ARCHIVED - Statistics Canada

• Previous Page
• Table of Contents
• Next Page

This page has been archived.

Section II  Analysis of Program Activities

Strategic Outcome: Canadians have access to objective, high-quality, non-partisan statistics, statistical products, services and analyses on Canada’s economy and society which fulfill legal requirements, are relevant to policy formulation and decision makers and are responsive to emerging issues.

2.1  Program Activity 1: Economic Statistics

Table 8  Financial and Human Resources, Economic Statistics

2008/2009 Financial resources1			2008/2009 Human resources
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ thousands			full-time equivalents
209,502	248,927	234,397	2,469	2,631	162
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

The Economic Statistics Program seeks to provide Canadians with a comprehensive, integrated set of measures of the structure, state and evolution of Canada’s economy. With necessarily limited resources, this program must be continually adjusted to ensure it is responding to the highest-priority information needs of public and private decision makers. To support Canada’s engagement in international policy making, the program must respect international standards to permit intercountry comparison and analysis as well as development of global measures of economic performance.

To fulfill their purpose, statistics produced under this program must be of high quality and must accurately depict the performance of Canada’s economy. They must also be timely, internally coherent and accessible.

The program must also be efficient, in terms of the resources consumed in the production of the various measures and in terms of the burden that the program imposes on businesses, farmers and other Canadians responding to its surveys.

Benefits for Canadians

An effective, well-developed economic statistics system is a prerequisite for Canada’s recognition as a developed country and an essential underpinning of its participation in international institutions such as the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. International co‑ordination of economic policy, as well as effective trade negotiations, depends on statistical information.

Beginning with the Constitution Act of 1867, much Canadian legislation at the federal and provincial level has relied on statistical information for its operation. Equalization payments to provinces and indexation of social benefits and tax brackets are important examples of legislated uses of economic statistics. In the private sector, many contracts and collective agreements are similarly dependent on economic statistics.

The current economic climate illustrates well the dependence of macro-economic fiscal and monetary policy on economic statistics. Equally important is a similar dependence on industrial and labour market policies, regional economic policy, policies designed to promote innovation and policies designed to attract and retain foreign investment in Canada.

Private businesses, like governments, depend on economic statistics for their decisions on such things as mergers and acquisitions, investments and opening and closing locations. Timely and reliable statistics remove uncertainty about the economic environment and improve the efficiency of private decision making.

For Canadians, economic statistics provide a score card against which to measure their governments, to engage in policy debate and to hold governments to account. An effective economic statistics system is an essential ingredient of a vibrant, modern democracy.

Performance Analysis

Expected Result 1: Access to Statistics

	Year	Performance rating
Statistics produced by Statistics Canada are available through a wide range of easily accessible media formats and venues.	2008/2009	Met
	2007/2008	Met

Table 9  Indicators of Access for Economic Statistics

Indicator	Current benchmark/target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Number of page views of electronic publications (’000)	Annual increase exceeds 5%, which is five times the annual population growth rate.	827	1,072	1,669	2,209	2,989	Met
Annual percentage increase in the number of page views of electronic publications (%)		...	29.6	55.7	32.4	35.3
Number of print publications sold (number)	Continual decline	6,586	5,562	4,856	5,630	4,349	Met
Client satisfaction with price to access data	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	3.8	3.6	Not met
Client satisfaction with ease of retrieval process	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	3.9	3.9	Mostly met
Client satisfaction with convenience of output formats	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	4.0	4.0	Met
… not applicable Definitions: Number of page views of electronic publications: This refers to the number of web pages viewed during visitor sessions on the Statistics Canada website. Number of print publications sold: This refers to the number of print copies for which a price was charged. Statistics Canada has moved to free dissemination of electronic versions of publications to encourage broader access. Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Economic Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Economic Statistics program activity substantially exceeded its target growth rate for electronic page views by clients. In accordance with Statistics Canada’s strategy, there was a corresponding shift away from print publications. Overall, clients expressed satisfaction with the convenience of output formats. There was some dissatisfaction with respect to price, which continues to be a barrier to access.

Expected Result 2: Trust in Statistics

	Year	Performance rating
Canadians are aware of the availability of these statistics and of their high quality, and of the professionalism and non-partisanship of Statistics Canada.	2008/2009	Met
	2007/2008	Met

Key factors to ensure that the statistical information produced by Statistics Canada can be trusted are relevance and data quality, which include international comparisons.

