2026 Census—2A-R Questions and reasons why the questions are asked

Step A

1. What is your telephone number?

• Write-in field: Telephone number
• Response option: No telephone number

2. What is the address of this dwelling?

• Write-in field: Number (and suffix, if applicable)
  For example, 302, 151 B, 16 1/2
• Write- in field: Street name, street type, direction
  For example, DR = "Drive" or N = "North"
• Write-in field: Apartment or unit
• Write-in field: City, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve
• Write-in field: Province or territory
• Write-in field: Postal code

3. What is the mailing address of this dwelling, if different from above?

• Write-in field: Mailing address
  For example, Rural Route, P.O. Box, General Delivery

Step B

Whom to include in Step B

• All persons who have their main residence at this address on May 12, 2026, including newborn babies, roommates and persons who are temporarily away
• Canadian citizens, landed immigrants (permanent residents), persons who have claimed refugee status (asylum seekers), persons from another country with a work or study permit and family members living here with them
• Persons staying at this address temporarily on May 12, 2026 who have no main residence elsewhere.

Where to include persons with more than one residence

• CHILDREN IN JOINT CUSTODY should be included in the home of the parent where they live most of the time. Children who spend equal time with each parent should be included in the home of the parent with whom they are staying on May 12, 2026.
• STUDENTS who return to live with their parents during the year should be included at their parents' address, even if they live elsewhere while attending school or working at a summer job.
• SPOUSES OR COMMON-LAW PARTNERS TEMPORARILY AWAY who stay elsewhere while working or studying should be listed at the main residence of their family, if they return periodically.
• PERSONS IN AN INSTITUTION for less than six months (for example, in a home for the aged, a hospital or a prison) should be listed at their usual residence.

1. Including yourself, how many persons usually live at this address on May 12, 2026?

Include all persons who have their main residence at this address, even if they are temporarily away.

• Write-in field: Number of persons

2. Including yourself, list all persons who usually live here on May 12, 2026.

Important: Begin the list with an adult followed, if applicable, by that person's spouse or common-law partner and by their children. Continue with all other persons who usually live at this address.  

• Write-in field: Person 1: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 2: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 3: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 4: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 5: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 6: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 7: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 8: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 9: Family name(s), Given name(s)
• Write-in field: Person 10: Family name(s), Given name(s)

Step C

Did you leave anyone out of Step B because you were not sure the person should be listed?

For example, a student, a child in joint custody, a person temporarily away, a person who lives here temporarily, a resident from another country with a work or study permit, a refugee claimant, etc.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes; Please refer to the instructions on page 3 to determine if this person should be listed. If they should be listed, please add them to step B.

Step D

Copy the names in Step B to question 1, at the top of page 4. (This reference applies only to the paper questionnaire)

Keep the same order.

If there are more than five persons in this household, enter the first five on this questionnaire and continue on a second questionnaire. List the sixth person in the column marked "PERSON 3" on the second questionnaire. If you require an additional questionnaire, the census representative can provide one when they return.

If this address is:

• Response option 1: a SECONDARY RESIDENCE (for example, a cottage) for ALL PERSONS who stayed here on May 12, 2026 (all these persons have their main residence elsewhere in Canada), select this option. Do not answer other questions.
• Response option 2: a DWELLING OCCUPIED ONLY BY RESIDENTS OF ANOTHER COUNTRY VISITING CANADA (for example, on vacation or on a business trip), select this option. Do not answer other questions.
• Response option 3: the HOME OF A GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ANOTHER COUNTRY (for example, an embassy or a high commission) and family members, select this option. Do not answer other questions.

A census representative will return to pick up the completed questionnaire.

Demographic information

1. Name (applies to paper questionnaire only)

In the spaces provided, copy the names in the same order as in Step B. Then answer the following questions for each person.

• Write-in field: Family name
• Write-in field: Given name

The following questions refer to each person's situation on May 12, 2026, unless otherwise specified.

2. What are this person's date of birth and age?

If the exact date of birth is not known, enter the best estimate. For children less than 1 year old, enter 0 for age.

• Write-in field: Day
• Write-in field: Month
• Write-in field: Year
• Write in field: Age

3. What is this person's gender?

Gender refers to an individual's personal and social identity as a man (or a boy), a woman (or a girl), or a person who is not exclusively a man (or a boy) or a woman (or a girl), for example, non-binary, agender, gender fluid, queer or Two-Spirit.

• Response option 1: Man (or boy)
• Response option 2: Woman (or girl)
• Write-in field: Or please specify this person's gender

4. What was this person's sex at birth?

Sex at birth refers to the sex recorded on a person's first birth certificate. It is typically observed based on a person's reproductive system and other physical characteristics.

• Response option 1: Male
• Response option 2: Female

5. What is the relationship of this person to Person 1?

Common-law refers to two people who live together as a couple and who are not married, regardless of the duration of the relationship.

Person 1

• No answer required for Person 1

Person 2

• Response option 1: Married spouse of Person 1
• Response option 2: Common-law partner of Person 1
• Response option 3: Child of Person 1 and another person living at this address
• Response option 4: Child of Person 1 only (mark if no other legal parent of this person lives at this address)
• Response option 5: Stepchild of Person 1
• Response option 6: Parent of Person 1
• Response option 7: Grandchild of Person 1
• Response option 8: Spouse or partner of child of Person 1
• Response option 9: Parent of spouse or partner of Person 1
• Response option 10: Sibling of Person 1
• Response option 11: Foster child of Person 1
• Response option 12: Roommate, lodger or boarder of Person 1
• Write-in field: Other relationship—specify
  For example, ex-spouse or ex-partner

Persons 3-5

• Response option 1: Married spouse of Person 1
• Response option 2: Common-law partner of Person 1
• Response option 3: Child of Person 1 and Person 2
• Response option 4: Child of Person 1 and another person living at this address
• Response option 5: Child of Person 1 only (mark if no other legal parent of this person lives at this address)
• Response option 6: Stepchild of Person 1
• Response option 7: Parent of Person 1
• Response option 8: Grandchild of Person 1
• Response option 9: Spouse or partner of child of Person 1
• Response option 10: Parent of spouse or partner of Person 1
• Response option 11: Sibling of Person 1
• Response option 12: Foster child of Person 1
• Response option 13: Roommate, lodger or boarder of Person 1
• Write-in field: Other relationship—specify
  For example, ex-spouse or ex-partner

Questions 6 and 7 are asked only for persons aged 15 years and older (born before May 12, 2011).

