Statistical methods

Skip to filters. View results.

Key indicators

Changing any selection will automatically update the page content.

Selected geographical area:Canada

Selected geographical area:Newfoundland and Labrador

Selected geographical area:Prince Edward Island

Selected geographical area:Nova Scotia

Selected geographical area:New Brunswick

Selected geographical area:Quebec

Selected geographical area:Ontario

Selected geographical area:Manitoba

Selected geographical area:Saskatchewan

Selected geographical area:Alberta

Selected geographical area:British Columbia

Selected geographical area:Yukon

Selected geographical area:Northwest Territories

Selected geographical area:Nunavut

View results

Filter results by

Search Help
Currently selected filters that can be removed

Keyword(s)

Subject

Sort Help
entries

Results

All (2,481)

All (2,481) (20 to 30 of 2,481 results)

  • 21. Improved small area inference from data integration using global-local priors
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X202500200009
    Description: We present and apply methodology to improve inference for small area parameters by using data from several sources. This work extends Cahoy and Sedransk (2023) who showed how to integrate summary statistics from several sources. Our methodology uses hierarchical global-local prior distributions to make inferences for the proportion of individuals in Florida’s counties who do not have health insurance. Results from an extensive simulation study show that this methodology will provide improved inference by using several data sources. Among the five model variants evaluated the ones using horseshoe priors for all variances have better performance than the ones using lasso priors for the local variances.
    Release date: 2025-12-23
  • 22. Performance of hierarchical Bayes small area estimators using noninformative and informative priors with an application to the Canadian Labor Force Survey
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X202500200010
    Description: In this paper, we study the performance of hierarchical Bayes (HB) small area estimators using noninformative and informative priors. We apply the Bayesian models of You and Chapman (2006) and You (2021) to the Canadian Labor Force Survey (LFS) data and evaluate the impact of the priors on the HB estimators. A Bayesian model comparison and simulation study are also conducted. Our results indicate that a correct informative prior can lead to very good results, and noninformative priors can also perform very well. Incorrect informative priors can lead to poor results in terms of large bias and large coefficient of variation (CV). Noninformative priors are recommended in practice for HB small area estimation unless correctly specified informative priors are available. Informative priors are particularly useful when the number of small areas is relatively small.
    Release date: 2025-12-23
  • 23. Approximate hierarchical Bayes small area estimation using Natural Exponential Family with Quadratic Variance Function and poststratification
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X202500200011
    Description: We propose an approximate hierarchical Bayes approach that uses the Natural Exponential Family with Quadratic Variance Function (NEF-QVF) in combining information from multiple sources to improve traditional survey estimates of finite population means for small areas. Unlike other Bayesian approaches in finite population sampling, we do not assume a model for all units of the finite population and do not require linking sampled units to the finite population frame. We assume a model only for the finite population units in which the outcome variable is observed; because, for these units, the assumed model can be checked using existing statistical tools. We do not posit an elaborate model on the true means for unobserved units. Instead, we assume that population means of cells with the same combination of factor levels are identical across small areas, and that the population mean for a cell is identical to the mean of the observed units in that cell. We apply our proposed methodology to a real-life survey, linking information from multiple disparate data sources. We also provide practical ways of model selection that can be applied to a wider class of models under similar setting but for a diverse range of scientific problems.
    Release date: 2025-12-23
  • 24. Modified observed best prediction strategies for small area estimation with unit-level data
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X202500200012