Table 10  Indicators of Relevance for Economic Statistics

Indicator	Current benchmark/target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Number of data series downloaded from the online database (CANSIM) (’000)	Annual increase exceeds 5%, which is five times the annual population growth rate.	3,372	5,176	8,445	8,535	11,251	Met
Annual percentage increase in the number of data series downloaded from the online database (CANSIM) (%)		...	53.5	63.2	1.1	31.8
Client satisfaction with Statistics Canada's ability to meet their needs	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	3.9	3.9	Mostly met
… not applicable Definitions: Data series downloaded from the online database: This refers to data series downloaded by external users from CANSIM, Statistics Canada’s online database. Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Economic Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Economic Statistics program activity saw very strong growth in the number of tables downloaded from Statistics Canada’s online database (CANSIM). Table downloads require deliberate action on the part of clients, thereby demonstrating the relevance of these data. Some clients indicated that the data did not entirely meet their needs.

Table 11  Indicators of Data Quality for Economic Statistics

Indicator	Current target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
		%
Percentage of major statistical outputs released as planned	100	100	100	100	100	100	Met
Percentage of major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives	95.0	...	...	95.6	96.5	95.5	Met
Percentage of reloads	Less than 2.5	...	...	...	2.7	1.8	Met
… not applicable Definitions: Major statistical outputs released as planned: Each year Statistics Canada publishes the planned release dates for major statistical outputs for the coming year on its website. These outputs and their release dates can be accessed at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/release-diffusion/index-eng.htm. Major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives: Most surveys are based on statistical sampling. Sampling is an important means of achieving timely and cost-effective results. At the same time, estimates based on sampling can be expected to vary from sample to sample, and to differ from those that would result from a complete census. Sampling accuracy objectives are set on a survey-by-survey basis. Reloads: This refers to outputs that require correction after release. In 2008, Statistics Canada began an ongoing process of monitoring the quality of its data releases to reduce the risk of errors found after official release.
Performance results: All major statistical outputs from the Economic Statistics program activity were released on time, adhering to the pre-established release schedule, and in accordance with accuracy targets.

International Comparison of Canadian Economic Indicators

Management of Canada’s macro-economy through monetary and fiscal policies is the responsibility of the federal government. The Bank of Canada, the Department of Finance Canada and international organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund, expect that the national statistical office will produce a comprehensive and timely set of economic indicators to guide macro-economic policy and will do so in general compliance with international standards.

Statistics Canada is internationally recognized for the production of a comprehensive, high-quality and timely set of economic indicators. A May 2009 report by the OECD Statistics Directorate listed 24 categories of statistical measures that member countries are expected to maintain and report. Canada was reported as fully compliant in 21 categories, Australia in 22, the United Kingdom in 20 and the United States in 23. Canada’s compliance declined in the 2009 report because of the cancellation of the Business Conditions Survey, as a result of budget reductions.

Table 12 presents information derived from the International Monetary Fund website on the periodicity and timeliness of National Accounts data.

Table 12  International Comparisons of the Periodicity and Timeliness of Data Release, National Accounts, G7 Countries

G7 country	Benchmark	Periodicity			Timeliness
		SDDS	Result	Rating	SDDS	Result	Rating
Canada	Meet SDDS requirements	Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	60 days	Met
France		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	50 days	Met
Germany		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	45 days	Met
Italy		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	10 weeks	Met
Japan		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	6 weeks	Met
United Kingdom		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	1 quarter	Met
United States		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	31 days	Met
SDDS: Special Data Dissemination Standard. Definitions: Periodicity: This refers to frequency of data compilation. Timeliness: This refers to the lag between the end of the reference period and the dissemination of data. Source: This table was derived from information available on the website of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at http://dsbb.imf.org/Applications/web/sddshome/. The IMF has established the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) as one of its surveillance standards. The objective of the SDDS is to enhance the data transparency of member countries, to promote development of sound statistical systems and to facilitate access to capital markets. Canada is a signatory to the SDDS, and an annual report on its performance with respect to this standard is available on the IMF website at http://dsbb.imf.org/vgn/images/AnnualReports/2008/CAN_SDDS_AR2008.PDF.
Performance results: For measurement and dissemination of gross domestic product (GDP) data, Canada meets all of the standards set by the IMF. In fact, according to the annual report for 2008 on observance of the SDDS, “the quality, coverage, periodicity and timeliness of Canada’s economic data are considered to be excellent both in the context of the Article IV consultation and for purposes of ongoing surveillance.” Timeliness is measured as the lag between the end of the reference period and the dissemination of the earliest measures of GDP. Although Canada meets the IMF standard—it releases 60 days after the end of the reference period, 30 days ahead of the IMF limit—it appears to lag behind other G7 countries. This is due to the fact that Canada releases GDP and the whole National Accounts database at once, providing users with a timely estimate of GDP and, at the same time, helping users understand the overall context. Many other countries, such as the United States, put out early or ‘flash’ estimates of GDP (the headline variable) and not the associated database. Most other G7 countries release the comprehensive database with a lag of 75 to 90 days from the end of the reference period.

