The road to the 2026 Census
The next Census of Population and Census of Agriculture will take place in May 2026. In preparation, Statistics Canada continues to innovate and improve its processes, while consulting with Canadians to ensure the next census accurately represents the Canadian population. There are several milestones along the road to the 2026 Census.
2024 Census Test
The next step is the 2024 Census Test, which will assess new and modified questions resulting from content consultations, as well as new collection procedures and tools (e.g., invitation letters, notice of visit card, etc.). It will be conducted in select communities across the country beginning May 6, 2024.
Following the 2024 Census Test, Statistics Canada will evaluate all results and provide recommendations to the federal government for the content of the 2026 Census of Population and the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaires.
If your household, farm or agricultural operation is selected to participate in the census test, you will receive an invitation letter in early May 2024.
Approximately 198,000 households and 10,000 agricultural operations across Canada will be selected to participate in the census test. Testing census content ensures that high-quality data will be available in 2026 to support a wide variety of programs and services in communities across the country.
Statistics Canada is always working hard to lessen the burden on respondents and reduce census costs. During the census test, we will evaluate new collection tools and methods, and make better use of existing administrative data. We will also implement new communication technologies—such as a chatbot—to improve support services provided to Canadians.
Content consultations
Content consultations begin at the start of each census cycle. During consultations, Statistics Canada invites data users, stakeholders, and the general public to provide feedback on what the agency should consider addressing in the 2026 Census of Population and the 2026 Census of Agriculture.
To learn more about the content consultations, visit:
How the findings will be used
The census information collected as part of the 2024 Census Test will be used to prepare for the 2026 Census and finalize questionnaire content. It will not be shared publicly or stored for future access.
The final 2026 Census content will be made public in the Canada Gazette in the summer of 2025.
Upcoming
- 2026 Census of Agriculture Content Consultation Report
- 2026 Census of Population Dissemination Consultation Report
Video: Here’s why you should use census data
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