applications in a federal public sector context, in addition to existing policies and guidelines (Directive on Automated Decision-making, Scope of the Directive, Guide on the use of Generative AI), some policy considerations should be made to ensure they are built in a responsible and ethical manner. We have found that these considerations were crucial in helping shape our design and approach to developing AgPal Chat and would highly recommend consulting them during the design phase.

Broader policy considerations on this front include:

• Compliance: Ensure that the chatbot’s design and deployment are in line with existing applicable policies and legislation, and follow any best practices, suggested guidance from other public authorities and industry-specific regulations. Additionally, ensure that all internal or departmental policies and guidelines are adhered to. In addition to compliance, ensure that appropriate measures are in place to mitigate any legal and regulatory risks. This may involve seeking legal advice, implementing compliance processes, and staying up to date with developments in the legal and regulatory landscape.
• Risk Evaluation: Evaluate and address potential cybersecurity threats, biases, violations of privacy, and the possibility of generating hallucinations or inaccurate information. If the system interfaces with the public, consider the public sentiment or current events that could impact the way that the tool may be perceived.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively engage with key stakeholders, such as legal counsel, privacy and security experts, Gender-based Analysis (GBA) Plus focal points, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) representatives, other partners (e.g., Indigenous Communities), and internal process authorities (e.g., enterprise architecture, project governance) as early as possible to ensure a coordinated, compliant, and holistic approach.
• Transparency: It is essential to notify users that they are communicating with an AI tool, rather than a human, to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. Sharing additional information about the system such as a description of how it works, the data it is using, and the steps taken to ensure its quality can also be helpful to increase trust.
• Bias and Discrimination Monitoring: Monitor the performance of the AI tools in guarding against bias or discrimination, ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and equitably. Capture the user queries and the system responses to review them on a scheduled basis across the lifecycle.
• Education: Offer clear instructions to users on the optimal way to interact with the chatbot, including guidance on formatting their prompts or queries and what information should be included. Ensure that chatbot developers have access to training and resources to help them become skilled in using the technology and understand its capabilities, limitations, and best practices for its responsible use.
• Iterative Development: Recognize the need for ongoing iteration to keep pace with regulatory and technological changes. Adopting an agile approach is one potential solution.
• Sustainability: Ensure the design and implementation of AI tools are guided by a commitment to environmental sustainability to support long-term viability and mitigate any negative impacts on the environment or on the people and communities.

Conclusion

Prompt engineering, as a discipline, sits at the critical juncture of ensuring that AI-powered systems provide users with responses that are not only accurate and factually correct but also impartial, ethical, and contextually relevant. The introduction of RAG has marked a significant step forward in achieving this, by providing a mechanism for AI to dynamically access and incorporate external information. This process enhances the reliability and factual basis of the AI's responses, particularly in situations where the AI must draw from a vast and ever-evolving pool of knowledge.

The implementation of ethical guardrails, strong data management practices, and compliance to existing policies, laws and regulations can help AI systems better respect social norms and user trust, contributing to a more beneficial interaction for all parties involved.

Future research and improvements for AgPal Chat could focus on refining prompt engineering to improve contextual relevance, expanding the use of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for more dynamic data integration, and enhancing the AI's scalability and efficiency, enhancing service delivery to users while retaining safety and reliability.

As AI continues to advance and become an integral part of personal and professional environments alike, the work put into prompt engineering will undeniably play a pivotal role in shaping the future of human-AI interactions. Ensuring that prompt engineering techniques continue to evolve alongside AI models will be vital in upholding the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. The proper application of prompt engineering and guardrails will enable AI to reach its full potential as a tool for enhancing human knowledge, decision-making, and productivity, without sacrificing ethical integrity or user trust.

References

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (2024). Retrieved from AgPal: https://agpal.ca/en/home
• Aslanyan, V. (2024, June 11). Next-Gen Large Language Models: The Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Handbook. Retrieved from freeCodeCamp: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/retrieval-augmented-generation-rag-handbook/#heading-11-what-is-rag-an-overview
• Gao, Y. (2024). Retrieval-Augmented Generation for Large Language Models: A Survey. arXiv. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.10997
• Global Government Forum. (2023). Four of your ideas have made it to the Final. Retrieved from Public Service Data Challenge: https://canada.governmentdatachallenge.com/
• Government of Canada. (2023, August 16). Canadian Guardrails for Generative AI – Code of Practice. Retrieved from ISED-ISDE: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/consultation-development-canadian-code-practice-generative-artificial-intelligence-systems/canadian-guardrails-generative-ai-code-practice
• Government of Canada. (2024, February 1). Guidance on Data Quality. Retrieved from Canada.ca: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/digital-government/digital-government-innovations/information-management/guidance-data-quality.html
• Government of Canada. (2024, July 26). Guide on the use of generative artificial intelligence. Retrieved from Canada.ca: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/digital-government/digital-government-innovations/responsible-use-ai/guide-use-generative-ai.html
• IBM. (2024). What is prompt engineering? Retrieved from IMB Topics: https://www.ibm.com/topics/prompt-engineering
• LangChain. (n.d.). LangChain Main Page. Retrieved from LangChain: https://www.langchain.com/
• LlamaIndex. (2024). Turn your enterprise data into production-ready LLM applications. Retrieved from LlamaIndex: https://www.llamaindex.ai
• Sajid, H. (2024, March 18). Data Strategy Roadmap: Creating a Data Strategy Framework For Your Organization. Retrieved from Zuar: https://www.zuar.com/blog/data-strategy-roadmap-creating-a-data-strategy-framework/#:~:text=Hence%2C%20a%20data%20strategy%20framework%20is%20a%20long-term%2C,to%20make%20informed%20decisions%20and%20achieve%20business%20goals.
• Treasury Board Secretariat. (2023, April 25). Directive on Automated Decision-Making. Retrieved from TBS-SCT: https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32592

Wildfires

• The Government of Nova Scotia announced on August 29th that the risk of wildfires had lowered enough in some counties, including Cape Breton, Antigonish, and Halifax, for restrictions on travel and activities in the woods to be lifted. The Government said restrictions in other counties would remain in place until October 15th, as would the provincial burn ban. On September 18th, the Government announced that restrictions on travel and activities in the woods were lifted in all remaining counties except Annapolis. On September 26th, the Government announced that the ban on open fires was lifted in all counties except Annapolis.
• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced on September 8th that the province-wide outdoor fire ban issued on August 5th would be extend. On September 12th, the Government announced the fire ban had been lifted.
• The Government of Prince Edward Island announced on September 8th it had extended the fire closure order that bans all fires in the province, including campfires, until September 22nd or further notice. On September 22nd, the Government announced that the most recent fire closure order was ending and would not be renewed.

