2021 Census of Population Program Consultation

Before each census, Statistics Canada initiates an extensive consultation program that allows data users and interested parties across Canada to share their views on both the content and dissemination strategy of the census.

Contact the 2021 Census Dissemination Consultation Team

If you would like to provide us with feedback or suggestions on content or dissemination strategies (including products and services) for the 2021 Census of Population, please email the census consultation team at
statcan.censusconsultation-consultationrecensement.statcan@canada.ca.

We look forward to hearing from you!

2021 Census of Population Dissemination Consultation

Statistics Canada consulted Canadians from winter 2019 to winter 2021 using both an online electronic questionnaire and engaging in face-to-face discussions with various stakeholders. The consultation collected a wealth of information from data users and interested parties across Canada who shared their views on the 2016 Census of Population dissemination strategies and product and service line. Statistics Canada thanks all consultation participants. The report, "2021 Census Dissemination Consultation Results: What we heard from Canadians" summarizes the results of Statistics Canada's consultation with census data users. The report provides information on whether the product and service line offered during the 2016 cycle was sufficient in meeting users' needs, while also identifying areas of improvement, not only for the product and service line, but also the overall release strategy.

2021 Census of Population Content Consultation

Consultation objectives

Data from the Census of Population are important for all communities and are vital to plan services that support education, employment, transportation, health care and housing. To maintain the relevance of the census, Statistics Canada evaluates and reviews the census questionnaire content for each census cycle.

Methodology

In preparation for the 2021 Census, Statistics Canada consulted Canadians from fall 2017 to spring 2018 using an online questionnaire and face-to-face discussions. Consultation on the content of the 2021 Census of Population through the online questionnaire is no longer available. The feedback obtained as part of the consultation is being used to update and improve the 2021 Census of Population questionnaire. A series of qualitative tests took place in the spring and summer of 2018. Changes to the census questionnaire will be tested in May and June 2019 with 250,000 households. Statistics Canada will evaluate results from the test to make content recommendations to the federal government for the 2021 Census.

Results

The report "2021 Census of Population Consultation Results: What we heard from Canadians," outlines findings on data relevance, uses and gaps for the Census of Population. Data from the Census of Population are important for all Canadians, governments and communities. Census data are vital to plan services that support education, employment, transportation, health care and housing.

Detailed responses were received from organizations and individuals representing federal, provincial, territorial and local government departments; First Nations people, Métis and Inuit; the general public; academia; special interest groups; and the private sector. The report focuses on the findings of the 2021 Census data needs consultation and stakeholder discussions. Chapter 1 explains who was consulted, Chapter 2 describes how information needs were assessed and Chapter 3 focuses on information needs by census topic and reported data gaps. Lastly, Chapter 4 explains the next steps required to determine content for the 2021 Census.