2021 Census of Population Content Consultation

Consultation objectives

Data from the Census of Population are important for all communities and are vital to plan services that support education, employment, transportation, health care and housing. To maintain the relevance of the census, Statistics Canada evaluates and reviews the census questionnaire content for each census cycle.

Methodology

In preparation for the 2021 Census, Statistics Canada consulted Canadians from fall 2017 to spring 2018 using an online questionnaire and face-to-face discussions. The feedback obtained as part of the consultation is being used to update and improve the 2021 Census of Population questionnaire. A series of qualitative tests took place in the spring and summer 2018. Changes to the census questionnaire will be tested in May and June 2019 with 250,000 households. Statistics Canada will evaluate results from the test to make content recommendations to the federal government for the 2021 Census.

Results

The report "2021 Census of Population Consultation Results: What we heard from Canadians," outlines findings on data relevance, uses and gaps for the Census of Population. Data from the Census of Population are important for all Canadians, governments and communities. Census data are vital to plan services that support education, employment, transportation, health care and housing.

Detailed responses were received from organizations and individuals representing federal, provincial, territorial and local government departments; First Nations people, Métis and Inuit; the general public; academia; special interest groups; and the private sector. The report focuses on the findings of the 2021 Census data needs consultation and stakeholder discussions. Chapter 1 explains who was consulted, Chapter 2 describes how information needs were assessed and Chapter 3 focuses on information needs by census topic and reported data gaps. Lastly, Chapter 4 explains the next steps required to determine content for the 2021 Census.

For additional information, please visit 2021 Census of Population Consultation.

How to get involved

The consultation on the content of the 2021 Census of Population through an online questionnaire is no longer available. Statistics Canada collected a wealth of information from data users and interested parties across Canada who shared their views on how they use census data and the type of information they believe should be available from the census. Statistics Canada thanks all those who participated in the consultation.

If you would like to provide us with further feedback or suggestions on content for the 2021 Census of Population, please contact the census consultation team by email at: statcan.2021censusconsultation-consultationrecensement2021.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of consultation participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada’s privacy policies, please consult the Privacy notice.