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

If you're a Canadian adult, you legally need to answer the questionnaire.

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

You're Legally Required To Fill Out The Canadian Census & Here's What ...

Toronto Associate Editor

It's now census time in Canada which means you'll need to answer some questions about yourself and your life for the federal government.

If you're asking yourself, "is the Canadian census mandatory?" the answer is yes, it's legally required. As a matter of fact, there are even fines if you fail to complete and submit the questionnaire.

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As explained in the FAQ page on the census site, every five years our country's census is sent to Canadians to "paint a portrait of Canada's diverse population and the places where we live."

All of your answers will be used "by governments, businesses, associations, community organizations and many others to make important decisions for your community, your province or territory, and the entire country."

By means of the Statistics Act, all Canadian adults are legally required to complete the census questionnaire. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $500. Census completion can also be legally required by the court.

  • 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.
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