The 2021 Census Boundary Files depict the boundaries of all standard geographic areas established for the purpose of disseminating census data. They contain information such as unique identifier (UID), name and type where applicable, as well as land area and province or territory unique identifier (PRUID). Each boundary file can be linked to all higher level geographic areas using its DGUID and the new 2021 Dissemination Geographies Relationship File. They are available for download or viewing in two types: cartographic and digital. Both cartographic and digital boundary files are portrayed in Lambert conformal conic projection (North American Datum of 1983 [NAD83]). The purpose of the 2021 Census Boundary Files is to provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis, and to support Geographic Information System (GIS) applications used for land use and demographic studies, or social, economic and market research. Geographic unique identifiers permit linkage of statistical data to geographic areas depicted in the boundary files. Boundary files can also be used to create new geographic areas by combining standard geographic areas. The boundary files are positionally consistent with the 2021 Road Network File, which provides additional reference for geographic context for mapping applications. Each 2021 Census Boundary File contains the UID, DGUID, name and type where applicable, and land area of the geographic level the file represents. It also contains the PRUID. A 2021 Census Boundary File is available for each of the following geographic areas: • Provinces and territories (PRs) • Census divisions (CDs) • Federal electoral districts (2013 Representation Order) (FEDs) • Census subdivisions (CSDs) • Designated places (DPLs) • Economic regions (ERs) • Census agricultural regions (CARs) • Census consolidated subdivisions (CCSs) • Census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (CMA/CAs) • Census tracts (CTs) • Population centres (POPCTRs) • Dissemination areas (DAs) • Dissemination blocks (DBs) • Aggregate dissemination areas (ADAs) • Census Forward Sortation Areas© (CFSAs©) • Population Ecumene

A thematic map shows the spatial distribution of one or more specific data themes for standard geographic areas. Thematic maps include: Population Age Income Language of work Instruction in the official minority language

The 2023 Census Subdivision Boundary File depicts the boundaries of all 5,173 census subdivisions (CSDs), which combined, cover all of Canada. It contains the unique identifier (UID), name and type, as well as the UIDs, names and types (where applicable) of selected higher geographic levels. The 2023 Census Subdivision Boundary File is portrayed in Lambert conformal conic projection (North American Datum of 1983 [NAD83]). The 2023 Census Subdivision Boundary File is available as a national file.

This service shows the percentage of the population who reported an Aboriginal identity by census division. The data is from the Census Profile, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Aboriginal identity refers to whether the person identified with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. This includes those who are First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit) and/or those who are Registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada) and/or those who have membership in a First Nation or Indian band. Aboriginal peoples of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, section 35 (2) as including the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. Users should be aware that the estimates associated with this variable are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain Indian reserves and Indian settlements in the 2016 Census of Population. For additional information refer to the 2016 Census Dictionary for 'Aboriginal identity'. To have a cartographic representation of the ecumene with this socio-economic indicator, it is recommended to add as the first layer, the “NRCan - 2016 population ecumene by census division” web service, accessible in the data resources section below.

The 2021 Road Network File depicts the digital road line coverage for Canada. It contains information such as street arc unique identifier (UID), name, type, direction and address range, as well as rank and class. It also includes province and census subdivision (CSD) information for each side of a street arc (where applicable).The Road Network File is portrayed in Lambert conformal conic projection (North American Datum of 1983 [NAD83]). The 2021 Road Network File is available as a national file.