Online responses boost 2026 Census to near-record high
· Toronto Sun
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OTTAWA — With collection for the 2026 census now wrapped, Canadians filled out and returned their forms in near record-breaking numbers, says Statistics Canada.
On Monday, Canada’s national number-crunching agency said the response rate for this year’s census topped out at 98.4% — tying 2016’s record-high response rate, and topping the 98% response rate seen in the 2021 census.
“On behalf of Statistics Canada, I thank all respondents for making the 2026 Census a success,” said André Loranger, Canada’s chief statistician, in a statement.
“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 provided to StatCan from the census, he explained, provides “invaluable insights into the evolving characteristics of our country” that are used to set policy, make decisions and give lawmakers a snapshot of the country.
“I also want to extend our gratitude to the many partners and stakeholders who helped promote and support participation within their communities,” he added.
Census results coming next year
Statistics Canada said more Canadians than ever opted to fill out the census digitally, with online response rates topping out at 88.6% — a number up from 84.1% five years ago.
As well, fewer Canadians needed gentle prompting or home visits from census-takers to complete their forms, with a self-response rate of 91.2%.
More detailed information on census participation, including breakdowns by province, will be released before the end of this year.
Results of the 2026 census will be released throughout 2027, with the first of seven releases regarding Canada’s population set for a Feb. 10, 2027 release.
Statistics Canada has also wrapped data collection for the 2026 Census of Agriculture, with the first results expected next May.
No details were provided on response rates for that census, with promises that they will come when the data is initially published.