What is the census?

The Canadian census collects information in five-year intervals on every person living in Canada. The census provides a statistical picture of our country and its people. Almost every country in the world carries out a census on a regular basis.

The census provides information about people in Canada based on their demographic, social and economic characteristics, and is the primary source of reliable demographic data for specific groups such as single parent families, seniors and language groups. Census information is important for your community and is vital for planning services such as roads, child care, schooling, family services, healthcare and skills training for employment.

When is the census and how do I complete my census form?

May 4, 2026

Beginning May 4, an invitation letter will be delivered to households in Selkirk. This letter provides information about the census, as well as instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online. Completing the census questionnaire online is the best way for Canadians to fulfill their census obligation.

Why is the census important?

The census collects demographic information on every man, woman and child living in Canada. Information from the Census of Population is used by all levels of government, businesses, and various social service organizations.  The information collected is used in the planning of government programs, pensions, healthcare, employment, new schools, public transit, hospitals, daycares, and more.

Will it make a difference if I don’t fill out my census card?

YES!

More than one million dollars in federal and provincial funding comes into Selkirk each year, and those dollars are directly determined by our population through per capita funding.

What 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.

Where does the money go?

All that money goes towards improving the community in countless ways, from funding things like public transportation, hospitals and schools to improving roads, infrastructure and recreational facilities. So if you think skipping the census doesn’t have an impact on your life and your community, think again.

Even a small number of uncounted citizens can mean tens of thousands of dollars that won’t come back to our community.

Am I required to participate in the census?

YES!

All residents of Canada are legally required to complete either the short- or long-form census (additional questions circulated to every fourth household) questionnaire, according to the Statistics Act.

Who is included in the census?

Census includes every person living in Canada, 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 — including those holding a temporary resident, study or work permit, and their dependents — are also part of the census. (All residents of Canada are included in the census, not just all citizens of Canada. This includes landed immigrants, foreign students, visa workers, refugees and ministerial permit holders, as well as Canadian citizens working and living abroad).

Is the census confidential?

Yes!

Statistics Canada is bound by law to protect the confidentiality of the information respondents provide in the census. Only Statistics Canada employees who have taken the oath of secrecy have access to census questionnaires.

For a full list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) and important census information, please visit Statistics Canada’s Census website.

Common Census Myths

The census is optional.

Myth: You can skip the census if you don’t feel like doing it.
Fact: In Canada, the census is legally required. Not responding can result in fines or penalties.

The census is only about counting people.

Myth: The census only tallies the number of people living in Canada.
Fact: The census collects detailed demographic, housing, and economic information. This data informs government decisions on schools, hospitals, public transit, and more. The census is vital for planning services such as child care, schooling, family services, and skills training for employment.

Your data is not secure and will be shared with other companies.

Myth: Census data is shared with law enforcement, immigration, tax authorities and other entities.
Fact: Census responses are confidential by law. Personal information cannot be used for taxes, immigration, or legal action. It also will not be shared with any third-party companies. Your data is protected under the Statistics Act.

I can just skip the questions if I don’t know or don’t want to answer.

Myth: Partial or inaccurate responses are fine.
Fact: Accuracy matters. Incomplete or incorrect responses reduce the reliability of the data, which can skew results and affect funding and services for our community.

Only adults need to be included in the census.

Myth: Anyone under the age of 18 does not need to be included in the census.
Fact: Everyone living in a household, whether they’re babies, children, teenagers, or older, must be included.

Temporary foreign workers, foreign students, and refugees do not need to complete the census.

Myth: The census does not include temporary foreign workers, foreign students, or refugees.
Fact: All residents of Canada are included in the census, not just all citizens of Canada. This includes landed immigrants, foreign students, visa workers, refugees and ministerial permit holders, as well as Canadian citizens working and living abroad

I don’t need to fill out the census, it has no impact on Selkirk.

Myth: The census doesn’t have any tangible impacts so there’s no reason to fill it out.
Fact: Census data directly affects funding and planning for healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and social services in Selkirk.