(NC) With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we live, work and play, many of us are not just realizing the importance of key services such as health-care, education, and child care, but also finding out which ones have room for improvement.
A great opportunity to make our voices heard is the upcoming census in spring 2021. The census gathers important information that can be used for community decision-making and self-governance around key topics such as education, labour and infrastructure.
Participation in the census directly contributes to its success, which can help communities transform for the better. To ensure we get a representative picture, it’s especially important for people living in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to participate.
For example, population data that show community growth may make a difference in allocated funding to help plan more training, create more jobs and strengthen the local economy, just like some programs are based on age data to help plan for the future and facilities for seniors.
Statistics Canada ensures that census and survey data are kept confidential and protected at all times. It has also adapted to the reality of COVID-19 and is implementing precautions to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard in the best and safest way possible.
Find more information at census.gc.ca.
