Analysis

Description:

The paper illustrates several practical problems in the adaptation of statistical theory to survey design in the context of the revision of an employment survey programme.

Description:

The Reverse Record Check is the main vehicle used to assess the level of undercoverage in the Canadian Census of Population. A sample of persons is selected from sources independent of the current census and extensive tracing operations are undertaken to determine the usual address of each selected person as of Census day. Census records are then checked to determine whether or not each selected person was enumerated. The tracing is by far the most complex, costly and time-consuming operation associated with this study. It involves extensive use of administrative records as well as tracing in the field. This paper describes the various tracing methods used as well as the success obtained from each of them.

Description: In this paper three types of ratio estimators, namely combined, post-stratified and a generalized ratio estimator developed earlier by Singh (1969) and Naga Reddy (1974), are considered. Based on an empirical evaluation, their efficiencies are compared for two large scale household surveys, namely the Canadian Labour Force Survey and the Survey of Consumer Finances.

Description: Statistics on sales of establishments classified as restaurants, caterers and taverns have been collected since 1951. The sample has not been updated for births since 1968 and as a result, it is not representative of the current universe. This paper reports on several methodological aspects of the redesign. The sampling unit, sample design, sample size and allocation, data collection methods, edits and imputations, accumulations and calculations, frame and sample maintenance are described. The new survey will reduce manual procedures wherever possible. Collection, editing, imputation, tabulation and updating procedures will be completely computerized. Data collection will be decentralized and will take place via telephone.

Description: The Farm Expenditure Survey was developed to provide annual expenditure estimates for the Western Grain Stabilization Act which is an income stabilization program for grain farmers in the prairies and Peace River district of British Columbia. This paper describes the design of the 1979 survey which incorporated a stratified two-stage design in the area sample and a single take-all stratum in the list sample.

Description: An alternative to the direct selection of sample is suggested, which while retaining the efficiency at the same level simplifies the selection and variance estimation processes in a wide variety of situations. If n* is the largest feasible pPS sample size that can be drawn from a given population of size N, then the proposed method entails selection of m (=N - n*) units using a pPS scheme and rejecting these units from the population such that the remainder is a pPS sample of n* units; the final sample of n units is then selected as a subsample from the remainder set. This method for selecting the pPS sample can be seen as an analogue of SRS where it is well known that the “unsampled” part of the population as well as any subsample from this part are also SRS from the entire population when SRS is the procedure used. The method is very practical for situations where m is less than the actual sample size n. Moreover, the method has the additional advantage in the context of continuing surveys, e.g. Canadian Labour Force Survey (LFS), where the number of primary sampling units (PSU’s) may have to be increased (or decreased) subsequent to the initial selection of the sample. The method also has advantages in the case of sample rotation. Main features of the proposed scheme and its limitations are given. Efficiency of the method is also evaluated empirically.

Description: The problem considered in this paper is the estimation of various agricultural variables using a multiple frame approach. The list frame is completely contained within the area frame. The stratification for the list and area frames are based on different criteria. Overall, the multiple frame shows some gains in terms of variance over the area frame. However, a more careful analysis reveals problem areas associated with the list frame such as the method of stratification and the degeneration of list strata over time.

Description: This article presents the methodology and analysis of two major pretests undertaken in order to compare the effectiveness of different interviewing methods and to assess the feasibility of collecting information which would meet Victimization Survey information requirements.

Description:

A Hot Deck imputation procedure is defined to be one where an incomplete response is completed by using values from one or more other records on the same file and the choice of these records varies with the record requiring imputation.

General approaches to Hot Deck imputation are outlined, with emphasis on the interaction between the edit constraints and the imputation procedures. Distance functions can be constructed on a mixture of categorical and numeric fields, can be modified to take account of the relative importance of fields and can discriminate against less desirable donors. Matching fields may be correlated with missing fields, may be linked with missing fields by edits or may be natural stratification variables; but increasing the number of matching fields does not necessarily result in a better match. It is important to audit the imputation process and to summarize its performance.

Hot Deck procedures should be evaluated to study the bias and reliability of the estimates, donor usage and frequency of imputation failure in terms of a variety of conditions of the data and variations of the imputation procedure. It appears that the only generally available approach to evaluation is by simulation.