    Description: The observed best prediction (OBP) under a nested-error regression (NER) model was previously proposed using a design-based mean squared prediction error (MSPE) as a tool to derive the best predictive estimator (BPE). A recent study showed the OBP under the NER model may suffer from numerical instability when computing the BPE. We propose several modifications of the OBP under the NER model, including ones using a model-based MSPE to derive the BPE, to improve the numerical stability and predictive performance. We compare the performance of the modified OBP strategies with the existing methods in a simulation study. A real-data example is discussed.
    Release date: 2025-12-23
  • 25. Sampling for business surveys at Statistics Canada
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X202500200013
    Description: This article examines the methodological complexities associated with the design of business surveys, with particular emphasis on sampling strategies implemented by National Statistical Offices (NSOs). It addresses the inherent challenges posed by the dynamic nature of the business population, which necessitates continual updates to the sampling frame to ensure representativeness and relevance. Critical design considerations include the determination of optimal sample sizes, stratification across key dimensions such as industry, geographic region, and enterprise size, as well as the treatment of business births and the exclusion of inactive (or “dead”) units. The article applies Bankier’s (1988) power allocation method to a two-way stratification scheme defined by industry and geography, evaluating its performance by comparing the resulting coefficients of variation with those obtained via a raking algorithm applied to the marginal coefficients. Furthermore, the approach is extended to a multivariate context to accommodate multiple estimation domains. The discussion also encompasses practical issues related to sample rotation and coordination, which are critical for maintaining data quality and minimizing respondent burden over time.
    Release date: 2025-12-23
  • 26. Survey Methodology
    Journals and periodicals: 12-001-X
    Geography: Canada
    Description: The journal publishes articles dealing with various aspects of statistical development relevant to a statistical agency, such as design issues in the context of practical constraints, use of different data sources and collection techniques, total survey error, survey evaluation, research in survey methodology, time series analysis, seasonal adjustment, demographic studies, data integration, estimation and data analysis methods, and general survey systems development. The emphasis is placed on the development and evaluation of specific methodologies as applied to data collection or the data themselves.
    Release date: 2025-12-23
  • 27. Modelling the Impact of Immigration on Student Numbers
    Articles and reports: 11-633-X2025005
    Description: This study presents an approach to model changes in the numbers of elementary, secondary and postsecondary students who are immigrants (including both permanent residents and non permanent residents) in response to changes in overall immigration levels.
    Release date: 2025-12-22
  • 28. National Address Register
    Profile of a community or region: 46-26-0002
    Description: The National Address Register (NAR) is a list of commercial and residential addresses in Canada that are extracted from Statistics Canada's Building Register and deemed non-confidential.
    Release date: 2025-12-19
  • 29. Technical Guide on Demographic Estimates at Statistics Canada
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 91-528-X
    Description: The Technical Guide on Demographic Estimates at Statistics Canada provides detailed descriptions of the most current data sources and methods used by the Centre for demography at Statistics Canada to produce demographic estimates as part of the Demographic estimates program. They comprise postcensal and intercensal population estimates; base population; births and deaths; immigrants; emigrants; returning emigrants; non-permanent residents; interprovincial migration; subprovincial estimates of population and intraprovincial migration; population estimates by age and gender; and census family estimates. A glossary of commonly used terms is available at the end of the guide.
    Release date: 2025-12-17
  • 30. Fighting Misinformation
    Stats in brief: 89-20-00062025001
    Description: This video is designed to help you critically assess the data presented to you. No data is perfect. By understanding the strengths and limitations of the data, you can avoid being misled—and make smarter, more informed decisions.
    Release date: 2025-12-15
Data (10)

Data (10) ((10 results))

