The 2021 Canadian census is underway with deadline to submit the online form coming May 11. Reminders will continue for non-responders through May and June. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

deadline day

‘It’s our goal to have every Canadian enumerated:’ 2021 census responses due

May 11, 2021 | 12:16 PM

NANAIMO — It’s deadline day for the 2021 census.

Statistics Canada is conducting the data collection task held every five years to gain insight into Canada’s population trends in order to help shape the delivery of numerous public services such as healthcare, education and transportation.

Geoff Bowlby, census manager with Statistics Canada, said a high response rate goes a long way to providing decision makers with the information they need.

“It’s our goal to have every Canadian enumerated because when we release the numbers, they are put to so (many) important purposes,” Bowlby said. “Good response to the census means accurate census data.”

Several changes were made to this year’s questionnaire, including questions about Indigenous identity, the labour market and commute to work.

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The deadline for completing the online form is Tuesday, May 11 however late responses are accepted.

Reminders will go out to people who did not complete it through May, with further actions taken to solicit responses beginning in June.

“If those reminders still aren’t answered we dispatch our employees to knock on the door and remind Canadians to respond,” Bowlby said.

Results are expected beginning early in 2022 and will be released in stages. Final data will be published by November 2022.

To complete the 2021 census, visit the Statistics Canada website and enter your 16-digit access code mailed to your address.

The 2016 census showed a little more than 35 million people called Canada home, up from from roughly 33.5 million in 2011.

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— with files from Jon De Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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