Revisions to economic indicators are a normal consequence of the statistical compilation process. The first publication of quarterly real GDP based on income and expenditure is released approximately 60 days after the reference period and provides a timely source of information about the economy. These initial estimates are based on data available at the time of the release; however, this information will, at times, be incomplete. The initial estimate is revised or changed in value as increasingly complete source data becomes available. It is important that those initial estimates be reliable or close approximations of the final estimate.

Figure 5 illustrates the average revision to quarterly real GDP growth rate for Canada and other G7 countries, comparing the initial estimate to the latest available.

Figure 5  Average Revision, Real Gross Domestic Product Quarterly Growth Rate, G7 Countries: 1995-2007

[D]

Source: Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development, Main Economic Indicators, Original Release Data and Revisions Database.

Definitions: Real gross domestic product: This refers to a gross domestic product that has been adjusted for inflation. Quarterly growth rate: This refers to the quarter-to-quarter growth rate. Average revision: This refers to the average of the absolute revisions to real GDP growth rate over the period.

Performance results: Canada has the lowest revision rate of the G7 countries. However, there is a trade-off between timeliness and accuracy as measured in the average revisions of the GDP growth rate. Canadian users are often consulted on their views on these trade-offs and are usually satisfied with the status quo.

Table 13  Use of Administrative Data in Lieu of Questionnaires

Indicator	Current target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009
Number of business surveys using tax/administrative data (number)	Continual increase	24	30	41	42	43
Percentage of business surveys using tax/administrative data (%)		12	14	19	19	20
Contacts avoided because of tax replaced units (number)		654,586	692,573	720,932	939,815	946,344
Definition: Use of tax and administrative data: This refers to the use by Statistics Canada of data from the Canada Revenue Agency and other administrative sources as an alternative to obtaining data directly from respondents. Sometimes referred to as survey data replacement, this reduces the number of questionnaires going to respondents as well as the associated response burden.
Performance results: The Economic Statistics program activity continued to experience growth in the use of administrative data in lieu of questionnaires. As a result, the number of respondent contacts that were avoided approach 1 million in 2008/2009.

Table 14  Use of Administrative Data in Lieu of Questionnaires

Indicator	Current target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Index of response burden hours (1991=100)	60 or less	61	62	62	63	63	Not met
Definition: Response burden hours: The estimate of response burden hours is calculated annually using the frequency of each survey, the average time to complete the questionnaires and the number of surveyed respondents. Dividing by the estimated number of Canadian businesses gives average burden per establishment. The average is indexed, with the year 1991 set to 100. The calculation excludes the quinquennial Census of Agriculture.
Performance results: Response burden has remained virtually unchanged within the Economic Statistics program activity over the last few years. The expansion of the program through the use of administrative data has been achieved with no significant impact on respondent burden.

Lessons Learned

Maintaining quality of statistical outputs requires constant attention. To ensure that all its program components continue to meet the high data-quality standards expected by Canadians, Statistics Canada has undertaken a number of initiatives, including an extensive quality review process. To date, nearly two dozen programs have undergone review and the process has become an ongoing part of Statistics Canada’s activities. This has increased Statistics Canada’s confidence in the robustness and accuracy of its statistical outputs.

Regular interaction with stakeholders at all levels is critically important to aligning our programs with highest priority information needs. Statistics Canada cannot determine in isolation what information is required.

During the course of the year, it became apparent that even the most knowledgeable stakeholders are not aware of all of the information held by Statistics Canada that is available to meet their information needs. This is particularly true when those needs evolve, as in a period of economic downturn. Statistics Canada must do more to improve the effectiveness of its Internet site, and to build knowledge and statistical capacity in the user communities.

Policy development today requires access to statistical analysis based on anonymized personal and business microdata. Statistics Canada’s current practices in this area are restrictive and could potentially create a movement away from the national statistical agency as a provider of critical information. New technologies being explored by Statistics Canada that allow secure, remote access to individual record data may largely address the problem. Legal frameworks in the Statistics Act may also need to be revisited. At the same time, business survey respondents must continue to have confidence that Statistics Canada will protect their information from misuse.

Businesses value the factual information published by Statistics Canada. In the current economic climate, it is even more critical that Statistics Canada release timely economic statistics and minimize burden on business survey respondents, so it can maintain high levels of collaboration into the future.

