Image courtesy of Statistics Canada
The time has come to know how many we are. The National Statistics Office of Canada reported that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 Population Census will be held next May to paint a portrait of the diverse population of Canada and the places where we live.
Geoff Bowlby, general director of the 2021 Census, assured through a press release that they are ready to carry out -like every 5 years-, the Population Census, as it “provides high-quality information on key socioeconomic trends and analysis that help Canadians to make important decisions that affect our families, our neighbourhoods and our businesses. “
Bowlby said that even though several provinces are tightening public health restrictions in response to the increase in Covid-19 cases, the National Office will continue with its plans. Counting activities will not take place inside the respondents’ homes and all interviews will be physically distanced
Statistics Canada is the agency that ensures Canadians have the key information about Canada’s economy, society and environment they need to function effectively as citizens and decision-makers.
The Census of Agriculture will also take place on May 11, 2021. It will collect information on agricultural operations in Canada.
Behind the masks
Bowlby explained that in preparation for the Census, the agency has implemented plans that guarantee everyone’s health and strict monitoring of the protocols imposed by the pandemic, such as sending home questionnaires that the population must answer and send back; the elimination of home visits as much as possible; the forced use of masks. As part of the plan, the Agency offers the option of the telephone and the internet.
Beginning May 3, Canadians will receive Statistics Canada documents in the mail with instructions on how to complete the long and short-form questionnaires. According to their estimates, nine out of ten households will complete the Census either online or by phone, which represents the same percentage registered in 2016.
The remaining 10% will be contacted first by phone to remind them to fill out the forms. Those who do not complete the survey after being contacted by phone may receive an in-person visit from a census taker beginning in late May or June. That interviewer will wear a mask, will remain two meters away, and will conduct the interviews from outside the door.
Statistics Canada has also prepared instructional videos on how to fill out the form and submit it. For more information, you can consult the website https://census.gc.ca/
By Silvia Méndez