6. What is this person's marital status?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Never legally married
• Response option 2: Legally married (and not separated)
• Response option 3: Separated, but still legally married
• Response option 4: Divorced
• Response option 5: Widowed

7. Is this person living with a common-law partner?

Common-law refers to two people who live together as a couple but who are not married, regardless of the duration of the relationship.

• Response option 1: Yes
• Response option 2: No

8. Can this person speak English or French well enough to conduct a conversation?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: English only
• Response option 2: French only
• Response option 3: Both English and French
• Response option 4: Neither English nor French

9. a) What language(s) does this person speak on a regular basis at home?

• Response option 1: English
• Response option 2: French
• Write-in field: Other language(s)—specify

If this person indicates only one language in question 9. a), go to question 10.

9. b) Of these languages, which one does this person speak most often at home?

Indicate more than one language only if they are spoken equally at home.

• Response option 1: English
• Response option 2: French
• Write-in field: Other language—specify

10. What is the language that this person first learned at home in childhood and still understands?

If the person no longer understands the first language learned, indicate the second language learned.

• Response option 1: English
• Response option 2: French
• Write-in field: Other language—specify

The following questions collect information in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to support education programs in English and French in Canada.

11. Is this dwelling located in Quebec?

• Response option 1: No; Continue with question 12
• Response option 2: Yes; Go to question 15

12. Did this person do any of their primary or secondary schooling in French in Canada (including immersion)?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Yes (previously or currently attending)
• Response option 2: No; Go to question 17

13. In which type of program was this schooling in French done?

• Response option 1: A regular French program in a French-language school
• Response option 2: A French immersion program in an English-language school; Go to question 17
• Response option 3: Both types of programs
• Write-in field: Other program—specify

14. For how many years did this person attend a regular French program in a French-language school in Canada?

• Write-in field: Number of years in primary schooling (including kindergarten and middle school); Go to question 17
• Write-in field: Number of years in secondary schooling; Go to question 17

15. Did this person do any of their primary or secondary schooling in an English-language school in Canada (including immersion)?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Yes (previously or currently attending)
• Response option 2: No; Go to question 17

16. For how many years did this person do their schooling in an English-language school in Canada (including immersion)?

• Write-in field: Number of years in primary schooling (including kindergarten)
• Write-in field: Number of years in secondary schooling

Activities of daily living

The following question is about difficulties a person may have doing certain activities. Only difficulties or long-term conditions that have lasted or are expected to last for six months or more should be considered.

17. a) Does this person have any difficulty seeing (even when wearing glasses or contact lenses)?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Sometimes
• Response option 3: Often
• Response option 4: Always

17. b) Does this person have any difficulty hearing (even when using a hearing aid)?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Sometimes
• Response option 3: Often

Response option 4: Always

17. c) Does this person have any difficulty walking, using stairs, using their hands or fingers or doing other physical activities?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Sometimes
• Response option 3: Often
• Response option 4: Always

17. d) Does this person have any difficulty learning, remembering or concentrating?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Sometimes
• Response option 3: Often
• Response option 4: Always

17. e) Does this person have any emotional, psychological or mental health conditions (For example, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, anorexia, etc.)?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Sometimes
• Response option 3: Often
• Response option 4: Always

17 f) Does this person have any other health problem or long-term condition that has lasted or is expected to last for six months or more?

Exclude: any health problems previously reported in questions 17. a) to 17. e) above.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Sometimes
• Response option 3: Often
• Response option 4: Always

General health

The following question is about the general health status of members of this household.

18. In general, how is this person's health?

Health means not only the absence of disease or injury but also physical, mental and social well-being.

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Excellent
• Response option 2: Very good
• Response option 3: Good
• Response option 4: Fair
• Response option 5: Poor

Sociocultural information

19. Where was this person born?

Specify one option only, according to present boundaries.

Born in Canada

• Response option 1: Newfoundland and Labrador
• Response option 2: Prince Edward Island
• Response option 3: Nova Scotia
• Response option 4: New Brunswick
• Response option 5: Quebec
• Response option 6: Ontario
• Response option 7: Manitoba
• Response option 8: Saskatchewan
• Response option 9: Alberta
• Response option 10: British Columbia
• Response option 11: Yukon
• Response option 12: Northwest Territories
• Response option 13: Nunavut

Born outside Canada

• Write-in field: Specify country

20. Where were this person's parents born?

Specify the country or countries according to present boundaries.

• Response option 1: All parents born in Canada
• Response option 2: All parents born outside Canada
  • Write-in field: Specify the country of birth of each parent
• Response option 3: One parent born in Canada AND one parent born outside Canada
  • Write-in field: Specify the country of birth outside Canada

If this person lives on a First Nations reserve, go to question 22.

21. a) Is this person a Canadian citizen?

"Canadian citizen by naturalization" refers to an immigrant who was granted citizenship of Canada under the Citizenship Act.