Resources

• Calgary-based Cenovus Energy Inc. announced it had reached an agreement for the sale of its 50% interest in WRB Refining LP to its joint venture partner Phillips 66 of Texas for approximately $1.9 billion. Cenovus said the transaction is expected to close around the end of the third quarter, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
• Calgary-based Imperial Oil Limited announced plans to restructure and said the transition process is expected to reduce employee roles by approximately 20% by the end of 2027. Imperial said it expects to record a one-time restructuring charge of approximately $330 million before-tax in the third quarter of 2025.
• Ksi Lisims LNG, a proposed net-zero LNG export facility on British Columbia's northwest coast, co-developed by the Nisg̱a'a Nation, Western LNG of Texas, and Rockies LNG of Calgary, announced it had received an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the Government of British Columbia and a positive Decision Statement from the Government of Canada. Ksi Lisims said the Certificate is a key regulatory milestone required to proceed with construction, which could begin as early as this year.
• Calgary-based Enbridge Inc. announced it had reached a final investment decision on two Gas Transmission projects: the Algonquin Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement project (AGT Enhancement) in the U.S. Northeast and the Eiger Express Pipeline (Eiger) to serve the U.S. Gulf Coast LNG market. Enbridge said it expects to complete the AGT Enhancement in 2029 and the Eiger in 2028.
• Vancouver-based Teck Resources Limited and Anglo American plc of the United Kingdom announced they had reached an agreement to combine the two companies in a merger of equals to form the Anglo Teck group, with its global headquarters located in Vancouver. The companies said the merger is expected to close within 12-18 months, subject to shareholder approval and to the completion of conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, including approval under the Investment Canada Act and competition and regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions globally.
• Toronto-based Barrick Mining Corporation announced it had reached an agreement to sell the Hemlo Gold Mine in Ontario to Carcetti Capital Corp. of Vancouver for gross proceeds of up to USD $1.09 billion. Barrick said the transaction is expected to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions and obtaining required regulatory approvals.
• Burnaby, British Columbia-based Interfor Corporation announced plans to reduce its lumber production by approximately 145 million board feet between September and December of 2025, representing approximately 12% of its normal operating stance. Interfor said the curtailments are expected to impact all of its operating regions, with both the Canadian and U.S. operations expected to reduce their production levels by approximately 12% each.

Manufacturing

• Sault Ste. Marie-based Algoma Steel Group Inc. announced the execution of binding term sheets to secure $500 million in liquidity support, comprising $400 million loan facilities from the Government of Canada under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility and $100 million loan facilities from the Province of Ontario. Algoma said the Facilities provide financial flexibility amid prolonged trade uncertainty and position it to advance its ongoing business transformation.
• Kansas-based INVISTA announced its decision to discontinue production at its site in Maitland, Ontario and relocate production to its Victoria, Texas site over the coming months. INVISTA said approximately 100 roles directly supporting Maitland operations would be impacted.

Minimum wage

• Nunavut's minimum wage increased from $19.00 to $19.75 per hour on September 1st.
• The Northwest Territories' minimum wage increased from $16.70 per hour to $16.95 per hour on September 1st.

Other news

• The Government of Canada announced on September 5th a series of new measures for workers and businesses in those sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions, including:
  • a new reskilling package for up to 50,000 workers, make Employment Insurance more flexible, and launch a new digital jobs and training platform;
  • invest $5 billion through a new fund with flexible terms to help firms in all sectors impacted by tariffs;
  • a new Buy Canadian Policy to ensure the federal government buys from Canadian suppliers;
  • expand Business Development Bank of Canada loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to $5 million; provide more flexible financing through the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility; and give the auto sector flexibility by waiving 2026 model year vehicles from Electric Vehicle Availability Standard requirements and by launching an immediate 60-day review to reduce costs;
  • assist Canada's canola and agricultural producers; and
  • expand support to SMEs to $1 billion over three years through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, with flexible terms, and increase new non-repayable contributions to eligible businesses impacted by tariffs across all affected sectors, including agricultural and seafood.
• The Government also said it had launched the Major Projects Office (MPO) to fast-track nation-building projects.
• The Government of Canada announced on September 11th the first series of projects being referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO) for consideration, including:
  • LNG Canada Phase 2 in Kitimat, British Columbia that will double LNG Canada's production of liquified natural gas;
  • Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ontario that will make Canada the first G7 country to have an operational small modular reactor (SMR);
  • Contrecœur Terminal Container Project in Contrecœur, Québec that will expand the Port of Montreal's capacity by approximately 60%;
  • McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine Project in East-Central Saskatchewan that will supply copper and zinc; and
  • Red Chris Mine expansion in Northwest British Columbia that will extend the lifespan of the mine by over a decade and increase Canada's annual copper production by over 15%.
• The Government said these projects represent investments of more than $60 billion in the economy.
• The Government of Canada announced on September 14th it had launched Build Canada Homes – a new federal agency that will build affordable housing at scale. The Government said it would build deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partner with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.
• The Government of Canada announced on September 16th that prairie businesses impacted by global trade disruptions could now apply for funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
• The Bank of Canada lowered its target for the overnight rate by 25 basis points to 2.50%. The last change in the target for the overnight rate was a 25 basis points cut in March 2025.
• TD Canada Trust, RBC Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), BMO Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Scotiabank, and Laurentian Bank of Canada announced they were decreasing their Canadian dollar prime lending rates by 25 basis points from 4.95% to 4.70%, effective September 18th.
• On September 25th, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced that all CUPW members at Canada Post were on a nation-wide strike. Canada Post said that mail and parcels would not be processed or delivered for the duration of the strike, and that some post offices would be closed.
• Calgary-based WestJet announced an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 60 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft, with options for an additional 25. The company said the order also includes seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft with options for four more. WestJet said this order increases its current order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options, while extending its fleet growth plans through 2034.
• Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an approximate 13% indirect equity interest in Sempra Infrastructure Partners of California for approximately USD $3.0 billion, alongside affiliates of New York-based KKR, a global investment firm. CPP Investments said the transaction is expected close in the second to third quarter of 2026, subject to necessary regulatory and other approvals and closing conditions.

