2006 Census Topic-based tabulations

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Topic-based tabulation: Ethnic Origin (247), Generation Status (4), Single and Multiple Ethnic Origin Responses (3) and Sex (3) for the Population 15 Years and Over of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions, 2006 Census - 20% Sample Data

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General information

Catalogue number :97-562-XCB2006015
Release date :April 2, 2008
Topic :Ethnic origin and visible minorities
Data dimensions :

Note

Note: Ethnic origin

In 2006, the Ethnic origin question asked: 'What were the ethnic or cultural origins of this person's ancestors?' Respondents were asked to specify as many origins as applicable. Four write-in spaces were provided and up to six ethnic origins were retained.

Since 1981, when respondents were first permitted to report more than one ethnic origin in the census, a distinction has been made between single and multiple ethnic origin responses. A 'single' response is given when a respondent provides one ethnic origin only. A 'multiple' response is given when a respondent provides two or more ethnic origins. A 'total response' indicates the sum of single and multiple responses for each specific group.

It must be noted that the measurement of ethnicity is affected by changes in the social environment in which the question is asked, and changes in the respondent's understanding or views about the topic. Awareness of family background or length of time since immigration can affect responses to the ethnic origin question. Some respondents may confuse or combine the concept of ethnic origin with other concepts such as citizenship, nationality, language or cultural identity.

As well, some respondents may choose to provide very specific ethnic origins in the census, while others may choose to give more general responses. This means that two respondents with the same ethnic ancestry could have different response patterns and thus could be counted as having different ethnic origins. For example, one respondent may report 'East Indian' ethnic origin while another respondent, with a similar ancestral background, may report 'Punjabi' or 'South Asian' origins; one respondent may report 'Black' while another, similar respondent, may report 'Ghanaian' or 'African.' As a result, ethnic origin data are very fluid, and counts for certain origins, such as 'East Indian' and 'Black,' may seem lower than initially expected. Users who wish to obtain broader response counts may wish to combine data for two or more ethnic origins together or use counts for ethnic categories such as 'South Asian origins' or 'African origins.'

For additional information on issues related to the collection and dissemination of ethnic origin data, and on the comparability of ethnic origin data over time, refer to the Ethnic Origin Reference Guide, 2006 Census, Catalogue number 97-562-GWE2006025.

Note: Impact of municipal restructuring

The boundaries and names of municipalities (census subdivisions) can change from one census to the next because of annexations, dissolutions and incorporations. To bridge the impact of these municipal changes on data dissemination, the 2006 Census team is producing a profile for dissolved census subdivisions. For additional information, please refer to the 2006 Census Dictionary, catalogue number 92-566-XWE or 92-566-XPE.

Note: Institutional residents

People in seniors' residences in the 2006 Census are classified as 'not living in an institution'. This is a change from the 2001 Census where they were classified as institutional residents, specifically, 'living in an institution, resident under care or custody'.

Note: Non-permanent residents and the census universe

In the 2006 Census, non-permanent residents are defined as people from another country who, at the time of the census, held a Work or Study Permit, or who were refugee claimants, as well as family members living in Canada with them. In the 1991, 1996 and 2001 censuses, non-permanent residents also included persons who held a Minister's permit; this was discontinued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada prior to the 2006 Census.

From 1991 on, the Census of Population has enumerated both permanent and non-permanent residents of Canada. Prior to 1991, only permanent residents of Canada were included in the census. (The only exception to this occurred in 1941.) Non-permanent residents were considered foreign residents and were not enumerated.

Total population counts, as well as counts for all variables, are affected by this change in the census universe. Users should be especially careful when comparing data from 1991, 1996, 2001 or 2006 with data from previous censuses in geographic areas where there is a concentration of non-permanent residents.

Today in Canada, non-permanent residents make up a significant segment of the population, especially in several census metropolitan areas. Their presence can affect the demand for such government services as health care, schooling, employment programs and language training. The inclusion of non-permanent residents in the census facilitates comparisons with provincial and territorial statistics (marriages, divorces, births and deaths) which include this population. In addition, this inclusion of non-permanent residents brings Canadian practice closer to the United Nations (UN) recommendation that long-term residents (persons living in a country for one year or longer) be enumerated in the census.