• Response option 1: Yes, a Canadian citizen by birth
• Response option 2: Yes, a Canadian citizen by naturalization
• Response option 3: No, not a Canadian citizen

21. b) Is this person a citizen of a country other than Canada?

Specify more than one country of citizenship, if applicable.

• Response option 1: No other countries of citizenship
• Response option 2: Yes, other countries of citizenship
  • Write-in field: Specify the country or countries of citizenship

22. What language(s), other than English or French, does this person know well enough to conduct a conversation?

If applicable, include sign languages.

Examples of Indigenous languages: Innu (Montagnais), Nehiyawewin (Plains Cree), Mi'kmaq, Oji-Cree, Denesuline, Inuktitut, Mohawk, Michif, Secwepemctsin (Shuswap), Stoney, Gitxsan (Gitksan), Kwak'wala (Kwakiutl), etc.

• Response option: None

OR

• Write-in field: Other language(s)—specify

23. What were the ethnic or cultural origins of this person's ancestors?

Ancestors refer to the people from whom one is descended (grandparents, great grandparents, etc.)

Ancestors may have:

• Indigenous origins (e.g. First Nations, Cree, Inuit, Ojibway, Mi'kmaq, Métis, Dene, Oji-Cree, Plains Cree, Innu/Montagnais, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Woodland Cree, Atikamekw, Inuvialuit, Algonquin, Anishinaabe, Dakota, Gitxsan, Denesuline [Chipewyan], Secwepemc [Shuswap]), or
• origins that refer to different countries (e.g., Scottish, Filipino, Mexican, Nigerian), or
• other origins that may not refer to different countries (e.g., Québécois, Jewish, Tamil).

For examples of ethnic or cultural origins, visit www12.statcan.gc.ca/ancestry

• Write-in field: Specify as many origins as applicable using capital letters

24. Is this person First Nations, Métis, or Inuk (Inuit)?

Note: First Nations includes Status and non-Status individuals.

If "Yes", specify the option(s) that best describe(s) this person now.

• Response option 1: No, not First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)

OR

• Response option 2: Yes, First Nations
• Response option 3: Yes, Métis
• Response option 4: Yes, Inuk (Inuit)

Question 25 collects information to support programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural and economic life of Canada.

25. Which population group or groups best describe this person?

Specify all groups that apply, or specify another group, if applicable.

• Response option 1: White
• Response option 2: South Asian (for example, Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)
• Response option 3: First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
• Response option 4: Chinese
• Response option 5: Black
• Response option 6: Filipino
• Response option 7: Arab
• Response option 8: Latin American
• Response option 9: Southeast Asian (for example, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai)
• Response option 10: West Asian (for example, Iranian, Afghan)
• Response option 11: Korean
• Response option 12: Japanese
• Write-in field: Or please specify another group:

26. Is this person a Status Indian (Registered or Treaty Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada)?

The term "Indian" is used in this question as a legal term within current legislation.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes, Status Indian (Registered or Treaty)

27. Is this person a member of a First Nation?

Include self-governing First Nations.

If "Yes", which First Nation?
For example, Westbank First Nation, Atikamekw of Manawan, Red Rock Indian Band.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes, member of a First Nation
  • Write-in field: Specify name of First Nation

28. Is this person a registered member or citizen of a Métis government, organization or Settlement?

If "Yes", which Métis government, organization or Settlement?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes, registered member or citizen of a Métis government, organization or Settlement

Name of Métis government, organization or Settlement

• Response option 1: Métis Nation of Ontario
• Response option 2: Manitoba Métis Federation
• Response option 3: Métis Nation — Saskatchewan
• Response option 4: Métis Nation of Alberta (Otipemisiwak Métis Government)
• Response option 5: Métis Nation British Columbia
• Write-in field: Or specify Métis organization or Alberta Metis Settlement

29. Is this person enrolled under, or a beneficiary of, an Inuit land claims agreement?

Please indicate the agreement, rather than the representative organization. For example, mark "Nunavut Agreement" rather than specifying Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI).

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes

Which Inuit land claims agreement?

• Response option 1: Inuvialuit Final Agreement
• Response option 2: Nunavut Agreement (Nunavut Land Claims Agreement)
• Response option 3: James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (Nunavik)
• Response option 4: Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (Nunatsiavut)
• Write-in field: Or specify Inuit land claims agreement

Religion

30. What is this person's religion?

Indicate a specific denomination or religion even if this person is not currently a practising member of that group.

For example, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Traditional (North American Indigenous) Spirituality, United Church, Pentecostal, Baptist, Moravian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Longhouse, Jehovah's Witness, Muslim, etc.

For additional examples of denominations and religions, visit www12.statcan.gc.ca/religion-e

• Write-in field: Specify one denomination or religion only

OR

• Response option: No religion

Canadian military experience

31. Has this person ever served in the Canadian military?

Do not include service as a Cadet (youth program).

If "Yes", check all types of service that apply (e.g., Regular Force, Reserve Force).

• Response option 1: Yes, currently serving in the Canadian military
  What type of service is this?
  • Response option 1: Regular Force
  • Response option 2: Reserve Force
  • Write-in field: Specify other type of service
• Response option 2: Yes, but no longer serving in the Canadian military
  What type of service was this?
  • Response option 1: Regular Force
  • Response option 2: Reserve Force
  • Write-in field: Specify other type of service
• Response option 3: No Canadian military service

Mobility

32. Where did this person live 1 year ago, that is, on May 12, 2025?

Specify one option only.

Note: For those who specify the fourth option:

Identify the community, municipality or First Nations reserve rather than the name of the First Nation.

