Census 2026 letters mailed as Canadians required to complete survey by May 12

Households and farm operators across Canada will begin receiving letters this week with instructions to complete the 2026 national census, with responses due by May 12, according to Statistics Canada.

The agency says Canadians are expected to complete the survey within about a week of receiving the letter, as required under the Statistics Act, which mandates a census every five years and requires participation from all households and farm businesses.

Under the act, those who do not complete the census could face a fine of up to $500.

The last census, conducted in 2021, collected data on population characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, family composition and housing, along with information on income, education, and ethnocultural and religious backgrounds. Statistics Canada says the data is kept confidential and used to guide planning for public services including health care, education, employment and transportation.

Chief Statistician André Loranger said in a news release that the census has long been a key tool for tracking changes in the country. “Once again, we call on all residents to complete their census questionnaire,” he said.

In provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia, census data is used by municipalities to plan infrastructure, school capacity and transit services, tying participation directly to local service delivery and funding decisions.