The Census of Population paints a portrait of Canada's population and the places we live. The information you provide is used to produce statistics that communities, businesses, and governments rely on to plan services, develop programs, and make informed decisions about employment, schools, public transportation, hospitals and more.
Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes. In addition, information from partially completed or unsaved questionnaires may be retained and used.
Collection period:
Early enumeration occurs from February to March and regular collection occurs from April through July, every five years.
Collection methods:
Self-enumeration using an online questionnaire. Respondents can also request a paper questionnaire or complete the questionnaire with the help of a Census Help Line agent or a census enumerator by phone or in person.
Survey participation:
Mandatory
Confidentiality
Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Statistics Canada will use the information from this survey for statistical purposes only.
Data sharing agreements and record linkage
Record linkage
To enhance the data from this survey and reduce response burden, Statistics Canada will combine the information you provide with data from existing sources of information, such as immigration, income tax and benefits data. Statistics Canada may also combine the information you provide with data from other surveys or administrative sources.
Topics covered in the survey
The survey asks questions about
- Commuting to work
- Education, training and learning
- Families, households and housing
- Health
- Immigration and ethnocultural diversity (formerly Ethnic diversity and immigration)
- Income, pensions, spending and wealth
- Indigenous peoples (formerly Aboriginal peoples)
- Industries
- Labour
- Languages
- Occupations
- Population and demography
- Population estimates and projections
- Religion
- Society and community
Published data
Statistics Canada publishes the results of its surveys in many formats. To find all the documents related to this survey, follow the links below and type the name of the survey in the search engine located at the left of your screen to filter the results.
Data: You will find tables, profiles of a community or region, thematic maps, public use microdata files, and data visualization tools.
Analysis: You will have direct access to Stats in brief (e.g., releases from The Daily, fact sheets), articles and reports, and journals and periodicals.