The census basic summary tabulations (BSTs) are a series of tabulations, each of which features two or more interrelated variables. Each table deals with a specific characteristic of the Canadian population either as individuals or in their family or household relations, or with a characteristic of Canadian dwellings. All variables covered in the 1976 census are represented in the BST program. The number of classifications provided for each variable within a table is noted in parentheses in the table titles.

The basic summary tables are catagorized on the basis of the geographical level of the data, type of questionnaire used, and the subject matter covered.