By: Jiesu Luo, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
The 2026 federal census is now underway across the Halton Region, with Statistics Canada completing its final day of access‑letter delivery on Monday. Alongside the standard demographic questions, this year’s census introduces several new and returning items designed to close data gaps on diversity, faith and social conditions — a key focus in one of Ontario’s fastest‑growing and most diverse regions.
Enumerators were expected to finish distributing secure access codes by the end of May 11, ahead of the official census reference day on May 12. When residents are not home, the notices are typically left at the front door or in a community mailbox.
Although the letter highlights May 12 as the date to complete the questionnaire, Statistics Canada says the date is a reference point, not a strict deadline. Households can still complete the census online after May 12. Anyone who has not received a letter can call the Census Help Line at 1‑833‑852‑2026 or visit census.gc.ca and select “obtain a secure access code” to request one.
Residents who did not receive their secure access code can request a replacement through the agency’s online portal. To issue a new code, Statistics Canada requires a full civic address and phone number to confirm the dwelling. The agency says this verification helps prevent duplicate submissions and ensures every household in Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills is counted accurately.
Follow‑up work begins shortly after census day. A reminder letter is sent in mid‑May, with non‑response visits starting in early June and a final reminder issued in July. Enumerators may contact households by phone or in person and must carry official identification showing their name, photo and Statistics Canada credentials. Residents can verify an employee’s identity by calling the Census Help Line.
Participation in the census is mandatory under the Statistics Act, and failure to respond can result in fines of up to $500.
This year’s questionnaire includes new measures to identify people who have experienced homelessness in the past 12 months, as well as questions on general health and sexual orientation for Canadians aged 15 and older. The religion question — normally asked every decade — has returned early to help track social trends in rapidly growing and increasingly diverse communities across Halton.
About three‑quarters of households will receive the short‑form questionnaire, while one‑quarter will be selected for the long form. Statistics Canada says the results guide federal and provincial decisions on healthcare, housing, transit planning and infrastructure funding.
Scam warnings for newcomer and immigrant communities
Statistics Canada is urging residents — particularly newcomers, international students and recent immigrants — to be alert to scams. The agency stresses that census employees will never ask for:
· social insurance numbers
· banking or credit card information
· money or donations
Any request for such information is fraudulent and should be reported to the 2026 Census misinformation watch mailbox. Households can verify a census worker’s identity by calling the help line, and all legitimate employees carry official ID with a name, photo and Statistics Canada identifier.
Online filing remains the safest and fastest option
Residents can complete the census online at census.gc.ca, using the unique 16‑digit secure access code included in their letter. Encryption technology protects all information submitted through the portal, and access to each household’s questionnaire is restricted to that code.