Special Interest Profile, 2021 Census of Population
Profile of interest: Ethnic or cultural origin 

"Gender" refers to an individual's personal and social identity as a man, woman or non-binary person (a person who is not exclusively a man or a woman).

Gender includes the following concepts:

• gender identity, which refers to the gender that a person feels internally and individually;
• gender expression, which refers to the way a person presents their gender, regardless of their gender identity, through body language, aesthetic choices or accessories (e.g., clothes, hairstyle and makeup), which may have traditionally been associated with a specific gender.

A person's gender may differ from their sex at birth, and from what is indicated on their current identification or legal documents such as their birth certificate, passport or driver's licence. A person's gender may change over time.

Some people may not identify with a specific gender.

Given that the non-binary population is small, data aggregation to a two-category gender variable is sometimes necessary to protect the confidentiality of responses provided. In these cases, individuals in the category "non-binary persons" are distributed into the other two gender categories and are denoted by the "+" symbol.

This category includes men (and/or boys), as well as some non-binary persons.

This category includes women (and/or girls), as well as some non-binary persons.

Household type refers to the differentiation of households on the basis of whether they are census family households or non census family households. Census family households are those that contain at least one census family. Non census family households are either one person living alone or a group of two or more persons who live together but do not constitute a census family. Census family households may be differentiated based on the presence of additional persons (that is, persons not in a census family).

There is no age restriction on children. Includes children living with a grandparent or grandparents without a parent present.

This category includes men (and/or boys), as well as some non-binary persons.

Given that the non-binary population is small, data aggregation to a two-category gender variable is sometimes necessary to protect the confidentiality of responses provided. In these cases, individuals in the category "non-binary persons" are distributed into the other two gender categories and are denoted by the "+" symbol.

This category includes women (and/or girls), as well as some non-binary persons.

Given that the non-binary population is small, data aggregation to a two-category gender variable is sometimes necessary to protect the confidentiality of responses provided. In these cases, individuals in the category "non-binary persons" are distributed into the other two gender categories and are denoted by the "+" symbol.

Multigenerational households represent all households where there is at least one person who is both the grandparent of a person in the household and the parent of another person in the same household. They also represent all households where there is at least one person who is both the child of a person in the household and the grandchild of another person in the same household. In previous censuses, multigenerational households were only created based on the former definition, not the latter. As a result, there may be small differences in counts for 2011 and 2016 in archived tables.

Excludes multigenerational households.

Military service status refers to whether or not the person is currently serving or has previously served in the Canadian military. Military service status is asked of all Canadians aged 17 and older. For the purposes of the 2021 Census, Canadian military service includes service with the Regular Force or Primary Reserve Force as an Officer or Non-Commissioned Member. It does not include service with the Cadets, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) instructors or the Canadian Rangers.

For more information on the military service status variable, including data quality and comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Canadian Military Experience Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Total income - The sum of certain incomes (in cash and, in some circumstances, in kind) of the statistical unit during a specified reference period. The components used to calculate total income vary between:

• statistical units of social statistical programs such as persons, private households, census families and economic families;
• statistical units of business statistical programs such as enterprises, companies, establishments and locations;
• statistical units of farm statistical programs such as farm operator and farm family.

In the context of persons, total income refers to receipts from certain sources, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of census families, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all of its family members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of economic families, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all of its family members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of households, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all household members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

The monetary receipts included are those that tend to be of a regular and recurring nature. Receipts that are included as income are:

• employment income from wages, salaries, tips, commissions and net income from self-employment (for both unincorporated farm and non-farm activities);
• income from investment sources, such as dividends and interest on bonds, accounts, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) and mutual funds;
• income from employer and personal pension sources, such as private pensions and payments from annuities and registered retirement income funds (RRIFs);
• other regular cash income, such as child support payments received, spousal support payments (alimony) received and scholarships;
• income from government sources, such as social assistance, child benefits, Employment Insurance benefits, Old Age Security benefits, COVID-19 benefits and Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan benefits and disability income.

Receipts excluded from this income definition are:

• one-time receipts, such as lottery winnings, gambling winnings, cash inheritances, lump-sum insurance settlements and tax-free savings account (TFSA) or registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) withdrawals;
• capital gains because they are not by their nature regular and recurring. It is further assumed that they are more relevant to the concept of wealth than the concept of income;
• employers' contributions to registered pension plans, Canada Pension Plan, Québec Pension Plan and Employment Insurance;
• voluntary inter-household transfers, imputed rent, goods and services produced for barter and goods produced for own consumption.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

After-tax income - After-tax income refers to total income less income taxes of the statistical unit during a specified reference period. Income taxes refers to the sum of federal income taxes, provincial and territorial income taxes, less abatement where applicable. Provincial and territorial income taxes include health care premiums in certain jurisdictions. Abatement reduces the federal income taxes payable by persons residing in Quebec or in certain self-governing Yukon First Nation settlement lands.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Employment income - All income received as wages, salaries and commissions from paid employment and net self-employment income from farm or non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice during the reference period. For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Total income - The sum of certain incomes (in cash and, in some circumstances, in kind) of the statistical unit during a specified reference period. The components used to calculate total income vary between:

• statistical units of social statistical programs such as persons, private households, census families and economic families;
• statistical units of business statistical programs such as enterprises, companies, establishments and locations;
• statistical units of farm statistical programs such as farm operator and farm family.

In the context of persons, total income refers to receipts from certain sources, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of census families, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all of its family members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of economic families, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all of its family members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of households, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all household members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

The monetary receipts included are those that tend to be of a regular and recurring nature. Receipts that are included as income are:

• employment income from wages, salaries, tips, commissions and net income from self-employment (for both unincorporated farm and non-farm activities);
• income from investment sources, such as dividends and interest on bonds, accounts, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) and mutual funds;
• income from employer and personal pension sources, such as private pensions and payments from annuities and registered retirement income funds (RRIFs);
• other regular cash income, such as child support payments received, spousal support payments (alimony) received and scholarships;
• income from government sources, such as social assistance, child benefits, Employment Insurance benefits, Old Age Security benefits, COVID-19 benefits and Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan benefits and disability income.

