Understanding the Census in Canada - why the information is collected and how it is used. 

If you’re new to Canada, you might be wondering about the letter from Statistics Canada that just arrived in your mail. This is for Census 2026, and as a newcomer, you play a vital role in this national event. 

What is the Census? 

The Census is a national survey that happens every five years. It is designed to create a detailed "snapshot" of who is living in Canada. 

Important for Newcomers: You are required by law to complete the census if you live in Canada, regardless of your status. This includes: 

• Permanent Residents 

• Work Permit Holders 

• International Students 

• Refugee Claimants 

Why does it matter to you? 

The Census helps governments, communities, and service providers better understand the population and plan programs and services that meet people’s needs. 

• Settlement Services: Funding for language classes (LINC/ESL) and employment programs. 

• Healthcare: Planning for new hospitals and clinics. 

• Education: Deciding where to build new schools and daycares. 

• Transit: Planning bus routes and subway extensions. 

How to Participate 

Participation is simple and secure. 

1. Check your mail: Look for a letter with a 16-digit Secure Access Code. 

1. Go Online: Visit www.census.gc.ca and enter your code. 

When you log in to complete the census, you will be assigned one of two versions. The Short-Form is a quick 10-minute survey sent to most households to gather basic data like age, family size, and languages spoken. However, one in four households will randomly receive the Long-Form, which takes about 25 minutes and dives deeper into your journey as a newcomer - asking about your education, work experience, and ethnic background. While the long form takes a bit more time, it is incredibly valuable for settlement agencies, as it provides the specific data needed to fund programs like language classes and job training in your local community. 

Is information safe? 

Yes. Your privacy is protected by law. Statistics Canada cannot share your personal information with anyone - including Immigration (IRCC), the CRA (tax office), or the police. Your answers are combined with millions of others to create statistics; your individual identity is never revealed. 

Additional Information 

If you rent a private place, the responsibility to fill out the census depends on one simple factor: Do you live in your own separate unit, or do you share the living space with your landlord? 

1. If you live in a separate unit (e.g., Basement, Apartment, or Whole House) 

You fill it out. If your rental is its own "dwelling"—meaning you have your own entrance and don't share a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord—you are considered a separate household. 

• The Letter: You should receive your own census letter in the mail addressed to your unit.  

• Privacy: You do not need to share your access code or your information with your landlord.  

• Missing Letter: If your landlord received the mail but you didn't, or if the house only got one letter for multiple units, do not worry. You can go to census.gc.ca, click "Start Questionnaire," and select "Don't have a code?" to generate your own for your specific unit. 

2. If you live with your landlord (e.g., Renting a Room) 

Your landlord fills it out (but includes you). If you share a kitchen or living area with the owner, you are considered part of the same "household." 

• The landlord should complete the form and list everyone living in the house on May 12, 2026. 

• They will need to ask you for basic information (like your date of birth and languages spoken) to complete the form accurately.  

3. If you rent with roommates 

One of you fills it out for everyone. If you and three friends rent a house together from a private landlord who lives elsewhere, the landlord does not fill out the form. One person in your house takes the lead and includes all roommates on a single census form. 

The Golden Rule: The census counts people living at an address on Census Day, regardless of who owns the building. If you “usually reside” there, you should be counted at that address!