Statistics Canada Launches Massive Hiring Drive for 2026 Census Across the Country

Statistics Canada has announced a large-scale recruitment campaign ahead of the 2026 Census, with approximately 32,000 job openings available across all Canadian provinces and territories. These temporary positions offer competitive hourly wages of up to $31.32 per hour and provide an opportunity for eligible residents to participate in one of Canada’s most important national data-collection initiatives.

The 2026 Census plays a critical role in shaping Canada’s future by collecting demographic, social, and economic data that informs government planning and public services nationwide.

Why the Census Matters

Census data directly influences decisions related to:

• Child care and education systems
• Health care funding and infrastructure
• Public transportation development
• Housing strategies
• Community planning
• Federal and provincial support programs

By joining the census workforce, employees contribute to data that impacts everyday life for millions of Canadians.

Positions Available for the 2026 Census

Statistics Canada is hiring for several field-based roles, including both supervisory and non-supervisory positions.

Key roles include:

• Crew leaders
• Crew leader assistants
• Field operations supervisor assistants
• Collection support unit operators
• Enumerators

Among these, enumerators and crew leaders make up the majority of available positions.

Enumerator Roles: Frontline Census Workers

Enumerators are responsible for collecting census information directly from households within assigned communities.

Main responsibilities include:

• Conducting in-person, door-to-door visits
• Following up with households that have not completed questionnaires
• Collecting responses through direct interaction
• Working primarily during evenings and weekends

Work hours typically range between 20 and 40 hours per week, depending on workload and location. Employment usually runs from May to July 2026.

Crew Leader Roles: Supervisory Positions

Crew leaders oversee census operations within assigned areas and manage teams of enumerators.

Responsibilities include:

• Training, supervising, and motivating enumerators
• Coordinating field operations with assistants
• Ensuring accurate and timely data collection

Crew leaders must generally be available for full-time work, approximately 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. Employment typically begins in March 2026 and continues through July 2026.

Pay Rates and Authorized Expenses

Hourly wages for 2026 Census positions are:

• $25.87 per hour for enumerators
• $31.32 per hour for crew leaders

In addition to hourly pay, workers may claim authorized expenses such as mileage and parking when travel is required to complete assignments. This helps offset transportation costs associated with community-based work.

Work Location and Schedule Expectations

Census jobs are not office-based roles. Most work is carried out within local communities and requires door-to-door visits.

Statistics Canada notes:

• Workload varies by location
• Hours cannot be guaranteed weekly
• Evenings and weekends are peak working times

This flexibility makes enumerator roles suitable for individuals balancing other daytime commitments.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a 2026 Census job, applicants must:

• Be at least the age of majority in their province or territory
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit
• Reside in Canada with a Canadian home address

Age of majority is 18 in some provinces and 19 in others, depending on location.

Hiring Process Overview

Applicants selected for consideration must successfully complete:

• Initial screening
• Reference checks
• Interviews for supervisory roles
• Security screening

Statistics Canada contacts only candidates who move forward in the hiring process.

Application Timeline

The application window for 2026 Census jobs runs from November 2025 through July 2026. Recruitment occurs on a rolling basis, with hiring timelines varying by region.

A National Opportunity

With tens of thousands of positions available, the 2026 Census hiring campaign offers eligible residents a chance to earn competitive wages while contributing to a national project that shapes public policy, funding, and essential services across Canada.

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