Canada census 2026: What happens if you don’t complete the questionnaire before the deadline?

Canadians are being reminded to complete their 2026 census questionnaires as the official reference date arrives on Tuesday.

While May 12 is not a strict cut-off, Statistics Canada says households that fail to respond will begin receiving reminders by mail, phone and eventually in-person visits from census workers.

“In mid-July, non-responding households with a mailing address will receive a final reminder letter informing them of their legal obligation to complete the census questionnaire and the possible consequences of failing to do so,” a Statistics Canada spokesperson told CBC News.

Under the Statistics Act, completing the census is mandatory and refusing to participate can lead to fines of up to $500.

The census, conducted every five years, collects demographic information including age, gender, language, education, religion and household composition.

The data is used by governments to help plan housing, healthcare, schools, transport, childcare and other public services.

About 75 percent of households receive a short-form questionnaire, while the remaining 25 percent complete a longer version collecting more detailed social and economic data.

Statistics Canada also warned that knowingly providing false information or interfering with census operations could lead to additional fines and legal penalties.