How Should Statistics Canada Release Data on Transgender Children?
Official title: Share your input on the dissemination approach for data on transgender children and youth from the 2021 Census of Population
Why This Matters
This is about how the government handles sensitive information about children. Parents of trans kids, researchers studying youth wellbeing, and anyone concerned about data privacy should care. The decisions made here could set precedents for how Statistics Canada releases other sensitive demographic data.
What Could Change
Statistics Canada plans to publish analysis on transgender and non-binary children by May 2026. The feedback from this consultation will shape what data gets released, how detailed it is, and what privacy protections are applied. This could affect future census data releases on sensitive topics.
Key Issues
- How should data on transgender children aged 14 and under be released while protecting privacy?
- What level of geographic or demographic detail is appropriate for this sensitive data?
- How can the data support safe and inclusive spaces for children while ensuring data quality?
How to Participate
- This consultation is now closed. Statistics Canada sought targeted written feedback from subject-matter experts, researchers, and individuals with lived experience between November 10 and December 12, 2025.
What Happened
Statistics Canada gathered targeted feedback from subject-matter experts, civil society organizations, researchers, and individuals with lived experience. Many participants were part of an existing network that has provided expertise on gender concepts and terminology since the 2021 Census. The feedback will inform the dissemination approach, with analysis planned for release by May 2026.