Although every attempt has been made to enumerate non-permanent residents, factors such as language difficulties, the reluctance to complete a government form or to understand the need to participate may have affected the enumeration of this population.

For additional information, please refer to the 2006 Census Dictionary, catalogue number 92-566-XWE or 92-566-XPE.

For counts of the non-permanent resident population in 1991, 2001 and 2006, please refer to the 2006 Census table 97-557-XCB2006006.


Note: Population universe

The population universe of the 2006 Census includes the following groups:
- Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization) and landed immigrants with a usual place of residence in Canada;
- Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization) and landed immigrants who are abroad, either on a military base or attached to a diplomatic mission;
- Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization) and landed immigrants at sea or in port aboard merchant vessels under Canadian registry;
- persons with a usual place of residence in Canada who are claiming refugee status and members of their families living with them;
- persons with a usual place of residence in Canada who hold Study Permits and members of their families living with them;
- persons with a usual place of residence in Canada who hold Work Permits and members of their families living with them.

For census purposes, the last three groups in this list are referred to as 'non-permanent residents'. For further information, refer to the variable Immigration: Non-permanent resident found in the 2006 Census Dictionary, catalogue number 92-566-XWE or 92-566-XPE.

Data table

Select data categories for this table


This table details ethnic origin , generation status , single and multiple ethnic origin responses and sex for the population 15 years and over in CanadaFootnote 2
Ethnic origin (247) Generation status (4)
Total - Generation status 1st generationFootnote 3 2nd generationFootnote 4 3rd generation or moreFootnote 5
Total - Ethnic originFootnote 6 25,664,220 6,124,565 4,006,420 15,533,245
British Isles origins 9,104,115 872,150 1,644,815 6,587,145
Cornish 1,300 310 370 615
English 5,377,260 547,865 1,035,150 3,794,250
Irish 3,483,385 230,975 496,990 2,755,425
Manx 3,930 685 955 2,290
Scottish 3,772,950 271,545 635,600 2,865,795
Welsh 358,215 47,210 77,075 233,935
British Isles, n.i.e.Footnote 7 316,455 49,420 80,850 186,190
French origins 4,045,400 182,185 286,865 3,576,345
Acadian 78,230 1,285 2,890 74,060
French 3,996,795 181,380 284,900 3,530,505
Aboriginal origins 1,182,505 16,565 70,845 1,095,090
Inuit 43,355 135 1,360 41,860
Métis 292,905 1,445 19,230 272,225
North American Indian 880,410 15,105 51,900 813,410
Other North American origins 8,241,500 155,340 670,240 7,415,915
American 248,235 50,015 81,250 116,970
Canadian 7,960,850 111,040 613,445 7,236,370
Newfoundlander 13,765 255 1,255 12,250
Nova Scotian 1,405 65 195 1,145
Ontarian 1,330 10 185 1,135
Québécois 118,730 1,125 4,770 112,835
Other provincial or regional groups 2,215 40 255 1,910
Caribbean origins 424,005 285,210 116,880 21,915
Antiguan 2,660 1,430 1,135 95
Bahamian 1,225 590 485 150
Barbadian 22,995 12,125 8,235 2,640
Bermudan 1,880 705 650 525
Carib 1,785 1,300 415 70
Cuban 9,850 7,850 1,610 385
Dominican, n.o.s.Footnote 8 8,145 6,180 1,775 185
Grenadian 8,590 6,220 2,210 155
Guyanese 45,330 30,010 13,670 1,645
Haitian 73,690 52,005 19,380 2,305
Jamaican 163,820 109,455 45,315 9,050
Kittitian/Nevisian 1,650 1,005 595 50
Martinican 700 475 170 55
Montserratan 595 330 240 30