United States and other international news

• The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 4.00% to 4.25%. The last change in the target range was a 25 basis points cut in December 2024. The Committee also said that it would continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities.
• The European Central Bank (ECB) left its three key interest rates unchanged at 2.00% (deposit facility), 2.15% (main refinancing operations), and 2.40% (marginal lending facility). The last change in these rates was a 25 basis points reduction in June 2025.
• The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to maintain the Bank Rate at 4.0%. The last change in the Bank Rate was a 25 basis points cut in August 2025.
• The Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee of Norway's Norges Bank reduced the policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.00%. The last change in the policy rate was a 25 basis points decrease in June 2025.
• The Bank of Japan (BoJ) announced it will encourage the uncollateralized overnight call rate to remain at around 0.50%. The last change in the uncollateralized overnight call rate was a 25 basis points increase in January 2025. The BoJ also said it had decided to sell its holdings of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and Japan real estate investment  trusts (J-REITs) to the market in accordance with the fundamental principles for their disposal which include the principle to avoid inducing destabilizing effects on the financial markets.
• The Executive Board of Sweden's Riksbank lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points to 1.75%. The last change in the repo rate was a 25 basis points reduction in June 2025.
• The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate target unchanged at 3.60%. The last change in the cash rate target was a 25 basis points cut in August 2025.
• The eight participating OPEC+ countries - Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman - announced they would implement a production adjustment of 137 thousand barrels per day from the 1.65 million barrels per day additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023. The members said this adjustment would be implemented in October 2025.
• Pennsylvania and Illinois-based The Kraft Heinz Company announced that its Board of Directors had unanimously approved a plan to separate the Company into two independent, publicly traded companies. Kraft Heinz said it expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2026.
• Washington State-based Starbucks announced that overall company-operated coffeehouses in North America would decline by about 1% in fiscal year 2025 after accounting for both openings and closures. Starbucks also said it would eliminate approximately 900 current non-retail partner roles and close many open positions.
• California-based Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor consortium comprised of PIF of Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake of California, and Affinity Partners of Florida in an all-cash transaction that values EA at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion. EA said the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by EA stockholders.
• Germany-based Bosch announced a reduction of around 13,000 jobs, particularly at its Mobility locations in Germany. Bosch said the time frames for the necessary adjustments vary and extend until the end of 2030.

Financial market news

• West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed at USD $62.37 per barrel on September 30th, down from a closing value of USD $64.01 at the end of August. Western Canadian Select crude oil traded in the USD $49.00 to $54.00 per barrel range throughout September. The Canadian dollar closed at 71.83 cents U.S. on September 29th, down from 72.77 cents U.S. at the end of August. The S&P/TSX composite index closed at 30,022.81 on September 30th, up from 28,564.45 at the end of August.

Confidential when completed

This information is collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. S-19.

Step A

1. What is your telephone number?

• No telephone number

2. What is the address of this dwelling?

• Number (and suffix, if applicable)
  (e.g., 302, 151 B, 16 1/2)
• Street name, street type (e.g., DR = Drive), direction (e.g., N = North)
• Apartment or unit
• City, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve
• Province or territory
• Postal code

3. What is the mailing address of this dwelling, if different from above?
(e.g., Rural Route, PO Box, General Delivery)

Step B

1. Including yourself, how many persons usually live at this address on May 12, 2026?

Include all persons who have their main residence at this address, even if they are temporarily away.

See the instructions on page 3 (joint custody, students, landed immigrants, secondary residence, etc.).

• Number of persons

2. Including yourself, list all persons who usually live here on May 12, 2026.

Important: Begin the list with an adult followed, if applicable, by that person's spouse or common-law partner and by their children. Continue with all other persons who usually live at this address.

• Person 1: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 2: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 3: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 4: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 5: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 6: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 7: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 8: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 9: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Person 10: Family name(s), Given name(s)

Step C

Did you leave anyone out of step B because you were not sure the person should be listed?

For example, a student, a child in joint custody, a person temporarily away, a person who lives here temporarily, a resident from another country with a work or study permit, a refugee claimant, etc.

• No
• Yes
  • Please refer to the instructions on page 3 to determine if this person should be listed.
  • If they should be listed, please add them to step B.

Step D

Copy the names in Step B to question 1, at the top of page 4.

Keep the same order.

If there are more than five persons in this household, enter the first five on this questionnaire and continue on a second questionnaire. List the sixth person in the column marked “PERSON 3” on the second questionnaire. If you require an additional questionnaire, the census representative can provide one when they return.

1. Whom to include in Step B
   • All persons who have their main residence at this address on May 12, 2026, including newborn babies, roommates and persons who are temporarily away
   • Canadian citizens, landed immigrants (permanent residents), persons who have claimed refugee status (asylum seekers), persons from another country with a work or study permit and family members living here with them
   • Persons staying at this address temporarily on May 12, 2026 who have no main residence elsewhere.
2. Where to include persons with more than one residence
   • Children in joint custody should be included in the home of the parent where they live most of the time. Children who spend equal time with each parent should be included in the home of the parent with whom they are staying on May 12, 2026.
   • Students who return to live with their parents during the year should be included at their parents' address, even if they live elsewhere while attending school or working at a summer job.
   • Spouses or common-law partners temporarily away who stay elsewhere while working or studying should be listed at the main residence of their family, if they return periodically.
   • Persons in an institution for less than six months (for example, in a home for the aged, a hospital or a prison) should be listed at their usual residence.

If this address is:

• a secondary residence (for example, a cottage) for all persons who stayed here on May 12, 2026 (all these persons have their main residence elsewhere in Canada), mark this circle.
• a dwelling occupied only by residents of another country visiting Canada (for example, on vacation or on a business trip), mark this circle.
• the home of a government representative of another country (for example, an embassy or a high commission) and family members, mark this circle.

Do not answer other questions. A census representative will return to pick up the completed questionnaire.

1. Name

In the spaces provided, copy the names in the same order as in step B. Then answer the following questions for each person.

Person 1

• Family name
• Given name

The following questions refer to each person's situation on May 12, 2026, unless otherwise specified.

2. What are this person's date of birth and age?

If exact date of birth is not known, enter best estimate. For children less than 1 year old, enter 0 for age.

• Day
• Month
• Year
• Age

3. What is this person's gender?

Gender refers to an individual's personal and social identity as a man (or a boy), a woman (or a girl), or a person who is not exclusively a man (or a boy) or a woman (or a girl), for example, non-binary, agender, gender fluid, queer or Two-Spirit.

• Man (or boy)
• Woman (or girl)
• Or please specify this person's gender:

4. What was this person's sex at birth?

Sex at birth refers to the sex recorded on a person's first birth certificate. It is typically observed based on a person's reproductive system and other physical characteristics.

