Census follow-up underway; non-compliance carries fines up to $1,000

Statistics Canada has begun follow-up efforts with households that didn't complete the 2026 Census of Population questionnaire by the May 12 deadline. Census enumerators are now making phone calls and going door-to-door across Canada, including Quebec.

According to Statistics Canada, the purpose of follow-ups is to remind residents to complete the census and offer assistance, including helping people fill out the questionnaire on the spot. All census employees carry official Statistics Canada identification, and you can verify any enumerator's identity by calling the Census Help Line at 1-833-852-2026.

Participation in the census is mandatory. Under the Statistics Act, the following penalties apply for non-compliance: up to $500 for refusing or neglecting to provide requested information; up to $500 for providing false or misleading information; up to $1,000 for refusing to grant access to records requested under the Statistics Act; and up to $1,000 for wilfully obstructing or attempting to obstruct a census worker.

The census collects data every five years to inform decisions about public programs, services, and infrastructure at every level of government, from transit routes and school placements to hospital funding and childcare availability. Most households received a short 12-question form, while roughly a quarter received a longer 70-question version covering education, employment, housing, and economic circumstances.