Analysis

This document presents the geographical distribution of federal government expenditures and staff for the fiscal year 2004/2005.

We discuss methods for the analysis of case-control studies in which the controls are drawn using a complex sample survey. The most straightforward method is the standard survey approach based on weighted versions of population estimating equations. We also look at more efficient methods and compare their robustness to model mis-specification in simple cases. Case-control family studies, where the within-cluster structure is of interest in its own right, are also discussed briefly.

Calibration weighting can be used to adjust for unit nonresponse and/or coverage errors under appropriate quasi-randomization models. Alternative calibration adjustments that are asymptotically identical in a purely sampling context can diverge when used in this manner. Introducing instrumental variables into calibration weighting makes it possible for nonresponse (say) to be a function of a set of characteristics other than those in the calibration vector. When the calibration adjustment has a nonlinear form, a variant of the jackknife can remove the need for iteration in variance estimation.

The theory of multiple imputation for missing data requires that imputations be made conditional on the sampling design. However, most standard software packages for performing model-based multiple imputation assume simple random samples, leading many practitioners not to account for complex sample design features, such as stratification and clustering, in their imputations. Theory predicts that analyses of such multiply-imputed data sets can yield biased estimates from the design-based perspective. In this article, we illustrate through simulation that (i) the bias can be severe when the design features are related to the survey variables of interest, and (ii) the bias can be reduced by controlling for the design features in the imputation models. The simulations also illustrate that conditioning on irrelevant design features in the imputation models can yield conservative inferences, provided that the models include other relevant predictors. These results suggest a prescription for imputers: the safest course of action is to include design variables in the specification of imputation models. Using real data, we demonstrate a simple approach for incorporating complex design features that can be used with some of the standard software packages for creating multiple imputations.

In this article, we propose a Bernoulli-type bootstrap method that can easily handle multi-stage stratified designs where sampling fractions are large, provided simple random sampling without replacement is used at each stage. The method provides a set of replicate weights which yield consistent variance estimates for both smooth and non-smooth estimators. The method's strength is in its simplicity. It can easily be extended to any number of stages without much complication. The main idea is to either keep or replace a sampling unit at each stage with preassigned probabilities, to construct the bootstrap sample. A limited simulation study is presented to evaluate performance and, as an illustration, we apply the method to the 1997 Japanese National Survey of Prices.

In this paper, the geometric, optimization-based, and Lavallée and Hidiroglou (LH) approaches to stratification are compared. The geometric stratification method is an approximation, whereas the other two approaches, which employ numerical methods to perform stratification, may be seen as optimal stratification methods. The algorithm of the geometric stratification is very simple compared to the two other approaches, but it does not take into account the construction of a take-all stratum, which is usually constructed when a positively skewed population is stratified. In the optimization-based stratification, one may consider any form of optimization function and its constraints. In a comparative numerical study based on five positively skewed artificial populations, the optimization approach was more efficient in each of the cases studied compared to the geometric stratification. In addition, the geometric and optimization approaches are compared with the LH algorithm. In this comparison, the geometric stratification approach was found to be less efficient than the LH algorithm, whereas efficiency of the optimization approach was similar to the efficiency of the LH algorithm. Nevertheless, strata boundaries evaluated via the geometric stratification may be seen as efficient starting points for the optimization approach.

To select a survey sample, it happens that one does not have a frame containing the desired collection units, but rather another frame of units linked in a certain way to the list of collection units. It can then be considered to select a sample from the available frame in order to produce an estimate for the desired target population by using the links existing between the two. This can be designated by Indirect Sampling.

Estimation for the target population surveyed by Indirect Sampling can constitute a big challenge, in particular if the links between the units of the two are not one-to-one. The problem comes especially from the difficulty to associate a selection probability, or an estimation weight, to the surveyed units of the target population. In order to solve this type of estimation problem, the Generalized Weight Share Method (GWSM) has been developed by Lavallée (1995) and Lavallée (2002). The GWSM provides an estimation weight for every surveyed unit of the target population.

This paper first describes Indirect Sampling, which constitutes the foundations of the GWSM. Second, an overview of the GWSM is given where we formulate the GWSM in a theoretical framework using matrix notation. Third, we present some properties of the GWSM such as unbiasedness and transitivity. Fourth, we consider the special case where the links between the two populations are expressed by indicator variables. Fifth, some special typical linkages are studied to assess their impact on the GWSM. Finally, we consider the problem of optimality. We obtain optimal weights in a weak sense (for specific values of the variable of interest), and conditions for which these weights are also optimal in a strong sense and independent of the variable of interest.

