Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Investment income

Definition

Income received during the reference period in the form of interest from deposits in banks, trust companies, co‑operatives, credit unions and caisses populaires, interests on savings certificates, bonds and debentures, dividends from both Canadian and foreign stocks, net rental income from real estate, mortgage and loan interest received, regular income from an estate or trust fund, interest from insurance policies and net partnership income for a limited or non‑active partner. This variable does not include net capital gains or losses as they are not part of the standard income definition.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Statistical unit(s)

• Person

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021 and 2016 (100% data); 2011^{Footnote 1} (30% sample); 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 (20% sample). For availability prior to 1981, refer to Appendix 2.1.

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Positive or negative dollar value or nil

Remarks

See also 'Remarks' under total income.

See also income sources.

For more information, please refer to Appendix 2.4 Components of income in 2020.

Net partnership income of a limited or non‑active partner was included in net self‑employment income before the 2016 census. Since the 2016 census, it is included in investment income.

It was not possible to separate any capital gains or losses incurred from other income earned within a registered tax‑free savings account (TFSA). Investment income excludes both kinds of receipts if received within a TFSA.

For more information about data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and intercensal comparability of the income data, please refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.

Note(s)