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2008 Census Test

• What is the 2008 Census Test?
• Who is participating in this test?
• How does the Census Test work?
• Is there a legal requirement to participate in this test?
• Is the information provided on the Census Test confidential?
• Is Statistics Canada testing the online version of the questionnaire?
• Preparing for the 2011 Census

What is the 2008 Census Test?

Before each census, Statistics Canada conducts a Census Test to test potential new questions and changes to existing questions. The test results will be analyzed to determine if the questions are clear and understandable, and if they provide accurate results.

Who is participating in this test?

The 2008 Census Test will collect forms from a sample of 25,000 households across the country.

How does the Census Test work?

Bilingual questionnaire packages are mailed to each household in the test. Households are given the choice to complete the test questions online or to use the paper questionnaire. A return envelope is included in the package.

Is there a legal requirement to participate in this test?

The information collected during the Census Test is used to prepare for the 2011 Census. Although participation is voluntary, it is important that every household selected for the test does participate in order for the results to be reliable.

Is the information provided on the Census Test confidential?

Yes. By law, Statistics Canada must protect the confidentiality of the information respondents provide. All Statistics Canada employees must take an oath of secrecy, and are subject to fines and/or imprisonment should they reveal identifiable information derived from the Census. Any possible breach of the confidentiality of Census returns is a serious matter which would be investigated immediately and thoroughly and be subject to the full force of the Statistics Act.

Is Statistics Canada testing the online version of the questionnaire?

Yes. Statistics Canada is emphasizing online participation in the Census. With a targeted online response rate of 40% for the 2011 Census, it is important that the Internet version of the questionnaire be tested at all opportunities.

Preparing for the 2011 Census

Every five years Statistics Canada conducts a census. The next Census of Canada will take place in May, 2011.

In Canada, the census is the most reliable source of detailed data for small groups (such as lone-parent families, ethnic groups, industrial and occupational categories, immigrants) and for small areas such as a city neighbourhood. Because the Canadian census is collected every five years and the questions are similar, it is possible to compare changes that have occurred in the demographics of Canada's population over time.