A survey of tourist visits originating intra and extra-region in Brittany was needed. For concrete material reasons, "border surveys" could no longer be used. The major problem is the lack of a sampling frame that allows for direct contact with tourists. This problem was addressed by applying the indirect sampling method, the weighting for which is obtained using the generalized weight share method developed recently by Lavallée (1995), Lavallée (2002), Deville (1999) and also presented recently in Lavallée and Caron (2001). This article shows how to adapt the method to the survey. A number of extensions are required. One of the extensions, designed to estimate the total of a population from which a Bernouilli sample has been taken, will be developed.

Félix-Medina and Thompson (2004) proposed a variant of Link-tracing sampling in which it is assumed that a portion of the population, not necessarily the major portion, is covered by a frame of disjoint sites where members of the population can be found with high probabilities. A sample of sites is selected and the people in each of the selected sites are asked to nominate other members of the population. They proposed maximum likelihood estimators of the population sizes which perform acceptably provided that for each site the probability that a member is nominated by that site, called the nomination probability, is not small. In this research we consider Félix-Medina and Thompson's variant and propose three sets of estimators of the population sizes derived under the Bayesian approach. Two of the sets of estimators were obtained using improper prior distributions of the population sizes, and the other using Poisson prior distributions. However, we use the Bayesian approach only to assist us in the construction of estimators, while inferences about the population sizes are made under the frequentist approach. We propose two types of partly design-based variance estimators and confidence intervals. One of them is obtained using a bootstrap and the other using the delta method along with the assumption of asymptotic normality. The results of a simulation study indicate that (i) when the nomination probabilities are not small each of the proposed sets of estimators performs well and very similarly to maximum likelihood estimators; (ii) when the nomination probabilities are small the set of estimators derived using Poisson prior distributions still performs acceptably and does not have the problems of bias that maximum likelihood estimators have, and (iii) the previous results do not depend on the size of the fraction of the population covered by the frame.

Survey sampling to estimate a Consumer Price Index (CPI) is quite complicated, generally requiring a combination of data from at least two surveys: one giving prices, one giving expenditure weights. Fundamentally different approaches to the sampling process - probability sampling and purposive sampling - have each been strongly advocated and are used by different countries in the collection of price data. By constructing a small "world" of purchases and prices from scanner data on cereal and then simulating various sampling and estimation techniques, we compare the results of two design and estimation approaches: the probability approach of the United States and the purposive approach of the United Kingdom. For the same amount of information collected, but given the use of different estimators, the United Kingdom's methods appear to offer better overall accuracy in targeting a population superlative consumer price index.

This service bulletin presents the nature of research and development distribution of current intramural research and development expenditures by Canadian firms for the years 2000 to 2004.

This service bulletin presents the geographic distribution of federal government science and technology expenditures. Data on federal government expenditures on science and technology are found in Volume 30, No. 6 of this publication series, released in September 2006. Science and technology (S&T) expenditures are the sum of expenditures on research and development (R&D) and on related scientific activities (RSA).

This report provides an overview of the results of the Survey of Financial Security (SFS). This survey collected information on the assets and debts of families and unattached individuals. Data collection took place from May to July 2005, in all provinces.

The 2005 SFS provides a comprehensive picture of the wealth of Canadians. Information was collected on the value of all major financial and non-financial assets and on the money owing on mortgages, vehicles, credit cards, student loans and other debts. The value of these assets less the debts is referred to in this report as net worth.

Gross domestic expenditures on research and development (GERD) represents total research and development (R&D) expenditures performed in a country's national territory during a given year. GERD includes R&D performed within a country and funded from abroad but excludes payments sent abroad for R&D performed in other countries.

This bulletin presents recent information on the performance and funding of Federal government expenditures on scientific activities, 2006/2007. The statistics presented are derived from the survey of science and technology (S&T) activities of federal departments and agencies. The data in this publication are consistent with expenditures of departments and agencies as reported in the Main Estimates 2006/2007, but do not reflect changes to 2006/2007 spending plans which may result from supplementary estimates or other departmental planning decisions.

