Here's Why The Canadian Census Is A Thing & What Your Answers Are Used For

It's census time in Canada!

Toronto Associate Editor

Well, folks, it's that time again where we all have to exercise our civic duty and fill out our country's census questionnaires.

If you're wondering, "why is the census important?" or what the data is used for, it's to help our government better understand how Canada has changed over the last five years and see what our society is like right now.

Editor's Choice: You're Legally Required To Fill Out The Canadian Census & Here's What Happens If You Don't

According to Statistics Canada, Canada's Census of Population is the key piece of information our government relies on when looking into the socioeconomic data of certain population groups and smaller areas.

The information from the census questionnaire is actually needed by public and private sectors, which include the government and banks, for example. They use this information to make decisions that directly affect our communities, like planning specific social services.

How all of this information is used will help in a lot of different ways like ensuring Canada has equal representation of our population, setting boundaries for election regions, and determining what other languages services can be provided in.

  • Toronto Associate EditorAlex Arsenych (she/her) was a Calgary-based Associate Editor at Narcity Canada, covering everything from what's trending across the country to what's happening near you. On top of her Bachelor of Journalism, Alex graduated with a history degree from the University of Toronto. She's passionate about past and present events and how they shape our world. Alex has been published at Now Magazine, Much, MTV, and MTV Canada.

MP calls on Canadians to fill out census

MP calls on Canadians to fill out census as some express privacy concerns

Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census

Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out

9 things about life in Ontario that I thought were totally normal... until I moved away

It turns out a lot is different on the other side of the country. 🇨🇦