Puerto Rican 1,330 825 310 195
St. Lucian 3,185 2,250 780 160
Trinidadian/Tobagonian 42,725 25,775 15,230 1,715
Vincentian/Grenadinian 7,170 4,980 1,950 240
West Indian 44,615 29,470 12,495 2,645
Caribbean, n.i.e.Footnote 9 9,555 6,225 2,675 650
Latin, Central and South American origins 260,155 209,735 41,645 8,775
Aboriginal from Central/South America 9,815 8,060 1,240 515
Argentinian 9,525 6,710 2,355 460
Belizean 535 290 220 25
Bolivian 2,075 1,570 445 55
Brazilian 11,220 8,500 2,235 485
Chilean 28,280 21,025 6,275 975
Colombian 31,665 27,980 3,055 630
Costa Rican 2,275 1,900 335 40
Ecuadorian 11,935 8,935 2,940 60
Guatemalan 12,805 10,515 2,025 270
Hispanic 3,550 3,005 420 125
Honduran 3,905 3,380 495 25
Maya 3,260 2,695 425 145
Mexican 41,990 31,685 7,160 3,145
Nicaraguan 7,965 6,965 915 85
Panamanian 2,570 2,020 460 85
Paraguayan 1,355 680 530 140
Peruvian 18,735 15,525 2,905 305
Salvadorean 42,650 36,400 5,695 560
Uruguayan 3,220 2,300 880 45
Venezuelan 7,285 6,060 1,055 170
Latin, Central or South American, n.i.e.Footnote 10 16,135 12,740 2,730 665
European origins 7,957,990 2,101,915 2,157,875 3,698,200
Western European origins 3,419,950 553,685 827,425 2,038,840
Austrian 157,415 30,700 48,510 78,205
Belgian 130,515 20,085 33,620 76,810
Dutch (Netherlands) 785,790 155,910 253,325 376,555
Flemish 10,210 2,260 2,570 5,375
Frisian 3,410 1,470 1,345 595
German 2,481,675 352,805 524,645 1,604,225
Luxembourger 2,700 780 880 1,045
Swiss 107,100 25,660 26,925 54,515
Northern European origins 872,900 80,885 204,095 587,915
Finnish 101,930 15,410 30,595 55,920
Scandinavian origins 786,280 67,570 178,005 540,705
Danish 155,280 26,020 47,725 81,535
Icelandic 67,090 1,630 9,175 56,285
Norwegian 335,775 19,420 71,540 244,810
Swedish 263,175 21,940 58,570 182,670
Scandinavian, n.i.e.Footnote 11 27,640 3,295 4,760 19,585
Eastern European origins 2,370,450 568,240 590,965 1,211,245
Baltic origins 79,120 25,955 29,910 23,255
Estonian 19,685 6,940 7,995 4,750
Latvian 22,725 7,960 8,740 6,025
Lithuanian 38,330 11,595 13,935 12,800
Byelorussian 8,545 5,845 1,445 1,250
Czech and Slovak origins 152,490 46,260 47,455 58,775
Czech 76,515 26,950 21,630 27,935
Czechoslovakian 29,950 4,390 10,740 14,825
Slovak 50,155 16,540 16,575 17,040
Hungarian (Magyar) 245,005 72,360 77,920 94,725
Polish 782,415 213,715 203,720 364,980
Romanian 153,905 75,455 26,325 52,120
Russian 392,405 112,475 83,720 196,210
Ukrainian 940,570 84,755 212,865 642,955
Southern European origins 2,134,150 962,650 737,965 433,530
Albanian 16,435 14,750 1,360 325
Bosnian 16,260 14,965 1,035 260
Bulgarian 21,735 15,925 2,535 3,270
Croatian 86,980 45,795 31,030 10,145
Cypriot 2,645 1,455 1,110 85
Greek 191,100 86,680 80,510 23,910
Italian 1,116,695 366,205 439,275 311,210
Kosovar 960 935 15 15
Macedonian 29,075 14,915 10,560 3,600
Maltese 27,745 8,915 12,595 6,235
Montenegrin 1,830 1,535 250 50
Portuguese 318,100 195,475 101,955 20,665
Serbian 56,895 44,260 9,275 3,355
Sicilian 3,320 715 1,190 1,420
Slovenian 27,670 11,360 12,455 3,850
Spanish 252,580 164,875 46,365 41,340
Yugoslav, n.i.e.Footnote 12 51,305 19,370 18,120 13,805
Other European origins 290,400 107,370 85,405 97,625
Basque 4,135 1,350 565 2,220
Gypsy (Roma) 2,400 955 615 830
Jewish 253,600 96,085 77,945 79,575
Slav (European) 4,625 2,475 905 1,250
European, n.i.e.Footnote 13 28,185 7,320 6,085 14,780
African origins 293,885 223,960 40,965 28,955
Afrikaner 1,420 1,190 135 95
Akan 490 450 40 0
Amhara 780 755 25 0
Angolan 1,460 1,300 150 15
Ashanti 1,220 1,075 145 0
Bantu 1,160 1,100 45 15
Black 42,270 20,960 8,870 12,445
Burundian 3,070 2,930 70 70
Cameroonian 3,015 2,670 230 115
