The 2001 Census: What’s Available and Where to Find It

On May 15, 2001, Statistics Canada conducted its most recent Census of the population of Canada. In response to numerous requests for Census data, the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto assembled this resource to assist communities in their search for the latest statistics.

What’s In the Census?

· Population size and number of dwellings

· Age, sex, marital and common-law status, family type

· Language, mobility and migration

· Citizenship and immigration

· Ethnic origin and visible minority status

· Aboriginal peoples

· Labour force activity and unpaid work

· Modes of transportation

· Education and earnings

· Income and housing costs

· Religion

Census data is available for Canada, the provinces and territories, and smaller geographic areas including cities, towns, wards and neighbourhoods. Data for smaller geographic units such as census tracts may be accessible, for a price, through Statistics Canada (toll-free:1-800-263-1136 or infostats@statcan.ca)

For a plain language online version of Census terms:

www.statcan.ca/english/census2001/dict/index.htm#dictionary

For an illustrated glossary of different geographic units (eg. Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), Census Subdivision): geodepot.statcan.ca/Diss/Reference/COGG/Index_e.cfm

Where Can I Find Census Information?

For Canada, the Provinces, Territories, Regions, Cities

Statistics Canada’s website offers a wealth of Census data, and much of it is free. Access Census data at:

www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Standard/Index.cfm

For free data, click on: Population and Dwelling Counts, Highlights Tables and Topic-based Tabulations (many but not all of the tabulations are free).

Find the Analysis Series on this page:

www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Analytic/Index.cfm

For Canadian Communities

Statistics Canada’s 2001 Community Profiles web page allows users to access Census data for specific communities (eg. cities, towns, villages, Indian reserves, and Indian settlements) through a handy search feature.

www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/PlaceSearchForm1.cfm

For the City of Toronto’s Wards and Neighbourhoods

The City of Toronto has created easy-to-navigate online profiles for its 44 wards and 140 neighbourhoods. Ward Profiles include a printable map and key Census data for the ward with comparisons to the City of Toronto as a whole. http://app.city.toronto.on.ca/im/council/ward.jsp

Neighbourhood Profiles provide similar information for smaller geographic areas in the city. The City of Toronto has released two Neighbourhood Profiles so far, covering age and gender, and immigration, ethnicity and language. The City is creating more profiles. Check:

www.toronto.ca/demographics/profiles_map_and_index.htm

Neighbourhood Profiles on CD-ROM are available for a small fee. Contact: spar@toronto.ca

For a City of Toronto profile on immigration, ethnicity and language: www.toronto.ca/demographics/pdf2/all_toronto_full.pdf

Research Tip The Canadian Social Research Links website is an excellent resource for a wide range of social research and statistics: www.canadiansocialresearch.net

Do you have a link to add to this resource list? Please let us know.

Contact: Beth Wilson at bwilson@cspc.toronto.on.ca