The higher education sector is composed of "all universities, colleges of technology and other institutes of postsecondary education, whatever their source of finance or legal status. It also includes all research institutes, experimental stations and clinics operating under the direct control of, or administered by, or associated with higher education establishments.

This service bulletin contains historical and current data on research and development (R&D) expenditures and personnel in Canada, by industry. In Canada, the industrial or business enterprise sector is the largest R&D performer.

The statistics presented in this Bulletin are for the fiscal year ending August 31 and cover the period from 2002 to 2005.

This publication presents financial and operating statistics for telecommunications services industries, except the Cable and Other Program Distribution industry

Revised estimates of the Income and Expenditure Accounts covering the period 2002 to 2005 have been released along with those for the first quarter of 2006. The current revisions to GDP resulted from the inclusion of the most current estimates from data sources, including survey results, administrative data and public accounts.

In May 2006 Canadians participated in an activity that has been taking place in this country for over 300 years, a Census of Population. The census plays a critical role in the development of Canada's social, economic and demographic fabric. The education questions in the Census of Population have remained relatively stable for many years. However, major changes have been taking place in the structure of the education system in Canada, and in the educational participation and attainment levels of Canadians. Furthermore, education is playing an increasing role in determining individuals' labour market outcomes. This article reviews the changes to the education questions and their rationale.

This study highlights research and development (R&D) efforts made by Canadian firms from 1993 to 2003 in new energy technologies. By focusing on alternative energy R&D, it provides a first look at business spending in developing the technologies that will permit cleaner and renewable energy sources in the future.

This report provides an overview of Canadian children as they enter school as 5-year-olds. It looks at the collection of abilities, behaviours and attitudes that they bring with them, attributes that are important for early school achievement. The report shows that children vary on some dimensions of readiness to learn at school, according to their family characteristics, their background and their home environment and experiences. It also shows that some of the differences in readiness to learn may already be evident two years earlier, when the children were 3 years old. Finally, the report indicates factors in the home environment that may contribute to differences among different economic groups. The report adds to what we know about readiness to learn. It provides information that may be useful for policy analysts, teachers, researchers, and parents themselves as they work toward maximizing the potential of preschool children everywhere.

This report, using data from the General Social Survey on victimization, examines the various crime prevention measures employed by Canadians and the factors associated with their use.

The report finds that many Canadians employ crime prevention techniques such as locking car doors, planning their route with safety in mind and checking the back seat for intruders, on a regular basis. Furthermore, many Canadians used protective strategies such as altering their routine, avoiding certain places, installing burglar alarms and changing their locks to guard against crime, at sometime in their lives. More extreme measures, such as changing their residence or buying a gun were much less likely.

This report also demonstrates that a number of personal, household, and perceived neighbourhood characteristics are associated with the use of crime prevention measures. Specifically, usage of crime prevention techniques was more common among women, those previously victimized, well-educated individuals and urban-dwellers. Also, those who felt crime rates in their neighbourhood had increased and were higher than rates elsewhere in Canada were most likely to employ crime prevention measures.

This paper exploits the unique strengths of the tax-based Longitudinal Administrative Database to measure the flows of Canadians to other countries and the patterns of return over the period from 1982 to 2003. Overall, approximately 0.1% (i.e., one tenth of 1%) of the adult population leaves the country in any given year. Departure rates have generally moved with the state of the Canadian economy, but the trends have clearly been driven by more than this: declining in the 1980s as the economy was going well; turning up towards the end of the decade, but before the economy began to stall in 1989; rising through the early part of the 1990s as the economy was mired in a deep recession, but then continuing to rise through 1997, by which time a strong recovery was underway; and then declining sharply since 2000-thus stemming what many had thought was an inexorable upwards trend-when economic factors were fairly stable. Departure rates decline with age (except for the youngest group); are lower for couples without children than other family types; are high for those in British Columbia, quite low for Francophone Quebecers, and very high for Anglophones in that province; are somewhat lower for those on Employment Insurance (formerly Unemployment Insurance) and substantially higher for those at higher-income levels; and are very much higher for recent immigrants. Departure rates for those at higher-income levels shifted upwards in the 1990s, but returned to pre-1990s rates in more recent years in the case of men, while the shift was maintained for women. Only a minority of those who leave ever return: about 15% within 5 years of their departure. Return rates have, however, increased significantly since 2000-mirroring to a large extent what was happening on the departure side.