Receipts excluded from this income definition are:

• one-time receipts, such as lottery winnings, gambling winnings, cash inheritances, lump-sum insurance settlements and tax-free savings account (TFSA) or registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) withdrawals;
• capital gains because they are not by their nature regular and recurring. It is further assumed that they are more relevant to the concept of wealth than the concept of income;
• employers' contributions to registered pension plans, Canada Pension Plan, Québec Pension Plan and Employment Insurance;
• voluntary inter-household transfers, imputed rent, goods and services produced for barter and goods produced for own consumption.

After-tax income - Total income less income taxes of the statistical unit during a specified reference period. Income taxes refers to the sum of federal income taxes, provincial and territorial income taxes, less abatement where applicable. Provincial and territorial income taxes include health care premiums in certain jurisdictions. Abatement reduces the federal income taxes payable by persons residing in Quebec or in certain self-governing Yukon First Nation settlement lands.

Government transfers - All cash benefits received from federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments during the reference period. It includes:

• Old Age Security pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor;
• retirement, disability and survivor benefits from Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan;
• benefits from Employment Insurance and Québec parental insurance plan;
• child benefits from federal and provincial programs;
• social assistance benefits;
• workers' compensation benefits;
• Canada workers benefit (CWB);
• Goods and services tax credit and harmonized sales tax credit;
• other income from government sources.

For the 2021 Census, this includes various benefits from new and existing federal, provincial and territorial government income programs intended to provide financial support to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures implemented to minimize the spread of the virus.

Employment income - All income received as wages, salaries and commissions from paid employment and net self-employment income from farm or non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice during the reference period.

All Employment Insurance (EI) benefits received during the reference period, before income tax deductions. It includes benefits for unemployment, sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption, compassionate care, work sharing, retraining, and benefits to self-employed fishers received under the federal EI Program or the Québec parental insurance plan. For the 2021 Census, this includes enhancements to the EI benefits in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 – Emergency and Recovery Benefits refers to the benefits from all federal programs intended to provide financial support to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures implemented to minimize the spread of the virus. It includes:

• the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB);
• the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB);
• the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB);
• the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB);
• the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Median income - The median income of a specified group is the amount that divides the income distribution of that group into two halves, i.e., the incomes of half of the units in that group are below the median, while those of the other half are above the median. Median incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Average income - Average income of a specified group is calculated by dividing the aggregate income of that group by the number of units in that group. Average incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Full-year full-time workers - Persons aged 15 years and over who worked mostly full time (30 hours or more per week) and full year (49 weeks and over per year) in 2020. For more information, see variable work activity in 2020, Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.

Median income - The median income of a specified group is the amount that divides the income distribution of that group into two halves, i.e., the incomes of half of the units in that group are below the median, while those of the other half are above the median. Median incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Average income - Average income of a specified group is calculated by dividing the aggregate income of that group by the number of units in that group. Average incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Part-year or part-time workers - Persons aged 15 years and over who worked mostly part time (less than 30 hours per week) or 48 weeks or less during 2020. For more information, see variable work activity in 2020, Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.

Composition of total income - The composition of the total income of a population group or a geographic area refers to the relative share of each income source or group of sources, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate total income of that group or area.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Market income - The sum of employment income (wages, salaries and commissions, net self-employment income from farm or non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice), investment income, private retirement income (retirement pensions, superannuation and annuities, including those from registered retirement savings plans [RRSPs] and registered retirement income funds [RRIFs]) and other money income from market sources during the reference period. It is equivalent to total income minus government transfers. It is also referred to as income before transfers and taxes.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Employment income - All income received as wages, salaries and commissions from paid employment and net self-employment income from farm or non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice during the reference period.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Government transfers - All cash benefits received from federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments during the reference period. It includes:

• Old Age Security pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor;
• retirement, disability and survivor benefits from Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan;
• benefits from Employment Insurance and Québec parental insurance plan;
• child benefits from federal and provincial programs;
• social assistance benefits;
• workers' compensation benefits;
• Canada workers benefit (CWB);
• Goods and services tax credit and harmonized sales tax credit;
• other income from government sources.

For the 2021 Census, this includes various benefits from new and existing federal, provincial and territorial government income programs intended to provide financial support to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures implemented to minimize the spread of the virus.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

All Employment Insurance (EI) benefits received during the reference period, before income tax deductions. It includes benefits for unemployment, sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption, compassionate care, work sharing, retraining, and benefits to self-employed fishers received under the federal EI Program or the Québec parental insurance plan. For the 2021 Census, this includes enhancements to the EI benefits in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

COVID-19 – Government income support and benefits refers to the sum of benefits from various new and existing federal, provincial, and territorial programs intended to provide financial support to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures implemented to minimize the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 – Emergency and Recovery Benefits refers to the benefits from all federal programs intended to provide financial support to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures implemented to minimize the spread of the virus. It includes:

• the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB);
• the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB);
• the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB);
• the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB);
• the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).

Total income - The sum of certain incomes (in cash and, in some circumstances, in kind) of the statistical unit during a specified reference period. The components used to calculate total income vary between:

• statistical units of social statistical programs such as persons, private households, census families and economic families;
• statistical units of business statistical programs such as enterprises, companies, establishments and locations;
• statistical units of farm statistical programs such as farm operator and farm family.

In the context of persons, total income refers to receipts from certain sources, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of census families, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all of its family members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of economic families, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all of its family members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

In the context of households, total income refers to receipts from certain sources of all household members, before income taxes and deductions, during a specified reference period.

The monetary receipts included are those that tend to be of a regular and recurring nature. Receipts that are included as income are:

• employment income from wages, salaries, tips, commissions and net income from self-employment (for both unincorporated farm and non-farm activities);
• income from investment sources, such as dividends and interest on bonds, accounts, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) and mutual funds;
• income from employer and personal pension sources, such as private pensions and payments from annuities and registered retirement income funds (RRIFs);
• other regular cash income, such as child support payments received, spousal support payments (alimony) received and scholarships;
• income from government sources, such as social assistance, child benefits, Employment Insurance benefits, Old Age Security benefits, Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan benefits and disability income.

Receipts excluded from this income definition are:

• one-time receipts, such as lottery winnings, gambling winnings, cash inheritances, lump-sum insurance settlements and tax-free savings account (TFSA) or registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) withdrawals;
• capital gains because they are not by their nature regular and recurring. It is further assumed that they are more relevant to the concept of wealth than the concept of income;
• employers' contributions to registered pension plans, Canada Pension Plan, Québec Pension Plan and Employment Insurance;
• voluntary inter-household transfers, imputed rent, goods and services produced for barter and goods produced for own consumption.

