End the underreporting of Jewish Canadians in the census

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From 2011 to 2016, the number of Canadians who reported that they are Jewish dropped by more than half. This was not due to a demographic change but to the removal of “Jewish” as a specific example in the question on ethnic origin and to the question on household religion being asked only in alternate censuses (or once in ten years). In 2021, “Jewish” was included with more than 500 examples of ethnic origin and, while religious affiliation was asked in 2021, it is not scheduled to be on the 2026 census.

A correct enumeration of Canada’s Jewish population is critical to the work of Jewish charities. Jewish Federations and Federation-funded social service agencies collectively spend tens of millions annually on charitable work throughout Canada to the benefit of hundreds of thousands of Canadians. This vital work requires access to accurate census data to provide a true picture of Jewish communities across Canada.

Recommendations

  • Ensuring Statistics Canada includes the religion question in every census, to prevent continued underreporting of Jewish Canadians.

Join us in calling on the federal government to end the underreporting of Jewish Canadians.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada. By clicking "Add your signature," you consent to receive periodic updates from CIJA. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Le Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA) est l'agence de représentation de Fédérations juives du Canada - UIA, représentant les fédérations juives à travers le Canada. En cliquant sur  «  Add your signature , »  vous acceptez de recevoir des mises à jour périodiques de CIJA. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment.
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