Sexual orientation question to appear on census for first time in 2026

Canadian residents will be asked about their sexual orientation in next year’s national census, marking a significant milestone in the country’s data collection efforts. The decision to include questions about sexual orientation on the long-form census questionnaire reflects a growing recognition of the importance of understanding the diversity of Canada’s population.

Statistics Canada, the agency responsible for conducting the census, has included questions about sexual orientation in past surveys. However, next year’s census will be the first time that these questions will appear on the long-form questionnaire, which will be distributed to 25 percent of Canadian residents in May 2026. The questions will not be included in the short-form census that goes out to the remaining 75 percent of residents.

In addition to questions about sexual orientation, the 2026 census will also feature new questions about homelessness and health problems. These additions are aimed at providing a more comprehensive understanding of the population and identifying areas where services are needed.

The decision to include questions about sexual orientation in the census was based on feedback from consultations with Canadians. Sébastien Larochelle-Côté, director general of socioeconomic statistics and social data integration at Statistics Canada, explained that the agency identified a data gap regarding the LGBTQ+ population in Canada. By collecting information on sexual orientation, the census will provide valuable insights into the distribution and socioeconomic backgrounds of individuals with different sexual orientations.

The census questionnaire will ask respondents to provide information about their sex at birth, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Respondents will have the option to select from predefined categories such as heterosexual, lesbian or gay, bisexual or pansexual, or write in their own answer. The inclusion of these questions reflects a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in data collection.

In addition to questions about sexual orientation, the census will also gather information on homelessness and health issues. Questions about homelessness will help identify individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness and inform government efforts to address housing insecurity. Health-related questions will provide insights into the demand for healthcare services and the prevalence of various health conditions across the country.

Overall, the inclusion of questions about sexual orientation, homelessness, and health in the 2026 census represents a significant step forward in Canada’s data collection efforts. By capturing a more complete picture of the population, the census will support informed decision-making and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of all Canadians.