After-tax income - Total income less income taxes of the statistical unit during a specified reference period. Income taxes refers to the sum of federal income taxes, provincial and territorial income taxes, less abatement where applicable. Provincial and territorial income taxes include health care premiums in certain jurisdictions. Abatement reduces the federal income taxes payable by persons residing in Quebec or in certain self-governing Yukon First Nation settlement lands.

Employment income - All income received as wages, salaries and commissions from paid employment and net self-employment income from farm or non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice during the reference period.

Government transfers - All cash benefits received from federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments during the reference period. It includes:

• Old Age Security pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor;
• retirement, disability and survivor benefits from Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan;
• benefits from Employment Insurance and Québec parental insurance plan;
• child benefits from federal and provincial programs;
• social assistance benefits;
• workers' compensation benefits;
• Canada workers benefit (CWB);
• Goods and services tax credit and harmonized sales tax credit;
• other income from government sources.

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits - All Employment Insurance (EI) benefits received during the reference period, before income tax deductions. It includes benefits for unemployment, sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption, compassionate care, work sharing, retraining, and benefits to self-employed fishers received under the federal EI Program or the Québec parental insurance plan.

The reference period for these variables is calendar year 2019. These variables are intended for comparison with their 2020 equivalent and other 2019 income variables. Income for 2019 is presented in 2020 constant dollars.

Median income - The median income of a specified group is the amount that divides the income distribution of that group into two halves, i.e., the incomes of half of the units in that group are below the median, while those of the other half are above the median. Median incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Average income - Average income of a specified group is calculated by dividing the aggregate income of that group by the number of units in that group. Average incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Employment income - All income received as wages, salaries and commissions from paid employment and net self-employment income from farm or non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice during the reference period. The reference period for this variable is calendar year 2019. The variable is intended for comparison with its 2020 equivalent and other 2019 income variables. Income for 2019 is presented in 2020 constant dollars.

Average income - Average income of a specified group is calculated by dividing the aggregate income of that group by the number of units in that group. Average incomes of individuals are calculated for those with income (positive or negative).

Part-year or part-time workers - Persons aged 15 years and over who worked mostly part time (less than 30 hours per week) or 48 weeks or less during 2020. For more information, see variable work activity in 2020, Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.

Composition of total income - The composition of the total income of a population group or a geographic area refers to the relative share of each income source or group of sources, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate total income of that group or area.

The reference period for these variables is calendar year 2019. These variables are intended for comparison with their 2020 equivalent and other 2019 income variables. Income for 2019 is presented in 2020 constant dollars.

Economic family after-tax income decile group - The economic family income decile group provides a rough ranking of the economic situation of a person based on his or her relative position in the Canadian distribution of the adjusted after-tax income of economic families for all persons in private households.

Using data from the 2021 Census of Population, the population in private households is sorted according to its adjusted after-tax family income and then divided into 10 equal groups each containing 10% of the population. The decile cut-points are the levels of adjusted after-tax family income that define the 10 groups.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

This measure combines both the Market Basket Measure (MBM) and the Northern Market Basket Measure (MBM-N). The MBM is applicable only in the provinces, excluding reserves. The MBM-N is applicable only in the territories, excluding reserves.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for poverty data is the calendar year 2020.

The Market Basket Measure (MBM) refers to Canada's official measure of poverty based on the cost of a specific basket of goods and services representing a modest, basic standard of living developed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The MBM thresholds represent the costs of specified qualities and quantities of food, clothing, shelter, transportation and other necessities for a reference family of two adults and two children. The square root of economic family size is the equivalence scale used to adjust the MBM thresholds for other family sizes. This adjustment for different family sizes reflects the fact that an economic family's needs increase, but at a decreasing rate, as the number of members increases.

The MBM basket (2018-base) is priced for 53 different geographic areas - 19 specific communities and 34 population centre size and province combinations. The MBM recognises the potential differences in the cost of the basket between similar-sized communities in different provinces and between different geographical regions within provinces. These thresholds are presented in Table 2.2 Market Basket Measure (MBM) thresholds for economic families and persons not in economic families, 2020, Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.

The income measure used to compare against the MBM thresholds is the disposable income for the MBM. When the disposable income for the MBM of an economic family or a person not in economic family falls below the threshold applicable to the family or the person, the person or every member in the case of an economic family is considered to be in poverty according to MBM.

The Northern Market Basket Measure (MBM-N), developed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada in partnership with territorial governments and national Indigenous organizations, refers to the measure of low income based on the cost of a specific basket of goods and services representing a modest, basic standard of living in the territories. The threshold represents the costs of specified qualities and quantities of food, clothing, transportation, shelter and other expenses for the reference family of the MBM-N. For Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the reference family composes two adults and two children. For Nunavut, the reference family consists of five people (two adults and three children). The square root of economic family size is the equivalence scale used to adjust the Northern MBM thresholds for other family sizes.

For some families in Nunavut, the threshold includes an additional component called the inuusiqattiarniq component. This additional component is only applied to those families that have at least one person with Indigenous identity. The Northern MBM data for Nunavut reflects the methodology as described in the discussion paper 'Construction of a Northern Market Basket Measure of poverty for Nunavut' released on June 21, 2023.

The Northern MBM recognizes potential differences in the cost of the basket between different geographical regions across the territories. Hence, the 2018-base Northern MBM basket is priced for 13 different geographic areas.

Poverty rate - The proportion or percentage of units whose income falls below a specified poverty line.

Low-income status - The income situation of the statistical unit in relation to a specific low-income line in a reference year. Statistical units with income that is below the low-income line are considered to be in low income.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Prior to the 2021 Census, the LIM thresholds and the LIM low income statistics were derived and reported for the population residing outside of the territories and off reserve only. It was based on the consideration that the income, prices and expenditure patterns could be quite different in the territories and on reserve, and thus, could make the interpretation of the LIM low-income statistics difficult.

