The Representation of Industry in the Canadian Census,
1871-1891
Authors
Kris Inwood
Abstract
The author investigates the representation of industrial activity and the industrial
establishment in the Canadian censuses from 1871 to 1891. Published and
unpublished materials reveal that an explicit definition of industrial activity
successfully guided the enumeration and tabulation of the census data, although
difficulties were encountered with domestic production and multi-purpose
establishments. The information recorded by enumerators reveals the presence of
a large number of firms operating more than one industrial process in the same or
closely adjacent buildings, particularly where water power was available. A reexamination
of the census manuscript evidence indicates that industrial establishments
were more numerous and their total output in 1871 larger than has been
recognized previously.
