This page brings together information available on sex at birth from multiple sources for a better understanding of the term and to promote standards adoption and interoperability of data.
Surveys including sex at birth
The 2021 Census of Population included for the first time the "at birth" precision to the sex question which can be found in the 2021 Census: 2A questionnaire. Sex at birth is typically assigned at birth based on a person's reproductive system and other physical characteristics.
In accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Policy Direction to Modernize the Government of Canada's Sex and Gender Information Practices (2018), gender is expected to be used by default in most social statistics programs. Sex at birth can also be collected and used when it is needed. This is the case, for example, when calculating certain demographic or health indicators, or measuring the transgender population.
Sex at birth of person variable
Sex at birth of person includes the definition, usage, conformity to relevant internationally recognized standards, classification, additional information and previous versions.
Sex at birth classification
The Classification of sex at birth outlines the classification structure and includes a link to the definitions and usage.
Public consultation
Reference documentation
Age, Sex at Birth and Gender Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021
2021 Census: Sex at birth and gender – the whole picture (video)
Balancing the Protection of Confidentiality with the Needs for Disaggregated Census Data, Census of Population, 2021
Filling the gaps: Information on gender in the 2021 Census
Gender of Person Reference Guide
Questions used
Questions designed to collect data on Sex at birth.
Option 1
(response by proxy)
What was this person's sex at birth?
Sex at birth refers to the sex recorded on a person’s first birth certificate. It is typically observed based on a person’s reproductive system and other physical characteristics.
- Male
- Female
Option 2
(self-reported)
What was your sex at birth?
Sex at birth refers to the sex recorded on a person’s first birth certificate. It is typically observed based on a person’s reproductive system and other physical characteristics.
- Male
- Female