• Male
• Female

5. What is the relationship of this person to Person 1?

Common-law refers to two people who live together as a couple and who are not married, regardless of the duration of the relationship.

Person 1

• No answer required for Person 1

Person 2

• Married spouse of Person 1
• Common-law partner of Person 1
• Child of Person 1 and another person living at this address
• Child of Person 1 only (mark if no other legal parent of this person lives at this address)
• Stepchild of Person 1
• Parent of Person 1
• Grandchild of Person 1
• Spouse or partner of child of Person 1
• Parent of spouse or partner of Person 1
• Sibling of Person 1
• Foster child of Person 1
• Roommate, lodger or boarder of Person 1
• Other relationship — specify:

Persons 3-5

• Married spouse of Person 1
• Common-law partner of Person 1
• Child of Person 1 and Person 2
• Child of Person 1 and another person living at this address
• Child of Person 1 only (mark if no other legal parent of this person lives at this address)
• Stepchild of Person 1
• Parent of Person 1
• Grandchild of Person 1
• Spouse or partner of child of Person 1
• Parent of spouse or partner of Person 1
• Sibling of Person 1
• Foster child of Person 1
• Roommate, lodger or boarder of Person 1
• Other relationship — specify:

Questions 6. and 7. are asked only for persons aged 15 years and older (born before May 12, 2011).

6. What is this person's marital status?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Never legally married
• Legally married (and not separated)
• Separated, but still legally married
• Divorced
• Widowed

7. Is this person living with a common-law partner?

Common-law refers to two people who live together as a couple and who are not married, regardless of the duration of the relationship.

• Yes
• No

8. Can this person speak English or French well enough to conduct a conversation?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• English only
• French only
• Both English and French
• Neither English nor French

9. a) What language(s) does this person speak on a regular basis at home?

• English
• French
• Other language(s) — specify:

If this person indicates only one language in question 9. a), go to question 10.

9. b) Of these languages, which one does this person speak most often at home?

Indicate more than one language only if they are spoken equally at home.

• English
• French
• Other language — specify:

10. What is the language that this person first learned at home in childhood and still understands?

If this person no longer understands the first language learned, indicate the second language learned.

• English
• French
• Other language — specify:

The following questions collect information in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to support education programs in English and French in Canada.

11. Is this dwelling located in Quebec?

• No
  • Continue with question 12.
• Yes
  • Go to question 15.

12. Did this person do any of their primary or secondary schooling in French in Canada (including immersion)?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Yes (previously or currently attending)
• No
  • Go to question 17.

13. In which type of program was this schooling in French done?

• A regular French program in a French-language school
• A French immersion program in an English-language school
  • Go to question 17.
• Both types of programs
• Other program — specify:

14. For how many years did this person attend a regular French program in a French-language school in Canada?

• Number of years in primary schooling (including kindergarten and middle school)
  • Number of years
    • Go to question 17.
• Number of years in secondary schooling
  • Number of years
    • Go to question 17.

15. Did this person do any of their primary or secondary schooling in an English-language school in Canada (including immersion)?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Yes (previously or currently attending)
• No
  • Go to question 17.

16. For how many years did this person do their schooling in an English-language school in Canada (including immersion)?

• Number of years in primary schooling (including kindergarten)
  • Number of years
• Number of years in secondary schooling
  • Number of years

Activities of daily living

The following question is about difficulties a person may have doing certain activities. Only difficulties or long-term conditions that have lasted or are expected to last for six months or more should be considered.

17. a) Does this person have any difficulty seeing (even when wearing glasses or contact lenses)?

• No
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

17. b) Does this person have any difficulty hearing (even when using a hearing aid)?

• No
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

17. c) Does this person have any difficulty walking, using stairs, using their hands or fingers or doing other physical activities?

• No
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

17. d) Does this person have any difficulty learning, remembering or concentrating?

• No
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

17. e) Does this person have any emotional, psychological or mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, anorexia, etc.)?

• No
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

17. f) Does this person have any other health problem or long-term condition that has lasted or is expected to last for six months or more?

Exclude: any health problems previously reported in questions 17. a) to 17. e) above.

• No
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

General Health

The following question is about the general health status of members of this household.

18. In general, how is this person's health?

Health means not only the absence of disease or injury but also, physical, mental and social well-being.

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Excellent
• Very good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor

Sociocultural information

19. Where was this person born?

Specify one response only, according to present boundaries.

• Born in Canada
  • N.L.
  • P.E.I.
  • N.S.
  • N.B.
  • Quebec
  • Ontario
  • Manitoba
  • Sask.
  • Alberta
  • B.C.
  • Yukon
  • N.W.T.
  • Nunavut
• Born outside Canada — specify country:

20. Where were this person's parents born?

Specify the country or countries according to present boundaries.

• All parents born in Canada
• All parents born outside Canada
  • Specify the country of birth of each parent:
• One parent born in Canada AND one parent born outside Canada
  • Specify the country of birth outside Canada:

If this person lives on a First Nations reserve, go to question 22.

21. a) Is this person a Canadian citizen?

"Canadian citizen by naturalization" refers to an immigrant who was granted citizenship of Canada under the Citizenship Act.

• Yes, a Canadian citizen by birth
• Yes, a Canadian citizen by naturalization
• No, not a Canadian citizen

21. b) Is this person a citizen of a country other than Canada?

Indicate more than one country of citizenship, if applicable.

• No other countries of citizenship
• Yes, other countries of citizenship
  • Specify the country or countries of citizenship:

22. What language(s), other than English or French, does this person know well enough to conduct a conversation?

If applicable, include sign languages. 

Examples of Indigenous languages: Innu (Montagnais), Nehiyawewin (Plains Cree), Mi'kmaq, Oji-Cree, Denesuline, Inuktitut, Mohawk, Michif, Secwepemctsin (Shuswap), Stoney, Gitxsan (Gitksan), Kwak'wala (Kwakiutl), etc.

• None
• OR
  • Other language(s) — specify:

23. What were the ethnic or cultural origins of this person's ancestors?

Ancestors refer to the people from whom one is descended (grandparents, great grandparents, etc.)

Ancestors may have:

• Indigenous origins (e.g. First Nations, Cree, Inuit, Ojibway, Mi’kmaq, Métis, Dene, Oji-Cree, Plains Cree, Innu/Montagnais, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Woodland Cree, Atikamekw, Inuvialuit, Algonquin, Anishinaabe, Dakota, Gitxsan, Denesuline [Chipewyan], Secwepemc [Shuswap]), or
• origins that refer to different countries (e.g., Scottish, Filipino, Mexican, Nigerian), or 
• other origins that may not refer to different countries (e.g., Québécois, Jewish, Tamil).

