Adedokun Waliyu 
Canadians are being asked to check their mailboxes as the 2026 population census gets underway across the country.
If not already received, households will begin getting yellow census forms in the coming weeks as the government starts its latest effort to count the population.
The census is a legally required process conducted every five years to gather demographic, social, and economic information from all households in Canada.
According to chief statistician Andrew Loranger, the data collected will help accurately reflect Canadian society and provide valuable insights for governments, businesses, and non-governmental organisations. This information is used to plan essential services such as employment, education, childcare, and healthcare.
Each household will receive a secure 16-digit code along with instructions to complete the census online through the official website. The questionnaire will be available in 28 languages and alternative formats to improve accessibility.
Those who do not complete the census may be contacted by workers from Statistics Canada to assist in collecting the required information.
Participation is mandatory under the law. Refusing to complete the census or providing false information can result in fines of up to $500, while obstructing a census worker may lead to fines of up to $1,000. However, imprisonment is no longer a penalty for such offences.
In addition to the population census, Statistics Canada is also conducting the Census of Agriculture, which collects information on farming and food production activities across the country.
Together, these efforts aim to provide a comprehensive picture of Canada’s population and agricultural sector, helping individuals, communities, and businesses make informed decisions.
