Statistics Canada announced that data collection for the 2026 Census starts as of today, Monday, May 4, 2026.
Across the country households and farm businesses will be receiving their census invitation letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete their questionnaires. Each letter includes a unique 16-digit secure access code that allows respondents to access and complete their census questionnaires online at census.gc.ca. The process is easy and secure.
The Census of Population collects demographic, social and economic information from every household in the country. Meanwhile, the Census of Agriculture collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada. Together, they paint a complete portrait of Canada’s population and agriculture sector, providing high-quality information that helps Canadians make important decisions that affect their families, their communities and their businesses.
The information provided helps plan programs and services in communities across the country that support innovation, employment, transit, education, health care and more.
The 2026 Census of Population questions are available in alternate formats and 28 languages for reference purposes. More information on the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture questions can be obtained by visiting the census website at census.gc.ca. If households do not complete a questionnaire, Statistics Canada employees will follow up and help them complete their questionnaire.
According to the Statistics Act, a census must be conducted every five years, and every household and farm operator in Canada must participate. The census is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all information provided is kept strictly confidential. Statistics Canada attaches the highest importance to protecting the confidentiality of the information it collects.
For more information, visit the census website at census.gc.ca.
Across the country households and farm businesses will be receiving their census invitation letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete their questionnaires. Each letter includes a unique 16-digit secure access code that allows respondents to access and complete their census questionnaires online at census.gc.ca. The process is easy and secure.
The Census of Population collects demographic, social and economic information from every household in the country. Meanwhile, the Census of Agriculture collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada. Together, they paint a complete portrait of Canada’s population and agriculture sector, providing high-quality information that helps Canadians make important decisions that affect their families, their communities and their businesses.
The information provided helps plan programs and services in communities across the country that support innovation, employment, transit, education, health care and more.
The 2026 Census of Population questions are available in alternate formats and 28 languages for reference purposes. More information on the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture questions can be obtained by visiting the census website at census.gc.ca. If households do not complete a questionnaire, Statistics Canada employees will follow up and help them complete their questionnaire.
According to the Statistics Act, a census must be conducted every five years, and every household and farm operator in Canada must participate. The census is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all information provided is kept strictly confidential. Statistics Canada attaches the highest importance to protecting the confidentiality of the information it collects.
For more information, visit the census website at census.gc.ca.
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