Completing the online questionnaire
How do I complete my census questionnaire online ?
Completing your census questionnaire online is easy.
- Visit www.census.gc.ca.
- Follow the link to the online questionnaire and select the Start questionnaire button.
- Enter your 16-digit secure access code, located at the top of your invitation letter, and follow the instructions. Respondents who have not received a secure access code should select Obtain a secure access code and follow the instructions.
- While answering the questions, use the navigation buttons (Next, Previous) to move forward or backward through the questionnaire.
- Use the question mark button for help text if you are not sure how to answer a question.
- The session will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity, and all information you entered will be lost.
- If completing the long-form 2026 Census questionnaire or the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire, you may use the Save and finish later button to save your data onto Statistics Canada’s secure server.
- Use the Submit button at the end of the questionnaire to submit the completed questionnaire to Statistics Canada.
- Make note of your confirmation number.
Is the online questionnaire accessible?
The online questionnaire has several features that make it accessible to respondents, including users of assistive technologies:
- Each page is logically structured, featuring a “Skip to main content” link, headings, and form controls, including “Next” and “Previous” buttons.
- Screen reader users will hear the question and the relevant contextual header repeated after the answer options have been identified.
- Most questions have a help button (?) to give respondents further context and clarification if needed.
- Pages with questions that are left blank, or incomplete will reload as “Attention” pages, offering same-page links to the questions that require revision.
However, some content or services might still be inaccessible to some respondents. For assistance, please contact:
- Census of Population Help Line: 1-833-852-2026
- Census of Agriculture Help Line: 1-855-859-6273.
Respondents with access to TTY (for persons who have a hearing or speech impairment) should call 1-833-830-3109. Video relay services (VRS) can also be used.
Do I need to install any software to complete the census questionnaire online?
No, you do not need to install any software or programs to complete the online questionnaire. The questionnaire is completely web-based. All you need is a computer or a mobile device , an Internet connection, and a web browser.
If your browser does not meet the minimum browser requirements, you may have to download a more current browser version or modify your browser’s settings.
The following requirements apply to computer workstations, laptops and other mobile devices:
- Cookies: To ensure that you are identified during your online session, you should ensure that cookies are enabled in your browser settings.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is not required but enabling it will enhance the functionality of the online questionnaire.
When you access the census website, a test will be done automatically to verify that your computer and browser meet the minimum requirements. If the requirements are not met, you will be provided with instructions on how to upgrade or modify your browser.
Can I complete my census questionnaire online if I don’t have a computer?
Yes. If you do not have access to a computer, the online questionnaire can be completed using a mobile device such as a tablet or cell phone.
How can I be sure the census website is legitimate?
A legitimate Government of Canada website can be identified in several ways. When completing your census questionnaire, look for these features:
- The site URL in the browser address bar should end with “.gc.ca”. It is used exclusively by the Government of Canada and operated by Government Telecommunications and Informatics Services.
- The security certificate is provided by Entrust and clearly identifies Statistics Canada as the owner of the site.
- Check for HTTPS in the address bar and a padlock icon. This means the website encrypts your data and protects your privacy.
What are the minimum browser requirements?
- Chrome 138
- Firefox 140
- Firefox ESR - 128
- Safari 18
- Edge 138
It is recommended that the latest browsers be used since they will have the most up-to-date security features.
Can I complete the census questionnaire online if I have a firewall or anti-virus software?
If you have a firewall, you may have problems connecting to Statistics Canada’s secure servers. You may need to change the settings on your firewall to allow communication between Statistics Canada’s servers and your computer. The same will apply to any anti-virus software you have.
Can I complete the census questionnaire online if I have an ad blocker, content blocker or a browser add-on software?
If you have an ad blocker, a content blocker or a browser add-on, you may have problems with the display or functionality of the online questionnaire. You may need to change the settings or turn off the software to allow proper functioning and display of the online questionnaire.
What is a secure access code, and where do I find mine?
Your secure access code is a unique 16-digit number located at the top of your invitation letter. It is associated with your census questionnaire and is required to complete the questionnaire online.
Respondents who have not received a secure access code should visit the census website at www.census.gc.ca, select Obtain a secure access code and follow the instructions.
If you require further assistance, please contact:
- Census of Population Help Line: 1-833-852-2026
- Census of Agriculture Help Line: 1-855-859-6273.
When I entered my secure access code, the questionnaire didn’t appear. What if my secure access code isn’t working?
Your browser may not be configured to accept session cookies. If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements to access the online questionnaire, a page with instructions will be displayed.
Other possible reasons the system did not accept your secure access code include the following:
- Your secure access code was not entered correctly.
- A completed questionnaire for your household or agricultural operation has already been received by Statistics Canada.
If you require further assistance, please contact:
- Census of Population Help Line: 1-833-852-2026
- Census of Agriculture Help Line: 1-855-859-6273.
Respondents with access to TTY (for persons who have a hearing or speech impairment) should call 1-833-830-3109. Video relay services (VRS) can also be used.
What if I have to leave my computer before completing my questionnaire?
For security reasons, your session will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity or if you close your browser. You will receive a warning after 15 minutes of inactivity indicating that your session will time out in 5 minutes.
Once your session times out, any unsaved information will be lost. To return to your questionnaire, enter your secure access code and then your password, if applicable.
If you do not return to complete the questionnaire, your partial answers will be retained by Statistics Canada. You may be contacted by someone from Statistics Canada’s follow-up program to obtain a more complete questionnaire.