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 receive a long form survey which 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.
If you live in a dwelling separated into multiple units, 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 the entire dwelling, tenants can go to the survey page, click on "start my survey" and click on the "obtain a secure access code" option. Once you receive your own unique code, fill in the survey using that code and be sure to include your unit number when providing your 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. Importantly, tenants do not have to share their code with their landlord.
