2016 census forms now in the mail to Canadians
By Nelson Daily Staff
Starting Monday, Statistics Canada began sending out census letters and packages to all Canadian households.
Residents in cities like Nelson will receive a letter with a secure 16-digit access code to complete their form online or they can request a paper form.
May 10 is Census Day, however, the government is urging Canadians to complete the form upon receipt.
“Collection for the 2016 Census will begin today when Canadians start receiving their Census packages in the mail,” Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said in a media release.
“This year marks the 350th anniversary of the first census in New France, a great milestone in our country’s history and for our democracy.”
The census collects demographic information on every person living in Canada.
That information is then used by governments, businesses, associations, community organizations and others to make important decisions at the municipal, provincial and the federal levels. Results from the census are also used to help inform payment allocation at all levels of government.
One in four randomly selected households in Canada will receive the 36-page long-form questionnaire known as the National Household Survey, while the remainder of Canadians will receive the 10-question short version. Both are mandatory.
Information obtained through the census is needed to plan services such as child care, schooling, family services, housing, public transportation and skills training for employment. You can complete your census questionnaire online or on paper.
“The 2016 Census will paint a detailed picture of the nation and the communities in which we live,” Bains explains.
“Accurate and reliable data is needed to plan services such as child care, schooling, family services, housing, public transportation and skills training for employment.
“Canadians can help make a lasting contribution to Canada and its people by completing their census online or on paper. A Help Line will provide telephone assistance to those who require it.”
Under Section 31 of the Statistics Act, the consequence for failing to provide information to a mandatory census or falsely answering is liable to a summary conviction carrying a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
“I am proud of our government’s decision to reinstate the mandatory long-form census, ensuring that Canada’s national statistical system remains strong,” Bains said.
“We are committed to evidence-based decision making and to making available the data needed by organizations and by governments to make informed decisions.
“We’re counting on all Canadians to participate in the census and provide evidence to help shape services and programs for our nation.”