  • 1. Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M)
    Public use microdata: 89F0002X
    Description: The SPSD/M is a static microsimulation model designed to analyse financial interactions between governments and individuals in Canada. It can compute taxes paid to and cash transfers received from government. It is comprised of a database, a series of tax/transfer algorithms and models, analytical software and user documentation.
    Release date: 2026-02-12
  • 2. National Address Register
    Profile of a community or region: 46-26-0002
    Description: The National Address Register (NAR) is a list of commercial and residential addresses in Canada that are extracted from Statistics Canada's Building Register and deemed non-confidential.
    Release date: 2025-12-19
  • 3. PASSAGES microsimulation model
    Table: 89-26-0006
    Description: PASSAGES is an open-source dynamic microsimulation model aimed at supporting policy analysis and research relating to Canadian retirement income system outcomes at the individual and family level. The publicly available version includes a synthetic starting database, a model, and documentation. A confidential starting database is also available.
    Release date: 2025-03-12
  • 4. Canadian Statistical Geospatial Explorer Hub Archived
    Data Visualization: 71-607-X2020010
    Description: The Canadian Statistical Geospatial Explorer empowers users to discover geo enabled data holdings of Statistics Canada at various levels of geography including at the neighbourhood level. Users are able to visualize, thematically map, spatially explore and analyze, export and consume data in various formats. Users can also view the data superimposed on satellite imagery, topographic and street layers.
    Release date: 2024-08-21
  • 5. Income divergence index (D-index) by census tract
    Table: 11-10-0074-01
    Geography: Census tract
    Frequency: Occasional
    Description:

    The divergence index (D-index) describes the degree that families with different income levels are mixing together in neighbourhoods. It compares neighbourhood (census tract, CT) discrete income distributions to a base distribution, which is the income quintiles of the neighbourhood’s census metropolitan area (CMA).

    Release date: 2020-06-22
  • 6. Housing Data Viewer Archived
    Data Visualization: 71-607-X2019010
    Description: The Housing Data Viewer is a visualization tool that allows users to explore Statistics Canada data on a map. Users can use the tool to navigate, compare and export data.
    Release date: 2019-10-30
  • 7. Findings of the Canadian Vehicle Fuel Pilot Survey Archived
    Table: 53-500-X
    Description:

    This report presents the results of a pilot survey conducted by Statistics Canada to measure the fuel consumption of on-road motor vehicles registered in Canada. This study was carried out in connection with the Canadian Vehicle Survey (CVS) which collects information on road activity such as distance traveled, number of passengers and trip purpose.

    Release date: 2004-10-21
  • 8. National Tourism Indicators, Historical Estimates Archived
    Table: 13-220-X
    Description: In the 1997 edition, new and revised benchmarks were introduced for 1992 and 1988. The indicators are used to monitor supply, demand and employment for tourism in Canada on a timely basis. The annual tables are derived using the National Income and Expenditure Accounts (NIEA) and various industry and travel surveys. Tables providing actual data and percentage changes, for seasonally adjusted current and constant price estimates are included. In addition, an analytical section provides graphs, and time series of first differences, percentage changes, and seasonal factors for selected indicators. Data are published from 1987 and the publication will be available on the day of release. New data are included in the demand tables for non-tourism commodities produced by non-tourism industries and in the employment tables covering direct tourism employment generated by non-tourism industries. This product was commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission to provide annual updates for the Tourism Satellite Account.
    Release date: 2003-01-08
  • 9. Historical Statistics of Canada Archived
    Table: 11-516-X
    Description:

    The second edition of Historical statistics of Canada was jointly produced by the Social Science Federation of Canada and Statistics Canada in 1983. This volume contains about 1,088 statistical tables on the social, economic and institutional conditions of Canada from the start of Confederation in 1867 to the mid-1970s. The tables are arranged in sections with an introduction explaining the content of each section, the principal sources of data for each table, and general explanatory notes regarding the statistics. In most cases, there is sufficient description of the individual series to enable the reader to use them without consulting the numerous basic sources referenced in the publication.

    The electronic version of this historical publication is accessible on the Internet site of Statistics Canada as a free downloadable document: text as HTML pages and all tables as individual spreadsheets in a comma delimited format (CSV) (which allows online viewing or downloading).

    Release date: 1999-07-29
  • 10. National Population Health Survey Overview Archived
    Table: 82-567-X
    Description:

    The National Population Health Survey (NPHS) is designed to enhance the understanding of the processes affecting health. The survey collects cross-sectional as well as longitudinal data. In 1994/95 the survey interviewed a panel of 17,276 individuals, then returned to interview them a second time in 1996/97. The response rate for these individuals was 96% in 1996/97. Data collection from the panel will continue for up to two decades. For cross-sectional purposes, data were collected for a total of 81,000 household residents in all provinces (except people on Indian reserves or on Canadian Forces bases) in 1996/97.

