2026 census begins early in some northern communities

Statistics Canada says data collection for the 2026 Census of Population has begun early in some northern and remote communities.

In the NWT, communities included in early census collection are Aklavik, Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Fort Good Hope, Fort McPherson, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tsiigehtchic, Tuktoyaktuk, Tulita and Ulukhaktok.

Residents in those communities are expected to soon receive an invitation letter at their door with information about the census and instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online.

Enumerators will provide a paper questionnaire to people who cannot complete the questionnaire online.

Statistics Canada said it begins collecting census information early in some communities to ensure access to areas that are easier to reach in the winter or that people typically leave in the spring.

“Ensuring that Canada’s northern, remote and Indigenous communities are fully represented in census data is a key priority for Statistics Canada,” stated André Loranger, chief statistician of Canada.

“The participation of northern, remote and Indigenous communities is essential to ensure we capture reliable and representative data.”

Statistics Canada conducts the census every five years.

Loranger said the census is the most detailed source of information available to decision-makers and the data is used to support the development and implementation of policies, programs and services.

For the rest of Canada, census information collection will begin in May.