Since the 2016 Census, there were research studies that analyzed the feasibility of defining LIM thresholds that include the population living in the territories and on reserve, and examined the aspects that should be considered when interpreting low-income statistics based on this definition. With the guidance and support of such research, the 2021 Census expanded the coverage of the LIM concept to all regions in Canada, making it the only low-income concept that is applicable to the population living in the territories and on reserve.

Low-income measure, after tax (LIM-AT) - The Low-income measure, after tax, refers to a fixed percentage (50%) of median-adjusted after-tax income of private households. The household after-tax income is adjusted by an equivalence scale to take economies of scale into account. This adjustment for different household sizes reflects the fact that a household's needs increase, but at a decreasing rate, as the number of members increases.

Using data from the 2021 Census of Population, the line applicable to a household is defined as half the Canadian median of the adjusted household after-tax income multiplied by the square root of household size. The median is determined based on all persons in private households where low-income concepts are applicable. Thresholds for specific household sizes are presented in Table 2.4 Low-income measures thresholds (LIM-AT and LIM-BT) for private households of Canada, 2020, Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.

When the unadjusted after-tax income of household pertaining to a person falls below the threshold applicable to the person based on household size, the person is considered to be in low income according to LIM-AT. Since the LIM-AT threshold and household income are unique within each household, low-income status based on LIM-AT can also be reported for households.

Prevalence of low income - The proportion or percentage of units whose income falls below a specified low-income line.

Knowledge of official languages refers to whether the person can conduct a conversation in English only, French only, in both or in neither language. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, this includes languages that the child is learning to speak at home.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Language spoken most often at home refers to the language the person speaks most often at home at the time of data collection. A person can report more than one language as "spoken most often at home" if the languages are spoken equally often.

For a person who lives alone, the language spoken most often at home is the language in which they feel most comfortable. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, this is the language spoken most often to the child at home. Where more than one language is spoken to the child, the language spoken most often at home is the language spoken most often. If more than one language is spoken equally often to the child, then these languages are included here.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Users should be aware that estimates associated with Indigenous languages are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain reserves and settlements in the Census of Population.

Other language(s) spoken regularly at home refers to the language(s), if any, that the person speaks at home on a regular basis at the time of data collection, other than the language(s) they speak most often at home.

Comparisons to previous census data is not recommended for the "Other languages spoken regularly at home" variable.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Users should be aware that estimates associated with Indigenous languages are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain reserves and settlements in the Census of Population.

Mother tongue refers to the first language learned at home in childhood and still understood by the person at the time the data was collected. If the person no longer understands the first language learned, the mother tongue is the second language learned. For a person who learned more than one language at the same time in early childhood, the mother tongue is the language this person spoke most often at home before starting school. The person has more than one mother tongue only if they learned these languages at the same time, and still understands them. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, the mother tongue is the language spoken most often to this child at home. A child who has not yet learned to speak has more than one mother tongue only if these languages are spoken to them equally often so that the child learns these languages at the same time.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Users should be aware that estimates associated with Indigenous languages are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain reserves and settlements in the Census of Population.

First official language spoken refers to the first official language (English or French) spoken by the person.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Knowledge of official languages refers to whether the person can conduct a conversation in English only, French only, in both or in neither language. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, this includes languages that the child is learning to speak at home.

Knowledge of non-official languages refers to whether the person can conduct a conversation in a language other than English or French. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, this includes languages that the child is learning to speak at home. The number of languages that can be reported may vary between surveys, depending on the objectives of the survey.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Knowledge of official languages refers to whether the person can conduct a conversation in English only, French only, in both or in neither language. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, this includes languages that the child is learning to speak at home.

Knowledge of non-official languages refers to whether the person can conduct a conversation in a language other than English or French. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, this includes languages that the child is learning to speak at home. The number of languages that can be reported may vary between surveys, depending on the objectives of the survey.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Eligibility for instruction in the minority official language indicates whether a child is eligible for instruction at the primary and secondary levels in English in Quebec or in French in Canada outside Quebec, pursuant to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms criteria, except citizenship.

In the 2021 Census, the child eligible for instruction in the minority official language is younger than 18 years of age on December 31, 2020.

More information on the variables related to instruction in the minority official language, including definitions, concepts and classifications, the questions from which they are derived and data quality can be found in the Instruction in the Minority Official Language Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021, and the Minority language educational rights: Technical report on changes for the 2021 Census.

Eligibility for instruction in the minority official language indicates whether a child is eligible for instruction at the primary and secondary levels in English in Quebec or in French in Canada outside Quebec, pursuant to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms criteria, except citizenship.

In the 2021 Census, the child eligible for instruction in the minority official language is younger than 18 years of age on December 31, 2020. However, the total population for this profile is school-aged children born between 2003 and 2015 (inclusive), representing children 5 to 17 years of age on December 31, 2020.

More information on the variables related to instruction in the minority official language, including definitions, concepts and classifications, the questions from which they are derived and data quality can be found in the Instruction in the Minority Official Language Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021, and the Minority language educational rights: Technical report on changes for the 2021 Census.

Users should be aware that the estimates associated with this variable are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain reserves and settlements in the Census of Population.

For more information on Indigenous variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Indigenous Peoples Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Indigenous Peoples Technical Report, Census of Population, 2021.

This category includes persons who identify as First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) and/or those who report being Registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada), and/or those who report having membership in a First Nation or Indian band.

This category includes persons who identify as only one Indigenous group, that is First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit).

This category includes persons who identify as any two or all three of the following: First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit).

This category includes persons who do not identify as First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit) but who report having Registered or Treaty Indian status and/or Membership in a First Nation or Indian band.

Registered or Treaty Indian status refers to whether or not a person is a Registered or Treaty Indian. Registered Indians are persons who are registered under the Indian Act of Canada. Treaty Indians are persons who belong to a First Nation or Indian band that signed a treaty with the Crown. Registered or Treaty Indians are sometimes also called Status Indians.

'Indigenous ancestry' refers to whether a person has ancestry associated with the Indigenous peoples of Canada, that is, First Nations (North American Indian), Métis, and/or Inuit. Aboriginal peoples (referred to here as Indigenous peoples) of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2) as including the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. The term 'Aboriginal' has been replaced with the updated term of 'Indigenous' when referring to individuals who identify themselves as First Nations people, Métis and/or Inuit. 'Ancestry' refers to the ethnic or cultural origins of the person's ancestors, an ancestor being usually more distant than a grandparent. A person can have more than one ethnic or cultural origin.

