Statistics Canada is conducting the population census this year—a count of all people residing in Canada based on where they usually live. Data collection began on May 4, and most households should have already received their forms.
About 75 per cent of households receive a short form questionnaire, which collects basic demographic information. A smaller sample of approximately 25 per cent will receive a long form survey that collects demographic data as well as social and economic information about people across Canada and about the dwellings they live in.
Census forms are sent to both homeowners and tenants with a 16-character secure access code that must be entered on the Statistics Canada census page to access the survey. Those living in rented dwellings are required to fill out their own census form for their own household, unless living with the landlord.
For tenants living in multi-unit dwellings, each unit should fill out their own form. For example, if a house is separated into a basement apartment, a first floor apartment, and a second floor apartment, each of the three units should have received their own form.
If only one form was provided for an entire multi-unit dwelling, tenants can visit the Statistics Canada survey page, click on "start my survey," and select the "obtain a secure access code" option. Once tenants receive their own unique code, they can fill in the survey using that code and should include their unit number when providing their address.
Tenants who rent only a single room in a home or apartment should note that all people living in that unit are counted on the same form. Tenants are not required to share their census code with their landlord.
