The old saying is time flies and just like that five years have come and gone and its Census time again in Canada.
Since the last Census in 2021, communities across the country, including right here in Selkirk, have continued to evolve with population growth, shifting demographics, and housing and residential development. All these changes make this Census an essential snapshot of where Selkirk is today, and a critical tool for ensuring the city receives its fair share of federal and provincial funding.
Census Day is Monday, May 4 and Canadians will soon receive their invitation to complete the online Census questionnaire in the mail. It is crucial to complete your Census accurately.
Why filling out your Census matters
Each year, more than a million dollars in federal and provincial funding comes into Selkirk, and those dollars are directly determined by our population through per capita funding.
This means that each citizen counted in the Census brings in thousands of dollars in various grants to our community, and that money goes towards the roads you drive on, the pipes that bring you clean drinking water, parks and recreation facilities that serve our community, programming, and more.
It also means that each person not counted in the Census means thousands of dollars that are not coming into Selkirk to support those things.
Simply put: every completed Census brings more financial support into Selkirk, and every missed response means fewer resources for the services our community depends on.
Impact that goes beyond our community
The impact of completing your Census extends beyond our city, too. Like Selkirk, the Province of Manitoba also receives federal funding directly tied to Manitoba’s population. That means each person that’s counted also brings in thousands of dollars for provincial services like healthcare, schools, social services, and provincial infrastructure like highways and provincially maintained roads in Selkirk, such as Main Street.
At some point, nearly everyone relies on community supports, from mental health and wellness programs to disability and inclusion services, senior supports, and broader community initiatives.
Thinking about skipping the Census? Think again
This impact of missed Census responses adds up quickly.
“When citizens don’t complete the Census, it means fewer dollars flowing to the province and ultimately, fewer resources reaching Selkirk”
Selkirk CAO, Duane Nicol
Duane Nicol, Selkirk’s Chief Administrative Officer, says completing the Census has a direct impact on funding and future planning at every level of government — municipal, provincial, and federal — and skipping out on it leaves Selkirk without crucial funding.
“When citizens don’t complete the Census, it means fewer dollars flowing to the province and ultimately, fewer resources reaching Selkirk,” Nicol said.
“These dollars help support things citizens care about, like good roads and community programming. Completing your Census takes about 10 minutes, and it’s a quick and easy way to benefit your family and the entire community.”
Completing the Census is a legal requirement and skipping out could result in fines or penalties.
The data collected from the Census doesn’t only provide financial benefits to the city and the province. It also plays a key role in informing how the city plans services and programs by providing a clear picture of the city’s population, not just the number of people living in Selkirk, but important demographic information like age groups, languages spoken, and household composition.
“The city uses the information gathered through the Census to make informed decisions about infrastructure, services, programming, and long-term initiatives,” Nicol said.
“Having accurate Census information helps us plan responsibly and ensures services reflect the needs of our citizens, both now and in the future.”
“No matter your background or how long you’ve lived here, you count. When you fill out your Census you help us build a city that accurately serves the needs of everyone who calls Selkirk home.”
Selkirk’s Manager of Citizen Engagement, Vanessa Figus
Vanessa Figus, the city’s Manager of Citizen Engagement, says the Census aligns closely with the city’s goal of ensuring all citizens have a role in helping to shape Selkirk’s future.
“Completing the Census is one of the simplest ways citizens can have a direct impact on the future of Selkirk,” Figus said.
“No matter your background or how long you’ve lived here, you count. When you fill out your Census you help us build a city that accurately serves the needs of everyone who calls Selkirk home.”
Census data also plays an important role in Selkirk’s economic development. Accurate population information helps the city plan for sustainable growth, while also attracting new businesses and investment.
“When businesses are considering Selkirk, Census data allows us to clearly demonstrate how many people live here and how our community continues to grow. Accurate population numbers make Selkirk more attractive to potential investors and franchisees,” Figus said.
“By filling out your Census you might just help bring your favourite grocery, clothing or restaurant chain to town.”
Who is included in the Census?
The Census includes every person living in Canada, including those on a study, work, or temporary resident permit — along with their dependents. Canadians who are abroad, whether on a military base, attached to diplomatic missions, or at sea or in port aboard Canadian-registered merchant vessels, are also included in the Census.
Most households will receive a short-form Census containing 10 questions that collect basic demographic information such as age, gender, language, and household relationships. A longer questionnaire with additional questions is sent to approximately one in four households and gathers more detailed social and economic information.
By law, all Census responses are kept confidential.
For more information on the Census and why it’s important, visit MySelkirk.ca/Census.