Census Questions
At the door, census workers only asked 4 questions this year. They were:
- Number of usual residents of the household
- Gender of each resident
- Month and year of birth for each resident
- Whether the residence is owned or rented
It usually took less than 2 minutes to answer the census questions.
- Why is "number of residents" asked?
- Why is "gender" asked?
- Why is "age" asked?
- Why is "dwelling ownership" asked?
- When did the census start?
- Why is the City doing an annual census?
- How will I know the person at the door is a City census worker?
- Why should I answer the questions? Do I have to answer them?
- What if I am not home when the census worker comes to my door?
- What happens to my information once it is returned to the Census Office?
- How can I be sure my information is safe?
- 1. Why is "number of residents" asked?
The primary purpose for conducting the census is to produce an accurate population count. This count provides the basis for calculating per capita grants received by the City of Edmonton. These grants represent a substantial amount of money and improve the quality of life for Edmontonians.
- 2. Why is "gender" asked?
Gender-specific information is essential in any population analysis, and makes other characteristics more meaningful in research and planning. This information helps flag possible changes in migration patterns or the influence of the labour market.
- 3. Why is "age" asked?
Knowledge of age distribution is required to plan programs and facilities for schools, recreational centres, senior citizens and housing requirements. Age information is needed to determine overall human resource potential. Other characteristics of the census are much more meaningful when studied in conjunction with age.
- 4. Why is "dwelling ownership" asked?
This information provides important data for studies related to housing policies and programs.
- 5. When did the census start?
Census workers began collecting census data on April 1, 2009. The collection continued through the month of April, with follow-up on missed properties in early May.
- 6. Why is the City doing an annual census?
In September 2008, City Council passed policy C520A. The policy states that the City of Edmonton will conduct an annual census starting in 2009, with a review of the policy in 2015.
- 7. How will I know the person at the door is a City census worker?
All census workers will be wearing City-issued identification. We would encourage you to confirm their identification before you answer questions.
- 8. Why should I answer the questions? Do I have to answer them?
Any resident has the right to refuse to answer the census questions. However, it is in the best interest of Edmontonians that every individual be counted. To be missed from the census means that Edmonton misses out on much needed per capita grant funds used for service delivery, as well as the information required to make informed decisions on the use of the funds.
- 9. What if I am not home when the census worker comes to my door?
The second time a census worker comes to a residence and finds no one home, information will be left in the mailbox or on the door telling you the census worker was there. The information will give you a cell phone number to contact the census worker so that a convenient time can be set for the census worker to return.
- 10. What happens to my information once it is returned to the Census Office?
Following receipt of the forms by the Election & Census Office, the forms will be electronically scanned and the amalgamated information transferred to the City’s Census Reporting System for long term management and data report generation purposes. The computer hard drives containing the original scanned data from the forms will be destroyed to ensure the protection of the information from unauthorized access.
- 11. How can I be sure my information is safe?
During training, census workers are instructed on the importance of ensuring the information being collected is protected and that they cannot share this information with anyone other than a member of their census team (Area Supervisor, Ward Coordinator, and Census Office Staff). Each census worker signs a letter of acknowledgment to reinforce these expectations. The acknowledgement is also printed on their City-issued identification.
For more information:
Election & Census Services
16304 - 114 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5M 3R8
| Telephone | 780-496-8008 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-944-5916 |
| electionandcensus@edmonton.ca |
