9. Where was this person born?

Question 9 provides information on the diversity of Canada's population, and tells us about movements of people within Canada and from other countries to Canada.

Question 10 provides the citizenship status of Canada's population. The information is used to plan citizenship classes and programs.

Questions 11 and 12 provide information about immigrants and non-permanent residents in Canada, and the year people immigrated. This information is used to compare the situation of immigrants over time, to evaluate immigration and employment policies and programs, and to plan education, health, and other services.

Questions 13 to 16 are used to provide a profile of the linguistic diversity of Canada's population. This information is used to estimate the need for services in English and French, and to better understand the current status and the evolution of Canada's various language groups.

Question 17 provides information about ethnic and cultural diversity in Canada. This information is used by associations, agencies and researchers for activities such as health promotion, communications and marketing.

Questions 18, 20 and 21 provide information used by governments, including Aboriginal governments and organizations, to develop programs and services for Aboriginal people.

Question 19 tells us about the visible minority population in Canada. This information is required for programs under the "Employment Equity Act", which promote equal opportunity for everyone.

Question 22 helps measure religious affiliation and diversity. It is used to trace change in Canada's society. The information is also used to plan facilities and services within diverse communities.

Question 9 -- Place of birth
For persons born in any of the six counties of Northern Ireland, report 'United Kingdom'.
For persons born in one of the counties of the Republic of Ireland, report 'Republic of Ireland'.

For persons born in the former USSR, the former Yugoslavia, or the former Czechoslovakia, report the name of the independent country or republic according to the boundaries in existence on May 10, 2011. For example, a person who was born in the former USSR, should report the specific country or republic that is now a nation state --Ukraine, Latvia, Russia, etc.

For persons who are not sure of the country because its boundaries have changed since the time of birth, report the name of the nearest city, state or province. For adopted persons, report the place of birth of their adoptive parents if place of birth is unknown for the adopted person or for the adopted person's birth parents.