2.2  Program Activity 2: Social Statistics

Table 15  Financial and Human Resources, Social Statistics

2008/2009 Financial resources1			2008/2009 Human resources
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ thousands			full-time equivalents
147,702	179,336	161,177	1,689	1,934	245
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

This program provides information to decision makers and Canadians in general on the social and economic characteristics of individuals, families and households in Canada, and on the major factors that can contribute to their well-being. It includes the production of key indicators related to labour market, earnings, pensions, income and expenditures, health, justice and education, as well as information on factors influencing social outcomes. A number of indicators also target segments of the Canadian population, such as children, youth, immigrants, elderly people, and people with activity limitations. Those indicators are used by policy makers to make informed decisions on social issues.

This program also provides information and analysis on the facilities, agencies and systems that are publicly funded to meet the socio-economic and physical needs of Canadians, and on the outcomes of the services that they provide. It encompasses the justice, health and education systems as well as cultural institutions and industries, in terms of the nature and extent of their services and operations, the characteristics of the individual Canadians and families whom they serve and their impacts on Canadian society.

Benefits for Canadians

Timely and accurate information on a broad range of social issues provides decision makers at all levels of government, non-government organizations and academics with essential information for developing policies, managing programs, conducting research, and making decisions that affect individuals, families and households in Canada.

Performance Analysis

Expected Result 1: Access to Statistics

	Year	Performance rating
Statistics produced by Statistics Canada are available through a wide range of easily accessible media formats and venues.	2008/2009	Met
	2007/2008	Met

Table 16  Indicators of Access for Social Statistics

Indicator	Current benchmark/target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Number of page views of electronic publications (’000)	Annual increase exceeds 5%, which is five times the annual population growth rate.	1,851	2,417	3,003	3,210	3,962	Met
Annual percentage increase in the number of page views of electronic publications (%)		...	30.6	24.2	6.9	23.4
Number of print publications sold (number)	Continuing decline	7,430	6,277	6,470	7,816	4,604	Met
Client satisfaction with price to access data	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	3.5	3.4	Not met
Client satisfaction with ease of retrieval process	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	4.1	3.8	Mostly met
Client satisfaction with convenience of output formats	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	4.2	4.1	Met
... not applicable Definitions: Number of page views of electronic publications: This refers to the number of web pages viewed during visitor sessions on the Statistics Canada website. Number of print publications sold: This refers to the number of print copies for which a price was charged. Statistics Canada has moved to free dissemination of electronic versions of publications to encourage broader access. Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Social Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Social Statistics program activity substantially exceeded its target growth rate for electronic page views by clients. In accordance with Statistics Canada’s strategy, there was a corresponding shift away from print publications. Overall, clients expressed satisfaction with the convenience of output formats. There was some dissatisfaction with respect to price, which continues to be a barrier to access.

Expected Result 2: Trust in Statistics

	Year	Performance rating
Canadians are aware of the availability of these statistics and of their high quality, and of the professionalism and non-partisanship of Statistics Canada.	2008/2009	Met
	2007/2008	Met

Key factors to ensure that the statistical information produced by Statistics Canada can be trusted are relevance and data quality, which include international comparisons.

Table 17  Indicators of Relevance for Social Statistics

Indicator	Current benchmark/target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Number of data series downloaded from the online database (CANSIM) (’000)	Annual increase exceeds 5%, which is five times the annual population growth rate.	6,213	8,202	11,879	12,114	14,159	Met
Annual percentage increase in the number of data series downloaded from the online database (CANSIM) (%)		...	32.0	44.8	2.0	16.9
Client satisfaction with Statistics Canada's ability to meet their needs	4 on a scale of 5	...	...	...	4.1	4.0	Met
... not applicable Definitions: Data series downloaded from the online database: This refers to data series downloaded by external users from CANSIM, Statistics Canada’s online database. Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Social Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Social Statistics program activity saw strong growth in the number of tables downloaded from Statistics Canada’s online database (CANSIM). Table downloads require deliberate action on the part of clients, thereby demonstrating the relevance of these data.

Table 18  Indicators of Data Quality for Social Statistics

Indicator	Current target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
		%
Percentage of major statistical outputs released as planned	100	100	100	100	100	100	Met
Percentage of major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives	95.0	...	...	98.7	98.6	99.1	Met
Percentage of reloads	Less than 2.5	...	...	...	4.1	2.2	Met
... not applicable Definitions: Major statistical outputs released as planned: Each year Statistics Canada publishes the planned release dates for major statistical outputs for the coming year on its website. These outputs and their release dates can be accessed at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/release-diffusion/index-eng.htm. Major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives: Most surveys are based on statistical sampling. Sampling is an important means of achieving timely and cost-effective results. At the same time, estimates based on sampling can be expected to vary from sample to sample, and to differ from those that would result from a complete census. Sampling accuracy objectives are set on a survey-by-survey basis. Reloads: This refers to outputs that require correction after release. In 2008, Statistics Canada began an ongoing process of monitoring the quality of its data releases to reduce the risk of errors found after official release.
Performance results: All major statistical outputs from the Social Statistics program activity were released on time, adhering to the pre-established release schedule, and in accordance with accuracy targets.

