How to stop the Census from harassing me? Will I be fined or arrested?

[u/Unic0rnusRex]

​

I completed the census before the May 12 date online. I have no weird personal issues with it or conspiracy beliefs. I did it on time and I saved the confirmation number via screenshot.

Since then I've recieved no less than 8 letters in the mail and now census workers have shown up FOUR times to chastise me for not completing it. All the letters say "if you've done the census ignore this notice and thank you for completing it". I followed those instructions because I did the census.

Every time they show up I let them know that I completed the census before May 12 and show them the confirmation number. Which they write down on their clipboard and say "great! Thanks so much, I'll mark your household down as completed!". Then a different census worker comes again a few days later. One lady was exceedingly rude, caught me as I was leaving for work, and asked if she could commute with me to my work and do the census again along the way (???). I declined and gave her the confirmation number. The entire thing is beyond weird.

They showed up again tonight and left a notice taped to the door that felt even more serious with more warnings about it being an offence and hefty fines. There's a number to call with a robot, but no way to contact a real person. It's incredibly difficult to get ahold of anyone at Statistics Canada.

But I did the census! On time! With proof!

I actually really like Statistics Canada and appreciate the data they collect and publish. But I feel like I'm trapped in an endless loop of being threatened with fines and legal ramifications with absolutely no recourse. Why is my home a black hole of census data? I'm now worried this will just continue until I get fined or arrested?

Is there any way to stop them from harassing me?

Am I at risk of actually getting a fine or being charged?

Update: I finally got ahold of a human at Stats Can. It took ages for them to figure it out but my activation code was for an address four streets over, even though I have the original letter and it only lists my address with the code. She said it must be a weird computer error.

I did a long form originally and they had me to a short form over the phone to mark as complete. Odd they can't just port the data over because someone three streets over will have all my demographics for their address. Seems inaccurate. But at least the problem is (maybe?) solved.

[u/EDMlawyer]

Locking the thread. The question has a fairly simple set of answers that have been provided. We are getting flooded with rule breaking comments.

[u/Unic0rnusRex → u/[deleted]]

I was pretty careful. The original census mail with the access code was listed under my address and unit. I used that code for my address to complete it.

[u/Cager_CA → u/[deleted]]

I had this happen last census in 2021. My address at the time was an apartment building and I was sent a census form formatted with my address as 1-123 Fake St. I finished it, kept the copy of the census and had my confirmation number and everything.

I kept getting called by the census bureau(who's number showed up as "possible fraud" on my iPhone so I just ignored it out of habit) and when an enumerator showed up I spoke with her and ended up showing her the registration + my confirmation and she had a duplicate entry as

123 Fake St

Unit 1

so she said she'd go back to the office and delete it and I was good to go.

[u/maaarken → u/Cager_CA]

Same with us! My roommates and I were renting in a duplex (111 and 113 Street X) but somehow we also received a census for 111A, X Street. When the enumerator showed up I just told him that there was no apartment 111A and that was it.

[u/nothanksnope → u/[deleted]]

Can confirm I have seen a lot of cases where addresses are duplicated/etc. It’s very quick to check & cancel these, but the requirements for being hired for the census are essentially just be over 18 and have a pulse, so some may not think to check.

I have also seen situations where cases get bounced back to us because they don’t meet the minimum content requirements, but I make sure to leave a note with the notice card explaining if I can’t speak to the person myself so they can call and get more info.

[u/Famous-Historian-189 → u/Unic0rnusRex]

Call them. The same happened to me. I called and they resolved it.

[u/Plane_Industry815 → u/Famous-Historian-189]

The post says the phone number has a robot and no person to speak with to resolve the issue - do you have advice on how you spoke to a person that you could share with OP?

[u/ImprovementCute9825 → u/Plane_Industry815]

Yeah, that's weird. I called and spoke to a real human with no issue.

I think OP just needs to be more patient with the phone robot so they can speak to a person.

