Census consultation

Before each census, Statistics Canada embarks on an extensive user consultation and testing program to develop the questionnaire content. Data users and interested parties across Canada are asked for their views on the type and extent of information they believe should be available from the census. The goal is to ensure that Statistics Canada takes account of emerging social and economic issues and, where appropriate, uses the census to shed light on them.

Statistics Canada invites your views on any aspect of the census including questionnaire content, products and services, geography or census communications at any time during the census cycle.

2011 Census content consultation

The 2011 Census Content Consultation Guide was developed to assist users convey their ideas and suggestions to Statistics Canada. The consultation guide communicated the 2011 Census context, proposed content directions and key milestones. It also served to:

• explain the factors influencing 2011 Census content determination;
• introduce the activities related to content determination;
• present the 2011 Census content changes currently being contemplated;
• assist users in contributing ideas and suggestions for the 2011 Census.

2011 Census content consultation results

The 2011 Census Content Consultation Report presents the findings generated during the April to November 2007 consultation period. A multi-pronged strategy was used to obtain input from data users and stakeholders for the 2011 Census content. In-person consultations, communications campaigns and the Internet yielded over 1,200 comments on this subject.

The feedback we received is referenced by census specialists throughout the 2011 Census determination process and is also examined by Statistics Canada experts in other socio-economic statistical programs. These comments help Statistics Canada identify and address client needs and expectations.

Statistics Canada encourages on-going consultation. Submissions are accepted throughout the census planning cycle and will be considered for 2011 and future censuses, where possible. Some proposed recommendations were tested during the 2008 Census Content Test conducted on May 13, 2008. Others will lay the groundwork for the censuses of 2016 and 2021.

Statistics Canada wishes to thank you for your contribution to the 2011 Census content.

Contact the Census consultation team

E-mail: censusconsultation@statcan.ca
Mailing address:
Census Consultation Team
Statistics Canada
9th Floor, R.H. Coats Building
100 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6
Fax: 613-951-1134