MyHeritage Releases the 1931 Canada Census with a New Index
We are thrilled to announce the publication of our 1931 Canadian census collection, which includes a complete new index created by MyHeritage. This collection, which contains information on 10.4 million individuals living in Canada in 1931, is the latest addition to our vast collection of Canadian historical documents, now encompassing 175 collections with 113.7 million records in total.
Search the 1931 Canada Census on MyHeritage
The 1931 Canadian census was finally released to the public on June 1, 2023, exactly 92 years after it was completed. It offers a fascinating glimpse into life in Canada in the early 1930s: just a few years into the Great Depression and at a time of massive migration, technological development, and social change. Like the 1930 U.S. census, it was the first census to ask whether the family had a radio set — demonstrating a shift in the way people received information during the time. The questionnaire contained a total of 40 questions, making it one of the most comprehensive censuses in Canadian history.
What you can find in the 1931 Canada Census
MyHeritage’s 1931 Canada Census collection contains beautifully scanned images licensed from Library and Archives Canada and a complete new index created by MyHeritage. It contains the following information about each enumerated individual:
- Name
- Relationship to head of household
- Marital status
- Age at last birthday
- Birthplace
- Nationality
- Immigration year
- Naturalization year
- Religion
Our census records cluster together members of the same household, making it easy for you to flip between records of family members and other people living in the same residence. You can find a list of additional household members beneath the scanned record in the “Household” section at the bottom of the page:
List of household members below a 1931 Canada census record (click to zoom)
Click on the name of the family member to switch to that person’s census record.
The census forms were printed in both English and French, and enumerators recorded the answers in the locally-spoken language. Individuals were recorded in their usual place of residence even if they were not physically present that day. The head of household was recorded first, followed by the remaining members of the household.
The forms used for the territories was a simplified version of the regular schedule, containing only 17 questions. Enumerators assigned to the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories were allowed to begin before June 1.
Due to the Great Depression, many individuals were displaced during this period, as they were looking for work throughout the country. This added a significant layer of challenge to enumeration efforts. Some individuals who lived in Canada may be unaccounted for due to this complication.
Sample records
The 1931 Canada Census collection contains a record of Maurice Richard, a professional ice hockey player who famously became the first player in National Hockey League history to score 50 goals in one season. The 1931 census found him at age 9, living with his parents Onésime and Alíce and his 4 siblings, Georgette, René, Rolland, and Jacques. His origin is recorded as French; his religion as Roman Catholic; and his residence as Ahuntsic Ward, Jacques-Cartier, Quebec.
Record for Maurice Richard in the 1931 Canada Census collection on MyHeritage (click to zoom)
Another fascinating record from this collection is that of Nellie L. McClung, an author, social activist, and politician and one of the most renowned suffragettes in Canada. In 1931, Nellie was 57 years old and living in Calgary, Calgary West, Alberta, Canada with her husband Robert. Two of her sons, Horace and Mack, lived with them, as well as a domestic worker named Grefftigeff Randl from Norway. Nellie’s origin is recorded as Scottish, and her religion as United Church.
Record for Nellie L. McClung in the 1931 Canada Census collection on MyHeritage (click to zoom)
Summary
The 1931 Canadian census collection is a rich resource full of fascinating information for anyone researching ancestors living in Canada in the early 1930s. Combined with MyHeritage’s many additional valuable collections from Canada — from censuses and vital records to military and immigration records — these records can help paint a fuller picture of your ancestors’ lives and lead to important family history discoveries.
Searching this collection on MyHeritage is free. To view the records or to save records to your family tree, you’ll need a Data or Complete plan.
If you have a family tree on MyHeritage, our Record Matching technology will notify you automatically if records from this collection matches your relatives. You’ll then be able to review the record and decide if you’d like to add the new information to your family tree.