Description:

This paper looks at the current state of development of social statistics in Canada. Some key concepts related to statistics and social information are defined and discussed. The availability and analysis of administrative data is highlighted, along with the need for social surveys. Suggestions are made about the types of data analysis needed for the development of social decision models to meet policy requirements. Finally, an outline of priorities for future work toward the effective use of social statistics is given.

Description: Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy introduced the Official Poverty Line for Canada and a dashboard of 12 indicators to track progress on poverty reduction for Canadians and their households. This infographic presents trend information for Canada's official poverty rate and the associated 12 indicators.

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description: This infographic examines the early child care experiences of children with long-term conditions or disabilities using data from the 2023 Survey on Early Learning and Child Care arrangements – Children with Long-term Conditions and Disabilities (SELCCA – CLCD). It explores the types of extra support needed while in child care, the common difficulties they experienced as well as the impacts on the parent or guardian having difficulty finding a child care arrangement.

Description: Using data from the 2023 Survey on Early Learning and Child Care arrangements – Children with Long-term Conditions and Disabilities (SELCCA – CLCD), this American Sign Language video examines the early child care experiences of children with long-term conditions or disabilities.

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description: This infographic provides estimates on health care workers' stress, alcohol consumption and positive health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimates are provided across three primary health care worker groups: nurses, physicians, and Personal Support Workers/Care Aides (PSWs/CAs).

Description: Many aspects of Canadian society affect and are affected by climate change. This presentation synthesizes recent research examining the impact of climate change on Canadian society (economy, labour, and health) as well as adaptation and mitigation measures to combat climate change.

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description:

The author briefly reviews the factors determining the production of health statistics in Canada, with particular attention to the different sources of data and to the long-standing co-operation among the many agencies involved in the gathering of health-related information.

Description:

This paper presents results of an empirical study on fitting log-linear models to data on estimates of characteristics and their coefficients of variation (CV) from the Canadian Labour Force Survey. The characteristics were classified into groups on the basis of design effects and models were fitted to data on estimates of characteristic totals and their CVs over twelve month period. The models can be used in situations where estimates of CV are needed for new characteristics, and for providing more precise estimates of reliability of estimates based on past data. The problem of evaluation of fit of the models is considered.

Description:

The methodology of the For-hire Trucking Survey is discussed in this paper. This survey provides good examples of administrative and operational constraints faced by survey statisticians and field data collection teams.

Description:

An aspect of surveys not always given adequate consideration is maintenance.

The scope and importance of survey maintenance are discussed and a case is made for a more scientific methodological approach. Practical applications to various stages of surveys are illustrated by examples from the Canadian Labour Force Survey.

Description:

In surveys a response may be incomplete or some items may be inconsistent or, as in the case of two-phase sampling, items may be unavailable. In these cases it may be expedient to impute values for the missing items. While imputation is not a particularly good solution to any specific estimation problem, it does permit the production of arbitrary estimates in a consistent way.

The survey statistician may have to cope with a mixture of numerical and categorical items, subject to a variety of constraints. He should evaluate his technique, especially with respect to bias. He should make sure that imputed items are clearly identified and summary reports produced.

A variety of imputation techniques in current use is described and discussed, with particular reference to the practical problems involved.

Description:

A FORTRAN Subroutine to obtain the “working probabilities” for Fellegi’s (1963) method of unequal probability sampling is given. The solution is obtained by an iterative procedure where the starting values for the (k+l)th draw “working probabilities” are the solutions for the kth draw “working probabilities” and the iterative procedure is terminated when a prespecified accuracy is achieved. The limitation is that the Subroutine can only be used to obtain up to and including the 5th draw “working probabilities”. It was observed that the convergence occurs very fast in double precision. Therefore all real variables have been declared as double precision. The joint selection probabilities \Pi_{ij}’s i.e. the probability that both the ith and jth units are in the sample are obtained by summing the probabilities of selecting those samples that contain both the ith and jth units. The joint selection probabilities are required for the variance estimation of the Horvitz-Thompson estimator of population total of the characteristic of interest.

