1921 Canadian census

Last updated
1921 Canadian census

  1916 June 1, 1921 1926  

General information
CountryCanada
Results
Total population8,788,483 (Increase2.svg 22%)

The Canada 1921 census was a detailed enumeration of the Canadian population. The census count was taken as at June 1, 1921. The total population count was 8,788,483 representing a 22% increase over the 1911 census population count of 7,206,643. [1] [2] The 1921 census was the sixth comprehensive decennial census since Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867. [2] [3] The previous census was the Northwest Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba 1916 census and the following census was the Northwest Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba 1926 census.

Contents

Census summary

Information was collected on the following five subjects, with separate schedules or questionnaires for each subject: [3] [4]

  1. Population
  2. Agriculture
  3. Animals, animal products, fruits not on farms
  4. Manufacturing and trading establishments
  5. Supplemental questionnaire for persons who were blind and deaf.

The five schedules contained a total of 565 questions. The population questionnaire contained 35 questions with those on insanity and fertility having been dropped and a new question recording the birthplaces of the father and mother of each individual. [3] [4] [5]

Population by province

Province1921 census [1] [2] 1911 census [1] % change
Prince Edward Island 88,61593,728-5.5
Nova Scotia 523,837492,3386.4
New Brunswick 387,876351,88910.2
Quebec 2,361,1992,005,77617.7
Ontario 2,933,6222,527,29216.1
Manitoba 610,118461,39432.2
Saskatchewan 757,510492,43253.8
Alberta 588,454374,29557.2
British Columbia 524,582392,48033.7
Yukon Territory 4,1578,512-51.2
Northwest Territories 7,9886,50722.8
Royal Canadian Navy 4850N/A
Total8,788,4837,206,64322.0

The most significant population growth took place in the Prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, where the population count increased by 47%. [1] [2]

Methodology

The census was conducted by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics formed in 1918 by the Statistics Act. Census fieldwork was carried out by 241 commissioners and 11,425 enumerators responsible for the corresponding numbers of census districts and subdistricts structured to correspond closely to federal electoral constituencies and polling subdivisions respectively. [2] [3] A special staff of up to 350 in Ottawa compiled the census results using mechanical tabulation methods. [3] [4] In 1955, the paper census schedules were destroyed after the population schedules were microfilmed. [2]

Release date and format

In accordance with the Statistics Act, the 1921 census returns were in the custody of Statistics Canada and the records were closed until 92 years after the taking of the census. [6] [7] In 2013, the records were opened for public use and transferred to Library and Archives Canada (LAC). [2] [8] In early July 2013, a spokesperson for LAC advised that the data comprises 197,529 images, and "Once assembled and fully indexed, it will constitute the largest on-line record of Canadian genealogical information." [9] [10] On August 8, 2013, raw digital images of the population schedules were made available to browse for free with a geographic index of districts and sub-districts on the private Ancestry.ca website. [11] [12] Ancestry.ca transcribed and indexed the data to facilitate advanced searches by individual Ancestry.ca subscribers, and in person at LAC and subscribing libraries, from late in 2013. The census data was scheduled to be made available on the LAC website three years after being made available on the Ancestry.ca website. [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] The fully indexed online census data was launched by Ancestry.ca on October 29, 2013. The data is free to search, subject to registration on the Ancestry.ca website. [18] On August 30, 2017, the results of the 1921 census were made available on the Library and Archives Canada website. [19]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demographics of Canada</span>

Statistics Canada conducts a country-wide census that collects demographic data every five years on the first and sixth year of each decade. The 2021 Canadian census enumerated a total population of 36,991,981, an increase of around 5.2 percent over the 2016 figure, Between 2011 and May 2016, Canada's population grew by 1.7 million people, with immigrants accounting for two-thirds of the increase. Between 1990 and 2008, the population increased by 5.6 million, equivalent to 20.4 percent overall growth. The main driver of population growth is immigration, and to a lesser extent, natural growth.

Statistics Canada, formed in 1971, is the agency of the Government of Canada commissioned with producing statistics to help better understand Canada, its population, resources, economy, society, and culture. It is headquartered in Ottawa.

