Early 2026 census work begins in Nunavut, Nunavik

Statistics Canada has started working on the 2026 census in northern and remote communities, including all of Nunavut and Nunavik.

Census collection in those communities starts in February, while the rest of Canada will begin receiving census notices in May, a news release from Statistics Canada announced Monday.

Households in participating northern and remote communities will receive a census notice delivered door-to-door with instructions and a secure access code to complete mandatory questionnaire online.

Residents will also be offered in-person assistance to ensure they are counted, the news release said.

The census is conducted every five years.

The information collected is used by individuals, communities and governments to plan, evaluate and provide funding for programs and services involving language and education, health and social services, and economic development.

The 2026 census asks households for basic information about everyone living at the residence including age, gender, Indigenous identity, language use, and education.

It also collects information about work, income, housing conditions, health, mobility, and other social and demographic characteristics, as well as data on marital status, childcare and employment status.

Census questions have been translated into 15 Indigenous languages. The questionnaire itself must be completed in English or French.