This paper uses statistical information to begin to shed light on the outcomes and impacts of information and communications technology (ICT). Some of the expected outcomes associated with ICT are presented, while factual evidence is used to demonstrate that these outcomes have so far not materialized. The paperless office is the office that never happened, with consumption of paper at an all-time high and the business of transporting paper thriving. Professional travel has most likely increased during a period when the Internet and videoconferencing technology were taking-off; and, e-commerce sales do not justify recent fears of negative consequences on retail employment and real estate. The paper further demonstrates that some of the key outcomes of ICTs are manifested in changing behavioural patterns, including communication and spending patterns.

Since 2002, the trade surplus has been buttressed by high prices for energy and metals, the only areas where exports were growing. Falling exports and strong domestic demand has reduced the trade balance in all other sectors, notably autos and consumer investment goods.

Our vast transportation system - roads, railways, airports, ports and vehicles - provides people and businesses with services that are fundamental to our standard of living and well-being.

At the same time, transportation is a concern to Canadians from an environmental perspective. From greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from burning fossil fuels to the fragmentation of wildlife habitat by transportation infrastructure, transportation activities impact the environment locally and globally.

This article examines transportation activity in Canada and its environmental impacts - and the efforts of governments, businesses and citizens to help mitigate them - by painting a statistical portrait of Transportation in Canada.

This annual report is an examination of homicide in Canada. Detailed information is presented on the characteristics of homicide incidents (murder, manslaughter and infanticide), victims and accused within the context of both short and long-term trends. Geographical patterns of homicide are examined at the national and provincial/territorial levels, as well as for major metropolitan areas. Other key themes include international comparisons of homicide, gang-related homicides, firearm-related homicides, youth homicide and family (including spousal) homicides. The data are intended to respond to the needs of those who work in the criminal justice system as well as to inform researchers, policy analysts, academics, the media and the public on the nature and extent of homicide in Canada.

The paper examines the pricing behaviour of 81 Canadian manufacturing industries from 1974 to 1996. It explores the domestic and foreign factors that affect price formation in Canada and the circumstances in which Canadian prices respond to foreign (U.S.) influences (the law of one price), as opposed to domestic factors (i.e., labour, energy costs and productivity growth). It finds that: (1) Canadian manufacturing prices are, on average, set using a mixture of a cost mark-up pricing rule and the law-of-one-price rule: both domestic factors (such as input prices and productivity) and foreign factors (such as competing U.S. prices) exert important influences on Canadian prices; (2) Canadian prices are more sensitive to U.S. prices if the industry faces higher import competition and if home and foreign products are less differentiated. Compared to prices of domestic products, prices of imported foreign products are more responsive to foreign prices. However, the price of imports also responds to Canadian prices; though this pricing-to-market phenomenon is reduced as imports increase in importance; (3) Industry differences exist. Domestic prices respond more to productivity changes in industries where competition is more intense and where products are more homogeneous. Imports respond more to domestic factors when they account for a smaller share of the domestic market; (4) As the pressure from foreign markets increases, in a period of an appreciating Canadian dollar, changes in prices are influenced more by fluctuations in foreign prices. In comparison, when the pressure from foreign markets decreases, in a period of a depreciating Canadian dollar, changes in Canadian prices are more responsive to input cost changes at home. Disequilibria that were generated by previous shocks are overcome more quickly during periods when the exchange rate appreciated.

The 2005 National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses (NSWHN) is the first nationally representative survey to focus on the working conditions and health of Canada's nurses. Registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) in all provinces and territories shared their perceptions on a variety of topics, including:- workload- working overtime, whether paid or unpaid- adverse events such as medication errors and patient falls- support and respect from co-workers and supervisors- staffing adequacy- working relations with physicians- their own chronic diseases and injuries- their mental health.

The 2005 NSWHN was developed in collaboration with organizations representing practicing nurses, health care researchers, health information specialists and federal government departments. The survey was conducted by Statistics Canada in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Health Information and Health Canada. A total of 18,676 nurses were interviewed, representing LPNs, RNs and RPNs in a variety of health care settings and in all provinces and territories. The survey's impressive response rate of 80% reflects the enthusiasm and support of nurses across the country.

