Statistics Canada is dedicated to protecting you from disinformation and misinformation about the 2026 Census.
Have you seen or heard something about the 2026 Census that doesn't sound quite right, or that raises concerns? Let us know right away by contacting the statcan.misinformation-desinformation.statcan [at] statcan.gc.ca (2026 Census misinformation watch mailbox).
Get the facts straight
Am I required to participate in the 2026 Census?
Yes, participation in the 2026 Census is mandatory. Under the Statistics Act (opens in a new window), all Canadian households are required to complete a Census of Population questionnaire, and all agricultural operators are required to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire.
Statistics Canada is bound by the Statistics Act to protect respondents' information. The agency places the highest priority on maintaining the confidentiality of Canadians' information.
Can I make sure that the person contacting me really is a Statistics Canada employee?
Yes. Every census employee will have an identification card that features the Statistics Canada identifier, along with their name, employment number and photo.
If a follow-up phone call to a household is needed, the census employee will identify themselves clearly.
If you would like to verify a census employee's identity, starting February 2, 2026, you can call the Census Help Line at 1-833-314-3652.
Can hackers or other unauthorized people access my census information?
No. Statistics Canada takes great precaution to protect your information and employs technologies and practices to ensure that its strict security and confidentiality requirements are met.
Encryption technologies ensure that the transmission of information passing between respondents' computers and the agency's web server meets the required standards of security. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems and access control procedures limit access to computer systems and databases. For more information, please refer to Statistics Canada's Trust Centre (opens in a new window).
Is there a way to guarantee that the census website is legitimate?
Yes, a legitimate Statistics Canada website can be identified in several ways. Look for these features:
- The site URL in the browser address bar should end with ".gc.ca". This suffix is used by the Government of Canada and operated by Government Telecommunications and Informatics Services.
- The security certificate is provided by Entrust and clearly identifies Statistics Canada as the owner of the site.
- Check for HTTPS in the address bar and a padlock icon. This means the website encrypts your data and protects your privacy.
Will Statistics Canada ask for my social insurance number or credit card information?
No. Statistics Canada will never ask you for your social insurance number or credit card information, and census employees will never ask you to provide it by phone or in person.
They will also never ask for money or donations of any kind, or anything on behalf of a political party.
If someone claiming to be from Statistics Canada contacts you and asks for one of the items listed above, it is a scam. Do not cooperate and immediately contact the statcan.misinformation-desinformation.statcan [at] statcan.gc.ca (2026 Census misinformation watch mailbox).
For more information about your security online and the privacy of your personal information, please visit Frequently asked questions—Security and privacy.