The 2026 Census in Canada, which began on May 4, has raised significant privacy concerns among residents due to its detailed questions, including those about household expenses and personal information. Thornhill resident Dan Haber expressed frustration over the complexity of the long-form questionnaire, questioning the necessity of such personal inquiries. Statistics Canada, represented by assistant chief statistician Geoff Bowlby, defends the census as a vital democratic tool that informs government decisions on public services, such as schools and hospitals. Despite assurances of data privacy and confidentiality, many Canadians, influenced by increased distrust in government data handling post-pandemic, have voiced their concerns on social media, with some refusing to participate altogether. Experts like Evan Light from the University of Toronto suggest that the government should be more transparent about data protection to alleviate public skepticism. The census completion deadline is May 12, 2026, and failure to comply could result in fines of up to $500 under the Statistics Act.