Statistics Canada has announced plans to recruit approximately 32,000 temporary workers nationwide as part of preparations for the 2026 Canadian Census, scheduled for May 2026. The recruitment drive will cover all provinces and territories, with successful applicants earning up to $31.32 per hour (about ₦46,000) depending on their assigned roles.
The national statistics agency disclosed that the temporary positions will be filled gradually between March and July 2026, with work schedules and duration varying by role and location. Most positions are field-based and involve direct engagement with households, rather than office duties. As a result, many assignments will require availability during evenings and weekends, when residents are more likely to be at home.
According to Statistics Canada, the census exercise is a cornerstone of national planning. The data collected is used to produce a detailed statistical profile of Canada’s population, supporting government decisions related to healthcare delivery, education planning, housing development, transportation systems, and other public services.
Available Positions
Several temporary field roles will be available during the census period. These include:
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Crew leaders
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Crew leader assistants
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Field operations supervisor assistants
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Collection support unit operators
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Enumerators
However, the agency noted that the largest number of openings will be for enumerators and crew leaders, making these positions the most common placements for applicants.
Job Responsibilities
Enumerators are tasked with visiting households to collect census information, following up on non-responses, and interacting directly with residents to ensure questionnaires are completed accurately. Enumerators typically work between 20 and 40 hours per week from May to July 2026.
Crew leaders, on the other hand, are responsible for supervising teams of enumerators, coordinating field activities, tracking progress, and handling administrative duties within their assigned areas. These roles generally require around 40 hours per week and run from March through July 2026, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
Pay and Allowances
Statistics Canada confirmed that enumerators will earn $25.87 per hour, while crew leaders will earn $31.32 per hour. In addition to hourly wages, employees may claim authorized work-related expenses, depending on the nature of their assignments.
Given that many roles involve travel within local communities, workers may also qualify for additional compensation. This can include reimbursement for mileage and parking costs where personal vehicles are used for door-to-door data collection. The agency stated that employees are compensated for kilometres driven to help offset transportation expenses incurred during official duties.
Hiring Process and Application Timeline
Applicants will be required to complete several stages in the hiring process, which may include initial screening, reference checks, interviews for supervisory roles, and security screening. Statistics Canada emphasized that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Applications must be submitted online through the official Census Jobs portal ( https://www.census.gc.ca/en/jobs ) . The recruitment window opened on November 4, 2025, and will remain open until July 31, 2026, with hiring continuing throughout the period. The agency advised that hiring timelines may vary by region and encouraged interested candidates to apply early to improve their chances of being matched with a suitable role.
