Census Facts
- Statistics Canada holds a nationwide census every 5 years. The “opt-in” question will be asked again in the 2011 census.
- In 2006, for the first time ever, households can choose to complete the census questions from their home computers. The online questionnaire will be available beginning May 2, 2006.
- Canada’s first census counted 3,215 inhabitants in the Colony of New France in 1666. (The first nationwide census was taken in 1871.) In the 340 intervening years, Canada’s population has swelled to more than 32 million.
- In Australia’s 2001 nationwide census, there was a similar “opt-in” question that respondents had to answer in order to allow their answers to become public after 99 years. In total, 51 percent of respondents said “yes.”
- The census includes every man, woman and child living in Canada on Census Day, as well as Canadians who are abroad, either on a military base, attached to a diplomatic mission, or at sea or in port aboard Canadian-registered merchant vessels. Persons in Canada who hold a temporary resident permit, study permit or work permit, and their dependents, are also part of the census.
- Beginning May 1, Statistics Canada will run a multi-lingual help line to answer your census-related questions. Call 1-877-594-2006.
Announcing the first and only online fully-indexed 1911 Census
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On May 16, check the "Yes" box and become part of Canada's history.