Canada's national statistics agency says it's ready to conduct the 2021 census next month despite concerns about the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months. All staff collecting census information in person are expected to follow the relevant public health guidance by observing physical distancing, staying outdoors and using personal protective equipment. "Our health and safety folks working with public health authorities say that that is still the safe way to go," said Bowlby. Statistics Canada says it's going to be sending more census enumerators than ever to survey people in Indigenous communities in Northern Canada. "The census data are so important to be used for important financial transfers between the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments.

Source: CBC News April 04, 2021 08:00 UTC