2026 Census records 98.4 per cent response rate

Statistics Canada says Canadians have achieved one of the highest participation rates ever recorded for a national census.

Collection for the 2026 Census of Population is now complete, with an overall response rate of 98.4 per cent nationally.

The rate is up from 98 per cent in 2021 and matches the response rate recorded in 2016.

Online participation also increased, with 88.6 per cent of Canadians completing the census online, compared with 84.1 per cent in 2021.

The self-response rate reached a record 91.2 per cent, meaning more Canadians completed their questionnaires without assistance from census staff.

Statistics Canada says the participation reflects strong engagement with the census and an understanding of its importance.

The agency is now preparing the census results, which will be released throughout 2027 and provide information on a range of topics across Canada.