For additional examples of ethnic or cultural origins, visit www12.statcan.gc.ca/ancestry

• Specify as many origins as applicable using capital letters.

24. Is this person First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

Note: First Nations includes Status and non-Status individuals.

If "Yes", mark "x" the circle(s) that best describe(s) this person now.

• No, not First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
• OR
• Yes, First Nations
• Yes, Métis
• Yes, Inuk (Inuit)

The following question collects information to support programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural and economic life of Canada.

25. Which population group or groups best describe this person?

Mark "x" all groups that apply, or specify another group, if applicable.

• White
• South Asian (e.g., Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)
• First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
• Chinese
• Black
• Filipino
• Arab
• Latin American
• Southeast Asian (e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai)
• West Asian (e.g., Iranian, Afghan)
• Korean
• Japanese
• Or please specify another group:

26. Is this person a Status Indian (Registered or Treaty Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada)?

The term "Indian" is used in this question as a legal term within current legislation.

• No
• Yes, Status Indian (Registered or Treaty)

27. Is this person a member of a First Nation?

Include self-governing First Nations.

If "Yes", which First Nation?

For example, Westbank First Nation, Atikamekw of Manawan, Red Rock Indian Band.

• No
• Yes, member of a First Nation
  • Specify name of First Nation:

28. Is this person a registered member or citizen of a Métis government, organization or Settlement?

If "Yes", which Métis government, organization or Settlement?

Mark "x" one circle only or specify.

• No
• Yes, registered member or citizen of a Métis government, organization or Settlement
  Name of Métis government, organization or Settlement
  • Métis Nation of Ontario
  • Manitoba Métis Federation
  • Métis Nation — Saskatchewan
  • Métis Nation of Alberta (Otipemisiwak Métis Government)
  • Métis Nation British Columbia
  • Or specify Métis organization or Alberta Metis Settlement:

29. Is this person enrolled under, or a beneficiary of, an Inuit land claims agreement?

Please indicate the agreement, rather than the representative organization. For example, mark "Nunavut Agreement" rather than specifying Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI).

• No
• Yes
  Which Inuit land claims agreement?
  • Inuvialuit Final Agreement
  • Nunavut Agreement (Nunavut Land Claims Agreement)
  • James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (Nunavik)
  • Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (Nunatsiavut)
  • Or specify Inuit land claims agreement:

Religion

30. What is this person's religion?

For example, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Traditional (North American Indigenous) Spirituality, United Church, Pentecostal, Baptist, Moravian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Longhouse, Jehovah’s Witness, Muslim, etc.

For additional examples of denominations and religions, visit www12.statcan.gc.ca/religion-e

Indicate a specific denomination or religion even if this person is not currently a practising member of that group.

• Specify one denomination or religion only.
• OR
• No religion

Canadian military experience

31. Has this person ever served in the Canadian military?

Do not include service as a Cadet (youth program).

If "Yes", check all types of service that apply (e.g., Regular Force, Reserve Force).

• Yes, currently serving in the Canadian military
  What type of service is this?
  • Regular Force
  • Reserve Force
  • Specify other type of service:
• Yes, but no longer serving in the Canadian military
  What type of service was this?
  • Regular Force
  • Reserve Force
  • Specify other type of service:
• No Canadian military service

Mobility

32. Where did this person live 1 year ago, that is, on May 12, 2025?

Mark "x" one circle only.

Note: 
For those who mark the fourth circle:

Identify the community, municipality or First Nations reserve rather than the name of the First Nation.
For example:

• Lac Brochet 197A, Manitoba, rather than Northlands Denesuline First Nation
• Wabamun 133A, Alberta, rather than Paul First Nation
• Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, rather than Deh Gáh Got’ie Dene First Nation
• Fort Hope 64, Ontario, rather than Eabametoong First Nation
• Mingan, Quebec, rather than Les Innus de Ekuanitshit.

• Born after May 12, 2025
• Lived at the same address as now
• Lived at a different address in the same city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve
• Lived in a different city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve in Canada
  • Specify the name of the city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve of residence 1 year ago.
    • Province or territory
    • Postal code
• Lived outside Canada
  • Specify the country of residence 1 year ago.

33. Where did this person live 5 years ago, that is, on May 12, 2021?

Mark "x" one circle only.

Note:
For those who mark the fourth circle: 

Identify the community, municipality or First Nations reserve rather than the name of the First Nation.
For example:

• Lac Brochet 197A, Manitoba, rather than Northlands Denesuline First Nation
• Wabamun 133A, Alberta, rather than Paul First Nation
• Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, rather than Deh Gáh Got’ie Dene First Nation
• Fort Hope 64, Ontario, rather than Eabametoong First Nation
• Mingan, Quebec, rather than Les Innus de Ekuanitshit.

• Born after May 12, 2021
• Lived at the same address as now
• Lived at a different address in the same city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve
• Lived in a different city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve in Canada
  • Specify the name of the city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve of residence 5 years ago.
    • Province or territory
    • Postal code
• Lived outside Canada
  • Specify the country of residence 5 years ago.

Homelessness

34. Considering homelessness experiences, over the past 12 months, has this person stayed in a shelter, on the street or in parks, in a makeshift shelter, in a vehicle, or in an abandoned building?

• Yes
• No

35. Considering other types of housing challenges, over the past 12 months, has this person lived temporarily with friends, family or others because they had nowhere else to live?

Include temporary living arrangements where the person did not have the resources to secure their own permanent housing (person facing financial difficulties, fleeing abuse, recently evicted, etc.).

Exclude stays for vacation, family visits, or other voluntary short-term stays.

• Yes
  Is this person currently living in this household temporarily because they have nowhere else to live?
  • Yes
  • No
• No

Questions 36 to 59 are asked only for persons aged 15 years and older (born before May 12, 2011).

This question collects information on sexual orientation to inform programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone living in Canada to share in its social, cultural, and economic life.

36. What is this person’s sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation refers to how a person describes their sexuality.

• Heterosexual (i.e., straight)
• Lesbian or gay
• Bisexual or pansexual
• Or please specify this person’s sexual orientation:

Education

37. Has this person completed a high school (secondary school) diploma or equivalent?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Examples of high school equivalency certificates are General Educational Development (GED) and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

High school diploma or certificate

• Yes, high school diploma
• Yes, high school equivalency certificate
• No

38. a) Has this person completed a Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Mark "x" all that apply.