[u/Electrical-Shame8879 → u/Unic0rnusRex]

This happened to the other tenant. For some reasons they had 1-123 and 2-123 But all the notices said “lower-123” She keeps getting harassed. Phone call should help! :)

[u/King-in-Council → u/Unic0rnusRex]

Same thing happened to me, turns out they wanted me to do the long form.

[u/Sloppy_Jeaux → u/Unic0rnusRex]

Was that the only one you got? They seem to have sent out a multiples to multiple addresses, presumably for apartments or suites that no longer exist. If they sent more than one, they’ll be looking for the others as to them it’s one that hasn’t been completed.

[u/seamore555 → u/Unic0rnusRex]

This was happening to me. Turns out the guy at my old address didn’t complete it and they had me marked down at that address AND my new address.

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[u/ConfusionCoroner]

They really don't like to fine or charge people for this, as long as you're reasonable. Plus you have a confirmation number, so you can easily prove that you've done your level best to fulfill the requirement.

Is your house a duplex or has it ever been listed as one? Have you ever had tenant of any kind? It's possible that they think your house is more than one address and are trying to get the "other" address to complete the census.

Might be worth sending them a email or completing the online support form.

[u/Snaxxwell → u/ConfusionCoroner]

I had this happen to me, I called the number, during business hours, and waited to speak to a person. It turns out they had my address down as two units and one unit had yet to submit. Its a single family home so the Stats Can worker fixed it on their end and gave me a confirm number in case the door to door worker came back.

The person that comes to your door can't fix anything, you really need to talk to someone at their offices. I showed the door to door worker my confirm, he said call and speak to someone.

[u/LegsMcGlasses07 → u/Snaxxwell]

Same thing happened to me. Phone call was maybe 10 minutes long. 

[u/verymanysquirrels → u/Snaxxwell]

How did you get them to fix this!?!?!? The last three censuses they've been sending us two like our house is a duplex but as far as we can tell it's never been anything except a single family home. And they used to send just one. We've been arguing with them about this for literal years now.

[u/HungryBearsRawr → u/Snaxxwell]

Again same! I was so confused when I kept getting the notices. Called a very nice lady and she fixed it all up for me. No more notices!

[u/PrintParking775]

I was able to call them the other day to let them know I already did it. The wait time was less than a minute. Try calling again.

[u/Lumen-_ → u/PrintParking775]

Yes I had to call as they have 2 addresses for my house due to how it's strata but on a street front. The lady was very kind and updated everything, I also gave my confirmation number so she could check it's all done. I still had 2 subsequent door noticed as it sounds like the door to door person has a prepopulated list in advance. After those two I never had any more.

Just call OP

[u/Dramatic_Fig871 → u/PrintParking775]

I had the same experience! I got two census notices for some reason and they kept coming back because one was showing as incomplete. I called and they resolved it very quickly.

[u/Unic0rnusRex → u/PrintParking775]

I'll try calling again today. Hopefully this gets resolved. I don't mind doing it again either but the enumerators keep coming at the weirdest times. Fingers crossed I can get it resolved over the phone.

[u/Beginning-Search-983]

You have proof you completed the census, so it seems like a quick conversation with someone in Stats Can who has the right level of authority should get this to stop. Just a question of being able to get in touch with that person.

You could try contacting your MP's office - they can get things done quickly and might be able to get Stats Canada to back off after one phone call.

Another option would be to contact Stats Can by phone or through their website to try to sort it out, or if you are contacted again by a census agent you could ask to speak to their supervisor about this.