    This overview illustrates the variety of information available by presenting data on perceived health, chronic conditions, injuries, repetitive strains, depression, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, consultations with medical professionals, use of medications and use of alternative medicine.

    Release date: 1998-07-29
Analysis (2,037)

Analysis (2,037) (2,020 to 2,030 of 2,037 results)

  • 2,021. The methodology of the Canadian Travel Survey, 1971 Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254828
    Description: The Canadian Travel Survey, 1971 was the largest survey on travel of Canadian residents. This paper describes some important aspects of the methodology. Particular emphasis is given to the development of definitions in relation to the methodology, the sampling technique and interview strategy.
    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,022. Some variance estimators for multistage sampling Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254829
    Description: J.N.K. Rao (1975) derived a general formula for estimating the variance in multistage sample designs. This general formula extends the previous results by Des Raj (1966) to the case where the conditional variance from a given primary sampling unit is a random variable. The authors reviewed Rao's paper for its application to Horvitz-Thompson and Yates-Grundy variance estimators as well as the variance estimator for the random group method by Rao, Hartley and Cochran (1962). The authors present an altered version of the Yates-Grundy variance estimators as a result of Rao's paper.
    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,023. On the improvement of sample survey estimates Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254830
    Description: This paper focuses on the improvement of sample survey estimates in the particular situation where the survey sample, or part of it, is included in a larger sample from which auxiliary information is available. The properties of a method of estimation - sometimes applied in specific circumstances - are investigated and the limitations of its application are found. The application of the method to rotation designs in continuing surveys is more closely studied in the context of composite estimation.
    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,024. The telephone experiment in the Canadian Labour Force Survey Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254831
    Description: This paper summarizes the results of a telephone experiment conducted in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Force Survey over the period June 1972 to November 1973. Included in the paper is a detailed outline of the purpose and design of the experiment. A discussion of the impact telephone interviewing had on the cost of enumeration, non-response and participation and unemployment rates is given. In addition, interviewer and respondent attitudes toward telephone interviewing are described. Finally, the paper summarizes the experiences gained from this experiment and indicates some areas where further examinations related to telephone interviewing can be carried out.
    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,025. On a ratio estimate with post-stratified weighting Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254832
    Description: A ratio estimate based on an auxiliary variable is considered for the case when the sample is post-stratified using information on another auxiliary variable. The variance of the ratio estimate is derived by the method of linearization [3,4]. An application to subprovincial estimation in the Canadian Labour Force Survey is discussed.
    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,026. Analytic studies of sample survey data Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500300001
    Description: Most sample surveys in the past have been "descriptive" in the sense that the main objective is the computation of means or totals of a number of characters of interest along with their standard errors. However, in recent years data produced from "descriptive" surveys are also being increasingly used for "analytical" purposes, i.e., for investigating relationships among variables. Also some sample surveys might have primary "analytical goals" in which case the "optimal" designing of such "analytical surveys" becomes important.

    These lecture notes present an account of some recent developments in the analytical studies of sample survey data. Many challenging problems remain to be solved and I hope these notes will provide stimulation for further research in this important area.
    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,027. Measurement of response errors in Censuses and sample surveys Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254824
    Description:

    Madow [1968] has proposed a two-phase sampling scheme under which response bias can be eliminated from sample surveys by obtaining “true” values for a subsample of the original sample. Often in cases of Censuses or ongoing surveys, the subsample data are not used to correct the main survey estimates but to assess their reliability. The main purpose of this paper is to present methods by which reliability estimates can be obtained when true values can be determined for a subsample of units.

