Resolutions

Whereas accurate census data is essential for municipal planning, service delivery, and securing equitable provincial and federal funding; and 

Whereas smaller urban municipalities face unique challenges in census participation due to limited local administrative capacity and reduced in-person census outreach; and 

Whereas most census enumerators assigned to small communities are not residents and may not be familiar with the local context, neighborhoods, or residents, which can reduce participation and accuracy; and 

Whereas the increasing reliance on online census completion disproportionately impacts seniors and individuals with limited technological access or digital literacy; and 

Whereas more accessible census options and improved support from Statistics Canada would help ensure complete and reliable population counts for small communities; 

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate Statistics Canada and the Government of Canada for improved census procedures that better reflect the realities and needs of smaller urban municipalities; and 

Be it further resolved that SUMA request the reinstatement or expansion of in-person census options, paper-based forms, and outreach supports to ensure seniors and individuals with technological barriers can fully participate in the census; and 

Be it further resolved that SUMA urge Statistics Canada to prioritize the hiring of local enumerators wherever possible and to provide enhanced training to ensure enumerators understand the community setting, thereby improving accuracy and participation rates.