Canada, the 2026 Census of Population is just around the corner! Beginning May 4, households across the country will be receiving an invitation letter in the mail with instructions on how to complete their census questionnaire.
It’s secure and confidential
Participation in the census is mandatory and completing your census questionnaire online is simple. Starting May 4, visit the Census website, follow the link to the online questionnaire, and select the “Start questionnaire” button. Then, enter your secure access code—found at the top of your invitation letter—and follow the instructions. It’s that easy!
Why your participation matters
The data you provide will help plan for programs and services that matter most to you, in your community and across the country.
Municipalities use census data to plan at the neighbourhood level—for decisions such as whether an intersection needs a traffic light or a stop sign, what type of park or school should be built, how much water and sewer infrastructure will be needed, and to assess road and transit requirements.
Businesses and other organizations draw on census data to better understand the demographics of communities where they may wish to open or expand, including insights into the potential labour force.
Federal, provincial and territorial governments rely on census data to effectively plan for health care and other social services, as well as family and retirement benefits.
Counting an entire country
Taking an accurate census is a massive national effort involving millions of people, extensive planning and a dedicated workforce:
- The 2021 Census counted close to 37 million Canadians, as well as nearly 15 million private dwellings occupied by their usual residents. Our latest demographic estimates have the population at nearly 41.5 million, and the number of households at nearly 16.9 million. The 2026 Census will allow us to capture this ongoing growth.
- Approximately 32,000 enumerators (easily identified by their red vests) will be knocking on doors to assist people with their questionnaires during follow-up activities. If you are interested in joining the team, we’re still hiring! Visit the Census jobs page for more information.
- Although the 2026 Census questionnaire must be completed in English or French—either online, by phone or in person with a census employee—the census questions and reasons why they are asked are available in 28 languages, including 15 Indigenous languages, for reference purposes.
Questions about completing your census?
Check out one of our many Frequently asked questions pages or start a conversation with 2-A, our census chatbot, located at the bottom right of any of the census web pages.
If you require additional assistance, please contact the Census Help Line.
- Toll-free number: 1-833-852-2026
- Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-830-3109
You can also contact us at any time via our 2026 Census online form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
To learn more
Visit The road to the 2026 Census for information on the 2026 Census questionnaire and how it’s changed compared with the 2021 questionnaire.
The Centre for Municipal and Local Data has information, analysis and articles on the importance of census data, including interviews with municipal officials and other stakeholders.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).