Chilliwack, Abbotsford residents to start receiving 2026 census documents this week

CHILLIWACK/FRASER VALLEY – Statistics Canada says residents in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and elsewhere in B.C. should start receiving their census documents this week containing detailed instructions on how to complete their census questionnaires.

In a statement, the federal agency says households across Canada have been mailed census invitation letters featuring a unique 16-digit secure access code that enables respondents to access and complete their census questionnaires online at census.gc.ca. 

StatsCan says the Census of Population gathers demographic, social and economic information from every household in the country. Along with the Census of Agriculture, the two questionnaires paint a complete portrait of Canada’s population and agriculture sector, providing high-quality information that helps Canadians make important decisions that affect their families, their communities and their businesses. Further, the data collected helps plan programs and services in communities across the country that support innovation, employment, transit, education, health care and more.

The 2026 Census of Population questions are available in alternate formats and 28 languages for reference purposes. More information on the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture questions can be obtained by visiting the census website at census.gc.ca.

If households do not complete a questionnaire, Statistics Canada says its employees will follow up and help them complete their questionnaire.

According to the Statistics Act, a census must be conducted every five years, and every household and farm operator in Canada must participate. The census is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all information provided is kept strictly confidential. Statistics Canada attaches the highest importance to protecting the confidentiality of the information it collects.