For example, hairstyling, cooking, electrician, carpentry.

Registered Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma

• Yes, Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification (Journeyperson's designation)
• Yes, other trades certificate or diploma
• No

38. b) Has this person completed a college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Exclude any certificates or diplomas reported in question 38. a) above.

Mark "x" all that apply.

For example, health aide, law enforcement, information technology, youth services, teaching assistant, forest technology.

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

• Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of less than 3 months
• Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of 3 months to less than 1 year
• Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to less than 2 years
• Yes, certificate or diploma from a 2-year program
• Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of more than 2 years
• No

38. c) Has this person completed a university certificate, diploma or degree?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Mark "x" all that apply.

University certificate, diploma or degree

• Yes, university certificate or diploma below bachelor level
• Yes, bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.A.(Hons.), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.)
• Yes, university certificate or diploma above bachelor level
• Yes, degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry (M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.V.M., O.D.)
• Yes, master's degree (e.g., M.A., M.Sc., M.Ed., M.B.A.)
• Yes, earned doctorate (e.g., Ph.D.)
• No

39. What was the major field of study of the highest certificate, diploma or degree that this person completed?

Please be specific.

For example, automobile mechanics, natural resources conservation, registered nursing, civil engineering, heavy equipment operation, early childhood education, political science.

Print in capital letters as follows: COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

• Major field of study of highest certificate, diploma or degree
• OR
  • No certificate, diploma or degree higher than high school
    • Go to question 41. a)

40. In what province, territory or country did this person complete their highest certificate, diploma or degree?

• In Canada – specify province or territory:
• OR
• Outside Canada – specify country:

41. a) At any time between September 2025 and May 2026, was this person attending school, such as high school, college, CEGEP or university?

Report only attendance for courses that can be used as credits towards a certificate, diploma or degree. Distance learning for credit is included.

Attendance at any time between September 2025 and May 2026

• Yes
  • Continue with the next question
• No, was not attending school at any time between September 2025 and May 2026
  • Go to question 42.

41. b) What type of school was this person attending?

Mark "x" all that apply.

At any time between September 2025 and May 2026

• Was attending elementary, junior high school or high school
• Was attending college, CEGEP, business school, technical institute, trade school or other non-university institution
• Was attending university

Note: Many of the following questions refer to the week from Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Labour market activities

42. During the week of Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, how many hours did this person spend working for pay or in self-employment?

Please enter the total number of hours worked for pay or in self-employment at all jobs held during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026.

Exclude the number of hours:

• away due to illness, on vacation or any other reasons.

Include the number of hours:

• working for wages, salary, tips or commission
• working overtime
• making, selling or trading arts and crafts
• running a business
• trapping, hunting and fishing (except as a leisure activity)
• fixing gear used to hunt, fish or trap
• working as a guide.

• Number of hours (to the nearest hour)
  • Go to question 45.
• OR
• None
  • Continue with the next question

43. During the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, was this person on temporary lay-off or absent from their job or business?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• No
• No, retired
• Yes, on temporary lay-off from a job with indication of being recalled within the next 6 months
• Yes, on vacation, ill, on strike or locked out, or absent for other reasons

44. When did this person last work for pay or in self-employment, even for a few days?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• In 2026
  • Continue with the next question
• In 2025
  • Continue with the next question
• Before 2025
  • Go to question 51.
• Never
  • Go to question 51.

Note: Questions 45. to 50. refer to this person's job or business during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person held no job, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025. If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

45. For whom did this person work?

Enter the full name of the company, business, government department or agency, or person.

For self-employed persons, enter the name of their business. If the business does not have a name, enter “self-employed”.

Print in capital letters as follows:

Name of firm, government department, etc.

ABC CONCRETE PRODUCTS LIMITED

• Specify who this person worked for

46. What kind of business, industry or service was this?

For example, band administration, police, fishing or trapping, primary school, community health centre, freight trucking company, independent artist, grocery store, etc.

• Kind of business, industry or service

47. What was this person's work or occupation?

For example, membership clerk, police officer, fisher or trapper, primary school teacher, community health nurse, truck driver, artisan, store clerk, etc.

• Occupation

48. In this work, what were this person's main activities?

For example, registering band members, law enforcement, catching and cleaning fish or skinning animals, teaching grade 2, treating patients, driving a truck, stone or wood carving, operating cash register, etc.

• Main activities

Note: Questions 49. to 50. refer to this person's job or business during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person held no job, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025. If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

49. Was this person an employee or self-employed?

If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours. If this person held no job during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025.

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Employee – Permanent position (no fixed end date)
  • Go to question 51.
• Employee – Fixed-term position (1 year or more)
  • Go to question 51.
• Employee – Casual, seasonal or short-term position (less than 1 year)
  • Go to question 51.
• Unpaid family worker (without pay or salary) for their spouse or another relative in a family business or farm
  • Go to question 51.
• Self-employed without paid employees (alone or in partnership)
• Self-employed with paid employees (alone or in partnership)

50. Was this person's farm or business incorporated?

• No
• Yes

Questions 51. to 53. are asked for persons aged 15 years and older who did not work during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person was aged 65 years and older, answered "No, retired" in question 43. and answered "Before 2025" in question 44., go to question 60.

51. Did this person look for paid work during the four weeks from April 12 to May 9, 2026?

For example, did this person contact an employment centre, check with employers, place or answer Internet ads, etc.?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• No
• Yes, looked for full-time work
  • Go to question 53.
• Yes, looked for part-time work (less than 30 hours per week)
  • Go to question 53.

52. During the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, did this person have definite arrangements to start a new job within the next four weeks?

• No
• Yes

53. Could this person have started a job during the week of Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, had one been available?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Yes, could have started a job
• No, already had a job
• No, because of illness or disability
• No, because of personal or family responsibilities
• No, going to school
• No, other reasons

Note: Questions 54. a) and 54. b) refer to this person's job or business during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person held no job, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025. If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

54. a) In this job, what language(s) did this person use on a regular basis?

• English
• French
• Other language(s) — specify:

If this person indicates only one language in question 54. a), go to question 55.

54. b) Of these languages, which one did this person use most often in this job?

Indicate more than one language only if they were used equally at work.

• English
• French
• Other language — specify:

These questions are only for persons aged 15 years and older with a job or absent from their job or business during the week of Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026.

55. In a usual workweek, at which of the following locations does this person work?

Mark "x" all that apply.

If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

Identify the community, municipality or First Nations reserve rather than the name of the First Nation.