International Comparison of Unemployment Data

Table 19 presents information on the periodicity and timeliness of unemployment data.

Table 19  International Comparisons of the Periodicity and Timeliness of Data Release, Unemployment, G7 Countries

G7 country	Benchmark	Periodicity			Timeliness
		SDDS	Result	Rating	SDDS	Result	Rating
Canada	Meet SDDS requirements	Quarterly	Monthly	Met	1 quarter	2 weeks	Met
France		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	Not later than 10 weeks	Met
Germany		Quarterly	Monthly	Met	1 quarter	1 month	Met
Italy		Quarterly	Quarterly	Met	1 quarter	Not later than 1 quarter	Met
Japan		Quarterly	Monthly	Met	1 quarter	1 month	Met
United Kingdom		Quarterly	Monthly	Met	1 quarter	5 weeks	Met
United States		Quarterly	Monthly	Met	1 quarter	3 weeks—not later than 1 month	Met
SDDS: Special Data Dissemination Standard. Definitions: Periodicity: This refers to frequency of data compilation. Timeliness: This refers to the lag between the end of the reference period and the dissemination of data. Source: This table was derived from information available on the website of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at http://dsbb.imf.org/Applications/web/sddshome/. The IMF has established the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) as one of its surveillance standards. The objective of the SDDS is to enhance the data transparency of member countries, to promote development of sound statistical systems and to facilitate access to capital markets. Canada is a signatory to the SDDS, and an annual report on its performance with respect to this standard is available on the IMF website at http://dsbb.imf.org/vgn/images/AnnualReports/2008/CAN_SDDS_AR2008.PDF.
Performance results: Canada met or exceeded all the SDDS quarterly periodicity and timeliness requirements.

Organizational Efficiency

In 2008/2009, the Social Statistics program activity undertook a number of initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency. Among the most significant of these were the improvements made in implementing continuous data collection for the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The change in collection strategy relies on a robust infrastructure allowing the collection of data on a variety of health issues using the same system and processes. The use of this efficient CCHS infrastructure will result in cost-avoidance by significantly reducing the development of separate systems and processes to address important health-related data needs.

Lessons Learned

An ongoing threat to the quality of Statistics Canada data is the increasing difficulty in collecting the data. The active lifestyles of Canadian families make it harder to contact them at home. As well, more households have only cell phones, or use Internet phones. All of this makes it more costly to maintain response rates. Without further efforts in survey collection, response rates and quality will decline. Statistics Canada is streamlining its collection functions to generate efficiencies in processes and systems that can be re-invested in maintaining response rates and data quality.

Statistics Canada needs to do a better job of communicating to users data that are available on its website and organizing these data in a user-friendly and easy-to-access manner.

Statistics Canada has to spend resources to standardize and harmonize a number of concepts and definitions and modernize its statistical infrastructure to ensure that representative samples can be drawn in the most efficient manner.

International comparisons in a number of social areas have led to revisions in international guidelines, particularly around the measurement of household income and wealth.

2.3  Program Activity 3: Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics

Table 20  Financial and Human Resources, Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics

2008/2009 Financial resources1			2008/2009 Human resources
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ thousands			full-time equivalents
94,680	112,402	101,787	1,038	1,087	49
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

This program provides statistical information on the Canadian population, its demographic characteristics and conditions, and their changes over time through a number of statistical activities. This program also provides statistical information from the quinquennial Census of Population. The census provides benchmark information on the structure of the Canadian population and its demographic, social and economic conditions. It provides needed detailed information, which cannot be generated through sample surveys, on subgroups of the population and for small geographic areas. Population counts and estimates are required to determine electoral boundaries, the distribution of federal transfer payments, and the transfer and allocation of funds among regional and municipal governments, school boards and other local agencies within provinces. This program also provides information on the socio-economic conditions and well-being of Aboriginal peoples.

Also, every five years, the Census of Agriculture provides data on the following: number and type of farms; farm operators; business operating arrangements; land and land management practices; capital investments; farm vehicles, machinery and equipment; and hired agricultural labour.

Benefits for Canadians

Census of Population

Decennial census data are constitutionally required for determining the number and boundaries of federal electoral districts.

Further, the demographic, social and economic data that the census collects on the Canadian population are needed to meet the priority information needs of government and the private sector. The census provides unique and essential data for the following:

• learning about populations that are key targets of government policy (e.g., recent immigrants; visible minorities; people with disabilities; Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations communities; ethnic, religious and language minorities; seniors and youth)
• supporting provincial/territorial and local government planning and program delivery, as it is the only source of detailed small-area information to monitor progress on issues such as rural population decline, infrastructure-related investments by all levels of government and the changing makeup of neighbourhoods
• designing surveys that provide estimates of monthly employment, family incomes and expenditures, and other topics of concern to government, industry, labour and the general public
• analysing social and economic issues, such as skills shortage and integration of immigrants
• reviewing the effectiveness of current legislation.

