If it isn't a company I currently deal with (very few) Mostly utilities, Doctor's etc, and trust me they don't call you very much, I am being swamped with "survey's" so they can get around the DNC listing, cold calling late in the evening, no message left, did some research online.  I have never set foot in BC so no idiotic calls about my college or that I gave my number to them flies.  If it is a legitimate survey give it to Statistics Canada, they can call on your behalf, and at least the staff there will tell you straight up if it is something you can refuse to participate in, they may do a follow up to see if you changed your mind but that is fine. And to inform Malatest or whoever is calling using the Statistics Canada hours is going to make anyone's blood boil, federal government is one thing using those hours, but not for any lower level.  There are enough people willing to take surveys online, pay five bucks for each one and you will get your survey.