Users should be aware that the estimates associated with this variable are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain reserves and settlements in the Census of Population.

For more information on Indigenous variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Indigenous Peoples Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Indigenous Peoples Technical Report, Census of Population, 2021.

'Indigenous ancestry (only)' includes persons who have First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and/or Inuit ancestry. It excludes persons with non-Indigenous ancestry.

'Single Indigenous ancestry (only)' includes persons who have only one of First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuit ancestry. It excludes persons with non-Indigenous ancestry.

'Multiple Indigenous ancestries (only)' includes persons who have two or more of First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and Inuit ancestries. It excludes persons with non-Indigenous ancestry.

'Indigenous and non-Indigenous ancestries' includes persons who have First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and/or Inuit ancestry, as well as non-Indigenous ancestry.

'Single Indigenous and non-Indigenous ancestries' includes persons who have First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuit ancestry, as well as non-Indigenous ancestry.

'Multiple Indigenous and non-Indigenous ancestries' includes persons who have two or more of First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and Inuit ancestries, as well as non-Indigenous ancestry.

'Non-Indigenous ancestry (only)' includes persons who have non-Indigenous ancestry only.

Acceptable housing refers to whether a household meets each of the three indicator thresholds established by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for housing adequacy, suitability and affordability.

Housing indicator thresholds are defined as follows:

• Adequate housing is reported by their residents as not requiring any major repairs.
• Affordable housing has shelter costs equal to less than 30% of total before-tax household income.
• Suitable housing has enough bedrooms for the size and composition of resident households according to the National Occupancy Standard (NOS), conceived by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and provincial and territorial representatives.

Acceptable housing identifies which thresholds the household falls below, if any. Housing that is adequate in condition, suitable in size and affordable is considered to be acceptable.

Households below and above the thresholds are based on the indicators for which individual households can be assessed. Farm and on-reserve households whose housing does not meet either or both of the suitability and adequacy thresholds are counted in the total of households below the thresholds. Farm and on-reserve households who live in housing that meets both the suitability and adequacy thresholds are counted in the total of households above the thresholds (even though it is not possible to assess housing affordability for these households). Farm households and on-reserve households cannot be assessed for housing affordability because the concept is not applicable.

Housing affordability is assessed for owner and tenant households with household total income greater than zero in non-farm, non-reserve private dwellings.

Core housing need refers to whether a private household's housing falls below at least one of the indicator thresholds for housing adequacy, affordability or suitability, and would have to spend 30% or more of its total before-tax income to pay the median rent of alternative local housing that is acceptable (attains all three housing indicator thresholds).

Housing indicator thresholds are defined as follows:

• Adequate housing is reported by their residents as not requiring any major repairs.
• Affordable housing has shelter costs equal to less than 30% of total before-tax household income.
• Suitable housing has enough bedrooms for the size and composition of resident households according to the National Occupancy Standard (NOS), conceived by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and provincial and territorial representatives.
• Only private, non-farm, non-reserve and owner- or renter-households with incomes greater than zero and shelter-cost-to-income ratios less than 100% are assessed for 'core housing need.'
• Non-family households with at least one maintainer aged 15 to 29 attending school are considered not to be in 'core housing need' regardless of their housing circumstances. Attending school is considered a transitional phase, and low incomes earned by student households are viewed as being a temporary condition.

Tenure refers to whether the household owns or rents their private dwelling. The private dwelling may be situated on rented or leased land or be part of a condominium. A household is considered to own their dwelling if some member of the household owns the dwelling even if it is not fully paid for, for example if there is a mortgage or some other claim on it. A household is considered to rent their dwelling if no member of the household owns the dwelling. A household is considered to rent that dwelling even if the dwelling is provided without cash rent or at a reduced rent, or if the dwelling is part of a cooperative.

For historical and statutory reasons, shelter occupancy on Indian reserves or settlements does not lend itself to the usual classification by standard tenure categories. Therefore, a special category, 'dwelling provided by the local government, First Nation or Indian band,' has been created for census purposes.

'Citizenship' refers to the country where the person has citizenship. A person may have more than one citizenship. A person may be stateless, that is, they may have no citizenship. Citizenship can be by birth or naturalization.

For more information on citizenship variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

'Canadian citizens' includes persons who are citizens of Canada only and persons who are citizens of Canada and at least one other country.

'Not Canadian citizens' includes persons who are not citizens of Canada. They may be citizens of one or more other countries. Persons who are stateless are included in this category.

'Immigrant status' refers to whether the person is a non-immigrant, an immigrant or a non-permanent resident.

'Period of immigration' refers to the period in which the immigrant first obtained landed immigrant or permanent resident status.

For more information on immigration variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

'Non-immigrants' includes persons who are Canadian citizens by birth.

'Immigrants' includes persons who are, or who have ever been, landed immigrants or permanent residents. Such persons have been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Immigrants who have obtained Canadian citizenship by naturalization are included in this category. In the 2021 Census of Population, 'Immigrants' includes immigrants who were admitted to Canada on or prior to May 11, 2021.

Includes immigrants who were admitted to Canada on or prior to May 11, 2021.

'Non-permanent residents' includes persons from another country with a usual place of residence in Canada and who have a work or study permit or who have claimed refugee status (asylum claimants). Family members living with work or study permit holders are also included, unless these family members are already Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or permanent residents.

'Age at immigration' refers to the age at which an immigrant first obtained landed immigrant or permanent resident status.

'Immigrants' includes persons who are, or who have ever been, landed immigrants or permanent residents. Such persons have been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Immigrants who have obtained Canadian citizenship by naturalization are included in this category. In the 2021 Census of Population, 'Immigrants' includes immigrants who were admitted to Canada on or prior to May 11, 2021.

For more information on immigration variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

The places of birth selected are the most frequently reported by respondents at the Canada level. For more information on the place of birth variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

The official name of Venezuela is Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The official name of Moldova is Republic of Moldova.

Ireland is also referred to as Republic of Ireland.

The official name of United Kingdom is United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. United Kingdom includes Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland (excludes Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and British Overseas Territories).

Serbia excludes Kosovo.

The official name of Tanzania is United Republic of Tanzania.

The full name of Sudan is the Republic of the Sudan.