For example:

• Lac Brochet 197A, Manitoba, rather than Northlands Denesuline First Nation
• Wabamun 133A, Alberta, rather than Paul First Nation
• Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, rather than Deh Gáh Got'ie Dene First Nation
• Fort Hope 64, Ontario, rather than Eabametoong First Nation
• Mingan, Quebec, rather than Les Innus de Ekuanitshit.
• Response option 1: Born after May 12, 2025
• Response option 2: Lived at the same address as now
• Response option 3: Lived at a different address in the same city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve
• Response option 4: Lived in a different city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve in Canada
  • Write-in field: Specify the name of the city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve of residence 1 year ago
  • Write-in field: Province or territory
  • Write-in field: Postal code
• Response option 5: Lived outside Canada
  • Write-in field: Specify the country of residence 1 year ago

33. Where did this person live 5 years ago, that is, on May 12, 2021?

Specify one option only.

Note: For those who select the fourth option:

Identify the community, municipality or First Nations reserve rather than the name of the First Nation.

For example:

• Lac Brochet 197A, Manitoba, rather than Northlands Denesuline First Nation
• Wabamun 133A, Alberta, rather than Paul First Nation
• Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, rather than Deh Gáh Got'ie Dene First Nation
• Fort Hope 64, Ontario, rather than Eabametoong First Nation
• Mingan, Quebec, rather than Les Innus de Ekuanitshit.
• Response option 1: Born after May 12, 2021
• Response option 2: Lived at the same address as now
• Response option 3: Lived at a different address in the same city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve
• Response option 4: Lived in a different city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve in Canada
  • Write-in field: Specify the name of the city, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve of residence 5 years ago
  • Write-in field: Province or territory
  • Write-in field: Postal code
• Response option 5: Lived outside Canada
  • Write-in field: Specify the country of residence 5 years ago

Homelessness

34. Considering homelessness experiences, over the past 12 months, has this person stayed in a shelter, on the street or in parks, in a makeshift shelter, in a vehicle, or in an abandoned building?

• Response option 1: Yes
• Response option 2: No

35. Considering other types of housing challenges, over the past 12 months, has this person lived temporarily with friends, family or others because they had nowhere else to live?

Include temporary living arrangements where the person did not have the resources to secure their own permanent housing (person facing financial difficulties, fleeing abuse, recently evicted, etc.).

Exclude stays for vacation, family visits, or other voluntary short-term stays.

• Response option 1: Yes
  Is this person currently living in this household temporarily because they have nowhere else to live?
  • Response option 1: Yes
  • Response option 2: No
• Response option 2: No

Questions 36 to 59 are asked only for persons aged 15 years and older (born before May 12, 2011).

This question collects information on sexual orientation to inform programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone living in Canada to share in its social, cultural, and economic life.

36. What is this person's sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation refers to how a person describes their sexuality.

• Response option 1: Heterosexual (i.e., straight)
• Response option 2: Lesbian or gay
• Response option 3: Bisexual or pansexual
• Write-in field: Or please specify this person's sexual orientation

Education

37. Has this person completed a high school (secondary school) diploma or equivalent?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Examples of high school equivalency certificates are General Educational Development (GED) and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

High school diploma or certificate

• Response option 1: Yes, high school diploma
• Response option 2: Yes, high school equivalency certificate
• Response option 3: No

38. a) Has this person completed a Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Specify all that apply.

For example, hairstyling, cooking, electrician, carpentry.

Registered Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma

• Response option 1: Yes, Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification (Journeyperson's designation)
• Response option 2: Yes, other trades certificate or diploma
• Response option 3: No

38. b) Has this person completed a college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Exclude any certificates or diplomas reported in question 38. a) above.

Specify all that apply.

For example, health aide, law enforcement, information technology, youth services, teaching assistant, forest technology.

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

• Response option 1: Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of less than 3 months
• Response option 2: Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of 3 months to less than 1 year
• Response option 3: Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to less than 2 years
• Response option 4: Yes, certificate or diploma from a 2-year program
• Response option 5: Yes, certificate or diploma from a program of more than 2 years
• Response option 6: No

38. c) Has this person completed a university certificate, diploma or degree?

Include qualifications obtained in Canada or outside Canada.

Specify all that apply.

University certificate, diploma or degree

• Response option 1: Yes, university certificate or diploma below bachelor level
• Response option 2: Yes, bachelor's degree (for example, B.A., B.A.(Hons.), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.)
• Response option 3: Yes, university certificate or diploma above bachelor level
• Response option 4: Yes, degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry (M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.V.M., O.D.)
• Response option 5: Yes, master's degree (for example, M.A., M.Sc., M.Ed., M.B.A.)
• Response option 6: Yes, earned doctorate (for example, Ph.D.)
• Response option 7: No

39. What was the major field of study of the highest certificate, diploma or degree that this person completed?

Please be specific.

For example, automobile mechanics, natural resources conservation, registered nursing, civil engineering, heavy equipment operation, early childhood education, political science.

Print in capital letters as follows:

COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

• Write-in field: Major field of study of highest certificate, diploma or degree

OR

• Response option: No certificate, diploma or degree higher than high school; Go to question 41 a)

40. In what province, territory or country did this person complete their highest certificate, diploma or degree?

• Write-in field: In Canada—specify province or territory

OR

• Write-in field: Outside Canada—specify country

41. a) At any time between September 2025 and May 2026, was this person attending school, such as high school, college, CEGEP or university?

Report only attendance for courses that can be used as credits towards a certificate, diploma or degree. Distance learning for credit is included.

Attendance at any time between September 2025 and May 2026

• Response option 1: Yes; Continue with the next question
• Response option 2: No, was not attending school at any time between September 2025 and May 2026; Go to question 42

41. b) What type of school was this person attending?

