2026 Census

Learn More about Census Jobs here.

Statistics Canada is hiring enumerators and crew leaders in rural communities across the country for the #2026Census. Flexible hours and competitive pay make it a great fit for many. Apply now: census.gc.ca/jobs.

In early May 2026, an invitation letter will be sent to most Canadian households via mail. 

The letter provides information about the census and instructions for completing the census questionnaire online.

Completing the census questionnaire online is the best way for Canadians to fulfill their census obligation.

Respondents without reliable Internet access can call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire by phone or request a paper questionnaire.

The questionnaire for your household should include:

• All persons who have their main residence at this address on the day you complete your census questionnaire, including babies born before this date, roommates and persons who are temporarily away,
• Canadian citizens,
• landed immigrants (permanent residents),
• Persons from another country who have a work or study permit and family members living in the household with them,
• Persons who have claimed refugee status (asylum seekers) and family members living in the household with them, and
• Persons staying at this address temporarily on the day you complete your census questionnaire, who have no main residence elsewhere in Canada.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of Canadian households receive a short-form Census of Population questionnaire, which collects basic demographic information.

A sample of 25% of Canadian households receives a long-form questionnaire. The long-form questionnaire collects the same demographic information as the short-form questionnaire, as well as information about the social and economic situation of people across Canada and about the dwellings they live in.

Yes, participation in the 2026 Census is mandatory. Under the Statistics Act​(opens in a new window), all Canadian households are required to complete a Census of Population questionnaire, and all agricultural operators are required to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire.

Statistics Canada places the highest priority on protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality and security of completed questionnaires. Your answers are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act and are kept strictly confidential.

Only Statistics Canada employees with a need to know and whose job requires them to work with the questionnaires see individual completed questionnaires, and they are all subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act. All Statistics Canada employees take an oath of secrecy, which is in effect for life—even after employment has ended.

No one outside Statistics Canada has access to any individual information obtained through the census. Private contractors do not have access to confidential data, and no information that could identify respondents will ever be provided to other departments or agencies.