Census 2026 is here. Why does it ask what time you leave for work? | CBC Radio

"The census data are the best source of commuting patterns, so transit planners all across the country will use information on where we live and where we work. And when people leave in the morning is an important part, of course, of commuting patterns. So transit routes, road placement, those decisions are based on census data, he said."

"You ask people about things that shape their lives: who they are, how many people live in their house, the languages you speak. How does that benefit Canadians? There's so many ways that it benefits Canadians. You know the population estimate is the number one reason why we produce a census. The census is data used for the delineation of our riding."

"Invitations to complete the 2026 census were sent out in recent weeks, directing Canadians to answer questions about their lives. There is a short-form version, which captures basic information, and a long form, which delves into questions about a person's education, working life and even household bills. The deadline to respond is Tuesday."

"Canadians who don't meet that date will receive reminders in the coming weeks, with potential financial penalties if they don't respond. [Tuesday] is census day. That's the day that the census is due, but to you, is it like the most wonderful time of the year? It is it's a little like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all sort of wrapped up into one for us statisticians."

The census collects information that shapes Canadians’ lives, including who they are, how many people live in a household, and languages spoken. Population estimates are a primary reason for producing the census. Census data are used to delineate electoral ridings, determining the boundaries for MPs, MPPs, MLAs, and MHAs based on population. Commuting patterns are another key use, since transit planners rely on where people live and where they work. Departure times in the morning help inform commuting patterns, which in turn support decisions about transit routes and road placement. Canadians can respond through a short form or a long form that includes education, working life, and household bills. The response deadline is Tuesday, with reminders and potential financial penalties for non-response.

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