    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,028. Controlled random rounding Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500254825
    Description:

    Random rounding is a technique to ensure confidentiality of aggregate statistics. By randomly rounding all the components of a total, independently, together with the random rounding of the total itself, substantial discrepancies may arise when aggregating the published data. This paper presents a procedure which avoids substantial discrepancies while still protecting the concept of confidentiality.

    Release date: 1975-12-15
  • 2,029. The development of an automated estimation system Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500100001
    Description: Although a survey is designed to satisfy a specific set of survey constraints, some steps involved in designing a survey, such as stratification, sample allocation and sample selection are common to all surveys. The steps involved in the creation of survey design systems are to identify, develop and implement common methods and procedures for such stages which, when taken together, constitute a survey design. The paper describes some methodological considerations in the development of an automated system for three methods of ratio estimation.
    Release date: 1975-06-16
  • 2,030. A computer algorithm for joint probabilities of selection (Systematic PPS sampling) Archived
    Articles and reports: 12-001-X197500100002
    Description: In 1962, Hartley and Rao derived an asymptotic formula for the joint probability selection for samples selected with unequal probability sampling. In 1966, Connor, derived an exact formula for this joint probability, however, his formulae were very involved. In the present paper the authors, using a modification of Connor's formula derive the exact joint probabilities using a specially designed computer algorithm.
    Release date: 1975-06-16
Reference (382)

Reference (382) (20 to 30 of 382 results)

  • 21. Labour Force Survey Response Rates, September 2023 Archived
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 75-005-M2023001
    Description: This document provides information on the evolution of response rates for the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and a discussion of the evaluation of two aspects of data quality that ensure the LFS estimates continue providing an accurate portrait of the Canadian labour market.
    Release date: 2023-10-30
  • 22. Sampling and Weighting Technical Report, Census of Population
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 98-306-X
    Description:

    This report describes sampling, weighting and estimation procedures used in the Census of Population. It provides operational and theoretical justifications for them, and presents the results of the evaluations of these procedures.

    Release date: 2023-10-04
  • 23. Methods for Constructing Life Tables for Canada, Provinces and Territories
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 84-538-X
    Geography: Canada
    Description: This electronic publication presents the methodology underlying the production of the life tables for Canada, provinces and territories.
    Release date: 2023-08-28
  • 24. Agriculture–Population Linkage: Data quality report
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 32-26-0006
    Description: This report provides data quality information pertaining to the Agriculture–Population Linkage, such as sources of error, matching process, response rates, imputation rates, sampling, weighting, disclosure control methods and data quality indicators.
    Release date: 2023-08-25
  • 25. Aggregated and derived income concepts and income statistics, 2021 Census of Population
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 98-20-00032021011
    Description: This video explains the key concepts of different levels of aggregation of income data such as household and family income; income concepts derived from key income variables such as adjusted income and equivalence scale; and statistics used for income data such as median and average income, quartiles, quintiles, deciles and percentiles.
    Release date: 2023-03-29
  • 26. Low-income concepts and statistics, 2021 Census of Population
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 98-20-00032021012
    Description: This video builds on concepts introduced in the other videos on income. It explains key low-income concepts - Market Basket Measure (MBM), Low income measure (LIM) and Low-income cut-offs (LICO) and the indicators associated with these concepts such as the low-income gap and the low-income ratio. These concepts are used in analysis of the economic well-being of the population.
    Release date: 2023-03-29
  • 27. Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) Technical Report, 2021
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 11-633-X2022009
    Description: The Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) is a comprehensive source of data that plays a key role in the understanding of the economic behaviour of immigrants. It is the only annual Canadian dataset that allows users to study the characteristics of immigrants to Canada at the time of admission and their economic outcomes and regional (inter-provincial) mobility over a time span of more than 35 years.

    This report will discuss the IMDB data sources, concepts and variables, record linkage, data processing, dissemination, data evaluation and quality indicators, comparability with other immigration datasets, and the analyses possible with the IMDB.

    Release date: 2022-12-05
  • 28. Guide to the Census of Agriculture
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 32-26-0002
    Description: This reference guide may be useful to both new and experienced users who wish to familiarize themselves with and find specific information about the Census of Agriculture.