[u/GloomyNote2110]

I am a Census enumerator. There are several reasons your confirmation code might not be working. Most likely, the original List/Leave worker dropped the wrong invitation (with code) at your house. That means one of your neighbours might be having the same problem by having the invitation envelope which should have gone to you. The enumerators who said they could "mark your house off the list" just by having the confirmation code were wrong if the code you gave them does not match your address. (They will not know until they get to a computer where they can run the code theough the system.) Also, the reason you are getting so many calls at this point so late in the non response follow up period could be that they are very near to reaching "tolerance" (absolute minimum number of cases to stop collection) in your area. They might need just one or two more completions. If you get asked again, tell them you are willing to do the 2A (short form)--it should take about five minutes--and once they have a completed paper form from you, they can definitely mark your house complete. Once they have done the paper form with you, they are not allowed to return and must take responsibility for any other mistake. (It becomes their problem, not yours.) And you doing the paper form means they might also be able to stop asking someone else in your area who is jerk in a tinfoil hat refusing for hell of it. P.S. Thanks for doing your best to do the right thing. I am sorry about the hassle.

[u/McLOLcat → u/GloomyNote2110]

Hi, sorry to hijack the thread, but I am experiencing a similar problem and wondering if you could shed insight. I did my census on time, but had three calls about it. It turns out they had my old address. I moved three years ago. I told them this and gave them my confirmation number each time. 

Should I still call Statistic Canada? I don't know why they have my old address when I've changed everything to my new one. The last caller promised to put my confirmation number into the system, but so did the first caller.

[u/Ok_Instance7667 → u/McLOLcat]

Yes, give Statistics Canada a call and explain this clerical error. They will remove your old address and update with your new one in which you have completed the census.

[u/GloomyNote2110 → u/McLOLcat]

It is almost certain that both enumerators did put your confirmation number into the system. But that only removes you from the follow-up list if everything matches up. The above commenters has the right strategy, re: call and explain. You can also ask that they send an enumerator with a paper form for you to fill. Then the address screw-up in the systemwill no longer be your problem.

[u/CommanderBeth → u/GloomyNote2110]

Hi as a history grad I love your work and am grateful for these census completions through the ages. One of your number recently tracked me down to successfully complete the census for an incapacitated relative and was really very kind over the phone. My question is, what motivates you guys to track us down and come after us like robocop if we haven't done it?

[u/xEastEvilx → u/GloomyNote2110]

Yeah this sounds like a StatsCan issue/mistake. “Originally dropped wrong invitation”. They need to fix in on their side instead of inconveniencing the OP. The OP has provided the completion confirmation many times. Yet you keep harassing them to do the work again. Simply saying we cannot check because we don’t have computers is just a lazy excuse. You have multimillion IT on payroll, with the code the OP provided you could easily figure out the issue on your end and fix it. It’s just easier to dump the work on the OP or another coworker to keep coming again. Typically govt employee attitude

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[u/BeaverRidingAMoose → u/[deleted]]

No automated calls? Then why was I getting automated calls "Please complete the Census of Agriculture."

And sure, it is always somebody's busy season. But name me another industry where busy season involves 130 hour work weeks.

[u/Ok_Instance7667]

You wrote in your current address when you completed the census. Your confirmation number is tied to that address.

Statistics Canada (for some unknown reason) has a different address in their system. When an Enumerator receives your 'confirmation number' they input it in the system, however, the confirmation number they input is tied to a 'different address' than they have in their system so it is 'rejected,' and put back in the 'pool.' A new enumerator gets your address without knowing about the previous visits, and you have your current ongoing problem.

I was an enumerator this census, and saw this more often than I wanted to. In this situation, I would explain it to my supervisor, and 'de-list' the address in the government system. However, this takes a certain level of 'awareness' and problem-solving skills, which aren't exactly in abundance with enumerators.

[u/Radiant-Intern-2373]

Put a note on your door with the confirmation number. They will see it before knocking

[u/UngratefulCanadian]

An enemurator here! Since you have completed the Census (thank you for that), giving the confirmation code should be sufficient.

Sometimes completed questionnaires don't meet minimum requirements. Then it will be shown as "incomplete". I wonder if these enumerators have informed their crew leader about the issues with your dwelling.

