The Canadian government has announced a major temporary employment drive, seeking to fill approximately 32,000 positions nationwide to facilitate its upcoming national population census. This initiative presents a significant earning opportunity, with hourly wages reaching up to $31.32 (approximately N46,000), attracting notable attention from the Nigerian diaspora community residing in Canada.
Eligibility and Application Details for Census Jobs
Prospective applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for these roles. Applicants must be legal adults in their province or territory and hold either Canadian citizenship, permanent residency status, or a valid Canadian work permit. Crucially, candidates must be physically residing in Canada with a verifiable Canadian home address at the time of application.
This means the opportunity is not open to individuals applying from outside Canada. However, it has generated considerable interest among Nigerians already living in Canada on various work or residency pathways. The application process is conducted online through the official Census jobs portal, and the recruitment window is open from November 4, 2025, to July 31, 2026.
Job Roles, Responsibilities, and Compensation
The recruitment covers both supervisory and non-supervisory positions, with the majority being field-based roles that involve direct community engagement. Key positions include enumerators and crew leaders.
Enumerators are frontline staff responsible for collecting census data by visiting households, following up with non-responding homes, and interacting with residents. These roles typically require 20 to 40 hours of work per week between May and July 2026 and offer an hourly pay rate of $25.87.
Crew Leaders take on supervisory duties, managing teams of enumerators, coordinating field activities, and handling administrative tasks. These positions demand around 40 hours per week from March to July 2026 and command a higher pay rate of up to $31.32 per hour.
In addition to the attractive hourly wage, employees are eligible to claim authorized work-related expenses. Given the travel-intensive nature of the jobs, workers can claim compensation for mileage and parking costs, effectively reducing personal transportation expenses.
The Critical Importance of Canada's 2026 Census
Scheduled for May 2026, the national census is a cornerstone of effective governance. Statistics Canada emphasizes that the data collected is vital for informed national planning. The figures directly influence government decisions and funding allocations for essential public services including:
- Healthcare funding and infrastructure
- Education planning and school placements
- Housing development projects
- Transportation and road infrastructure
An accurate population count ensures that resources are distributed equitably and efficiently, helping to shape the country's economic and social policies for years to come. The hiring of this large temporary workforce is a critical step to ensure the data collection process is comprehensive and successful.
Applicants are advised that the selection process involves several stages, including screening, reference checks, and security clearance. Interviews are specifically required for crew leader roles. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applying early within the recruitment period is recommended to improve chances of being matched with an available role in a preferred location.
