Completing the online questionnaire

How do I complete my census test questionnaire online?

Completing your census test questionnaire online is easy.

• Visit www.census.gc.ca.
• Follow the link to the online questionnaire and select the “Start questionnaire” button.
• Enter your secure access code, located at the top of your invitation letter. 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 unsure of how to answer a question.
• The session will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity, and all entered information will be lost.
• If completing the long-form 2024 Census Test questionnaire or the 2024 Census of Agriculture Test 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.

Do I need to install any software to complete the census test questionnaire online?

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 test questionnaire online if I don’t have a computer?

The online questionnaire can be completed using a computer or 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 test questionnaire, look for these features:

• The site URL in the browser address bar should end with “.gc.ca”. This suffix is a privately held second-level domain in the “.ca” top-level domain. It is used by the Government of Canada and operated by Government Telecommunications and Informatics Services.
• On the census website, you will be presented with a “Start questionnaire” button. Once you select this button, you will notice that the URL in the browser address bar changes to “https://surveys-enquetes.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/en/login-connexion/open-ouvrir”.
• The security certificate is provided by Entrust and clearly identifies Statistics Canada as the owner of the site.

What are the minimum browser requirements?

• Chrome 90 & 89
• Firefox 88 * 87
• Firefox ESR - 78.10
• Safari 14.0.3
• Edge 90.0.818.51

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 test 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 test 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 encounter 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 test questionnaire and is required to complete the questionnaire online. Respondents who have not received a secure access code should visit the census website, select “Obtain a secure access code” and follow the instructions.

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 one of the following:

• Census of Population Help Line: 1-833-835-2024
• Census of Agriculture Help Line: 1-855-859-6273.

For TTY (a telecommunications device for deaf persons), please 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 indicating that your session will time out in five minutes.

Once your session times out, any unsaved information will be lost. To return to your questionnaire, enter your secure access code then password if applicable.

Some census test questionnaires have a “Save and finish later” option if you need to leave your session before submitting. The “Save and finish later” or “Save the questionnaire” options give you a date by which you must complete the questionnaire. After that date, your partially completed questionnaire is automatically submitted. This function is not available for the short-form census test questionnaire.