The official name of Iran is Islamic Republic of Iran.

The official name of Syria is Syrian Arab Republic.

China excludes Hong Kong and Macao.

The full name of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.

The official name of South Korea is Republic of Korea.

The official name of Laos is Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Includes other places of birth not included elsewhere, such as 'born at sea.'

'Immigrant' refers to a person who is, or who has ever been, a landed immigrant or permanent resident. Such a person has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Immigrants who have obtained Canadian citizenship by naturalization are included in this group. In the 2021 Census of Population, 'Immigrants' includes immigrants who were admitted to Canada on or prior to May 11, 2021.

The places of birth selected are the most frequently reported by immigrants at the Canada level.

'Place of birth' refers to the name of the geographic location where the person was born. The geographic location is specified according to geographic boundaries current at the time of data collection, not the geographic boundaries at the time of birth. In the 2021 Census of Population, the geographic location refers to a country or area of interest if the person was born outside Canada.

For more information on the place of birth variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

The category 'Oceania and other' includes places of birth in Oceania and responses not included elsewhere, such as 'born at sea.'

'Generation status' refers to whether or not the person or the person's parents were born in Canada.

For more information on generation status variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

'First generation' includes persons who were born outside Canada. For the most part, these are people who are now, or once were, immigrants to Canada.

'Second generation' includes persons who were born in Canada and had at least one parent born outside Canada. For the most part, these are the children of immigrants.

'Third generation or more' includes persons who were born in Canada with all parents born in Canada.

'Admission category' refers to the name of the immigration program or group of programs under which an immigrant has been granted for the first time the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities.

'Applicant type' refers to whether an immigrant was identified as the principal applicant, the spouse or the dependant on their application for permanent residence.

'Immigrant' refers to a person who is, or who has ever been, a landed immigrant or permanent resident. Such a person has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Immigrants who have obtained Canadian citizenship by naturalization are included in this group. In the 2021 Census of Population, data on admission category and applicant type are available for immigrants who were admitted to Canada between January 1, 1980 and May 11, 2021.

For more information on immigration variables, including information on their classifications, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Place of Birth, Generation Status, Citizenship and Immigration Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

'Economic immigrants' includes immigrants who have been selected for their ability to contribute to Canada's economy through their ability to meet labour market needs, to own and manage or to build a business, to make a substantial investment, to create their own employment or to meet specific provincial or territorial labour market needs.

'Principal applicants' includes immigrants who were identified as the principal applicant on their application for permanent residence.

'Secondary applicants' includes immigrants who were identified as the married spouse, the common-law or conjugal partner or the dependant of the principal applicant on their application for permanent residence.

'Immigrants sponsored by family' includes immigrants who were sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and were granted permanent resident status on the basis of their relationship either as the spouse, partner, parent, grandparent, child or other relative of this sponsor. The terms 'family class' or 'family reunification' are sometimes used to refer to this category.

'Refugees' includes immigrants who were granted permanent resident status on the basis of a well-founded fear of returning to their home country. This category includes persons who had a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in particular social group or for political opinion (Geneva Convention refugees) as well as persons who had been seriously and personally affected by civil war or armed conflict, or have suffered a massive violation of human rights. Some refugees were in Canada when they applied for refugee protection for themselves and their family members (either with them in Canada or abroad). Others were abroad and were referred for resettlement to Canada by the United Nations Refugee Agency, another designated referral organization or private sponsors.

'Other immigrants' includes immigrants who were granted permanent resident status under a program that does not fall under the economic immigrants, the immigrants sponsored by family or the refugee categories.

'Admission category - not applicable' includes immigrants who were admitted before 1980, non-immigrants and non-permanent residents. In the 2021 Census of Population, data on admission category and applicant type are available for immigrants who were admitted to Canada between January 1, 1980, and May 11, 2021. 'Non-immigrants' includes persons who are Canadian citizens by birth. 'Non-permanent residents' includes persons from another country with a usual place of residence in Canada and who have a work or study permit or who have claimed refugee status (asylum claimants). Family members living with work or study permit holders are also included, unless these family members are already Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or permanent residents.

"Visible minority" refers to whether a person is a visible minority or not, as defined by the Employment Equity Act. The Employment Equity Act defines visible minorities as "persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour." The visible minority population consists mainly of the following groups: South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Arab, Latin American, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese.

In 2021 Census analytical and communications products, the term "visible minority" has been replaced by the terms "racialized population" or "racialized groups," reflecting the increased use of these terms in the public sphere.

For more information on visible minority and population group variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Visible Minority and Population Group Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

In 2021 Census analytical and communications products, the term "visible minority" has been replaced by the terms "racialized population" or "racialized groups," reflecting the increased use of these terms in the public sphere.

The abbreviation "n.i.e." means "not included elsewhere." This category includes persons who provided responses that are classified as a visible minority, but that cannot be classified with a specific visible minority group. Such responses include, for example, "Guyanese," "Pacific Islander," "Polynesian," "Tibetan" and "West Indian."

In 2021 Census analytical and communications products, this category is referred to as "the rest of the population."

"Ethnic or cultural origin" refers to the ethnic or cultural origins of the person's ancestors. Ancestors may have Indigenous origins, origins that refer to different countries or other origins that may not refer to different countries.

The sum of the ethnic or cultural origins in this table is greater than the total population estimate because a person may report more than one ethnic or cultural origin in the census.

The ethnic or cultural origins selected are the most frequently reported at the Canada level.

For more information on ethnic or cultural origin variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Ethnic or Cultural Origin Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating French origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "French").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating British Isles origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "British," "United Kingdom").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Caucasian (White) origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Caucasian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating First Nations (North American Indian) origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "First Nations," "North American Indian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating European origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "European").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating African origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "African").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Arab origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Arab").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Asian origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Asian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Cree origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Cree").

The abbreviation "n.i.e." means "not included elsewhere." This category includes responses indicating Christian origins, not included elsewhere (e.g., "Christian," "Baptist," "Catholic").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating North American Indigenous origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Aboriginal," "Indigenous").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating South Asian origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "South Asian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Mi'kmaq origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Mi'kmaq").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Northern European origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Northern European," "Scandinavian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Latin, Central or South American origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Latin American," "South American").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Black origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Black").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Inuit origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Inuit").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Eastern European origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Eastern European").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating East or Southeast Asian origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "East Asian," "Southeast Asian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating West or Central Asian or Middle Eastern origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Central Asian," "Middle Eastern," "West Asian").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating Caribbean origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "Caribbean").