Specify all that apply.

At any time between September 2025 and May 2026

• Response option 1: Was attending elementary, junior high school or high school
• Response option 2: Was attending college, CEGEP, business school, technical institute, trade school or other non-university institution
• Response option 3: Was attending university

Labour market activities

Note: Many of the following questions refer to the week from Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026.

42. During the week of Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, how many hours did this person spend working for pay or in self-employment?

Please enter the total number of hours worked for pay or in self-employment at all jobs held during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026.

Exclude the number of hours:

• away due to illness, on vacation or any other reasons.

Include the number of hours:

• working for wages, salary, tips or commission
• working overtime
• making, selling or trading arts and crafts
• running a business
• trapping, hunting and fishing (except as a leisure activity)
• fixing gear used to hunt, fish or trap
• working as a guide.
• Write-in field: Number of hours (to the nearest hour); Go to question 45

OR

• Response option: None; Continue with the next question

43. During the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, was this person on temporary lay-off or absent from their job or business?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: No, retired
• Response option 3: Yes, on temporary lay-off from a job with indication of being recalled within the next 6 months
• Response option 4: Yes, on vacation, ill, on strike or locked out, or absent for other reasons

44. When did this person last work for pay or in self-employment, even for a few days?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: In 2026; Continue with the next question
• Response option 2: In 2025; Continue with the next question
• Response option 3: Before 2025; Go to question 51
• Response option 4: Neve; Go to question 51

Note: Questions 45 to 50 refer to this person's job or business during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person held no job, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025. If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

45. For whom did this person work?

Enter the full name of the company, business, government department or agency, or person.

For self-employed persons, enter the name of their business. If the business does not have a name, enter "self-employed".

Print in capital letters as follows:

Name of firm, government department, etc.

ABC CONCRETE PRODUCTS LIMITED

• Write-in field: Specify who this person worked for

46. What kind of business, industry or service was this?

For example, band administration, police, fishing or trapping, primary school, community health centre, freight trucking company, independent artist, grocery store, etc.

• Write-in field: Kind of business, industry or service

47. What was this person's work or occupation?

For example, membership clerk, police officer, fisher or trapper, primary school teacher, community health nurse, truck driver, artisan, store clerk, etc.

• Write-in field: Occupation

48. In this work, what were this person's main activities?

For example, registering band members, law enforcement, catching and cleaning fish or skinning animals, teaching grade 2, treating patients, driving a truck, stone or wood carving, operating cash register, etc.

• Write-in field: Main activities

Note: Questions 49 to 50 refer to this person's job or business during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person held no job, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025. If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

49. Was this person an employee or self-employed?

If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours. If this person held no job during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025.

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Employee - Permanent position (no fixed end date); Go to question 51
• Response option 2: Employee - Fixed-term position (1 year or more); Go to question 51
• Response option 3: Employee - Casual, seasonal or short-term position (less than 1 year); Go to question 51
• Response option 4: Unpaid family worker (without pay or salary) for their spouse or another relative in a family business or farm; Go to question 51
• Response option 5: Self-employed without paid employees (alone or in partnership)
• Response option 6: Self-employed with paid employees (alone or in partnership)

50. Was this person's farm or business incorporated?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes

Questions 51 to 53 are asked for persons aged 15 years and older who did not work during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person was aged 65 years and older, answered "No, retired" in question 43 and answered "Before 2025" in question 44, go to question 60.

51. Did this person look for paid work during the four weeks from April 12 to May 9, 2026?

For example, did this person contact an employment centre, check with employers, place or answer Internet ads, etc.?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes, looked for full-time work; Go to question 53
• Response option 3: Yes, looked for part-time work (less than 30 hours per week); Go to question 53

52. During the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, did this person have definite arrangements to start a new job within the next four weeks?

• Response option 1: No
• Response option 2: Yes

53. Could this person have started a job during the week of Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, had one been available?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Yes, could have started a job
• Response option 2: No, already had a job
• Response option 3: No, because of illness or disability
• Response option 4: No, because of personal or family responsibilities
• Response option 5: No, going to school
• Response option 6: No, other reasons

Note: Questions 54. a) and 54. b) refer to this person's job or business during the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. If this person held no job, answer for the job of longest duration since January 1, 2025. If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

54. a) In this job, what language(s) did this person use on a regular basis?

• Response option 1: English
• Response option 2: French
• Write-in field: Other language(s)—specify

If this person indicates only one language in question 54. a), go to question 55.

54. b) Of these languages, which one did this person use most often in this job?

Indicate more than one language only if they were used equally at work.

• Response option 1: English
• Response option 2: French
• Write-in field: Other language—specify

These questions are only for persons aged 15 years and older with a job or absent from their job or business during the week of Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, 2026.

55. In a usual workweek, at which of the following locations does this person work?

Specify all that apply.

If this person held more than one job, answer for the job at which they worked the most hours.

Identify the community, municipality or First Nations reserve rather than the name of the First Nation.

For example:

• Lac Brochet 197A, Manitoba, rather than Northlands Denesuline First Nation
• Wabamun 133A, Alberta, rather than Paul First Nation
• Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, rather than Deh Gáh Got'ie Dene First Nation
• Fort Hope 64, Ontario, rather than Eabametoong First Nation
• Mingan, Quebec, rather than Les Innus de Ekuanitshit.

For persons with a workplace location outside their home, provide the address. If the street address is unknown or if the address is a post office box, specify the building or nearest street intersection. Do not give a post office box number.

If the address of work is different than the address of the employer, please provide the address where this person actually works. For example, school teachers should provide the address of their school, not the address of the school board.

