The first national census of Canada took place in 1871, four years after several British colonies joined to create the Dominion of Canada—typically referred to as Confederation.[1] The Dominion initially included four present-day provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As other provinces joined Confederation, they were included in subsequent censuses.[2] The most recent of these was Newfoundland and Labrador, which became Canada’s tenth province in 1949.[3]
Canada has taken a national census every decade since 1871 and every five years since 1971.iv The most recent census available for public use is the 1931 Census which was released on 1 June 2023.v
Earlier censuses
Prior to 1871, censuses were taken in various jurisdictions, but many of those records have not survived.vi Censuses took place in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario (Canada West), and Quebec (Canada East) in 1851 and—despite variations—have been combined into single databases on MyHeritage, Library and Archives of Canada, and elsewhere. Censuses which include all household members were taken in the provinces and territories of New Brunswick, Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Ontario) in 1861, but those taken in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island include only the heads of household.
Censuses for Canada East (Quebec) and Canada West (Ontario) were taken in 1842 but fewer records survive.
1901 census
The 1901 census is particularly helpful because it recorded birthdates for many who were born in a period before civil registration records were regularly kept.
Searching census records
Most Canadian census records are held by Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Their Census Search page allows searches of some or all of the censuses they hold from one screen.
While this may be useful at times, other search engines may offer more flexibility to broaden or narrow searches to capture various name spellings, ages, and other factors that may not be as readily available on the LAC site. MyHeritage’s entire collection of Canadian censuses can also be searched and accessed from a single landing page while also allowing users to customize their searches.
It is also helpful to check for individual provinces to learn what other census-like records may be available in various provinces. For example, there are some very helpful Nova Scotia censuses that are not included on FamilySearch’s main Canadian census wiki. These records are more fully described and accessible on the website of the Nova Scotia Archives and are included in a combined database with other early Nova Scotia records on MyHeritage.
Tips for enhancing census searches
- Know what you are searching. Before concluding your ancestor was not living in a particular locale during a census, be sure you know whether or not that location was included in the records you are searching. Earlier censuses, in particular, often have gaps in which records are available so it is helpful to understand exactly what is and is not available in the records you are searching. Library and Archives of Canada provides in-depth information about many of the censuses in its collection, including lists of the districts and subdistricts covered (and missed) by censuses, blank census schedules, instructions given to enumerators, and other helpful background.
- Understand changing jurisdictions. As the new nation formed, and even in recent history, names of townships, districts, counties, and other jurisdictions changed over time. Spending a bit of time at the outset of your research understanding those changes can help enormously in identifying the ancestors you are researching. LAC provides lists of districts and sub-districts for many censuses that can help with understanding changing location names.
- Be aware of neighbors. Names are sometimes difficult to locate because they have been misinterpreted by those who indexed the records. If you are unable to locate the ancestors you are seeking on a census, try searching for the names of known neighbors, especially those with unusual names. Also, be aware that families often lived near one another—settling near one another and subdividing parents’ land as children came of age. Married daughters may also be found as neighbors, so look at neighbors again after your initial research to locate family members with different surnames who may have been near neighbors.
- Compare census records with period maps. Many maps and atlases were created, particularly during the mid to late-1800s, that can be invaluable in helping understand and draw additional information from census records. At a minimum, maps can be helpful in placing census records in context. Historical maps can be found online in a variety of locations such as archives, universities, and elsewhere. The David Rumsey Map Collection often has detailed maps such as these. McGill University has digitized and indexed a collection of township maps from Ontario atlases published between 1874 and 1881 that can provide useful comparisons to the 1871 and 1881 censuses in that province. * Utilize census substitutes. If census records are not available for the period you are searching, look for other records that can substitute. Tax records usually list all landowners and can sometimes provide clues about those in the property owner’s household. City and provincial directories can also be a helpful way to identify ancestors in times and places where census records are not available. Directories can be found in a variety of locations. Library and Archives Canada has a collection of many directories. MyHeritage has directories from 1853, 1890-91, and 1930.
See also
Explore more about Canadian census records
- MyHeritage’s Canadian Census Collection MyHeritage Canada census records
- MyHeritage Public Records Index
- 1931 Canada Census
- Find French Canadian Ancestors
References
- ↑ Confederation. The Canadian Encyclopedia
- ↑ Censuses. Library and Archives Canada
- ↑ Newfoundland and Labrador and Confederation. The Canadian Encylopedia