Coverage of the 2016 Census: Level and trends

This article paints a portrait of census coverage levels from 1991 to 2016 through the examination of net census undercoverage rates. It reveals that CNU rates are relatively low and stable over time. However, CNU rates fluctuate based on population characteristics. These rates are higher among young adults, particularly men, individuals who live in the territories or on Indian reserves, those who are separated or single, and those whose mother tongue is a language other than English or French. Canadian CNU rates and the characteristics of harder-to-enumerate populations are similar to what is observed internationally.