The 2026 census saw record high response rates despite a “return to sender” social media trend. Statistics Canada reports the 2026 census having a general response rate of 98.4 per cent, surpassing the 98 per cent recorded in 2021 and matching the rate seen in 2016. Meanwhile, the online and self-response rates broke records with 88.6 per cent and 91.2 per cent respectively. “Our overall response rate for the Census of Population is one of the highest in the world for such an exercise, making the data it provides as accurate and reliable as can be,” chief statistician of Canada Andre Loranger said in a Monday press release. “The information obtained from the census provides invaluable insights into the evolving characteristics of our country that are needed to make well-informed, fact-based decisions.” The 2026 census was challenged by a social media trend where Canadians mailed their census form back with “return to sender” on it. Some burned or otherwise destroyed their form as an act of protest. Prime Minister Mark Carney was occasionally personally targeted in messages on the returned envelopes. Mark Gerretsen, Liberal MP for Kingston and the Islands, took to social media in May to explain how the census helps Ottawa determine where to invest resources. “When people refuse the census, they’re not sticking it to Ottawa. They’re sticking it to their own community,” he said. The Statistics Act mandates a census every five years. One in every four households receives what is known as the long-form census, while the rest get the short-form census. Those who don’t fill out the census may get up to two reminder letters, phone calls, a visit by a StatCan employee and potential fines of up to $500. The 2026 census results will be shared next year in seven separate releases covering a range of topics from population, gender, and income to citizenship, cultural and religious diversity, language, and homelessness. With files from The Canadian Press and CTV News’ Heather Wright