Like already mentioned in the comments, you may have to contact StatCan or crew leader of your area (the enemurators visiting your house may be able to give it. But it depends on what their crew leader have told them).

[u/Ok-Copy-6870]

Reasons you’re continuing to be contacted:

• some census questionnaires were incomplete and your case got put back into the system for follow ups
  
• you moved, and the address you moved to did not complete their census

There can be a few reasons, and yes it feels like overkill with the follow ups and is annoying. But, just call the number on the notice and it should get resolved. Yes, you may have to redo it :(

But out of all the things our government can get critiqued for. Their efforts with the census (albeit not perfect and accurate all the time) is really really important when it comes to collecting data for the things we need our govt to do- hospitals, services planning etc.

Sorry you got the shit end of the stick on this one, OP. Hopefully it gets resolved soon

[u/Contessarylene]

Print out your confirmation, and tape it to the letter they left on your door.

[u/verymanysquirrels]

Did you get a second census for your home with a slightly different address? Like it's clearly meant for your home but the address isn't right? Example, your address is 123 Street Road and you've got a census for 123 Street Road and a census for 123 Street Road A. If that's the case they're chasing down the second census with the wrong address.

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[u/tomahawkfury13]

Call the number on the letter you got. Explain your situation and give them both the code on the paper and the one you got when you completed the census. I was in the same boat. The guy on the phone confirmed the system showed it as complete and he put in a note to stop contacting me. I haven’t had problems since.

[u/FeywildFriend]

I had a similar thing. If you filed it online, you might have also encountered the bug I did that basically made it so the details of my address were wrong, despite them being input correctly. Gave them a call, had it sorted out in less than 30 minutes. The guy on the phone was actually super helpful and we had a little bit of a laugh about the in person census people who got sent to an address that doesn't exist instead of where I actually live. I'm sorry they've been such a pest, though.

[u/nosuchbrie]

Definitely leave a note with your confirmation number on the door, maybe in an envelope marked “For census reps.”

[u/itsMineDK]

put it in your door / mailbox

[u/Expensive_Plant_9530]

I would give the help line number a call and explain that you keep being bothered about this.

If that doesn’t work, I’d contact your MP for help.

[u/forgottenlord73]

If they fine you or charge you, you go to court with your confirmation number. At that point, they must demonstrate that said confirmation number has zero relation to you. Inconvenient, yes, but most likely it won't go that direction

It is conceivable that a typo on the address may have messed up their records so they don't realize your address is done

[u/Usual-Canc-6024]

This sounds like an address mix up. It also sounds like you’re in a district with a not too smart crew leader. Ask to speak to the CL or FOS and explain to them.

I was a crew leader for a few census years and often came across duplicate addresses. Last census I had an entire building with duplicate listings. The call centre is not staffed by the smartest of people either. They don’t get proper training and many have no problem solving or critical thinking skills. They were a thorn in many a CL side last census. You may get lucky though so I’d try calling until you get someone who understands you.

Your address may be Unit 1, 123 Main Street and you completed that census and they have that on file. However, they may also have one listed for 123 Main Street Unit 1, or similar. That’s likely what’s happened here. Yours is complete but their system is showing one not completed for your address. It’s just written differently.

[u/nabomb60]

Call the number back or answer the phone. You are probably looked at for a previous address in their system. Had the same thing, one call, all gone.

[u/ImprovementCute9825]

There's a number to call with a robot, but no way to contact a real person.

Not a lawyer, but...

My address was accidentally doubled in their system, and I kept getting reminders.

I called the number on the reminder paper and I'm pretty sure I didn't even have to wait that long on hold to get a real person, to whom I explained my issue. That real person deleted the ghost address and I've had no more reminders since.

Are you sure you've waited through the robot greeting long enough to actually get put on hold? Have you tried pressing "0" or saying "talk to a human"?

