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2006 Census consultation

In preparation for the 2006 Census, Statistics Canada continued its tradition of consulting data users and other interested persons to obtain their views on the content of the next census questionnaire. Participation included representatives from public libraries, academia, municipalities, provincial and federal government departments, private sector and licensed distributors of Statistics Canada data.

For the 2006 Census consultations, a new integrated consultation approach was put in place following users' recommendations. The new model integrated, to the fullest extent possible, discussions on the 2001 Census dissemination, different geography concepts and the 2006 Census content. This round of consultations also aimed at favouring a process of on-going discussions which provided Statistics Canada with continuous feedback from data users.

For the 2006 Census consultation process, two separate rounds of integrated consultations were held. With an emphasis on the questionnaire content, the first round of consultations was held from June to December 2002. In addition, a second round of consultations, centering on the census dissemination program, took place from January to July 2004.

Consultation feedback

The feedback collected through consultations has been carefully analysed against several criteria. With respect to census content, once the analysis was completed, new questions—which take into account suggested adjustments and new needs—were tested through the content-testing program. Click here for the 2006 Census Content Consultation Report.

Content testing

Statistics Canada has tested new potential questions or modifications to existing questions by using methods such as individual interviews and discussion groups. Content-testing activities were held from November 2002 to April 2004.

A census test was held on May 11, 2004 to ensure that all new mechanisms added to the process work well and will be seamlessly integrated with the rest of the operations. In addition, it served as a final test of census content.

Some of the questions in the 2004 Census Test questionnaires have been modified to help Canadians better define their answers and improve the quality of census data. Below you will find copies of the 2004 Census Test questionnaires:

Click here for more details on the Overview of the 2004 Census Test, as well as for a Summary of Content Analysis Results - 2004 Census Test, released in March 2006.

Cabinet approval

Before each census, the options developed by Statistics Canada for the content of the census must be reviewed.

The final content of the 2006 Census questionnaire has been approved by Cabinet and was published in the Canada Gazette in April 2005.

Dissemination consultation

Through a second round of consultation, Statistics Canada has also collected extensive data users' feedback on the census products and services they deem essential.

A consultation guide was developed to help users convey their ideas regarding the 2001 Census Dissemination Program and proposed direction for 2006 Geography. All comments and suggestions were due by July 15, 2004. However, please note that comments and suggestions can still be forwarded to the consultation team by fax at 613-951-1134, by email or by mail to the address listed below. Click here for the 2006 Census Dissemination Consultation Report that summarizes the feedback that was submitted through the second round of consultations.

Please forward any comments and suggestions to the following coordinates:

Census Consultation Team
Statistics Canada
9th Floor, R.H. Coats Building
100 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6
E-mail: censusconsultation@statcan.gc.ca
Fax: 613-951-1134