Figure 1.1.2.1
Overview of the wave methodology used in the 2011 Census

Long description:

Figure 1.1.2.1 shows an overview of the wave methodology used in the 2011 Census. It is divided into two groups: the mail-out collection units (CU) (representing 80% of the CUs) and the list/leave CUs (representing 18% of the CUs).

Mail-out CUs are comprised of two sub-groups:

1. The first sub-group covers 75% of the dwellings in the mail-out areas. Wave 1 involved sending out just one letter delivered a week prior to Census Day (i.e., on May 3, 2011). Wave 2 consisted of a reminder letter sent to all wave 1 non-respondent households between May 16 and May 18. In Wave 3, a paper questionnaire was sent to non-respondent households. This questionnaire was delivered to the households between May 25 and May 31. Wave 4, which began on June 1, 2011, consisted of field non-response follow-up (NRFU) and an automated reminder call.
2. The second sub-group covers 25% of the dwellings in the mail-out areas. Wave 1 for those CUs was the mailing of a paper questionnaire one week prior to Census Day (i.e., on May 3, 2011). Wave 2 was the same as for the first group. In Wave 3, the non-respondent households for which a telephone number was available in the census frame received an automated reminder call on May 24. Wave 4 was the same as the first group.

List/leave CUs:

In wave 1, enumerators delivered a paper questionnaire to all the dwellings in those CUs on or around May 3, 2011. In wave 2, all the dwellings in those CUs received a thank you / reminder card in the mail on May 10. Wave 3, the last wave, involved going directly to field non-response follow-up starting on May 20.

Note: NR = Non-respondents;
NRFU = Non-response follow-up.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census.