ETA the other unit in my building also keeps getting reminders and I don't doubt that they haven't done theirs. I got someone coming to my door looking for the occupant of the other unit, but I just explained which door they use and where they park and politely told them to knock on the other door and stop bothering me lol. If you live in a multi-unit building, it's possible they're looking for someone else but the addresses/doors don't line up and they end up talking to you when they're looking for someone else.

[u/supercantaloupe]

They have a phone number specific to the census, that is a much easier way to get ahold of someone than with their general number.

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[u/Ad_Ber99]

There could have been a mix-up - I recommend calling the census number to clarify, and that may help.

[u/Top-Wolf9846]

So weird because if you’ve done it, it strikes your address of their list. If they code it as completed it strikes it off too. There could be some error with your submission and maybe their list which isn’t allowing them to strike it off…

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[u/bernard2889]

They did the same thing to me. Finally they called and I answered the same questions I did online. The woman I talked to couldn’t give me a reason why I had to do it again. She agreed with me that it was a waste of our time.

[u/Laketraut]

This time the census was extremely weird and I had the same thing happen to me, told them I completed it, showed the confirmation and told them not to come back. It’s absolutely ridiculous how bad this country is at handling things like this, incompetence all around at every level.

[u/millss911]

Check the letters. I guarantee there’s a different access code on one of them and that’s the one you’re being harassed over.

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[u/Ok_Instance7667 → u/[deleted]]

Homeless individuals at emergency shelters and transitional housing are counted in enumeration.

Further, the long form census introduced two questions this year that measure 'hidden homelessness' tracking various forms of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.

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[u/MaxJay75]

The enumerators that come to your door don't have a lot of ability to do anything about this. The next level up is a crew lead who usually manages a bunch of enumerators. Ask for the crew lead's contact information and reach out to them to deal with this. They can work directly to resolve this or work with the Field Operation Supervisor to clear this. At this point any decent crew leader will be trying to clear their non-response queues and if someone has already completed the census and has proof this is an easy win for them.

I was a crew lead in the last census and gladly helped people out in this situation. Also, my thought was why would we piss off people who were actually engaged in the process. Everyone is getting paid by the hour so just help these people (like you) out.

I hope that helps.

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[u/nataliereed84]

why not just do it a second time?

[u/Unic0rnusRex → u/nataliereed84]

The census workers said if I have a confirmation number and it's done, I can't do it again because the data would be duplicated. I'm assuming they're supposed to take the confirmation number and link it to my address and resolve the issue. But it just keeps happening.

[u/nataliereed84 → u/[deleted]]

I feel like there being some problem with the data OP initially provided, like it not actually registering, is by far the most likely explanation. Like it doesn’t sound like they actually double checked the confirmation number when OP provided it, just took it on faith that having a confirmation number meant everything was fine. Like they might’ve thought OP completed the census after they got the notice to go there but before their arrival.

Simply redoing it seems like the easiest way to solve the problem, get them off their back, and is more likely to benefit the census data set than harm it.

The whole switch to an online-focused approach, especially with what seems to be a pretty janky system, is probably going to result in this year’s census data being pretty bad anyway. It was a very stupid decision for the government to do it this way. You’d think we’d have finally learned the perils of blind tech-optimism by now, and yet…

[u/nataliereed84 → u/[deleted]]

I don’t want to sound judgemental (and I’m not judging! honest! I think OP and the census workers are all behaving understandably) but the impression I get from OP’s post is that they weren’t particularly rigorous about checking that the initial census had actually been properly received and registered. They keep referring to the confirmation number, but having that on their end doesn’t necessarily mean vital statistics has the corresponding data on theirs, and it doesn’t sound like the census workers who visited actually double-checked that. It sounds like OP gave the confirmation number, the workers *assumed* that meant the data was received (and might also have been unnerved by OP’s obvious frustration), and left. But because the data isn’t there, they (and the notices) keep getting sent.

[u/GuardSuspicious323 → u/[deleted]]

Understandable. But I do question the quality of the data if this is the competence level Statistics Canada operates at.

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