Question Period Note: STATISTICS CANADA – Seniors and Census

Last week Allan in my riding received his census form in the mail only to learn that it must be completed online by this week. Allan and other constituents, particularly seniors, don't have a computer in their home. And with public health restrictions in place, they can't go to a library or a friend's house to access one. More stress for Canadians in the middle of this preventable third wave. When will this liberal government stop leaving Canadians (behind)?

• Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform my colleagues that there is still time for Canadians to complete their Census.

• May 11 was the reference date for the Census, which helps StatCan to take an accurate snapshot of Canada’s society at a specific point in time.

• We are grateful to those Canadians who already completed their Census, and invite others to count themselves in by filling and returning their Census as soon as possible.

• StatCan has mechanisms in place to help Canadians carry out their civic duty.

• Canadians who don’t have a computer can request a paper form or complete their questionnaire over the phone.

• The census is an important source of information for Communities and helps in the planning for schools, hospitals, employment and more.

Statistics Canada has adapted to the reality of the pandemic and has redesigned the census approach to ensure that all Canadians and our employees remain safe while participating in this vital national exercise.
We understand that certain circumstances and situations may not allow respondents to complete their questionnaire online. Canadians can request a paper form or complete their questionnaire over the phone with a Census Help Line agent. The 2021 Census questions are also available in large-print, braille, audio and video formats and in 25 languages.
May 11 is Census Day, a reference date, but we know that not everyone is able to complete their census by that day. However, we do encourage Canadians to complete their questionnaire as soon as they can.

It is important for everyone to be counted. The census provides high-quality information on key socioeconomic trends and analysis that helps Canadians make important decisions that affect our families, our neighbourhoods and our businesses. Furthermore, the 2021 Census will assist us to better understand the impacts of the pandemic for different population groups and communities across the country and how their situation has changed since the last census in 2016.

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