As Canada encourages its residents to complete the mandatory census, Statistics Canada is ramping up efforts through in-person visits and phone calls. Enumerators will soon reach out to households that have yet to submit their responses for the 2026 Census of Population.
Statistics Canada’s Outreach Efforts
In a recent press release, Statistics Canada announced that enumerators will begin contacting households lacking completed questionnaires. The initiative aims to remind residents to participate and provide assistance where needed.
- Enumerators will initiate phone follow-ups.
- Door-to-door visits will commence across various communities in Canada.
- Statistics Canada has hired thousands of enumerators for this task.
Enumerators can assist residents in completing their questionnaires in person. Many Canadians have already participated either online, by phone, or using paper forms. This follow-up campaign begins this month.
Important Deadlines and Penalties
Canadians are encouraged to submit their census questionnaires by May 12. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. However, a spokesperson from Statistics Canada clarified that the May 12 date serves as a reference rather than an absolute deadline.
Verifying Census Staff
To address concerns regarding the validity of census staff, Canadians can verify the identity of enumerators through the Census Help Line at 1-833-852-2026. Enumerators are expected to display appropriate identification, which includes their name, employment number, and photo.
Statistics Canada will also begin follow-up activities for the 2026 Census of Agriculture using phone calls and emails to connect with respondents. Those needing assistance can contact the Census of Agriculture Help Line at 1-855-859-6273. For individuals with hearing or speech impairments, a TTY service is available at 1-833-652-0195.
Overall, the campaign represents a concerted effort to ensure a complete and accurate census, essential for informed decision-making at all levels of government.
