What's New

What's New

Census of Canada, 1881

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new online database, Census of Canada, 1881. Through this online database researchers can access digitized images of original census returns featuring the name, age, country or province of birth, nationality, religion, and occupation of Canada's residents at the time of the 1881 Census. This includes notable figures such as Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Sir Robert Laird Borden, and Sir John A. Macdonald.

The database is available at:
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/census-1881/index-e.html

The 1881 Census marked the first regularly scheduled collection of national statistics in Canada. Information was collected for Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and the North-West Territories (which at the time covered much of modern-day Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northern Ontario, northern Quebec, Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).

Library and Archives Canada gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Statistics Canada and FamilySearch, without which this project would not have been possible. The index to the 1881 Census was created by FamilySearch. Library and Archives Canada linked the FamilySearch index to the digital images of the original census. The index and linked images will also be searchable for free through FamilySearch.org.

About FamilySearch

FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization that maintains the world's largest repository of genealogical resources. Patrons may access resources online at FamilySearch.org or through the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and over 4,500 family history centers in 70 countries. FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. and is registered in the United States of America and other countries.

About Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada produces statistics that help Canadians better understand their country-its population, resources, economy, society and culture. In Canada, providing statistics is a federal responsibility. As Canada's central statistical agency, Statistics Canada is legislated to serve this function for the whole of Canada and each of the provinces. About Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada collects and preserves Canada's documentary heritage, and makes it accessible to all Canadians. This heritage includes publications, archival records, sound and audio-visual materials, photographs, artworks, and electronic documents such as websites. The Canadian Genealogy Centre (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy) includes all physical and online genealogical services of Library and Archives Canada. It offers genealogical content, services, advice, research tools and opportunities to work on joint projects, all in both official languages.

The contributions of many LAC staff were instrumental in the success of this project, and their efforts are much appreciated. For more information, please contact Kyle Browness, LAC Project Manager at webservices@lac-bac.gc.ca.