The 2011 Census and community co-operative groups

Canada’s next census will be held in May 2011.

Early in May, yellow census packages will be delivered to every dwelling in Canada, providing residents the information they need to complete the census online or on paper. Completed questionnaires will provide valuable information that will be used to make decisions about your neighbourhood and community.

Census information is important for all communities and is vital for planning services such as schools, daycare, police services and fire protection.

The 2006 Census provides interesting information about Canada, including the following:

• Between 2001 and 2006, Canada’s population grew by 1.6 million, which translates to a growth rate of 5.4%. That is slightly higher than the rate for the period between the 1996 and 2001 censuses (+4.0%).

• According to the 2006 Census, the number of people aged 65 and over increased by more than 446,700 compared with 2001 (+11.5%), topping the 4 million mark for the first time (4.3 million). This is nearly four times as many seniors as in the first quinquennial census in 1956.

• In contrast, the under 15 population declined by almost 146,000 (-2.5%) to 5.6 million between 2001 and 2006. This is the second consecutive intercensal period in which the under 15 population has declined, as the last increase was in the 1991 to 1996 period.

Every person, young and old, must be included in the 2011 Census. It’s important that all residents of Canada are part of Canada’s family portrait.

For more information about the 2011 Census, visit www.census2011.gc.ca.

National Household Survey

In addition to the 2011 Census, some residents will be asked to participate in the new National Household Survey (NHS). The information collected in the NHS will provide data to plan and support family services, housing, roads and public transportation, and skills training for employment.

Your information will help paint a detailed and comprehensive picture of Canadian society. If you receive the NHS, support your community and complete the survey.

The NHS will collect the same information that was collected by the 2006 Census long-form questionnaire. For information to be available for future planning and decision making, it is important that all residents who receive the NHS complete the questionnaire. Please encourage your community to respond to this survey.

For more information about the NHS, visit www.nhs.statcan.gc.ca.