Reference resources

Description: The Technical Guide on Demographic Estimates at Statistics Canada provides detailed descriptions of the most current data sources and methods used by the Centre for demography at Statistics Canada to produce demographic estimates as part of the Demographic estimates program. They comprise postcensal and intercensal population estimates; base population; births and deaths; immigrants; emigrants; returning emigrants; non-permanent residents; interprovincial migration; subprovincial estimates of population and intraprovincial migration; population estimates by age and gender; and census family estimates. A glossary of commonly used terms is available at the end of the guide.

Description: The purpose of this series of videos is to provide you with a good understanding of data table building concepts and to present you with some of the data table key components that might come into play when analyzing data. This video will explore data table components, table displays, and metadata.

Description: This video is part of a series that is designed to give you a basic understanding of the Census of Population web pages. The purpose of this video is to show you how to customize a census table to meet your data needs.

Description: Once every five years, the Census of Population provides a detailed and comprehensive statistical portrait of Canada that is vital to our country. It is the primary source of sociodemographic data for specific population groups such as lone-parent families, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, seniors and language groups.

In order to help users of census products to better understand the various Census of Population concepts, Statistics Canada has developed, in the context of the activities of the 2021 Census and previous censuses, a collection of short videos. These videos are a reference source for users who are new to census concepts or those who have some experience with these concepts, but may need a refresher or would like to expand their knowledge.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: date of birth (age), sex at birth and gender, relationship to Person 1, and marital status. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: languages and language of instruction. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: ethnic or cultural origins, religion, immigration, citizenship and place of birth. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the questions about Indigenous Peoples. The tested changes for each question are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: income and expenditures, and housing and homelessness. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: labour market activities, commuting and education. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: The Technical Guide on Demographic Estimates at Statistics Canada provides detailed descriptions of the most current data sources and methods used by the Centre for demography at Statistics Canada to produce demographic estimates as part of the Demographic estimates program. They comprise postcensal and intercensal population estimates; base population; births and deaths; immigrants; emigrants; returning emigrants; non-permanent residents; interprovincial migration; subprovincial estimates of population and intraprovincial migration; population estimates by age and gender; and census family estimates. A glossary of commonly used terms is available at the end of the guide.

Description: The purpose of this series of videos is to provide you with a good understanding of data table building concepts and to present you with some of the data table key components that might come into play when analyzing data. This video will explore data table components, table displays, and metadata.

Description: This video is part of a series that is designed to give you a basic understanding of the Census of Population web pages. The purpose of this video is to show you how to customize a census table to meet your data needs.

Description: Once every five years, the Census of Population provides a detailed and comprehensive statistical portrait of Canada that is vital to our country. It is the primary source of sociodemographic data for specific population groups such as lone-parent families, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, seniors and language groups.

In order to help users of census products to better understand the various Census of Population concepts, Statistics Canada has developed, in the context of the activities of the 2021 Census and previous censuses, a collection of short videos. These videos are a reference source for users who are new to census concepts or those who have some experience with these concepts, but may need a refresher or would like to expand their knowledge.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: date of birth (age), sex at birth and gender, relationship to Person 1, and marital status. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: languages and language of instruction. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: ethnic or cultural origins, religion, immigration, citizenship and place of birth. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the questions about Indigenous Peoples. The tested changes for each question are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: income and expenditures, and housing and homelessness. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This fact sheet offers a summary of content changes for the 2026 Census specific to the following topics: labour market activities, commuting and education. The tested changes for each topic are explained, along with the resulting approach for 2026.

Description: This reference guide is intended for users of the Census Subdivisions Boundary File. The guide provides an overview of the file, the general methodology used to create it, and important technical information for users.

Description: The Census Subdivision Boundary File contains the boundaries of all census subdivisions which combined cover all of Canada. A census subdivision is a municipality or an area treated as an equivalent to a municipality for statistical purposes (for example, unorganized territories). The file provides a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems (GIS) or other mapping software.

The Census Subdivision Boundary File is portrayed in Lambert conformal conic projection and is based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). A reference guide is available (92-162-G).

Description:

This geographical file represents Canada's national road network, containing information such as street names, types, directions and address ranges.

A reference guide is available (Road Network File, Reference Guide, 92-500-G).

Description:

The Census Tract Reference Maps, by Census Metropolitan Areas or Census Agglomerations cover all census metropolitan areas and the census agglomerations in the census tract program. The maps display boundaries and names of census tracts and census subdivisions, designated places and their names, as well as core, secondary core, fringe and rural areas within census metropolitan areas or census agglomerations. Inset maps are available to show detail for the more concentrated areas. The maps also display street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The maps vary in scale and size. Embedded links enable users to link to respective dissemination area by census tract maps when viewing the maps on the Internet.

A reference guide is available (92-143-G).

