Canada's 2026 census begins this spring and 32,000 jobs are available

Statistics Canada will run the Census of Population in May 2026 and says it needs about 32,000 temporary staff from March to July to help collect data, with most Canadians able to respond online.

The Census of Population will take place in May 2026 and requires all Canadian households to complete a questionnaire. Statistics Canada conducts the census every five years to produce a comprehensive statistical portrait that informs government policy and community planning. The agency says updated census data help governments, businesses and municipalities understand population changes and service needs. Statistics Canada also announced it will hire roughly 32,000 temporary positions for the census period. Key details: - The census is scheduled for May 2026 and is conducted by Statistics Canada every five years. - Seventy-five per cent of households will receive the short-form census with basic demographic questions; 25 per cent, selected at random, will receive a longer form with additional questions on education, employment, housing, income and ethnicity. - Statistics Canada says it needs about 32,000 staff for March to July in supervisory and non-supervisory roles, including enumerators and crew leaders. - Enumerators may collect information door to door, though most Canadians will be able to participate online, the agency reports. - Wages are reported as $25.87 per hour for enumerators and $31.32 per hour for crew leaders, plus authorized expenses. - Qualification criteria are reported as being the age of majority in one’s province or territory, residing in Canada with a Canadian home address, and being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or holding a valid work permit. Summary: The census will update demographic data used for planning public services, transportation, school locations and electoral boundaries. Statistics Canada plans to staff about 32,000 temporary roles to support data collection from March through July, and says most people will be able to respond online while some responses are gathered in person. Further hiring and application details are reported as available through the agency’s official channels.