The survey collected information on a rich array of topics reflecting the physical and emotional challenges nurses face in delivering patient care today. Nurses answered many questions about the quality of patient care, working relations with co-workers and managers, the amount of time they work to get their jobs done, and the way they feel about their jobs and careers as nurses. Data from the 2005 NSWHN will provide an invaluable resource for researchers, health care providers, policy makers and anyone with an interest in human resources, particularly in the health care field.

This publication presents data and analytical text on trips and socio-economic characteristics of Canadians travelling within Canada. Trip information includes purpose, activities, mode of transportation, length of stay, origin and destination, and expenditures. In addition to providing national data, the publication also includes some tables presenting provincial and metropolitan detail.

This analytical study updates data previously released in the 2002 Statistical Profile: Assessing Violence Against Women. New content has also been added concerning the experiences of Aboriginal women and women in the North.

...au courant is a four-page newsletter which promotes the analysis activities of Health Analysis and Measurement Group (HAMG) and its collaborators. Published three times a year, each issue highlights a policy-relevant study or subject area through a two-page summary article including charts, references, and a methods box. Shorter articles inform readers of upcoming studies, papers, and events related to the group's research projects.

This series of reports provides key background information on the trends and conditions in Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs) across a number of dimensions. Subjects covered include demographics, housing, immigration, Aboriginal persons, low-income and stressed neighbourhoods, economic conditions, health, location of work and commuting mode, and culture. Most reports cover the 1981-to-2001 period.

This report provides results of the Health Services Access Survey (HSAS), which is now part of the Canadian Community Health Survey. The HSAS gathers comprehensive and comparable information on the patterns of use of health care services and self-reported difficulties faced by Canadians aged 15 and over in accessing health care. Data are presented for Canada as a whole and by province when sample sizes are sufficient.

Data on waiting times for specialized services such as specialist visits for a new illness or condition, non-emergency surgeries and selected diagnostics tests are also presented.

This publication presents results from the Canadian Community Health Survey, a major cross-sectional survey whose objective is to produce timely data for more than 120 health regions across Canada.The publication includes links to data tables on a wide range of health topics, including non-medical determinants of health, health status, use of health care services and related socio-demographic information. Links are also provided to more detailed information about CCHS, including questionnaires, descriptions of survey methodology and data quality, and options for accessing detailed survey results.The survey is conducted every two years. Data are collected from 130,000 respondents, aged 12 or older, residing in households in each health regions.

This publication presents quarterly and year-to-date data as aggregated from reports for the major wireline and wireless telecommunications systems in Canada. Information is provided on operating revenue and expenses, salaries and wage payments, number of employees, capital expenditures, network PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) access lines, non-PSTN lines, wireless subscribers and traffic statistics.

This feasibility report provides a blueprint for improving data on fraud in Canada through a survey of businesses and through amendments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey. Presently, national information on fraud is based on official crime statistics reported by police services to the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. These data, however, do not reflect the true nature and extent of fraud in Canada due to under-reporting of fraud by individuals and businesses, and due to inconsistencies in the way frauds are counted within the UCR Survey. This feasibility report concludes that a better measurement of fraud in Canada could be obtained through a survey of businesses. The report presents the information priorities of government departments, law enforcement and the private sector with respect to the issue of fraud and makes recommendations on how a survey of businesses could help fulfill these information needs.

To respond to information priorities, the study recommends surveying the following types of business establishments: banks, payment companies (i.e. credit card and debit card companies), selected retailers, property and casualty insurance carriers, health and disability insurance carriers and selected manufacturers. The report makes recommendations regarding survey methodology and questionnaire content, and provides estimates for timeframes and cost.

The report also recommends changes to the UCR Survey in order to improve the way in which incidents are counted and to render the data collected more relevant with respect to the information priorities raised by government, law enforcement and the private sector during the feasibility study.

The purpose of the provincial and territorial reports is to present a summary of demographic, social and economic characteristics of the off reserve Aboriginal population in the Atlantic provinces, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories. Information on education, residential schools, information technology, employment, mobility and housing, health and language are highlighted. While most of the focus is on adults, there is also information provided on children. Data showing comparisons between Aboriginal groups are provided, as are some comparisons with the non-Aboriginal population. Findings are based on the 2001 Census and the 2001 Aboriginal Peoples Survey.