Description: GeoSuite is a powerful interactive search tool based on Census of Population geographic areas. It allows users to search and retrieve data, explore and obtain information about geographic areas, and produce data tables. The information available includes the population and dwelling counts from the 2006 census to the most recent, as well as representative point coordinates, land area, geographic codes, and names.

A reference guide is available (GeoSuite Data Package, Reference Guide, 92-150-G).

Description:

The Geographic Attribute File contains information at the dissemination block level, based Census standard geographic areas. The data available include population counts, dwelling counts, and land area. In addition, the Geographic Attribute File contains higher level standard geographic codes, names and, where applicable, types and classes. Data for higher level standard geographic areas can be derived by aggregating dissemination block level data. The dissemination area representative point coordinates are also included in the Geographic Attribute File.

Description: This reference guide is intended for users of the Population Ecumene Boundary Files (92-159-X) from the Census of Population. It provides an overview of the general methodology used to create these files, as well as important technical information.

Description: These geographic files represent a generalised population ecumene based on census population density data, as well as the generalised versions of the "Census Divisions Boundary File" and the "Provinces and Territories Boundary File". They are designed to facilitate small-scale thematic maps of statistical data.

A reference guide is available (Population Ecumene Boundary Files, Reference Guide, 92-159-G).

Description: This reference guide is intended for users of the Census of Population Boundary Files (92-160-G). It provides an overview of the general methodology used to create these files, as well as important technical information.

Description: This geographic file represents the designated place boundaries used for the dissemination of the Census of Population data.

A reference guide is available (Boundary Files, Reference Guide, 92-160-G).

Description: This report provides a summary of changes to municipal boundaries, status and names. The list is usually produced on an annual basis for changes that occurred during the previous year. A five year list is produced on Census of population years.

Description: Engagement on the questions used to identify First Nations people, Métis and Inuit that are included on the Census of Population and on other Statistics Canada surveys is an important part of ensuring high quality and meaningful data are collected. The feedback received during these discussions are presented in these reports.

Description: From November 2022 to March 2023 Statistics Canada undertook a series of discussions to obtain feedback on the questions used to identify First Nations people, Métis and Inuit on the Census of Population and on other Statistics Canada surveys. This report summarizes the feedback received during these discussions.

Description: User consultation is the first step in determining Census Program content. The findings of content consultations are presented in these reports.

Description: Data from the Census of Population are important for all communities and are vital to plan services that support education, employment, transportation, health care and housing. To maintain the relevance of the census, Statistics Canada evaluates and reviews the census questionnaire content for each census cycle. In preparation for the 2026 Census, Statistics Canada consulted Canadians from fall 2022 to spring 2023. Detailed responses were received from organizations and individuals representing federal, provincial, territorial and local government departments; First Nations people, Métis and Inuit; the general public; academia; special interest groups; and the private sector.

This report focuses on the findings of the 2026 Census data needs consultation and stakeholder discussions. Chapter 1 explains whom we consulted. Chapter 2 describes the strength of census data users’ needs such as the size of the population of interest. Chapter 3 provides an assessment of the perceived data gaps in census content and the availability and suitability of alternative data sources. Chapter 4 focuses on information needs by census topic and how preparations for the 2024 Census Test will help meet these needs.

Description:

As is the case in advance of each Census, content consultations are being held with data users. The Census Content Consultation Guide gives you the opportunity to provide input.

Description: The report Veterans data in the 2021 Census of Population aims to provide an overview of the data quality assessment activities performed for the 2021 Census data on Canadian military experience, comparability to other sources and recommendations for usage.

Description:

This white paper presents Statistics Canada’s planned approach to the 2021 Census of Population and provides a clear explanation of the processes behind the census program, touching on historical, legal, operational and content aspects. Statistics Canada recognizes that it is important to not only successfully conduct the census, but also to be transparent and informative about the way in which those efforts are accomplished. Painting a Portrait of Canada: The 2021 Census of Population gives readers an exclusive, detailed look at how census data is collected, analyzed and given back to Canadians, in the form of high-quality statistical information, used to make evidence-based decisions in Canadian society.

Description: From September 2017 to February 2018 Statistics Canada undertook a series of discussions across the country. The purpose of these discussions was to obtain feedback on the questions that are used on the census and on other Statistics Canada surveys to identify First Nations people, Métis and Inuit. This report will summarize the feedback received in during these discussions.

Description:

Before each Census of Population, Statistics Canada carries out a three- to four-year process to review the content of the census questionnaires in consultation with census data users, performing tests and developing questionnaire content to ensure that it takes into account the evolution of Canadian society. Factors considered in developing the content include legislative requirements regarding information, program and policy requirements; the burden placed on respondents to respond to questions; concerns about privacy; feedback from consultations and tests; data quality; costs and operational considerations; the comparability of data with earlier data and the availability of alternative data sources. Before each census, Statistics Canada tests the questionnaire content through an extensive test. The content report presents the analyses conducted from the data collected from this test and the results that are used to fine tune the questionnaires, the methodology and the systems used for the Census Program.