Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out

The federal Statistics Act states a census must be held every five years, and that every household and farm operator in Canada must participate.

The act says failure to complete the census can result in a fine of up to $500. A Statistics Canada spokesperson said that households that don’t complete the census could face consequences starting in mid-July after receiving a final warning letter.

The spokesperson said while repeated efforts are made to get people to complete the census, there are always a small number “that refuse to comply.” The agency can refer those people to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to initiate a summary conviction proceeding.

After the 2016 census, Statistics Canada referred 47 cases for such action, and after the 2021 census, it referred 43 cases.

The last census was held in 2021 and collected data on the population, including age, gender, marital status, family structure and types of dwelling, as well as statistics like income, ethnocultural and religious background and education.

Statistics Canada says the results are kept confidential and are used to plan government services involving employment, education, public transportation and health care.

“For over a century, Canadians have relied on the census to understand how our country is changing over time,” said André Loranger, Canada’s chief statistician, in a news release Monday.

“Once again, we call on all residents to complete their census questionnaire.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out

What's Happening