Accessing my census and/or NHS information

Statistics Canada's commitment to keeping the confidentiality of the information obtained from the Canadian public is enshrined in the Statistics Act and the Agency's various policies and practices related to data collection, analysis and dissemination activities as well as the Privacy Act.

All information provided to Statistics Canada through surveys, the census or any other source is confidential. Statistics Canada does not release any information that identifies an individual or group without prior consent. Similarly, no other government institution has the right to see the answers given in confidence to Statistics Canada without this consent.

You may request access to your personal information being held by Statistics Canada by contacting [email protected] or at 613-951-4967.

Census Pension Searches Program

The Census Pension Searches Program provides proof of age, length of residence in Canada, citizenship or aboriginal identity from historic census, National Household Survey, and the 1940 National Registration records. This service is normally provided in support of application for pensions, citizenship, passports and similar situations where other more preferred administration records are required but no longer exist or, as in a number of cases, were never issued. Information from census and National Household Survey records can only be provided to the person named in the record, or the legal representative of a minor or dependent adult, or the legal representative of a deceased person for the sole purpose of administering the estate of that person. This application must be completed for authorization to search and release your personal and confidential information as recorded in these records.

Application and Authorization for a Search of Census, National Household Survey and 1940 National Registration Records

Application and Authorization for a Search of Census, National Household Survey and 1940 National Registration Records must be completed, signed and returned to us to authorize the search and release of your personal and confidential information.

• Application and Authorization for a Search of Census, National Household Survey and 1940 National Registration Records PDF (598 kb)

Please note, the success of a search is dependent on complete address information being provided under the "Place of Residence" heading for the 2006 and/or earlier Census years back to the 1991 Census when the Aboriginal self-identification question was first asked. Please provide the specific addresses (including street names with house numbers) for where you lived at the time for which you are searching. Please also include the names of individuals you were living with at that time.

Remember to enter your name and current address in the space provided and to sign the form at the bottom of the search application. You must ensure to provide your current mailing address where your completed information will be sent. Due to privacy regulations, Statistics Canada is unable to send the information to a third party mailing address.

Return the completed application form to Statistics Canada using the mailing address, facsimile number or e-mail address below:

Contact us

Please contact us if you need any assistance.