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses indicating West Indian origins, not otherwise specified (e.g., "West Indian").

"Religion" refers to the person's self-identification as having a connection or affiliation with any religious denomination, group, body, or other religiously defined community or system of belief. Religion is not limited to formal membership in a religious organization or group.

This variable shows the aggregated responses to the religion question.

For infants or children, religion refers to the specific religious group or denomination in which they are being raised, if any.

Persons without a religious connection or affiliation can self-identify as atheist, agnostic or humanist, or can provide another applicable response.

For more information on religion variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Religion Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

The abbreviation "n.o.s." means "not otherwise specified." This category includes responses of "Christian," not otherwise specified (e.g., "Christian," "Christianity").

School attendance refers to whether a person attended, either full-time or part-time, any accredited educational institution or program during all or part of a specified reference period. The person may have attended more than one educational institution or have been enrolled in more than one program. Attendance is counted only for courses which could be used as credits towards a certificate, diploma or degree from an educational institution or program such as an elementary school, secondary school (high school), registered apprenticeship program, trade school, college, CEGEP, polytechnic or university. Educational institutions also include seminaries, schools of nursing, private business schools, private or public trade schools, institutes of technology, vocational schools, and schools for people who are deaf or blind. Attendance includes participation in courses or programs offered over the Internet, through correspondence and by other non-traditional methods of delivery. Attendance does not include training received from an employer unless it could be used as credit towards a certificate, diploma or degree from an accredited educational institution. A person is considered to have attended an educational institution if they were enrolled during the reference period but were absent, for example, due to illness. This variable collects information on school attendance at any time during the nine-month period between September 2020 and May 11, 2021. Individuals were asked to identify all types of schools attended. There was an explicit instruction to include distance learning for credit. In the 2006 Census and the 2011 National Household Survey, this variable was called 'Attendance at School'; the name was changed to 'School attendance' in the 2016 Census in order to comply with the standard definitions, but the variable is measured in the same way. Please note that the French name 'Fréquentation scolaire' did not change. This variable is reported for persons aged 15 years and over in private households. When interpreting school attendance in connection with geography, users are advised that the estimates for school attendance should not be interpreted as the number/proportion of students who attended school while residing in the given geography, due to differences in where the student is counted on Census Day. Like all respondents, students are enumerated at their usual place of residence on Census Day, which may or may not correspond to the geography in which they resided while attending school. For example, students who return to live with their parents during the year are instructed to be enumerated at their parents' address.

For information on data quality for this variable, refer to the Education Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021, Catalogue no. 98-500-X2021013.

For information on data quality for this variable, refer to the Education Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021, Catalogue no. 98-500-X2021013.

This includes all persons with a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, regardless of whether they also completed a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree.

'High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate' includes only people who have this as their highest educational credential. It excludes persons with a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree.

'Non-apprenticeship trades certificate or diploma' includes trades certificates or diplomas such as pre-employment or vocational certificates and diplomas from brief trade programs completed at colleges, institutes of technology, vocational centres and similar institutions. It also includes qualifications from vocational training programs in the province of Quebec such as the Diplôme d'études professionnelles (DEP)/Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS).

'Apprenticeship certificate' includes Certificates of Apprenticeship, Certificates of Qualification and Journeyperson's designations.

College, CEGEP and other non-university certificates and diplomas obtained from programs that are typically completed in less than three months are not included in this category.

'Earned doctorate' does not include honorary doctorates.

This variable shows the 'Variant of CIP 2021 - Alternative primary groupings,' with the hierarchy of the primary groupings and two-digit series. When a primary grouping contains more than one subseries from series '30. Multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary studies,' these subseries are grouped together. An exception is made for '30.01 Biological and physical sciences' due to its large size. For more information on the CIP classification, see the Classification of Instructional Programs, Canada 2021.

For information on classification and data quality for this variable, refer to the Education Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021, Catalogue no. 98-500-X2021013.

'No postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree' is made up of persons who have not completed any credentials above a high school diploma.

Includes '30.13 Medieval and renaissance studies', '30.21 Holocaust and related studies', '30.22 Classical and ancient studies', '30.29 Maritime studies', '30.45 History and language/literature', '30.47 Linguistics and anthropology', '30.51 Integrated philosophy, politics, and economics', '30.52 Digital humanities and textual studies', and '30.53 Thanatology'.

Includes '30.05 Peace studies and conflict resolution', '30.11 Gerontology', '30.14 Museology/museum studies', '30.15 Science, technology and society', '30.17 Behavioural sciences', '30.20 International/globalization studies', '30.23 Intercultural/multicultural and diversity studies', '30.25 Cognitive science', '30.26 Cultural studies/critical theory and analysis', '30.28 Dispute resolution', '30.31 Human computer interaction', '30.33 Sustainability studies', '30.34 Anthrozoology', '30.36 Cultural studies and comparative literature', '30.40 Economics and foreign language/literature', '30.44 Geography and environmental studies', and '30.46 History and political science'.

Includes '30.10 Biopsychology', '30.18 Natural sciences', '30.19 Nutrition sciences', '30.27 Human biology', '30.32 Marine sciences', '30.35 Climate science', '30.38 Earth systems science', '30.41 Environmental geosciences', '30.42 Geoarchaeology', '30.43 Geobiology', and '30.50 Mathematics and atmospheric/oceanic science'.

Includes '30.06 Systems science and theory', '30.08 Mathematics and computer science', '30.30 Computational science', '30.39 Economics and computer science', '30.48 Linguistics and computer science', '30.49 Mathematical economics', '30.70 Data science' and '30.71 Data analytics'.

Veterinary medicine, veterinary science, veterinary technology, and veterinary administrative support services, which were included in series '51. Health professions and related programs' in CIP 2016, are now included in series '01. Agricultural and veterinary sciences/services/operations and related fields' in CIP 2021.

Includes '30.00 Inclusive postsecondary education' and '30.99 Multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary studies, other'.

