• Accountability and Transparency
• Buying and Selling
• Greening Government
• Payments and Pensions
• Property and Buildings
• Technology
• Translation and Interpretation

• Media Room
• Minister
• Parliamentary Secretary
• Parliament Hill
• Publications
• A-Z List
• Site Map
• FAQ
• Proactive Disclosure

Canadians: count yourself in during Census 2006

Ever wonder what the current population of Canada is? Or the population of a Canadian city or neighbourhood?

That information comes from the Census of Population, conducted by Statistics Canada every five years, with the next date set for May 16, 2006.

On Census Day 2006, Canadians have the chance to take part as the Government of Canada gathers statistics and information for areas as small as a city neighbourhood or as large as the country itself. Now, completing the census is easier than ever with the availability of an online version that is easy, secure and can be used anytime, anywhere. Canadians continue to have the option of mailing in the census, as well.

The census is the only source of reliable, detailed data for small groups ranging from lone-parent families to seniors, ethnic groups, workers by industrial and occupational categories, and immigrants.

Statistics Canada will distribute census questionnaires in early May. All Canadian households are required by law to fill out the questionnaires, which Statistics Canada then uses to gather data that supports community services coast to coast, including health care, police and fire protection, public transportation, day care centres and seniors’ housing.

Beyond provincial and municipal governments, business, industry, associations, academia, media, researchers and individuals all use and benefit from the census.

The success of the census lies with each individual Canadian. So on May 16, 2006, count yourself in, Canada, and contribute to data that provides valuable insight into the latest economic, social and demographic conditions and trends in the country.

Look out for population counts to be released in early 2007, with other census variables available beginning in the summer of 2007. The last census in 2001 counted 30,007,094 Canadians. What will the next number be?

Census of Population data are used to:
make policy decisions about our economic and social needs produce population estimates used to calculate transfer payments from the federal government to the provinces and territories, and from the provincial/ territorial governments to municipalities	assess the need for community programs and services support research by the media and academics plan important public services including health care, fire and police protection, employment and training programs.