Demography Statistics

During the intercensal period, population estimates are required to meet various legislative requirements, such as the Canada Health Transfer, the Canada Social Transfer, the Wait Times Reduction Transfer, the Equalization Formula and the Territorial Formula Financing, which together amounted over $60 billion in 2009/2010. Population estimates are derived from Census of Population numbers adjusted for net census undercoverage and from various components of population changes—such as births, deaths, and international and internal migrations—derived from administrative sources. Population estimates are produced annually and quarterly by province and territory. Annual population estimates by age and sex and at subprovincial levels (i.e., census metropolitan areas, census divisions and economic regions) are also produced. Demographic projections are derived every five years, following the census, using various assumptions on population fertility, mortality and migration to define potential growth scenarios.

Aboriginal Statistics

The 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey complements census data, providing a snapshot of the socio-economic, cultural and health conditions of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations people living off-reserve. Survey results were released in 2008/2009, providing governments and Aboriginal organizations with indicators to monitor change in educational outcomes, health status, employment and proficiency in Aboriginal languages.

Results were also released from the 2006 Aboriginal Children’s Survey in 2008/2009, complementing the data collected by the census. This survey was developed to address a data gap and provides decision makers with much-needed indicators of the early childhood development and well-being of Aboriginal children.

Significant data gaps exist, however, for the on-reserve Aboriginal population, and Statistics Canada is working with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in its efforts to develop strategies to fill these gaps.

Census of Agriculture

Direct federal and provincial payments to the agriculture sector in recent years have been approximately $5 billion annually. The Census of Agriculture is critical for the development and evaluation of the underlying programs and policies related to food supply and safety, the environment, renewal, science and innovation, and business risk management. It contributes both directly with data and indirectly with its support of the annual agricultural statistics program. The Census of Agriculture provides a comprehensive source of data that is the foundation for the analysis of the agriculture and agri-food industry for federal and provincial departments alike.

The comprehensive data provided by the Census of Agriculture are critical for the following:

• analysing important changes occurring in the agriculture and agri-food industries
• conducting studies for smaller geographic areas that are essential for environmental (e.g., watershed) and community-based (e.g., township or rural municipality) analysis
• developing, implementing and evaluating agricultural policies and programs
• making production, marketing and investment decisions
• providing the strong sampling frame to optimize the design of Statistics Canada’s annual and subannual agricultural surveys. This reduces respondent burden by allowing fewer farmers to be contacted while still providing accurate statistics on the industry.

Users of Census of Agriculture data go beyond federal, provincial and municipal governments. Local-level organizations and agencies (e.g., conservation authorities), associations that directly represent farmers (e.g., Canadian Federation of Agriculture and National Farmers Union), academics (e.g., sociologists, economists and agronomists), specialized agriculture media and the general media all use Census of Agriculture data.

Performance Analysis

Expected Result 1: Access to Statistics

	Year	Performance rating
Statistics produced by Statistics Canada are available through a wide range of easily accessible media formats and venues.	2008/2009	Met
	2007/2008	Met

Table 21  Indicators of Access for Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics

Indicator	Current benchmark/target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Number of page views of electronic publications (‘000)	Annual increase exceeds 5%, which is five times the annual population growth rate.	206	288	344	512	631	Met
Annual percentage increase in the number of page views of electronic publications (%)		...	40.5	19.4	48.5	23.3
Number of print publications sold (number)	Continuing decline	2,327	1,892	2,208	2,037	1,726
... not applicable Definitions: Number of page views of electronic publications: This refers to the number of web pages viewed during visitor sessions on the Statistics Canada website. Number of print publications sold: This refers to the number of print copies for which a price was charged. Statistics Canada has moved to free dissemination of electronic versions of publications to encourage broader access.
Performance results: The Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics program activity exceeded its target growth rate for electronic page views by clients. In accordance with Statistics Canada’s strategy, there was a corresponding shift away from print publications.

Expected Result 2: Trust in Statistics

	Year	Performance rating
Canadians are aware of the availability of these statistics and of their high quality, and of the professionalism and non-partisanship of Statistics Canada.	2008/2009	Met
	2007/2008	Met

Key factors to ensure that the statistical information produced by Statistics Canada can be trusted are relevance and data quality, which include international comparisons.