For information on classification and data quality for this variable, refer to the Education Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021, Catalogue no. 98-500-X2021013.

'Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree' includes 'apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma,' 'college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma' and university certificates, diplomas and degrees.

The location of study is not compared with the location of residence for persons who studied outside Canada. The locations of study outside Canada that are listed here are those which were the most frequently reported at the Canada level.

Refers to whether a person aged 15 years and over was employed, unemployed or not in the labour force during the week of Sunday, May 2 to Saturday, May 8, 2021.

For information on the comparability of the 2021 Census labour force status data with those of the Labour Force Survey, see Appendix 2.11 of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.

Refers to the number of weeks in which a person aged 15 years and over worked for pay or in self-employment in 2020 at all jobs held, even if only for a few hours, and whether these weeks were mostly full time (30 hours or more per week) or mostly part time (less than 30 hours per week).

Includes persons aged 15 years and over who never worked, persons who worked prior to 2020 and persons who worked in 2021, but not in 2020.

Includes persons aged 15 years and over who worked full year (49 weeks and over) and mostly full time (30 hours or more per week) in 2020.

Includes persons aged 15 years and over who worked full year mostly part time or part year either mostly full time or mostly part time in 2020. Part year is less than 49 weeks and part time is less than 30 hours per week.

Class of worker including job permanency refers to whether a person is a paid employee or is self-employed. Employees' positions are further classified as either permanent or temporary.

Includes unemployed persons aged 15 years and over who have never worked for pay or in self-employment, or who had last worked prior to January 1, 2020.

Includes persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force who have worked at some point in time between January 1, 2020 and May 8, 2021.

Includes self-employed persons aged 15 years and over with or without an incorporated business and with or without paid help, as well as unpaid family workers.

Occupation (based on the National Occupational Classification [NOC] 2021 Version 1.0) Occupation refers to the kind of work performed in a job, a job being all the tasks carried out by a particular worker to complete his or her duties. An occupation is a set of jobs that are sufficiently similar in work performed. Kind of work is described in terms of tasks, duties and responsibilities, often including factors such as materials processed or used, the industrial processes used, the equipment used, and the products or services provided. Occupations are generally homogeneous with respect to skill type and skill level. Occupation applies to the contribution of labour to that part of economic activity that is within the production boundary defined for the System of National Accounts.

Refers to the kind of work performed by persons aged 15 years and over as determined by their kind of work and the description of the main activities in their job. The occupation data are produced according to the variant of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 for Analysis by TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility) categories.

Persons aged 15 years and over who never worked for pay or self-employment, or last worked for pay or self-employment prior to 2020 are included in this total.

Includes persons aged 15 years and over who have worked at some point in time between January 2020 and May 2021.

Management occupations refer to occupations with management responsibilities, including legislators, senior managers and middle managers.

Professional occupations require completion of a university degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate); or previous experience and expertise in subject matter knowledge from a related occupation found in TEER 2 (when applicable).

Occupations in TEER 2 usually require completion of a postsecondary education program of two to three years at community college, institute of technology or CEGEP; or completion of an apprenticeship training program of two to five years; or occupations with supervisory or significant safety (e.g., police officers and firefighters) responsibilities; or several years of experience in a related occupation from TEER 3 (when applicable).

Occupations in TEER 3 usually require completion of a postsecondary education program of less than two years at community college, institute of technology or CEGEP; or completion of an apprenticeship training program of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training, training courses or specific work experience with some secondary school education; or several years of experience in a related occupation from TEER 4 (when applicable).

Occupations in TEER 4 usually require completion of secondary school; or several weeks of on-the-job training with some secondary school education; or experience in a related occupation from TEER 5 (when applicable).

Occupations in TEER 5 usually require short work demonstration and no formal educational requirements.

Refers to the kind of work performed by persons aged 15 years and over as determined by their kind of work and the description of the main activities in their job. The occupation data are produced according to the National Occupational Classification [NOC] 2021 version 1.0.

Refers to the general nature of the business carried out in the establishment where the person worked. The industry data are produced according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 3.0.

Place of work status refers to whether a person worked at home, worked outside Canada, had no fixed workplace address, or worked at a specific address (usual place of work).

Language used most often at work refers to the language the person uses most often at work. A person can report more than one language as "used most often at work" if the languages are used equally often.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

"Other language(s) used regularly at work" refers to the languages, if any, that the person uses in their job on a regular basis, other than the language or languages they use most often at work.

Comparisons to previous census data is not recommended for the "Other languages used regularly at work" variable.

For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please refer to the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Commuting destination refers to whether or not a person commutes to another municipality (i.e., census subdivision), another census division or another province or territory. Commuting refers to the travel of a person to their usual place of work.

Main mode of commuting refers to the main mode of transportation a person uses to travel to their place of work.

The census assumes that the commute to work originates from the usual place of residence, but this may not always be the case. Sometimes, respondents may be on a business trip and may have reported their place of work or main mode of commuting based on where they were working during the trip. Some persons maintain a residence close to work and commute to their home on weekends. Students often work after school at a location near their school. As a result, the data may show unusual commutes or unusual main modes of commuting.

Commuting duration refers to the length of time, in minutes, usually required by a person to travel to their place of work.

Time leaving for work refers to the time of day at which a person usually leaves to go to their place of work.

Refers to the status of a person with regard to the place of residence on the reference day, May 11, 2021, in relation to the place of residence on the same date one year earlier at the provincial level. Persons who have not moved are referred to as non-movers and persons who have moved from one residence to another are referred to as movers. Movers include non-migrants and migrants. Non-migrants are persons who did move but remained in the same city, town, township, village or Indian reserve. Migrants include internal migrants, who moved to a different city, town, township, village or Indian reserve within Canada. External migrants include persons who lived outside Canada at the earlier reference date.

Refers to the status of a person with regard to the place of residence on the reference day, May 11, 2021, in relation to the place of residence on the same date five years earlier at the provincial level. Persons who have not moved are referred to as non-movers and persons who have moved from one residence to another are referred to as movers. Movers include non-migrants and migrants. Non-migrants are persons who did move but remained in the same city, town, township, village or Indian reserve. Migrants include internal migrants, who moved to a different city, town, township, village or Indian reserve within Canada. External migrants include persons who lived outside Canada at the earlier reference date.