Race and ethnicity in the United States census, defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the United States Census Bureau, are the self-identified categories of race or races and ethnicity chosen by residents, with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether they are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lloydminster</span> City in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada

Lloydminster is a city in Canada which has the unusual geographic distinction of straddling the provincial border between Alberta and Saskatchewan. The city is incorporated by both provinces as a single city with a single municipal administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethnic origins of people in Canada</span>

According to the 2021 Canadian census, over 450 "ethnic or cultural origins" were self-reported by Canadians. The major panethnic origin groups in Canada are: European (52.5%), North American (22.9%), Asian (19.3%), North American Indigenous (6.1%), African (3.8%), Latin, Central and South American (2.5%), Caribbean (2.1%), Oceanian (0.3%), and Other (6%). Statistics Canada reports that 35.5% of the population reported multiple ethnic origins, thus the overall total is greater than 100%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Ronge</span> Northern town in Saskatchewan, Canada

La Ronge is a northern town in the boreal forest of central Saskatchewan, Canada. Its location is approximately 250 km (160 mi) north of Prince Albert where Highway 2 becomes Highway 102. La Ronge lies on the western shore of Lac la Ronge, is adjacent to Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, and is on the edge of the Canadian Shield.

Finnish Canadians are Canadian citizens of Finnish ancestry or Finns who emigrated to and reside in Canada. In 2016, 143,645 Canadians claimed Finnish ancestry. Finns started coming to Canada in the early 1880s, and in much larger numbers in the early 20th century and well into the mid-20th century. Finnish immigration to Canada was often a direct result of economic depressions and wars, or in the aftermath of major conflicts like the Finnish Civil War. Canada was often chosen as a final destination because of the similarity in climate and natural conditions, while employment in logging or homesteading attracted landless farmers in the early 20th century. Migratory movements of Finns between Canada and the United States was very common as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Census in the United Kingdom</span> Mass population survey conducted in the United Kingdom

Coincident full censuses have taken place in the different jurisdictions of the United Kingdom every ten years since 1801, with the exceptions of 1941, Ireland in 1921/Northern Ireland in 1931, and Scotland in 2021. In addition to providing detailed information about national demographics, the results of the census play an important part in the calculation of resource allocation to regional and local service providers by the UK government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Canadian census</span> Censuses in Canada

The 2006 Canadian census was a detailed enumeration of the Canadian population. Census day was May 16, 2006. The following census was the 2011 census. Canada's total population enumerated by the 2006 census was 31,612,897. This count was lower than the official July 1, 2006 population estimate of 32,623,490 people. The previous census was the 2001 census and the following census was in 2011 census.

Statistics Canada conducts a national census of population and census of agriculture every five years and releases the data with a two-year lag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Canadian census</span> Enumeration of the Canadian population on May 10, 2011

The 2011 Canadian census was a detailed enumeration of the Canadian population on May 10, 2011. Statistics Canada, an agency of the Canadian government, conducts a nationwide census every five years. In 2011, it consisted of a mandatory short form census questionnaire and an inaugural National Household Survey (NHS), a voluntary survey which replaced the mandatory long form census questionnaire; this substitution was the focus of much controversy. Completion of the census is mandatory for all Canadians, and those who do not complete it may face penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences.

The 1911 Canadian census was a detailed enumeration of the Canadian population. The census was started on June 1, 1911. All reports had been received by February 26, 1912. The total population count of Canada was 7,206,643. This was an increase of 34% over the 1901 census of 5,371,315.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demographics of Saskatchewan</span>

Saskatchewan is the middle province of Canada's three Prairie Provinces. It has an area of 651,900 km² (251,700 mi²) and a population of 1,132,505 (Saskatchewanians) as of 2021. Saskatchewan's population is made of 50.3% women and 49.7% men. Most of its population lives in the Southern half of the province.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 United Kingdom census</span> 2011 census of the population of the United Kingdom

A census of the population of the United Kingdom is taken every ten years. The 2011 census was held in all countries of the UK on 27 March 2011. It was the first UK census which could be completed online via the Internet. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for the census in England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) is responsible for the census in Scotland, and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) is responsible for the census in Northern Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Race and ethnicity in censuses</span>

Many countries and national censuses currently enumerate or have previously enumerated their populations by race, ethnicity, nationality, or a combination of these characteristics. Different countries have different classifications and census options for race and ethnicity/nationality which are not comparable with data from other countries. In addition, many of the race and ethnicity concepts that appear on national censuses worldwide have their origins in Europe or in the views of Europeans, rather than in the views of the locals of these countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Population and housing censuses by country</span>

