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Release of personal data after 92 years

The issue of access to historical census records has been a matter of public discussion for many years. There has been considerable interest on the part of genealogists, historians and archivists.

Following extensive consultation, including citizen focus groups and “Town Hall” meetings, the Government decided that there was a need to amend the Statistics Act to eliminate the ambiguities concerning the confidentiality status of past historical census records at the same time it provided for the release of future census records.

The amended Statistics Act permits the release of historical census records from 1911 to 2001 after 92 years.  Equally important, beginning with the 2006 Census, Canadians have had the choice to decide if they want their census records released to the public after 92 years. If their decision is no, then their personal information will remain confidential in perpetuity.

How can I change or verify my response to the 92-year consent question?

To change your response

If you wish to change your response to this question on either the 2006 or 2011 Census of Population questionnaire:

  1. Complete a Request for Change form: HTML or PDF (21 kb).
  2. Print a copy.
  3. Sign it.
  4. Mail it to the address provided at the bottom of the form.

Note: A separate form must be completed for each member of the household who wishes to have their response to this question changed for either of the census years mentioned above.

To verify your response

If you wish to verify your response to this question on either the 2006 or 2011 Census of Population questionnaire:

  1. Complete a Request for Verification form: HTML or PDF (14 kb).
  2. Print a copy.
  3. Sign it.
  4. Mail it to the address provided at the bottom of the form.

Note: A separate form must be completed for each member of the household who wishes to have their response to this question verified for either of the census years mentioned above.

See also

Change or verify your response to the consent question on a National Household Survey questionnaire

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