The Canadian government has begun data collection for the 2026 Census of Population and Agriculture, which will include a question on sexual orientation for the first time. This decision follows consultations indicating a significant gap in data regarding the LGB+ community. Statistics Canada aims to gather detailed information to inform policies and programs that promote equal opportunities in social, cultural, and economic spheres. Approximately one in four households will receive the long-form questionnaire, allowing individuals aged 15 and older to identify their sexual orientation. Failure to complete the census is subject to penalties under the Statistics Act, with fines reaching $1,000 for refusal and $500 for providing false information. Canada is among a select group of countries, including New Zealand, Ecuador, and the United Kingdom, to collect such data, enhancing the understanding of issues faced by diverse sexual orientations.