This is a list of national population and housing censuses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Canadian census</span> Detailed enumeration of Canadians taken May 10, 2016

The 2016 Canadian census was an enumeration of Canadian residents, which counted a population of 35,151,728, a 5% change from its 2011 population of 33,476,688. The census, conducted by Statistics Canada, was Canada's seventh quinquennial census. The official census day was May 10, 2016. Census web access codes began arriving in the mail on May 2, 2016. The 2016 census marked the reinstatement of the mandatory long-form census, which had been dropped in favour of the voluntary National Household Survey for the 2011 census. With a response rate of 98.4%, this census is said to be the best one ever recorded since the 1666 census of New France. This census was succeeded by Canada's 2021 census.

The 1916 Canadian census was the second of a series of special censuses conducted by the Government of Canada covering the rapidly expanding Northwest Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These censuses were conducted every ten years from 1906 to 1946. This census was conducted as at June 1, 1916.

The 1871 Canadian census marked the first regularly scheduled collection of national statistics of the Canadian population on April 2, 1871, as required by section 8 of the British North America Act. The constitution required a census to be taken in 1871 and every tenth year thereafter. Parliament implemented the requirements of the constitution through the Census Act of May 12, 1870. In the first census, the population of Canada was enumerated to be 3,485,761.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Canadian census</span> Detailed enumeration of Canadian residents in 2021

The 2021 Canadian census was a detailed enumeration of the Canadian population with a reference date of May 11, 2021. It follows the 2016 Canadian census, which recorded a population of 35,151,728. The overall response rate was 98%, which is slightly lower than the response rate for the 2016 census. It recorded a population of 36,991,981, a 5.2% increase from 2016.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Canada Year Book 1922-23" (PDF). Statistics Canada. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "1921 Census countdown!". Library and Archives Canada. 27 March 2012. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Worton, David Albert (1998). The Dominion Bureau of Statistics: a history of Canada's Central Statistical Office and its antecedents, 1841-1972. Montreal [Que.]: McGill-Queen's University Press. pp. 89–91. ISBN   0773516603.
  4. 1 2 3 "History of the Census of Canada". Statistics Canada. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  5. "1921 Population Census Schedule". Canadian Century Research Infrastructure. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  6. "BILL S-18: AN ACT TO AMEND THE STATISTICS ACT". Parliament of Canada. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  7. "Statistics Act". Government of Canada. Retrieved 9 June 2013. 18. (1) The information contained in the returns of each census of population taken between 1910 and 2005 is no longer subject to sections 17 and 18 ninety-two years after the census is taken. (3) When sections 17 and 18 cease to apply to information referred to in subsection (1) or (2), the information shall be placed under the care and control of the Library and Archives of Canada.
  8. "Census of Canada, 1921 – Available to Researchers in the Next Few Weeks". LAC. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2013. Library and Archives Canada took custody of the Census of the Canadian population, 1921 from Statistics Canada and is beginning work to make it discoverable for Canadians.
  9. Shouldice, Alison (1 July 2013). "Release of 1921 census data on hold". The Kingston Whig-Standard. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  10. Munson, James (8 July 2013). "Genealogy buffs fume while awaiting 'imminent' 1921 Census data". iPolitics. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  11. "Census of Canada 1921 Now Available to Researchers". LAC. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  12. "Canadian Census". Ancestry.com. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  13. Roberts, Rick (8 August 2013). "1921 Census of Canada was released online today – free". GlobalGenealogy.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013. LAC to responds to questions asked by our readers: 'After 3 years, the census and the nominal index goes back to LAC's free site. Access to the census will always be free, whether on Ancestry or LAC.'
  14. Daubs, Katie (9 August 2013). "1921 Canadian census data released online, to genealogists' delight". Toronto Star. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  15. Zilio, Michelle (9 August 2013). "After more than two-month delay, 1921 census released". iPolitics. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  16. Buchanan, Fiona (11 August 2013). "Newly released historical census data offers genealogists a rare glimpse into 1920s Canada". National Post. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  17. Sturdevant, Shirley L. (12 August 2013). "LAC Answers Questions about Release of 1921 Census". Ontario Genealogical Society. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  18. MacLellan, Stephanie (30 October 2013). "1921 census provides a glimpse into Toronto's multicultural past". Toronto Star. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  19. "Explore the Census of Canada 1921!". Library and Archives Canada. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.