Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out

OTTAWA — Canadians will soon be receiving their census forms, and while the mailout says it needs to be returned by May 12, Statistics Canada says this is a “reference date” rather than a deadline.

It is mandatory to fill out the census, but it would be at least a couple of months before someone would face consequences for failing to do so. Statistics Canada will follow up with people who haven’t returned the form by May 12.

A spokesperson from Statistics Canada said in an emailed response that this date was chosen in order to maximize the number of Canadians who are at home before people begin to travel for the summer.

Statistics Canada will send reminder letters out to households that don’t complete the census by mid-May. Additional follow up could involve phone calls and in-person visits to ensure the census is completed.

The federal Statistics Act states a census must be held every five years, and that every household and farm operator in Canada must participate.

The act says failure to complete the census can result in a fine of up to $500. A Statistics Canada spokesperson said that households that don’t complete the census could face consequences starting in mid-July after receiving a final warning letter.

The spokesperson said while repeated efforts are made to get people to complete the census, there are always a small number “that refuse to comply.” The agency can refer those people to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to initiate a summary conviction proceeding.

After the 2016 census, Statistics Canada referred 47 cases for such action, and after the 2021 census, it referred 43 cases.

The last census was held in 2021 and collected data on the population, including age, gender, marital status, family structure and types of dwelling, as well as statistics like income, ethnocultural and religious background and education.

Statistics Canada says the results are kept confidential and are used to plan government services involving employment, education, public transportation and health care.

“For over a century, Canadians have relied on the census to understand how our country is changing over time,” said André Loranger, Canada’s chief statistician, in a news release Monday.

“Once again, we call on all residents to complete their census questionnaire.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2026.

The Canadian Press