Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Major source of income

Definition

The income source, or group of sources, that makes up the largest proportion of an individual's total income during the reference period.

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

Statistical unit(s)

• Person

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021 and 2016 (100% data); 2011^{Footnote 1} (30% sample); 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 (20% sample). For availability prior to 1981, refer to Appendix 2.1.

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Not applicable

Remarks

Various combinations of income sources can be used to derive this classification. For example, income sources can be combined into five components: wages, salaries and commissions, net self-employment income (farm and non-farm), government transfers, investment income and other income. The absolute values for these components are compared and the largest one is designated as the major source of income.

See income sources. For more information, please refer to Appendix 2.4 Components of income in 2020.

For additional information about data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and intercensal comparability of the income data, refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Note(s)