Changes in the management of data collection operations for the Canadian Census in 2011 - ARCHIVED

A census is the largest and possibly one of the most complex data collection operations undertaken by a government. Many of the challenges encountered are linked to the sheer size of the operation, when millions of dwellings need to be contacted, and thousands of people must be mobilized to help in the data collection efforts. Statistics Canada is a world leader in its approaches to census data collection. New collection approaches were introduced with the 2006 Census, more particularly an Internet response option, to add to the mail-out, telephone and face-to-face collection approaches. Such diversity in data collection methods requires an integrated approach to management to ensure quality and efficiency in an environment of declining survey response rates and a tighter fiscal framework. In preparing for its' 2011 Census, Statistics Canada is putting in place a number of new systems and processes to actively manage field data collection operations. One of the key elements of the approach will be a Field Management System which will allow the majority of field personnel to register enumeration progress in the field, and be informed in a very timely fashion of questionnaires received at the Data Operations Centre via Internet, by mail or other channels, thus informing them to cease non-response follow up efforts on those dwellings, in an attempt to eliminate unnecessary follow-up work.