• Response option 1: Worked at home (including farms); Go to question 58
• Response option 2: Worked outside Canada; Go to question 58
• Response option 3: No fixed workplace location; Continue with the next question
• Response option 4: Worked at a fixed workplace location outside the home specified below
  • Write-in field: Street address
  • Write-in field: City, municipality, town, village or First Nations reserve (see example)
  • Province or territory
    • Response option 1: Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Response option 2: Prince Edward Island
    • Response option 3: Nova Scotia
    • Response option 4: New Brunswick
    • Response option 5: Quebec
    • Response option 6: Ontario
    • Response option 7: Manitoba
    • Response option 8: Saskatchewan
    • Response option 9: Alberta
    • Response option 10: British Columbia
    • Response option 11: Yukon
    • Response option 12: Northwest Territories
    • Response option 13: Nunavut
  • Write-in field: Postal code

56. a) In a usual workweek, what modes of commuting does this person use to get to work?

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

Specify "Subway or elevated rail" for:

• Vancouver SkyTrain
• Toronto subway
• Montréal Metro.

Specify "Light rail, streetcar or commuter train" for:

• Vancouver West Coast Express
• Calgary CTrain
• Edmonton LRT
• Toronto streetcars
• Toronto GO Train
• Ottawa O-Train
• Montréal commuter trains
• Montréal REM
• Kitchener-Waterloo ION LRT.

Specify as many options as applicable.

• Response option 1: Car, truck or van — as a driver
• Response option 2: Car, truck or van — as a passenger
• Response option 3: Bus
• Response option 4: Subway or elevated rail
• Response option 5: Light rail, streetcar or commuter train
• Response option 6: Passenger ferry
• Response option 7: Walked to work
• Response option 8: Bicycle, electric bike or electric scooter
• Response option 9: Motorcycle, motorized scooter or moped
• Response option 10: Other method (e.g., ATVs and snowmobiles, airplane, boat)

56. b) In a usual workweek, what main mode of commuting does this person use to get to work?

Specify one option only.

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

If this person uses more than one mode of commuting to get to work, mark the one used for most of the travel distance.

• Response option 1: Car, truck or van — as a driver; Go to question 56. c)
• Response option 2: Car, truck or van — as a passenger; Go to question 56. c)
• Response option 3: Bus; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 4: Subway or elevated rail; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 5: Light rail, streetcar or commuter train; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 6: Passenger ferry; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 7: Walked to work; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 8: Bicycle, electric bike or electric scooter; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 9: Motorcycle, motorized scooter or moped; Go to question 57. a)
• Response option 10: Other method; Go to question 57. a)

56. c) How many workers, including this person, usually ride in this car, truck or van to work?

• Response option 1: 1 worker
• Response option 2: 2 workers
• Response option 3: 3 or more workers

57. a) What time does this person's trip to work usually begin?

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

• Response option 1: Usual time
  Specify the usual time this person leaves for work
  • Write-in field: Specify hour
  • Write in field: Specify minutes
    • Response option 1: a.m.
    • Response option 2: p.m.
• Response option 2: No usual time (for example, shift worker)

57. b) How many minutes does this person's trip to work usually last?

Hybrid workers respond for the days they commute to work.

• Write-in field: Number of minutes

OR

• Response option: No usual duration

58. How many weeks did this person work for pay or in self-employment in 2025?

A year has 52 weeks.

Include:

• paid vacation and sick leave paid by the employer
• weeks worked part time, even for a few hours.

Exclude:

• weeks absent and not paid by the employer, such as maternity, parental or disability leave, etc.
• Response option: None; Continue with question 60

OR

• Write-in field: Number of weeks worked (including paid vacation and sick leave paid for by the employer and excluding absences unpaid by the employer, such as maternity, parental or disability leave, etc.)  à Go to question 59 if you answered 1 week or more for this person.

59. In 2025, did this person work mostly full time or part time?

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: Full time (30 hours or more per week)
• Response option 2: Part time (less than 30 hours per week)

Question 60 is asked only for persons aged 13 years and younger (born after May 12, 2012).

60. In 2025, did this person usually attend any child care arrangement (for example, a daycare centre, a home-based child care, or other arrangement with or without costs)?

Include before or after school programs and care provided by a relative or a non-relative used on a regular basis.

Exclude child care provided by parent or guardian, school attendance, occasional child care arrangements for school holidays and homeschooling.

• Response option 1: Yes

  Specify the total amount paid by your household for this child care arrangement in 2025.

  Do not double count any amounts that were already reported.

  If your household used child care without incurring any costs (fully subsidized daycare, child care provided by a relative, etc.), specify "$0 – used child care with no payment".

  • Write-in field: Total amount paid for child care in 2025

  OR

  • Response option: $0 – used child care with no payment
• Response option 2: No

Questions 61 and 62 are asked only for persons aged 15 years and older (born before May 12, 2011).

61. In 2025, did this person pay child or spousal support payments to a former spouse or partner?

Support payments are covered by an agreement to pay a fixed amount on a regular basis. Exclude all other gifts or transfers of money. Include only support payments actually paid.

Answer "Yes" or "No". If "Yes", also enter the total amount for 2025.

• Response option 1: Yes
  • Write-in field: Total amount of dollars for 2025
• Response option 2: No

62. Does this person pay, partly or entirely, the rent or mortgage, taxes, electricity, etc. for this dwelling?

Specify "Yes" if this person pays the rent or mortgage, taxes, electricity, etc. for this dwelling, even if more than one person contributes to such payments.

A dwelling is a separate set of living quarters with a private entrance from the outside or from a common hallway or stairway inside the building. This entrance should not be through someone else's living quarters.

Exclude payments for other dwellings (the school residence of a child, the residence of a former spouse, another dwelling that you may own or rent, etc.).

