Analysis

Description: Retaining and recruiting young skilled workers are important for any community, but perhaps even more so for communities where the main language spoken is a minority official language. This article informs the issue by calculating the share of youth who grew up in a province and eventually obtained a postsecondary education, but who left to work in another part of the country (termed “skill loss”). Likewise, the article also looks at young postsecondary graduates who entered a province to work, as a share of that province’s initial population of homegrown young postsecondary graduates (termed “skill gain”).

Description: Businesses have faced numerous challenges since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health restrictions on business and personal activities aimed at stopping the spread of the virus were associated with a slowing of economic activity. This article examines how new businesses that entered after the beginning of the pandemic fared compared with previous entry cohorts.

Description: On average, individuals who own their dwelling report higher satisfaction with their dwelling, neighbourhood and life than renters. These differences may reflect a positive causal impact of ownership on satisfaction. However, these differences could also reflect compositional effects, such as differences in household, dwelling and neighbourhood characteristics. Using the 2021 Canadian Housing Survey, this study provides a comparison of renters’ and owners’ reported dwelling, neighbourhood and life satisfaction accounting for compositional effects.

Description: Approximately one in four individuals in Canada is currently or has been a landed immigrant or permanent resident. From 2016 to 2021, about 1.3 million new immigrants arrived in Canada and accounted for 80% of the growth in the labour force. Alongside increases in immigrants, there has been a rise in same-sex couples within Canada. This study explores select sociodemographic and economic characteristics of immigrants in same-sex couples compared with their counterparts in opposite-sex couples from 2000 to 2020.

Description: This study presents an updated sociodemographic profile of children aged 0 to 14 years with affirmative responses largely based on parent reports to the questions on the 2021 Census long-form questionnaire about difficulties with activities of daily living.

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

Description: Inspired by the two excellent discussions of our paper, we offer some new insights and developments into the problem of estimating participation probabilities for non-probability samples. First, we propose an improvement of the method of Chen, Li and Wu (2020), based on best linear unbiased estimation theory, that more efficiently leverages the available probability and non-probability sample data. We also develop a sample likelihood approach, similar in spirit to the method of Elliott (2009), that properly accounts for the overlap between both samples when it can be identified in at least one of the samples. We use best linear unbiased prediction theory to handle the scenario where the overlap is unknown. Interestingly, our two proposed approaches coincide in the case of unknown overlap. Then, we show that many existing methods can be obtained as a special case of a general unbiased estimating function. Finally, we conclude with some comments on nonparametric estimation of participation probabilities.

Description: We provide comparisons among three parametric methods for the estimation of participation probabilities and some brief comments on homogeneous groups and post-stratification.

Description: Beaumont, Bosa, Brennan, Charlebois and Chu (2024) propose innovative model selection approaches for estimation of participation probabilities for non-probability sample units. We focus our discussion on the choice of a likelihood and parameterization of the model, which are key for the effectiveness of the techniques developed in the paper. We consider alternative likelihood and pseudo-likelihood based methods for estimation of participation probabilities and present simulations implementing and comparing the AIC based variable selection. We demonstrate that, under important practical scenarios, the approach based on a likelihood formulated over the observed pooled non-probability and probability samples performed better than the pseudo-likelihood based alternatives. The contrast in sensitivity of the AIC criteria is especially large for small probability sample sizes and low overlap in covariates domains.

Description: Non-probability samples are being increasingly explored in National Statistical Offices as an alternative to probability samples. However, it is well known that the use of a non-probability sample alone may produce estimates with significant bias due to the unknown nature of the underlying selection mechanism. Bias reduction can be achieved by integrating data from the non-probability sample with data from a probability sample provided that both samples contain auxiliary variables in common. We focus on inverse probability weighting methods, which involve modelling the probability of participation in the non-probability sample. First, we consider the logistic model along with pseudo maximum likelihood estimation. We propose a variable selection procedure based on a modified Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) that properly accounts for the data structure and the probability sampling design. We also propose a simple rank-based method of forming homogeneous post-strata. Then, we extend the Classification and Regression Trees (CART) algorithm to this data integration scenario, while again properly accounting for the probability sampling design. A bootstrap variance estimator is proposed that reflects two sources of variability: the probability sampling design and the participation model. Our methods are illustrated using Statistics Canada’s crowdsourcing and survey data.

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

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

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

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

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: This paper discusses the management of information within the context of the information industry and indicates some likely future trends related thereto. The information industry itself is first briefly described. Then the process used in producing information, the organizational structure required for such production, and the legislation relating to the information industry are discussed in turn. Finally, some approaches to solving the problems of the future are suggested.

Description: This paper includes a description of interviewer techniques and procedures used to minimize non-response, an outline of methods used to monitor and control non-response, and a discussion of how non-respondents are treated in the data processing and estimation stages of the Canadian Labour Force Survey. Recent non-response rates as well as data on the characteristics of non-respondents are also given. It is concluded that a yearly non-response rate of approximately 5 percent is probably the best that can be achieved in the Labour Force Survey.