Description:

Survey organizations undertake periodic redesigns of continuous surveys. Reasons for such redesigns related to changes in information needs to be satisfied by the survey and changes in public awareness and attitudes towards surveys are discussed in the context of the redesign of the Canadian Labour Force Survey following the 1981 Census. In particular, the importance of close dialogue between users of the survey data and design statisticians at the early stages of the redesign process in order to establish survey objectives is stressed.

Description:

The Department of Supply and Services’ role and procedures are outlined as they relate to those using the services of the Department of Supply and Services and those receiving contracts.

There are two basic principles which cover all the policies and procedures. These are: i) the equality of opportunity to compete for Government contracts must be afforded to all qualified suppliers; and ii) that fair value for the taxpayers’ dollar must be obtained.

Description:

This paper discusses some of the changes in market research we should expect in the next decade. Currently, studies are issue oriented: they provide answers to specific questions or marketing issues. The next decade will see research projects with a broader scope: to understand how markets work and why consumers behave as they do. Measurements will be more complex, and multivariate analysis techniques will be used extensively to identify the subtle relationships within the data. Marketing models will be the conceptual framework for these more complex studies. Market analysis identifying consumer responsiveness segments provides a case example of what might be expected from model-based market research studies.

Description:

This paper identifies the stages in the life-cycle of government policies and programs. For each stage, examples are given of how survey research is presently used and likely trends over the next decade are identified.

Description:

Each issue contains a short article highlighting statistical insights on themes relating to agriculture, food and rural issues.

Description: This publication presents energy balance sheets in natural units and heat equivalents in primary and secondary forms, by province. Each balance sheet shows data on production, trade, interprovincial movements, conversion and consumption by sector. Analytical tables and details on non-energy products are also included. It includes explanatory notes, a historical energy summary table and data analysis. The publication also presents data on natural gas liquids, electricity generated from fossil fuels, solid wood waste and spent pulping liquor.

Description: Once every five years, the Census of Population provides a detailed and comprehensive statistical portrait of Canada that is vital to our country. It is the primary source of sociodemographic data for specific population groups such as lone-parent families, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, seniors and language groups.

In order to help users of census products to better understand the various Census of Population concepts, Statistics Canada has developed, in the context of the activities of the 2021 Census and previous censuses, a collection of short videos. These videos are a reference source for users who are new to census concepts or those who have some experience with these concepts, but may need a refresher or would like to expand their knowledge.

Description: The Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) outlines departmental actions, with measurable performance indicators, that support the implementation strategies of the 2022-2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The DSDS further outlines Statistics Canada’s sustainable development vision to produce data to help track whether Canada is moving toward a more sustainable future and highlights projects with links to supporting sustainable development goals.

Description: This series provides detailed documentation on the issues, concepts, methodology, data quality and other relevant research related to household expenditures from the Survey of Household Spending, the Homeowner Repair and Renovation Survey and the Food Expenditure Survey.

Description: This report summarizes the annual achievements of the Methodology Research and Development Program (MRDP) sponsored by the Modern Statistical Methods and Data Science Branch at Statistics Canada. This program covers research and development activities in statistical methods with potentially broad application in the agency’s statistical programs; these activities would otherwise be less likely to be carried out during the provision of regular methodology services to those programs. The MRDP also includes activities that provide support in the application of past successful developments in order to promote the use of the results of research and development work. Selected prospective research activities are also presented.

Description: The series covers environment accounts and indicators, environmental surveys, spatial environmental information and other research related to environmental statistics. The technical paper series is intended to stimulate discussion on a range of environmental topics.

Description: This bulletin presents the most up-to-date available information extracted from all of the Aviation Statistics Centre's surveys. Regular features include releases on principal statistics for Canada's major air carriers, airport data, fare basis statistics and traffic data for Canada's most important markets.

Description: This series of analytical articles provides insights on the socio-economic environment in rural communities in Canada. New articles will be released periodically.

Description: Statistics Canada is committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise to help all Canadians develop their data literacy skills by developing a series of data literacy training resources. Data literacy is a key skill needed in the 21st century. It is generally described as the ability to derive meaning from data. Data literacy focuses on the competencies or skills involved in working with data, including the ability to read, analyze, interpret, visualize data, as well as to drive good decision-making.