Be sure you have completed your census

Census Canada is knocking on doors of people who have not responded to the Census

Have you filled out your census?  You have to, it's the law.

Enumerators have started visiting dwellings to follow up with households that have not yet responded to the questionnaire and have not responded to other means of contact. The goal is to conduct a “contactless” census. It is anticipated that the great majority of Canadians will complete the questionnaire through an efficient, secure and user-friendly online application. Respondents without reliable access to the Internet can also call the Census Help Line to complete their census questionnaire over the phone or request a paper questionnaire. 1-855-340-2021

When no response is received, Statistics Canada employees will attempt to contact Canadians by telephone. Statistics Canada employees will only conduct follow-up visits after all other methods of contacting individuals who have not responded have failed.

In cases where a Statistics Canada census employee is sent to a dwelling for non-response follow-up, a no-contact protocol will be followed. Under this protocol, no interviews will be conducted inside the respondent's dwelling. These interviews will instead be physically-distanced and the census employee will be required to wear a mask, and follow all public health guidelines.

You can't go to jail for failing to complete the census, but there is a minimum $500 fine and you will also be saddled with a criminal record. (LINK)

1 in 4 people will receive the long form census.

Why is the Census important?

The Census of Population provides demographic and statistical data that is used to plan public services such as health care, education, and transportation; determine federal transfer payments;  and determine the number of Members of Parliament for each province and territory.

The Census of Population is the primary source of socio-demographic data for specific population groups, such as lone-parent families, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, seniors and language groups. Data from the census is also used to assess the economic state of the country, including the economic conditions of immigrants over time, and labour market activity of communities and specific populations. Census data are also leveraged to develop socioeconomic status indicators in support of analysis of various impacts on education achievement and outcomes.

The ten year census, those that take place in years ending with "1", are required by the constitution and are used to delineate election boundaries.