Chadian 605 575 15 10
Congolese (Zairian) 6,890 6,455 310 125
Congolese, n.o.s.Footnote 14 3,740 3,320 300 120
Dinka 365 365 0 0
East African 2,400 1,670 620 110
Eritrean 7,395 6,835 525 35
Ethiopian 16,345 15,390 800 155
Gabonese 525 435 55 35
Gambian 350 320 20 15
Ghanaian 16,450 13,705 2,480 255
Guinean, n.o.s.Footnote 15 1,550 1,440 95 15
Harari 450 415 35 0
Ibo 465 435 25 0
Ivorian 1,415 1,225 95 95
Kenyan 3,780 3,280 455 40
Malagasy 1,130 960 130 40
Malian 895 820 45 25
Mauritian 3,590 2,480 940 175
Nigerian 12,785 10,655 1,950 185
Oromo 1,405 1,310 80 15
Peulh 680 670 10 10
Rwandan 3,875 3,720 90 65
Senegalese 2,250 1,935 250 65
Seychellois 615 545 60 10
Sierra Leonean 1,390 1,300 65 25
Somali 21,685 20,305 1,130 245
South African 18,585 12,225 4,655 1,700
Sudanese 8,125 7,975 115 35
Tanzanian 1,840 1,380 420 40
Tigrian 490 480 15 0
Togolese 1,185 1,050 110 25
Ugandan 2,525 2,010 435 80
Yoruba 2,255 1,995 225 30
Zambian 610 540 45 25
Zimbabwean 2,650 2,425 150 70
Zulu 495 460 20 20
African, n.i.e.Footnote 16 101,745 73,100 16,005 12,640
Arab origins 339,125 256,490 54,840 27,795
Egyptian 41,450 31,430 8,960 1,055
Iraqi 21,535 19,840 1,455 240
Jordanian 4,790 4,135 615 40
Kuwaiti 1,165 1,145 25 0
Lebanese 119,470 73,155 26,400 19,910
Libyan 1,470 1,350 100 10
Maghrebi origins 66,055 56,935 7,580 1,545
Algerian 18,860 17,060 1,245 555
Berber 10,430 10,070 260 100
Moroccan 31,505 25,660 5,115 725
Tunisian 6,950 5,775 1,005 170
Maghrebi, n.i.e.Footnote 17 1,350 1,085 200 65
Palestinian 17,530 14,870 2,370 290
Saudi Arabian 1,810 1,705 90 15
Syrian 23,520 15,190 4,365 3,970
Yemeni 1,635 1,410 180 40
Arab, n.i.e.Footnote 18 60,220 52,210 6,415 1,595
West Asian origins 235,195 205,155 23,670 6,365
Afghan 33,235 31,995 1,035 200
Armenian 41,265 29,540 9,285 2,435
Assyrian 6,870 6,005 685 180
Azerbaijani 2,710 2,620 55 40
Georgian 1,730 1,300 190 240
Iranian 98,695 92,400 5,320 975
Israeli 7,585 4,695 2,245 640
Kurd 6,355 6,180 145 25
Pashtun 1,140 1,125 15 0
Tatar 1,865 1,765 75 25
Turk 33,735 27,405 4,855 1,470
West Asian, n.i.e.Footnote 19 8,945 8,245 440 260
South Asian origins 998,220 842,560 143,260 12,400
Bangladeshi 17,335 16,600 675 55
Bengali 8,470 8,055 390 25
East Indian 745,930 612,460 122,445 11,025
Goan 3,865 3,125 660 85
Gujarati 2,445 2,150 295 0
Kashmiri 1,350 1,125 220 0
Nepali 2,815 2,670 130 10
Pakistani 84,470 75,165 8,730 575
Punjabi 40,000 33,625 6,150 230
Sinhalese 4,385 3,900 445 45
Sri Lankan 77,460 73,010 4,170 280
Tamil 25,935 24,825 1,065 45
South Asian, n.i.e.Footnote 20 41,710 37,580 3,770 355
East and Southeast Asian origins 1,768,865 1,467,580 246,890 54,390
Burmese 3,505 2,760 610 135
Cambodian 19,720 15,740 3,805 175
Chinese 1,099,110 916,840 156,995 25,275
Filipino 332,305 288,515 41,075 2,720
Hmong 545 325 205 15
Indonesian 10,585 7,225 2,715 645
Japanese 76,405 32,820 21,150 22,440
Khmer 945 765 160 15
Korean 117,065 106,325 9,770 965
Laotian 15,490 12,300 2,865 320
Malaysian 9,715 7,770 1,650 295
Mongolian 3,100 1,980 565 555
Singaporean 1,125 885 220 15
Taiwanese 15,200 14,005 1,150 40
Thai 7,035 6,005 925 105
Tibetan 3,300 3,115 175 10
Vietnamese 135,710 115,090 19,160 1,450
East or Southeast Asian, n.i.e.Footnote 21 6,130 5,080 740 320
Asian, n.o.s.Footnote 22 390 190 70 130
Oceania origins 42,230 19,560 14,640 8,025
Australian 21,645 8,440 8,210 4,995
New Zealander 7,625 3,145 3,105 1,380
Pacific Islands origins 13,690 8,380 3,575 1,740
Fijian 9,385 6,560 2,620 210
Hawaiian 1,680 325 285 1,065
Maori 1,095 615 315 170
Polynesian 840 400 215 225
Samoan 370 255 85 30
Pacific Islander, n.i.e.Footnote 23 645 425 170 45