• Response option 1: Yes
• Response option 2: No

Step E

Answer question E1 to E9 about this dwelling.

The questions refer to May 12, 2026, unless otherwise specified.

A dwelling is a separate set of living quarters with a private entrance from the outside or from a common hallway or stairway inside the building. This entrance should not be through someone else's living quarters.

Only answer question E1 a) if you are in a First Nations reserve or settlement. Otherwise, go to question E1 b).

E1. a) Is this dwelling provided to you or a member of this household by the local government or First Nation?

• Response option 1: Yes; Go to E2
• Response option 2: No; Go to E1 b)

E1. b) Is this dwelling:

Specify one option only.

• Response option 1: owned by you or a member of this household (even if it is still being paid for)?
• Response option 2: rented (even if no cash rent is paid)?

E2. Is this dwelling part of a condominium development?

• Response option 1: Yes
• Response option 2: No

E3. a) How many rooms are there in this dwelling?

Count kitchen, bedrooms, finished rooms in attic or basement, etc.

Do not count bathrooms, halls, vestibules and rooms used solely for business purposes.

• Write-in field: Specify the number of rooms

E3. b) How many of these rooms are bedrooms?

Count all rooms designed as bedrooms, even if they are now used for something else. Also count basement bedrooms.

• Write-in field: Specify the number of bedrooms

E4. When was this dwelling originally built?

Specify the period in which the building was completed, not the time of any later remodelling, additions or conversions. If year is not known, give best estimate.

• Response option 1: 1920 or before
• Response option 2: 1921 to 1945
• Response option 3: 1946 to 1960
• Response option 4: 1961 to 1970
• Response option 5: 1971 to 1980
• Response option 6: 1981 to 1990
• Response option 7: 1991 to 1995
• Response option 8: 1996 to 2000
• Response option 9: 2001 to 2005
• Response option 10: 2006 to 2010
• Response option 11: 2011 to 2015
• Response option 12: 2016 to 2020
• Response option 13: 2021 to 2025
• Response option 14: 2026

E5. Is this dwelling in need of any repairs?

Exclude desirable remodelling or additions.

• Response option 1: No, only regular maintenance is needed (painting, furnace cleaning, etc.)
• Response option 2: Yes, minor repairs are needed (missing or loose floor tiles, bricks or shingles; defective steps, railing or siding; etc.)
• Response option 3: Yes, major repairs are needed (defective plumbing or electrical wiring; structural repairs to walls, floors or ceilings; etc.)

Answer questions E6 to E9 for this dwelling even if you own or rent more than one dwelling.

If the exact amount is not known, please give a best estimate.

E6. a) For this dwelling, what are the yearly payments (last 12 months) for electricity?

• Response option 1: None
• Response option 2: Included in rent or other payments

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per year in dollars

E6. b) For this dwelling, what are the yearly payments (last 12 months) for oil, gas, coal, wood or other fuels?

• Response option 1: None
• Response option 2: Included in rent or other payments

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per year in dollars

E6. c) For this dwelling, what are the yearly payments (last 12 months) for water and other municipal services?

• Response option 1: None
• Response option 2: Included in rent or other payments

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per year in dollars

If "Yes" was selected in question E1 a), go to question E9.

If "rented" was selected in question E1 b), continue with question E7.

If "owned" was selected in question E1 b), go to question E8.

E7. For renters only, answer parts E7. a) and E7. b):

E7. a) What is the monthly rent paid for this dwelling?

• Response option: Rented without payment of cash rent

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per month in dollars

E7. b) Is this dwelling subsidized?

Subsidized housing includes rent geared to income, social housing, public housing, government-assisted housing, non-profit housing, rent supplements, and housing allowances.

• Response option 1: Yes
• Response option 2: No

E8. For owners only, answer parts E8. a) through E8. e):

E8. a) What are the total regular monthly mortgage or loan payments for this dwelling?

• Response option: None; Go to part c)

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per month in dollars

E8. b) Are the property taxes (municipal and school) included in the monthly mortgage or loan payments indicated in the previous question?

• Response option 1: Yes; Go to part d)
• Response option 2: No

E8. c) What are the estimated yearly property taxes (municipal and school) for this dwelling?

• Response option: None

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per year in dollars

E8. d) If you were to sell this dwelling now, for how much would you expect to sell it?

• Write-in field: Total amount in dollars

E8. e) What are the monthly condominium fees?

• Response option: None

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per month in dollars

E9. For dwellings provided by the local government or First Nation only:

What is the monthly payment paid by you or members of your household to use or occupy this dwelling?

• Response option: Used or occupied without payment

OR

• Write-in field: Total amount per month in dollars

Step F

You have now completed your questionnaire.

A census representative will return to pick up the completed questionnaire.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Comments

Please use the space provided below if you have concerns, suggestions or comments to make about:

• the steps to follow or the content of this questionnaire (for example, a question that was difficult to understand or to answer)
• the characteristics of the questionnaire (for example, the design, the format, the size of the text).

That law protects what you tell us

The confidentiality of your responses is protected by law. All Statistics Canada employees have taken an oath of secrecy. Your personal information cannot be given to anyone outside Statistics Canada without your consent. This is your right.

What is the census?

The census provides a statistical portrait of the country and its people. In Canada, it is mandatory for all residents to participate in the census.

The Census of Population collects information on the demographic, social and economic situation of people across Canada, and the dwellings they live in. In 2026, a sample of 25% of Canadian households will receive a long-form questionnaire. The other households will receive a short-form questionnaire.

Why is the 2026 Census of Population important?

The census is one of the most important sources of information for our country. Information from the census will be used by governments, businesses, associations, community organizations and many others to make important decisions for your community, your province or territory, and the entire country.

