Canadians Submit 2026 Census Forms

Canadians across the country submitted their mandatory 2026 census forms this week, with a reference date of May 12. The questionnaires collected data on languages spoken, living situations and, for those receiving the long-form version, details on social and economic circumstances as well as housing access.

Conducted every five years by Statistics Canada, the census traces its origins to 1666, when Jean Talon, colonial administrator for New France, enumerated 3,215 inhabitants, recording their age, sex, marital status and occupation to support colonial planning. He gathered much of the information through personal household visits. The first national census after Confederation, in 1871, included ancestral origins and more than 200 questions on topics such as religion, education, military service, agriculture and finance. Its main purpose was to allocate parliamentary seats based on population. Today, the data guides government decisions on employment programs, schools, public transportation and hospitals, shaping resource allocation and public services.

Participation is required under the federal Statistics Act. Statistics Canada sends reminder letters to non-respondents...