For example:

• Lac Brochet 197A, Manitoba, rather than Northlands Denesuline First Nation
• Wabamun 133A, Alberta, rather than Paul First Nation
• Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, rather than Deh Gáh Got’ie Dene First Nation
• Fort Hope 64, Ontario, rather than Eabametoong First Nation
• Mingan, Quebec, rather than Les Innus de Ekuanitshit.

For persons with a workplace location outside their home, provide the address. If the street address is unknown or if the address is a post office box, specify the building or nearest street intersection. Do not give a post office box number.

If the address of work is different than the address of the employer, please provide the address where this person actually works. For example, school teachers should provide the address of their school, not the address of the school board.

• Worked at home (including farms)
  • Go to question 58.
• Worked outside Canada
  • Go to question 58.
• No fixed workplace location
  • Continue to the next question
• Worked at a fixed workplace location outside the home specified below:
  • Street address
  • City, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve (see example)
  • Province or territory
    • N.L.
    • P.E.I.
    • N.S.
    • N.B.
    • Quebec
    • Ontario
    • Manitoba
    • Sask.
    • Alberta
    • B.C.
    • Yukon
    • N.W.T.
    • Nunavut
  • Postal code

56. a) In a usual workweek, what modes of commuting does this person use to get to work?

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

Mark "Subway or elevated rail" for:

• Vancouver SkyTrain
• Toronto subway
• Montréal Metro.

Mark "Light rail, streetcar or commuter train" for:

• Vancouver West Coast Express
• Calgary CTrain
• Edmonton LRT
• Toronto streetcars
• Toronto GO Train
• Ottawa O-Train
• Montréal commuter trains
• Montréal REM
• Kitchener-Waterloo ION LRT.

Mark "x" as many circles as applicable.

• Car, truck or van — as a driver
• Car, truck or van — as a passenger
• Bus
• Subway or elevated rail
• Light rail, streetcar or commuter train
• Passenger ferry
• Walked to work
• Bicycle, electric bike or electric scooter
• Motorcycle, motorized scooter or moped
• Other method (e.g., ATVs and snowmobiles, airplane, boat)

56. b) In a usual workweek, what main mode of commuting does this person use to get to work?

Mark "x" one circle only.

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

If this person uses more than one mode of commuting to get to work, mark the one used for most of the travel distance.

• Car, truck or van — as a driver
  • Go to question 56. c)
• Car, truck or van — as a passenger
  • Go to question 56. c)
• Bus
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Subway or elevated rail
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Light rail, streetcar or commuter train
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Passenger ferry
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Walked to work
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Bicycle, electric bike or electric scooter
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Motorcycle, motorized scooter or moped
  • Go to question 57. a)
• Other method
  • Go to question 57. a)

56. c) How many workers, including this person, usually ride in this car, truck or van to work?

• 1 worker
• 2 workers
• 3 or more workers

57. a) What time does this person's trip to work usually begin?

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

• Usual time
  • Specify the usual time this person leaves for work
    • hour
    • min
    • a.m.
    • p.m.
• No usual time (e.g., shift worker)

57. b) How many minutes does this person's trip to work usually last?

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

• Number of minutes
• OR
• No usual duration

These questions are only for persons aged 15 years and older.

58. How many weeks did this person work for pay or in self-employment in 2025?

A year has 52 weeks.

Include:

• paid vacation and sick leave paid by the employer
• weeks worked part time, even for a few hours.

Exclude:

• weeks absent and not paid by the employer, such as maternity, parental or disability leave, etc.

• None
  • Go to question 60.
• OR
  • Number of weeks worked (including paid vacation and sick leave paid for by the employer and excluding absences unpaid by the employer, such as maternity, parental or disability leave, etc.)
    • Continue with question 59. if you answered 1 week or more for this person.

59. In 2025, did this person work mostly full time or part time?

Mark "x" one circle only.

• Full time (30 hours or more per week)
• Part time (less than 30 hours per week)

Question 60. is asked only for persons aged 13 years and younger (born after May 12, 2012).

60. In 2025, did this person usually attend any child care arrangement (e.g., a daycare centre, a home-based child care, or other arrangement with or without costs)?

Include before or after school programs and care provided by a relative or a non-relative used on a regular basis.

Exclude child care provided by parent or guardian, school attendance, occasional child care arrangements for school holidays and homeschooling.

• Yes
  • Specify the total amount paid by your household for this child care arrangement in 2025.
    • Do not double count any amounts that were already reported.
    • If your household used child care without incurring any costs (fully subsidized daycare, child care provided by a relative, etc.), mark "$0 – used child care with no payment".
    • Total amount paid for child care in 2025
  • OR
  • $0 – used child care with no payment
• No

Questions 61. and 62. are asked only for persons aged 15 years and older (born before May 12, 2011).

61. In 2025, did this person pay child or spousal support payments to a former spouse or partner?

Support payments are covered by an agreement to pay a fixed amount on a regular basis. Exclude all other gifts or transfers of money. Include only support payments actually paid.

Answer "Yes" or "No". If "Yes", also enter the total amount for 2025.

• Yes
  • $
• No

62. Does this person pay, partly or entirely, the rent or mortgage, taxes, electricity, etc. for this dwelling?

Mark "x" "Yes" if this person pays the rent or mortgage, taxes, electricity, etc. for this dwelling, even if more than one person contributes to such payments.

A dwelling is a separate set of living quarters with a private entrance from the outside or from a common hallway or stairway inside the building. This entrance should not be through someone else's living quarters.

Exclude payments for other dwellings (the school residence of a child, the residence of a former spouse, another dwelling that you may own or rent, etc.).

• Yes
• No

Note: Turn the page and answer the questions about this dwelling.

Step E

Answer questions E1. to E9. about this dwelling.

The questions refer to May 12, 2026, unless otherwise specified.

A dwelling is a separate set of living quarters with a private entrance from the outside or from a common hallway or stairway inside the building. This entrance should not be through someone else's living quarters.

Only answer question E1. a) if you are in a First Nations reserve or settlement. Otherwise, go to question E1. b).

E1. a) Is this dwelling provided to you or a member of this household by the local government or First Nation?

• Yes
  • Go to question E2.
• No
  • Continue with question E1. b)

E1. b) Is this dwelling:

Mark "x" one circle only.

• owned by you or a member of this household (even if it is still being paid for)?
• rented (even if no cash rent is paid)?

E2. Is this dwelling part of a condominium development?

• Yes
• No

E3. a) How many rooms are there in this dwelling?

Count kitchen, bedrooms, finished rooms in attic or basement, etc.

Do not count bathrooms, halls, vestibules and rooms used solely for business purposes.

