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Canada Census 2026 to ask sexual orientation and warns of penalties for missing the form
International
Published on 5 May 2026
What happens if you refuse to answer this question
Canada has started collecting data for its 2026 Census of Population and Agriculture, and for the first time residents will be asked about their sexual orientation. Officials say the change follows consultations and is meant to fill data gaps to shape programs and policies supporting equal opportunities. Census completion is mandatory, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Canada’s 2026 census includes a sexual orientation question for the first time
- The government links the change to consultations and filling data gaps
- Answers are used to shape programs and policies for equal opportunities
- Completing the census is mandatory, with penalties for refusal
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times