Guide to the Census

Guide for understanding the census and creating census maps.

Background

What is the Canadian Census?

It is a survey that collects data from all members of the population
It is governed by the Statistics Act and is mandatory for all residents of Canada to complete
The first Canadian census took place in 1666 in New France with a recorded population of 3,215 (Guide to the Census of Population Chapter 2: Census History)
Survey is conducted every 5 years (since 1956)
There is both a short and long version of the census. Since 1941, sampling has been used for the long version of the census. In 2011 the long-form census questionnaire became the voluntary National Household Survey