Canada will soon recognize new gender options on its formal government surveys, paving the way for an overhauled census and a recognition of the need for greater inclusion in its statistical models.

In future data collection – including the 2021 census – respondents will find a new question on gender identity. Instead of just male or female, respondents will be provided with a third option, which they are asked to indicate how they identify.

“This is really delightful news,” Susan Gapka, a longtime trans advocate in Toronto, told the Guardian. Gapka and others participated in consultations held by Statistics Canada last year, in which they provided feedback to the country’s statistical agency. “I was pleased with the discussions we had and it’s great to see they’re following up on this strategy.”

The move reflects a two-year process of fine-turning the survey process, said Laurent Martel, director of demography at Statistics Canada.

“We want to make sure all Canadians can identify themselves within the census,” he said.

Following its 2016 census, Statistics Canada received comments from respondents and criticism from advocacy groups after its 2016 survey only provided the option to select male or female.

The census did encourage transgender Canadians to indicate the gender “with which they most associate themselves” and gave the option of leaving the question blank, providing a written explanation of the unanswered question in a comment box.

Those comments prompted statisticians to contact community groups to understand how to better develop a statistical model that best samples the population, said Martel.

The news follows a move by Ontario to issue its first non-binary birth certificate last week.

Gapka said that a public education campaignwould still be critical for the success of the project. “There are a lot of people don’t understand the nuance of gender identity and even sexual orientation. It’s a new field for them.”

A number of countries already have third gender options in formal government surveys. Pakistan, Nepal and India all allow respondents to indicate a gender independent of male or female.

Gapka said the “rapid change” is positive. “We don’t know what a world without gender looks like,” said Gapka. “But it’s really wonderful to imagine.”