It’s time once again for all of us to stand up and be counted.
Statistics Canada has been sending letters to every household in Canada for the 2011 Census.
StatsCan Central Region Manager Gary Dillon tells Bayshore Broadcasting News many of us will complete the Census on-line this year.
The Census letter you receive contains a multi-numbered security code that you enter when you log on.
You’ll find a 10-question form that must be filled out by law — it asks for information on your age, sex, marital status and the language you speak among other things.
Dillon says the national household survey is voluntary to fill out and replaces the old long-form Census.
If you don’t have access to a computer you can still complete the Census the old-fashioned way.
Dillon says your Census letter contains a toll-free number you can call to ask for a paper questionnaire you can send by mail.
He says the Census is about much more than just counting how many Canadians there are.
Dillon points out that the federal government uses Census information to help in decisions on funding including the amount Ottawa transfers to the provinces and territories.
Some of the transfer money goes toward provincially-run programs and initiatives while municipalities receive transfer money from the provinces for a wide range of services and for infrastructure maintenance and renewal.
The Census is held every five years in Canada — the 2006 survey revealed Canada’s population to be more than 34-million.