What happens to the information you provide?

The information you provide will be kept confidential, in accordance with the Statistics Act. The information you provide may be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes or may be combined with other survey or administrative data sources. No one outside of Statistics Canada can have access to information that could identify an individual.

Your role

Census data are vital to your community for planning schools, daycare, housing, hospitals, emergency services, roads, public transportation, employment skills training and more. The information you provide will help ensure that the 2026 Census accurately reflects Canada's changing society.

Why we ask the questions

STEP A – We need your telephone number to contact you in case there is information missing on your questionnaire. We need your address, as well as your mailing address, to ensure that all dwellings are counted.

STEPS B and C – These steps help you decide who should be included and who should not be included on your questionnaire. They help us ensure that we have counted everyone we need to count and that no one is counted twice.

STEP D – The spaces at question 1 at the top of page 4 allow you to copy the names from Step B.

BASIC DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION – Questions 2 to 7 provide information about the demographic characteristics of people in Canada. This information is used by all levels of government to make important decisions, such as planning community services and social programs, including Old Age Security and the Canada Child Benefit. It is also used by municipalities to plan a variety of services, such as child care, schools, hospitals and emergency services.

LANGUAGES – Questions 8 to 10 and 22 are used to provide a profile of the linguistic diversity of Canada's population. This information is used to estimate the need for services in English and French, and to better understand the current state and the evolution of Canada's various language groups, including official languages, Indigenous languages and other non-official languages. Question 54 collects information on languages used at work.

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION – Questions 11 to 16 are used to collect information in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to support education programs in English and French in Canada.

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING – Question 17 provides information on people in Canada who may have difficulties doing certain activities, including those who may have a long-term physical, mental or other health condition. This information is used to identify people who are likely to have a disability. Statistics Canada may then follow up with a more detailed survey.

GENERAL HEALTH – Question 18 seeks information on the health status of people in Canada to help plan policies, programs and services for the health care system. General health is an indicator of overall health status. General health refers to the perception of a person's health in general, either by the person, or by the person in the household who is completing the census questionnaire.

PLACE OF BIRTH – Questions 19 and 20 tell us about where people and their parents were born. They provide information on the diversity of Canada's population, and on the movement of people within Canada and from other countries to Canada. This information is also used to assess the social and economic conditions of second-generation Canadians, and helps us understand Canada's immigration history.

CITIZENSHIP – Question 21 provides information on the legal citizenship status of Canada's population. This information is used to estimate the number of potential voters and to plan citizenship classes and programs. It also provides information about the population with multiple citizenships.

ETHNIC OR CULTURAL ORIGINS – Question 23 provides information about ethnic and cultural diversity in Canada. This information is used by associations, agencies and researchers for activities such as health promotion, communications and social support programs.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES – Questions 24 and 26 to 29 provide information used to develop programs and services for First Nations people, Métis and Inuit by Indigenous communities, organizations and all levels of government.

POPULATION GROUPS (VISIBLE MINORITIES) – Question 25 helps collect data that are used by governments, businesses, community groups, health care providers, researchers and a variety of organizations throughout the country to support programs that provide equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural and economic life of Canada.

RELIGION – Question 30 provides information about religious affiliation and diversity. This information is used to help understand changes in Canadian society, as well as to plan facilities and services within diverse communities.

CANADIAN MILITARY EXPERIENCE – Question 31 provides information on the number of people with Canadian military experience. Governments will use this information to develop programs and services to meet the changing needs of the Veteran population.

MOBILITY – Questions 32 and 33 tell us where residents of Canada are moving to and where they are moving from. This information is used to look at the characteristics of people who move and to identify needs for housing, education, health, transportation and social services.

HOMELESSNESS – Questions 34 and 35 provide information on people's experiences with homelessness and other housing challenges over the past 12 months. This information is used by organizations and governments to support communities in addressing homelessness.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION – Question 36 collects data that are used by governments, businesses, community groups, health care providers, researchers, and a variety of organizations throughout the country to support programs that provide equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural, and economic life of Canada. These data are also used to support legislation such as the Canadian Human Rights Act that includes sexual orientation as one of the prohibited grounds of discrimination.

EDUCATION – Questions 37 to 41 provide information on the education, training and recent school attendance of residents of Canada. Governments use this information to develop training and other programs to meet the changing needs of the workforce and of specific groups, such as First Nations people, Métis, Inuit, immigrants, and youth.

LABOUR MARKET ACTIVITIES – Questions 42 to 53, 58 and 59 provide information on Canada's workforce, including the industries and occupations in which people work. Employment information is used to assess the economic conditions of communities and specific populations, such as First Nations people, Métis, Inuit and immigrants. Industry and occupation information is used to forecast job opportunities.

COMMUTING TO WORK – Questions 55 to 57 tell us where people work and how they get to work. This information is used to assess commuting patterns, public transit needs and energy use. Commuting information also helps to identify locations for new hospitals, schools, and daycare and recreational facilities, as well as the need for roads and other travel networks.

EXPENDITURES – Questions 60 and 61 provide information on expenses related to child care and support payments. Along with the income information obtained from personal income tax and benefit records, these questions are used to derive disposable income to measure poverty in Canada. This information is also used to better understand the use of child care and the role of support payments in Canadian society.

HOUSING – Question 62 and Step E provide information used to develop housing communities and projects. Information on the number of rooms and bedrooms in homes, and on housing costs, is used to assess levels of crowding within dwellings and housing affordability. Such indicators are used by numerous organizations to help develop housing programs supporting the housing needs of Canadians. Information on the age of dwellings and the need for repairs is used by municipalities to develop neighbourhood improvement programs.