Footnotes

Footnote 1

The category 'Total - Single and multiple ethnic origin responses' indicates the number of respondents who reported each ethnic origin, either as their only response or in addition to one or more other ethnic origins. Total responses represent the sum of single responses and multiple responses received in the census.

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Footnote 2

Excludes census data for one or more incompletely enumerated Indian reserves or Indian settlements.

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Footnote 3

Persons born outside Canada. For the most part, these are people who are now, or have ever been, landed immigrants in Canada. Also included in the first generation are a small number of people born outside Canada to parents who are Canadian citizens by birth. In addition, the first generation includes people who are non-permanent residents (defined as people from another country living in Canada on Work or Study Permits or as refugee claimants, and any family members living with them in Canada).

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Footnote 4

Persons born inside Canada with at least one parent born outside Canada. This includes (a) persons born in Canada with both parents born outside Canada and (b) persons born in Canada with one parent born in Canada and one parent born outside Canada (these persons may have grandparents born inside or outside Canada as well).

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Footnote 5

Persons born inside Canada with both parents born inside Canada (these persons may have grandparents born inside or outside Canada as well).

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Footnote 6

This is a total population count. The sum of the ethnic groups in this table is greater than the total population count because a person may report more than one ethnic origin in the census.

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Footnote 7

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 8

The abbreviation 'n.o.s.' means 'not otherwise specified.'

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Footnote 9

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 10

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 11

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 12

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 13

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 14

The abbreviation 'n.o.s.' means 'not otherwise specified.'

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Footnote 15

The abbreviation 'n.o.s.' means 'not otherwise specified.'

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Footnote 16

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 17

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 18

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 19

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 20

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 21

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Footnote 22

The abbreviation 'n.o.s.' means 'not otherwise specified.'

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Footnote 23

The abbreviation 'n.i.e.' means 'not included elsewhere.'

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Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Population, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 97-562-XCB2006015.

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