• Number of rooms

E3. b) How many of these rooms are bedrooms?

Count all rooms designed as bedrooms, even if they are now used for something else. Also count basement bedrooms.

• Number of bedrooms

E4. When was this dwelling originally built?

Mark the period in which the building was completed, not the time of any later remodelling, additions or conversions. If year is not known, give best estimate.

• 1920 or before
• 1921 to 1945
• 1946 to 1960
• 1961 to 1970
• 1971 to 1980
• 1981 to 1990
• 1991 to 1995
• 1996 to 2000
• 2001 to 2005
• 2006 to 2010
• 2011 to 2015
• 2016 to 2020
• 2021 to 2025
• 2026

E5. Is this dwelling in need of any repairs?

Exclude desirable remodelling or additions.

• No, only regular maintenance is needed (painting, furnace cleaning, etc.)
• Yes, minor repairs are needed (missing or loose floor tiles, bricks or shingles; defective steps, railing or siding; etc.)
• Yes, major repairs are needed (defective plumbing or electrical wiring; structural repairs to walls, floors or ceilings; etc.)

Answer questions E6. to E9. for this dwelling even if you own or rent more than one dwelling.

If the exact amount is not known, please give a best estimate.

E6. a) For this dwelling, what are the yearly payments (last 12 months) for electricity?

• None
• Included in rent or other payments
• OR
  • $ per year

E6. b) For this dwelling, what are the yearly payments (last 12 months) for oil, gas, coal, wood or other fuels?

• None
• Included in rent or other payments
• OR
  • $ per year

E6. c) For this dwelling, what are the yearly payments (last 12 months) for water and other municipal services?

• None
• Included in rent or other payments
• OR
  • $ per year

If “Yes” was checked in question E1. a), go to question E9.

If “rented” was checked in question E1. b), continue with question E7.

If “owned” was checked in question E1. b), go to question E8.

For renters only, answer parts E7. a) and E7. b):

E7. a) What is the monthly rent paid for this dwelling?

• Rented without payment of cash rent
• OR
  • $ per month

E7. b) Is this dwelling subsidized?

Subsidized housing includes rent geared to income, social housing, public housing, government-assisted housing, non-profit housing, rent supplements and housing allowances.

• Yes
• No

For owners only, answer parts E8. a) through E8. e):

E8. a) What are the total regular monthly mortgage or loan payments for this dwelling?

• None
  • Go to part c)
• OR
  • $ per month

E8. b) Are the property taxes (municipal and school) included in monthly mortgage or loan payments indicated in the previous question?

• Yes
  • Go to part d)
• No

E8. c) What are the estimated yearly property taxes (municipal and school) for this dwelling?

• None
• OR
  • $ per year

E8. d) If you were to sell this dwelling now, for how much would you expect to sell it?

• $

E8. e) What are the monthly condominium fees?

• None
• OR
  • $ per month

E9. For dwellings provided by the local government or First Nation only:

What is the monthly payment paid by you or members of your household to use or occupy this dwelling? 

• Used or occupied without payment 
• OR 
  • $ per month

Note: Turn the page to step F.

Step F

You have now completed your questionnaire.

A census representative will return to pick up the completed questionnaire.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Comments

Please use the space provided below if you have concerns, suggestions or comments to make about:

• the steps to follow or the content of this questionnaire (for example, a question that was difficult to understand or to answer)
• the characteristics of the questionnaire (for example, the design, the format, the size of the text).

The law protects what you tell us

The confidentiality of your responses is protected by law. All Statistics Canada employees have taken an oath of secrecy. Your personal information cannot be given to anyone outside Statistics Canada without your consent. This is your right.

Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP)

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2025 Biannual Potato Area and Yield Survey – October. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which could identify any person, business, or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent or as permitted by the Statistics Act.

Statistics Canada will use information from this survey for statistical purposes.

Help Line: 1-877-949-9492 or TTY 1-855-382-7745

Table of contents

• Reporting instructions
• Definitions
• Question 1
• Question 2
• Question 3

Reporting instructions

• When precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimates.

Definitions

Legal Name
The legal name is one recognized by law, thus it is the name liable for pursuit or for debts incurred by the business or organization. In the case of a corporation, it is the legal name as fixed by its charter or the statute by which the corporation was created.

Modifications to the legal name should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

To indicate a legal name of another legal entity you should instead indicate it in question 3 by selecting 'Not currently operational' and then choosing the applicable reason and providing the legal name of this other entity along with any other requested information.

Operating Name
The operating name is a name the business or organization is commonly known as if different from its legal name. The operating name is synonymous with trade name.

Current main activity of the business or organization
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Created against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies. NAICS is based on supply-side or production-oriented principles, to ensure that industrial data, classified to NAICS, are suitable for the analysis of production-related issues such as industrial performance.

The target entity for which NAICS is designed are businesses and other organizations engaged in the production of goods and services. They include farms, incorporated and unincorporated businesses and government business enterprises. They also include government institutions and agencies engaged in the production of marketed and non-marketed services, as well as organizations such as professional associations and unions and charitable or non-profit organizations and the employees of households.

The associated NAICS should reflect those activities conducted by the business or organizational unit(s) targeted by this questionnaire only, and which can be identified by the specified legal and operating name. The main activity is the activity which most defines the targeted business or organization's main purpose or reason for existence. For a business or organization that is for-profit, it is normally the activity that generates the majority of the revenue for the entity.

The NAICS classification contains a limited number of activity classifications; the associated classification might be applicable for this business or organization even if it is not exactly how you would describe this business or organization's main activity.

Please note that any modifications to the main activity through your response to this question might not necessarily be reflected prior to the transmitting of subsequent questionnaires and as a result they may not contain this updated information.

Question 1

Planted area refers to an area of land that potatoes were planted on during the spring of the reference year.

Report the area of potatoes planted on land owned or rented by all partners in the operation.

Question 2

Harvested area refers to an area of land where potatoes were harvested during the fall of the reference year. If harvest is currently not complete, please report the area of land that you expect to harvest.

Report the area of potatoes harvested on land owned or rented by all partners in the operation.

Question 3

Yield is the measure of a crop produced from single unit of land area.

To calculate: yield = production / harvested area of land

For example, if you produced 2,500 cwt of potatoes on 10 acres of land, yield is 250 cwt per acre.

Production is the amount of crop produced from all harvested land area.

To calculate: production = yield * harvested area of land

For example, if you produced 250 cwt per acre of potatoes and harvested 10 acres, production would be 2,500 cwt.

Thank you for your participation.