2024 Census Test

The 2024 Census Test was conducted to evaluate the census questionnaire (including new and modified content) and collection procedures and tools to prepare for the 2026 Census of Population and 2026 Census of Agriculture.

Why do we have a census test?

Testing ensures that quality data are available in 2026 to support decision-making across a wide range of services and programs in areas such as:

• employment
• education
• public transportation
• health care
• agriculture

Was the 2024 Census Test mandatory

Census of Population Test

A sample of dwellings in specific locations across Canada was selected to participate in this census test. Participation in the 2024 Census of Population Test was mandatory.

Since accuracy depends on complete information, each household selected to participate in the test was required, by law, to provide the information. Answers were collected under the authority of the Statistics Act and are kept strictly confidential.

Census of Agriculture Test

A sample of farms and agricultural operations across Canada was selected to participate in the 2024 Census of Agriculture Test. The test was conducted on a voluntary basis. Information collected was used to further reduce respondent burden by improving questionnaire flows and the use of administrative data.

Responses from farmers and farm operators across Canada help ensure the questionnaire content is clear and easy to complete.

What about privacy and confidentiality?

Statistics Canada takes great care to ensure that information collected from the census test is in the public’s interest, cannot be obtained effectively from other sources, and can be collected efficiently to meet information requirements.

The Statistics Act specifically requires that information about individuals be protected and kept strictly confidential. The federal Privacy Act also protects personal information held by the agency.

How does Statistics Canada prepare for the test?

The census is an important source of key information about Canada's population and Canada's agriculture industry, and its results are used across all sectors of society to help Canadians make informed decisions.

Before each census test, Statistics Canada initiates extensive content consultations by inviting data users, stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on what information they use and for what purpose, as well as to identify any potential data gaps that Statistics Canada should consider addressing in the next census cycle.

The report “2026 Census of Population Content Consultation Results: What we heard from Canadians,” which was published on April 17, 2024, outlines the consultation findings on data relevancy, uses and gaps for the Census of Population. Consulting census data users and the Canadian public helps Statistics Canada assess the relevance of census questions, understand how census data are used, and determine the census's importance to Canadians.

The “Census of Agriculture: Content Consultation Report, 2026,” published on November 27, 2024, outlines the consultation and testing processes designed to ensure the relevancy of the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire for users and that it reflects changes in Canada’s agriculture industry.

To learn more about the Census Program Consultations, visit:

• 2026 Census of Population Content Consultation
• Census of Population Program Consultation
• 2026 Census of Agriculture Content Consultation

What was tested during the 2024 Census Test?

Statistics Canada conducted a census test to evaluate the new and modified questions in the questionnaire, as well as the collection procedures and tools in preparation for the 2026 Census of Population and the 2026 Census of Agriculture.

Do we publish the 2024 Census Test results?

The information collected as part of the 2024 Census Test is only used to prepare for the 2026 Census. Data, results, and analyses will not be released or published.