The purpose of this survey is to provide a picture of the social connections and experiences of people living in Canada. This survey collects information about social networks and well-being, community engagement, confidence in Canadian institutions, knowledge of Canadian history, and importance of national symbols. Results from this survey will provide important information on the diverse population living in Canada and will help decision makers develop programs and policies to better serve all people living in Canada.
Collection period:
From April 11, 2025
Collection methods:
Electronic questionnaire, telephone interview.
Survey participation:
Voluntary
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.
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 information from the 2021 Census, the Longitudinal Immigration Database, personal tax data and possible other surveys in the Survey Series on Social Connections. 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:
- Life satisfaction
- Sense of meaning and purpose
- General health
- Resilience
- Life opportunities
- Social contact with relatives, friends and new people
- Participation in groups
- Sense of belonging
- Confidence in Canadian institutions
- Shared values
- Knowledge of Canadian history
- Importance of national symbols and Canadian institutions
- Discrimination
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.
Survey-specific questions
- What is the Survey on Social Connections – Well-being in Canada?
- How and why was I selected?
- What does the project involve?
- What will the survey be about?
- Why are you collecting this information and what will it be used for?
- How much time will it take me to participate in this survey?
- What are the benefits of participating in this survey?
- I do not want to participate because I don't have time. Is my participation mandatory?
- How will you safeguard the confidentiality of my information?
What is the Survey on Social Connections – Well-being in Canada?
This project is collected as part of the Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP) with the objective of producing detailed statistical information highlighting the lived experiences of specific population groups, as well as increased analytical insights on diverse groups of people.
How and why was I selected?
You were selected to participate in the Survey on Social Connections – Well-being in Canada based on answers you provided in the 2021 Census or based on information in the Longitudinal Immigration Database.
Your participation is very important because you represent many other Canadians with characteristics similar to yours.
As part of the Survey on Social Connections – Well-being in Canada, we are also looking to collect data from racialized Canadians, immigrants to Canada, and other diverse groups that are often underrepresented in survey data.
What does the project involve?
It's very easy to participate in the Survey on Social Connections – Well-being in Canada.
We will send you an invitation to participate in the survey by mail. Once you receive the invitation, you will be able to complete the questionnaire at your convenience. If you agree to provide your contact information, you may be contacted by email or telephone to participate in future surveys.
What will the survey be about?
The survey touches on a variety of subjects, such as life satisfaction, sense of meaning and purpose, general health, resilience, life opportunities, social contact with relatives, friends and new people, participation in groups, sense of belonging, confidence in Canadian institutions, shared values, knowledge of Canadian history, importance of national symbols and Canadian institutions, and discrimination.
Why are you collecting this information and what will it be used for?
This survey is part of the Government of Canada initiatives to understand the experiences of racialized groups and immigrants. The collected information will be aggregated and then become accessible to the public, all levels of government, and other data users. This would enable better data analyses and insights that shed light on inequities and promote fairness and inclusion in decision-making for racialized groups and immigrants.
How much time will it take me to participate in this survey?
The survey will take around 30 minutes to complete. As the survey is completed online, you will be able to participate at any time that is convenient for you during the collection period. You may receive follow-ups by phone if you do not complete the survey online.
What are the benefits of participating in this survey?
This survey aims to fill data gaps and data needs related to diverse groups and enable the Government of Canada to review and to carry out more equitable delivery of programs and services.
I do not want to participate because I don't have time. Is my participation mandatory?
Participation is not mandatory, but we would greatly appreciate your cooperation. Please note, however, that the survey will only take around 30 minutes of your time, and you can do it online whenever it is convenient for you.
How will you safeguard the confidentiality of my information?
As with all Statistics Canada surveys, any information provided will remain confidential pursuant to the Statistics Act.
Statistics Canada takes the privacy of Canadians very seriously. Published data can never identify you or your household.
To find out more about the measures in place to safeguard the confidentiality of your information, visit Statistics Canada's Trust Centre.
Resources for respondents
Some questions in this survey could bring certain negative emotions. Should you need any support, please contact any of the following resources:
National
Canadian Mental Health Association: Provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses and support recovery and resilience. Telephone: 1-866-277-3553 (In Quebec) or Telephone: 1-833-456-4566
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: A national network of existing distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services. Telephone: 1-833-456-4566
Kids Help Phone: Available to young Canadians between 5 to 29 years old who are seeking 24-hour confidential and anonymous care with professional counsellors. Telephone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868. Online chat: Kids Help Phone - Live Chat
RiseUp: Powered by Kids Help Phone, RiseUp provides free wellness support 24/7 to African, Caribbean and Black youth in Canada. Text RISE to 686868 or Telephone: 1-800-668-6868. Online chat: Kids Help Phone - Live Chat
Strongest Families Institute: Providing services to children and families seeking help for mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being. Telephone: 1-866-470-7111
Suicide Crisis Hotline: If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has suicide-related concerns call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support in English or French
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: A wide range of clinical care services for mental illness and addictions. Telephone: 1-800-463-2338
Trans LifeLine: A trans-led organization connecting trans people to the community, support, and resources they need. Telephone: 1-877-330-6366
Hope for Wellness Helpline: First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the helpline toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at Hope for Wellness Chat
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line: Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the crisis line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Language options: English, French, Cree, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway) and Inuktitut
Government of Canada: List of mental health services for support. Mental health support: Get help
Links for family violence resources and services in your area. Family Violence Resources
Quebec
APPELLE: Help line for those thinking about suicide or are worried about a loved one. Telephone: 1-866-277-3553 or 418-683-4588
Suicide.ca: Help line and an online chat for those thinking about suicide or are worried about a loved one. Visit suicide.ca to chat online with a counselor or text 535353 to chat with a counselor.