    It provides an overview of the Census of Agriculture communications, content determination, collection, processing, data quality evaluation and dissemination activities. It also summarizes the key changes to the census and other useful information.

    Release date: 2022-04-14
  • 29. Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) Volume II. Reference Maps
    Geographic files and documentation: 12-572-X
    Description:

    The Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) provides a systematic classification structure that categorizes all of the geographic area of Canada. The SGC is the official classification used in the Census of Population and other Statistics Canada surveys.

    The classification is organized in two volumes: Volume I, The Classification and Volume II, Reference Maps.

    Volume II contains reference maps showing boundaries, names, codes and locations of the geographic areas in the classification. The reference maps show census subdivisions, census divisions, census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations, census metropolitan influenced zones and economic regions. Definitions for these terms are found in Volume I, The Classification. Volume I describes the classification and related standard geographic areas and place names.

    The maps in Volume II can be downloaded in PDF format from our website.

    Release date: 2022-02-09
  • 30. Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) Technical Report, 2020
    Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 11-633-X2021008
    Description: The Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) is a comprehensive source of data that plays a key role in the understanding of the economic behaviour of immigrants. It is the only annual Canadian dataset that allows users to study the characteristics of immigrants to Canada at the time of admission and their economic outcomes and regional (inter-provincial) mobility over a time span of more than 35 years. The IMDB includes Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) administrative records which contain exhaustive information about immigrants who were admitted to Canada since 1952. It also includes data about non-permanent residents who have been issued temporary resident permits since 1980. This report will discuss the IMDB data sources, concepts and variables, record linkage, data processing, dissemination, data evaluation and quality indicators, comparability with other immigration datasets, and the analyses possible with the IMDB.
    Release date: 2021-12-06

Sort Help

How are the results ordered?

The Sort by feature provides four options:

  • By date – sorts results by product release date starting with the most recent.
  • By most popular – gives priority to results that are most frequently selected by users, followed by the most recent.
  • By relevance is only needed or beneficial when you use the search box and submit a search query. Results are ordered by a combination of where the search term appears in the content, e.g., if it appears in the title, it likely means the product is more relevant to your search; how up to date or new the content in the product is; how popular the product is; and other factors.
  • By title – sorts results alphabetically.

Sort Help

How are the results ordered?

The Sort by feature provides three options:

  • By date – sorts results by product release date starting with the most recent.
  • By relevance is only needed or beneficial when you use the search box and submit a search query. Results are ordered by a combination of where the search term appears in the content, e.g., if it appears in the title, it likely means the product is more relevant to your search; how up to date or new the content in the product is; how popular the product is; and other factors.
  • By title – sorts results alphabetically.

Search Help

How do I use the filters and the search box?

  • You can initiate a search by entering keywords or selecting filters (e.g., under Subject, Geography, etc.) on the left side of the page.

  • Filters can be used together or in any combination. Each time you select a filter, the results on the page are updated.

  • To start a new search, click on the Clear all button above the search box or deselect each filter.

  • Specified keywords and filters appear above the search box. You can deselect any or all the tags to refine or clear your search.

How do I refine my search?

  • You can enter keywords in the search box. It is not necessary to use “+” or “, “ or “AND”.

  • You can delete some or all of the keywords from your search string.

  • Quotes around keywords limit the search to a specific phrase.

    • For example, “labour force survey” will limit results to products containing this phrase.

  • Use “or” between keywords to obtain results that contain one or more search terms.

    • For example, labour or­ force or survey will limit results to products containing any or all of these words.

How does the search work?

  • This search looks for results that have your query term in the title, description, subject, geography, product number or other information about the product.

    • For example, when searching the term ‘Diseases’, all results with the word ‘Diseases’ in the title, description or tagged the subject appear.

  • The text within an article or publication are not searched. For full text searching of articles, use the site search.

Date modified: