Stratification in the Canadian Labour Force Survey

The use of a multivariate clustering algorithm to perform stratification for the Labour Force Survey is described. The algorithm developed by Friedman and Rubin (1967) is modified to allow the formation of geographically contiguous strata and to delineate heterogeneous but compact primary sampling units (PSUs) within these strata. Studies dealing with stratification variables, stratification robustness over time, and type of stratification are described.