Table 22  Indicators of Relevance for Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics

Indicator	Current benchmark/target	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009	Rating
Number of data series downloaded from CANSIM, the online database (‘000)	Annual increase exceeds 5%, which is five times the annual population growth rate.	1,419	1,862	2,184	1,783	1,861	Not met
Annual percentage increase (decrease) in the number of data series downloaded from the online database (CANSIM) (%)		...	31.2	17.3	(17.9)	3.8
2006 Census of Population Dissemination Program revenue ($ millions)	Planned revenue	...	...	...	2.4	4.1	Met
	Actual revenue1	...	...	...	3.7	5.6
... not applicable 1. Five of the eight major census releases resulted in an increase in customer requests for custom tabulations. This accounts for a major portion of the revenue increase in both 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. Definition: Data series downloaded from the online database: This refers to data series downloaded by external users from Statistics Canada’s online database (CANSIM).
Performance results: The Census of Population, currently preparing for the 2011 Census, experienced only modest growth in the number of tables downloaded from its online database. This is typical of the level of demand at this point in the census cycle. Revenues associated with the Census of Population Dissemination Program were higher than planned as a result of the strong demand by users for custom tabulations that meet their individual and business information needs. Similarly, revenues generated as a result of sales through a network of secondary distributors of census data were also very strong—another indication of the relevance of the data.

Table 23  Census of Population, Indicators of Data Quality, Including International Comparisons

Indicator / International comparison	2001	2006
Net census undercoverage1
Canada (%)	2.99	2.80
United States (2000 census) (%)	2.31	...
Canada’s position	Slightly worse	...
Response rates
Canada – planned (%)	98.0	98.0
Canada – actual (%)	98.3	96.5
Rating	Met	Not met
Census outputs released as planned
Percentage of census outputs released as per the pre-announced schedule (%)	100	100
Rating	Met	Met
... not applicable 1. The target is that this be as low as possible. Definitions: Net census undercoverage: This refers to the number of people missed less the number of people counted more than once. Following each census since the 1961 Census, the reverse record check (RRC) has been carried out to measure census population undercoverage. The RRC estimates the number of people missed in the census. This estimate is combined with the estimate from the census overcoverage study of the number of people enumerated more than once to calculate net undercoverage. Response rates: The accuracy of the data disseminated by Statistics Canada is directly related to the accuracy of the data provided by the respondents to its surveys or censuses. It follows that an important indication of accuracy is the percentage of respondents asked to provide data who actually do so. Generally, the higher the response rate, the greater the accuracy of the census results. Census outputs released as planned: This refers to the planned release dates for Census of Population data that Statistics Canada publishes on its website. These outputs and their release dates can be accessed at http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/rt-td/index-eng.cfm.
Performance results: For the Census of Population, response rates are lower than in 2001, and are lower than planned. This is consistent with the change in response generally in survey-taking activities. All census outputs were released on time, adhering to the pre-established release schedule, and net undercoverage has improved since 2001.

Table 24  Census of Agriculture, Indicators of Data Quality, Including International Comparisons

Indicator / International comparison	2001	2006
Net census undercoverage – number of farms
Canada (%)	5.60	3.40
United States (2002 and 2007 censuses) (%)	17.90	16.24
Canada’s position	Better	Better
Net census undercoverage – total farm area
Canada (%)	1.90	1.30
United States (2002 and 2007 censuses) (%)	2.40	3.33
Canada’s position	Better	Better
Response rates
Canada (%)	98.0	96.0
United States (2002 and 2007 censuses) (%)	88.0	85.0
Canada’s position	Better	Better
Definitions: Net census undercoverage – number of farms: This refers to the number of farms missed by the census less the number of farms counted more than once. Net census undercoverage – total farm area: This refers to the total farm area missed by the census less the total farm area counted more than once. Response rates: The accuracy of the data disseminated by Statistics Canada is directly related to the accuracy of the data provided by the respondents to its surveys or censuses. It follows that an important indication of accuracy is the percentage of respondents asked to provide data who actually do so. Generally, the higher the response rate, the greater the accuracy of the census results.
Performance results: Response rates and net undercoverage compared favourably with corresponding measures for the United States.

Organizational Efficiency

Table 25  Cost per Dwelling of Conducting the Census of Population, Including International Comparisons

Indicator / International comparison	2006	2011
	$ Canadian
Cost per dwelling of conducting the Census of Population
Canada	45.31	41.78
Australia	41.961	43.241
United States (2010 census)	...	119.152
Canada’s position	Worse	Better
... not applicable 1. Converted from Australian dollars on July 27, 2009, at a rate of 1 AUD = 0.8896 CAD, as per Bank of Canada at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html. 2. Converted from U.S. dollars on July 27, 2009, at a rate of 1 USD = 1.0835 CAD, as per Bank of Canada at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html. Definition: Cost per dwelling: This refers to the total number of dwellings projected in Canada for the census divided by the total cost estimate.
Performance results: The 2006 Census underwent a significant methodological change that required a one-time investment of $35.4 million. The cost per dwelling including this investment was $45.31. The cost per dwelling in the 2011 Census is $41.78. In comparison to the 2006 Census, this represents a reduction of $3.53 (7.8%) per dwelling or $51.7 million.

