1871 Canada Census

The 1871 Canada census was the first national census for the country newly-formed in 1867. The previous censuses were of the British colonies. Canada in the 1871 census included the four original provinces - Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

This 1871 census of Canada was to start on April 2, 1871. Answers given to the questions were to reflect the person's status as of that date regardless of the actual date the enumerator came.


Column Question
To be numbered in the order of visitation (1-6)
1 Vessels
2 Shanties
3 Houses in construction
4 Houses uninhabited
5 Houses inhabited
6 Families
7 Names
8 Sex (M or F)
9 Age
10 Born within last twelve months
11 Country or province of birth
12 Religion
13 Origin
14 Profession, occupation or trade
15 Married or widowed
16 Married within last twelve months
Instruction (17-19)
17 Going to school
18 Over 20 unable to read
19 Over 20 unable to write
Infirmities (20-22)
20 Deaf and dumb
22 Blind
22 Unsound mind
23 Dates of operations and remarks


To save an Adobe Acrobat copy of the 1871 Canada questions click here

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Family tree pictures are invaluable if you can find them

My mother and her father about 1912 when she was 4 years old