Statistics Canada thanks Canadians for their exceptional participation in the 2026 Census

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Collection for the 2026 Census of Population is now complete. Thanks to outstanding participation across the country, the final response rate is among the highest ever recorded for the Canadian census.

The overall response rate for the 2026 Census of population reached 98.4% nationally. This is above the 98% recorded in 2021 and equal to the rate that was achieved in 2016. The online response rate increased as well from 84.1% in 2021 to 88.6% in 2026, with more Canadians completing their census online than ever before.

The self-response rate also reached a new record of 91.2%. This means more Canadians completed their questionnaire without assistance from census staff.  It reflects a strong engagement with the Census and a good understanding of its importance.  

Statistics Canada is now turning its attention towards census results. They will be published in a series of data releases throughout 2027 that will provide Canadians with new insights on a wide variety of topics.

The first of seven releases of 2026 Census of population results is scheduled for February 10, 2027. It will provide new data on the population and dwelling counts.

The full release schedule is available on Statistics Canada's 2026 Census dissemination planning web page.

A more detailed analysis of census participation across the country, including statistics by province and territory, will also be published later this year.

Collection for the 2026 Census of Agriculture is also complete. Thanks to the participation of farm operators across Canada, as well as the community supporters and stakeholders who helped raise awareness of the census, the new data will provide a detailed statistical portrait of Canadian agriculture. The first results will be published in May 2027. The response rate for the Census of Agriculture will be provided as the data are published. For more information about the Census of Agriculture, visit the Census of Agriculture web page.

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"On behalf of Statistics Canada, I thank all respondents for making the 2026 Census a success. I also want to extend our gratitude to the many partners and stakeholders who helped promote and support participation within their communities. Our overall response rate for the Census of Population is one of the highest in the world for such an exercise, making the data it provides as accurate and reliable as can be. The information obtained from the census provides invaluable insights into the evolving characteristics of our country that are needed to make well-informed, fact-based decisions. We look forward to sharing the results with all Canadians."

André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada

SOURCE Statistics Canada

Contact for media inquiries: Statistics Canada Media Relations, [email protected]