The Census and Senior Citizens
Your participation in Canada’s census is important. Below are the answers to some questions you may have about the census.
Why is the census important?
The information on your census questionnaire will be combined with information from more than 32.5 million people and will provide a comprehensive portrait of Canadian society. The results of the census are used in making decisions—about your neighbourhood, your community, your province or territory, and the country as a whole. For example, census data will be used to:
- produce population estimates which are used to allocate transfer payments from the federal government to the provinces, and from provinces to municipalities for programs including pension funds, health services and subsidized housing
- help maintain local services such as bus routes, police and fire departments and community centres.
Do I have to fill in my census form?
Yes. By law, every household in Canada must provide the information requested in the census and by the same law, Statistics Canada must protect the personal information provided by respondents.
Is the information on census questionnaires confidential?
Yes. Employees working on the census must follow specific instructions and procedures to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. Only those employees who need to use completed census forms for their work will see individual forms.
Statistics Canada is bound by law to protect the identity of individuals in all published data. Anonymity is assured in all data releases — data are randomly rounded to the nearest multiple of five or ten, and no detailed data are released for areas with populations below a certain size.
Will anyone be contacting me about the census?
Depending on where you live, a census enumerator may deliver your questionnaire. If you do not return your questionnaire, an enumerator will also get in touch with you. If the questionnaire you return is incomplete, a Census Help Line operator will call your home to obtain the necessary information.
Will I receive a census form if I live in a senior citizens’ residence?
This depends on the organizational structure of your seniors’ residence.
- If your residence has distinct, separate living quarters that do not blend with units such as those for chronic care, and you are able to complete the census questionnaire, then you will receive your own census form to complete.
- If you are unable to complete your own questionnaire, census enumerators will work with staff to acquire demographic information from administrative records.
- If the residence is blended and you cannot easily distinguish between living quarters and other areas such as nursing-home units, chronic-care units, etc., census enumerators will work with staff to acquire demographic information from administrative records.
If I’m retired do I still have to answer the question on income?
Yes. The income question covers all types of income including pensions and interest, so even if you are retired you must answer this question.
If you need help or additional information…
The Census Help Line provides information and assists with any problems. It can be reached, free-of-charge, at 1 877 594-2006 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting May 1st.
Telecommunications Device for the Hearing Impaired users can call: 1 888 243-0730 (no charge).
Census questions are also available in large print, Braille or audiocassette formats and may be obtained by calling the Census Help Line.