2011 Census of Population Compared with 2006 Census of Population

The 2011 Census will capitalize on major changes introduced for the 2006 Census. These include an option for Canadians to respond to the census online, automated editing and data capture technologies and greater centralization of operational activities. For the 2011 Census, Statistics Canada plans to leverage heavily on the approaches and systems developed for the 2006 Census, and pursue a re-use strategy.

In fiscal year 2008/2009, work on the 2011 Census was initiated. The plan, design, development of systems and processes, and integrated testing were completed within pre-established timelines and on budget. Statistics Canada tested key census processes, systems and planning assumptions in the integrated end-to-end Census Test, which was conducted in May 2009.

Lessons Learned

Census of Population

Statistics Canada conducted extensive reviews of the various processes within the Census Program following the 2006 Census of Population.

These reviews were used to identify opportunities for streamlining operations for the 2011 Census. Particular efforts were made toward finding ways to reduce the cost of the census. Statistics Canada will maintain the Internet as a response option for the 2011 Census, and is taking measures to increase its use. This benefits from the one-time investment in 2006 that put the Internet option in place. Coupled with the implementation of several other efficiencies, this represents a reduction of $3.53 per dwelling in 2011, or $51.7 million, compared with 2006. 

As part of streamlining processes and operations, new approaches are being developed for 2011. A new collection approach, wave methodology, is expected to increase the Internet uptake as a response option while minimizing overall non-response. This should make further cost reductions possible for future censuses. Many facets of the 2011 Census operations will leverage on Statistics Canada’s infrastructure to update the address register, conduct data quality follow-up telephone calls and tabulate census data.

New systems and processes are also being developed to address issues encountered during field collection in 2006, including the following: the new web-based Field Management System to improve communication with field staff and transmit timely management information; new recruitment approaches to reduce risks of severe staff shortages; new training approaches to improve overall quality of field outputs; and a revised pay process to reduce delays in issuing pay to field staff.

Changes are also being implemented to improve data processing and system maintenance. Statistics Canada will act as the prime systems integrator to reduce reliance on external contractors. This is possible because of the experience gained in 2006.

In addition to the changes implemented by the Census of Population on common activities, the Census of Agriculture will move to a full mail-out in 2011. That is, farm operators will receive their questionnaire directly through the mail, rather than having it dropped off by a census enumerator. Further, the Census of Agriculture’s activities for all follow-up for non-response and failed edits will be centralized using computer-assisted telephone interviewing.

Demography Statistics

The success of the population estimates program relies heavily on developing and maintaining good relationships with various data providers and researching potential new data sources and methods for population estimates.

During the review period, new series of postcensal and intercensal population estimates were derived and released following the availability of the 2006 net census undercoverage results. These followed an extensive validation exercise in partnership with provincial and territorial focal points. An important demand, which puts pressure on the program, is the need for population projections and estimates of targeted population groups such as visible minorities and Aboriginal groups; or, more broadly, the need to estimate and project the ethnocultural diversity of the Canadian population. This has been and is being met through cost-recovery initiatives with major federal departments. The use of microsimulation techniques in population projections of targeted population groups is key to meeting this demand.

Aboriginal Statistics

The data available for Aboriginal peoples are not timely and are incomplete compared with the data available for the general population in a number of social and economic domains. While the census paints a broad picture, more in-depth data from on-reserve Aboriginal surveys such as the Aboriginal Peoples Survey and the Aboriginal Children’s Survey are needed to provide contextual information to understand determinants of change in areas like early childhood development, work, education, health and housing.

For a number of years, Statistics Canada has invested in building ongoing relationships with Aboriginal organizations and communities. Over time, this has led to better coverage of First Nations communities in the census and better coverage of Inuit, Métis and off-reserve First Nations people in the postcensal surveys. This has required investment in specific programs (such as the Aboriginal Statistics Program and the Aboriginal Liaison Officer Program), all of which have meant considerable liaison and capacity-building activities, including training and workshops.

Filling the substantial data gaps that exist for the on-reserve Aboriginal population will require Statistics Canada to continue to work with other federal government departments as well as with the Aboriginal communities and organizations. Statistics Canada is working with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in their data development strategy to address a number of the gaps that currently exist in Aboriginal data.

• Previous Page
• Table of Contents
• Next Page