Canada Census 2026: The government of Canada has announced the start of data collection for both the 2026 Census of Population and the 2026 Census of Agriculture. The process began on Monday, May 4, 2026, and marks the first time the national census is asking residents about their sexual orientation.
The move follows an announcement by Statistics Canada in July 2025 that a question on sexual orientation would be included in the 2026 census. “Results from the 2026 Census of Population Content Consultation indicated that data on sexual orientation was one of the most frequently reported perceived data gaps in census content by federal partners, academics and organizations,” a report on content changes for the 2026 Census of Population released in July 2025 said.
“There remain gaps in the data to fully understand the specific issues faced by LGB+ people and to strengthen evidence-based decision making for programs, services and policies aimed at this population,” the report added.
One in four households is receiving the long-form questionnaire, which includes a question allowing respondents to identify themselves and household members aged 15 and older as heterosexual, lesbian or gay, bisexual or pansexual, or to use a write-in option, according to Xtra Magazine.
Canada is now one of the few countries to collect census data on sexual orientation, alongside New Zealand, Ecuador and the United Kingdom. The country became the first in the world to collect census data on gender identity in 2021.
Why is this question asked?
Following consultations and extensive testing, Statistics Canada has added a question on sexual orientation to the 2026 Census of Population to collect data on individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation other than heterosexual (LGB+).
The agency said the data will be used by governments, businesses, community groups, health-care providers, researchers and other organizations across Canada to help inform programs aimed at ensuring equal opportunities in the country’s social, cultural and economic life.
Statistics Canada says the addition will help address existing data gaps that other statistical programs cannot fill at the same level of detail. By combining information on sexual orientation with gender diversity, the census will also enable the collection of data on individuals who identify as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others under the broader 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella.
What are the penalties for not filling census form?
Completion of the census questionnaire is mandatory under the Statistics Act and there are penalties for refusing to complete a census questionnaire. The census form states on its front page that completion “Is required by law.”
While legislative changes in 2016 removed the possibility of jail time, respondents can still face penalties of up to $500 for providing false information and up to $1,000 for outright refusal to complete it, along with the potential for a criminal record in Canada, according to National Post.
The move follows an announcement by Statistics Canada in July 2025 that a question on sexual orientation would be included in the 2026 census. “Results from the 2026 Census of Population Content Consultation indicated that data on sexual orientation was one of the most frequently reported perceived data gaps in census content by federal partners, academics and organizations,” a report on content changes for the 2026 Census of Population released in July 2025 said.
“There remain gaps in the data to fully understand the specific issues faced by LGB+ people and to strengthen evidence-based decision making for programs, services and policies aimed at this population,” the report added.
One in four households is receiving the long-form questionnaire, which includes a question allowing respondents to identify themselves and household members aged 15 and older as heterosexual, lesbian or gay, bisexual or pansexual, or to use a write-in option, according to Xtra Magazine.
Canada is now one of the few countries to collect census data on sexual orientation, alongside New Zealand, Ecuador and the United Kingdom. The country became the first in the world to collect census data on gender identity in 2021.
Why is this question asked?
Following consultations and extensive testing, Statistics Canada has added a question on sexual orientation to the 2026 Census of Population to collect data on individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation other than heterosexual (LGB+).
The agency said the data will be used by governments, businesses, community groups, health-care providers, researchers and other organizations across Canada to help inform programs aimed at ensuring equal opportunities in the country’s social, cultural and economic life.
Statistics Canada says the addition will help address existing data gaps that other statistical programs cannot fill at the same level of detail. By combining information on sexual orientation with gender diversity, the census will also enable the collection of data on individuals who identify as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others under the broader 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella.
What are the penalties for not filling census form?
Completion of the census questionnaire is mandatory under the Statistics Act and there are penalties for refusing to complete a census questionnaire. The census form states on its front page that completion “Is required by law.”
While legislative changes in 2016 removed the possibility of jail time, respondents can still face penalties of up to $500 for providing false information and up to $1,000 for outright refusal to complete it, along with the potential for a criminal record in Canada, according to National Post.