Description: Two methods for estimating the correlated response variance of a survey estimator are studied by way of both theoretical comparison and empirical investigation. The variance of these estimators is discussed and the effects of outliers examined. Finally, an improved estimator is developed and evaluated.

Description: Let U = {1, 2, …, i, …, N} be a finite population of N identifiable units. A known “size measure” x_i is associated with unit i; i = 1, 2, ..., N. A sampling procedure for selecting a sample of size n (2 < n < N) with probability proportional to size (PPS) and without replacement (WOR) from the population is proposed. With this method, the inclusion probability is proportional to size (IPPS) for each unit in the population.

Description: Approximate cutoff rules for stratifying a population into a take-all and take-some universe have been given by Dalenius (1950) and Glasser (1962). They expressed the cutoff value (that value which delineates the boundary of the take-all and take-some) as a function of the mean, the sampling weight and the population variance. Their cutoff values were derived on the assumption that a single random sample of size n was to be drawn without replacement from the population of size N.

In the present context, exact and approximate cutoff rules have been worked out for a similar situation. Rather than providing the sample size of the sample, the precision (coefficient of variation) is given. Note that in many sampling situations, the sampler is given a set of objectives in terms of reliability and not sample size. The result is particularly useful for determining the take-all - take-some boundary for samples drawn from a known population. The procedure is also extended to ratio estimation.

Description: Under a sequential sampling plan, the proportion defective in the sample is generally a biased estimator of the population value. In this paper, an unbiased estimator is given. Also, an unbiased estimator of its variance is derived. These results are applied to an estimation problem from the 1976 Canadian Census.

Description: I.P. Fellegi and D. Holt proposed a systematic approach to automatic edit and imputation. An implementation of this proposal was a Generalized Edit and Imputation System by the Hot-Deck Approach, that was utilized in the edit and imputation of the 1976 Canadian Census of Population and Housing. This paper discusses that application, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology with some empirical evidence. The system will be considered in relation to the general issues of the edit and imputation of survey data. Some directions for future developments will also be considered.

Description: Owners of small businesses complain about the quantity of forms they are required to collectors of statistics. Administrative data are an alternative source but do not usually include all the information required by the survey takers.

The “Tax Data Imputation System” makes use of tax data collected from a large number of businesses by Revenue Canada and data obtained by sample survey for a small subset of these businesses. Survey data is imputed (estimated) for all the businesses not actually surveyed using a “hot-deck” technique, with adjustments made to ensure certain edit rules are satisfied. The results of a simulation study suggest that this procedure has reasonable statistical properties. Estimators (of means or totals) are unbiased with variances of comparable size to the corresponding ratio estimators.

Description:

The manufacturing sector plays a major role in the Canadian economy and the destinations of shipments thus directly affects the economies of Canada and the provinces. The Destination of shipments research paper series is based on data from various years of the Annual Survey of Manufactures (ASM). The papers in this series evaluate the changes in the destinations of shipments by province and by major manufacturing group. Several key areas are covered such as: exports, interprovincial trade and relative trade balance.

Description:

The report, which represents the first phase of a special study commissioned by the National Justice Statistics Initiative, is intended as a reference document on administrative and operational policies with respect to alternative measures for both youth and adults in Canada. The study focussed on the collection of national descriptive information on the organization and delivery of youth and adult alternative measures established pursuant to the Young Offenders Act (Canada) (1984) and the Sentencing Reform Act (1996).

Topics covered include the philosophy of the alternative measures, responsibility for program delivery, referral agent, the role of the police, the Crown, and the victim, the right to legal counsel. Eligibility criteria, a flowchart outlining the alternative measures process, a description of the alternative measures agreement, the range of alternative measures, the supervision of and completion of the agreement, and information regarding record keeping requirements. Where available, appendices have been attached that provide samples of forms currently in use in the jurisdiction as well as any currently available alternative measures data. It is important to note that data contained in the jurisdictional appendices are provided as a sample only. No analysis has been performed on the data nor have any inter-jurisdictional comparisons been made as there has been no attempt to ensure standard definition or time frames for the data.

Description:

This publication outlines a five-year strategic plan for the development of an information system for science and technology.

Description:

New firms are seen to play a key role in the innovation process, especially in certain key sectors of the economy. This study therefore examines the differences in the profiles of successful new firms in science-based industries and other industries. The firms that are examined are entrants who survey into their early teen years. The study examines numerous factors that are seen to influence the success of new businesses. These include the competitive environment, business strategies and the financial structure of the businesses.

Successful new firms in science-based industries are found to differ in a number of dimensions from new firms in other industries. They are more likely to be exporters. They face greater technological change and intense competition with regards to the rate at which new products are being introduced. They tend to put more emphasis on quality, the frequent introduction of new products and the customization of products. They make greater use of information technology. They place more stress on new technology development, research and development facilities and the use of intellectual property. They are much more likely to innovate and they place more importance on recruiting skilled labour and on training. Finally, they are more likely to use non-traditional financial measures to evaluate performance and they are less likely to rely on secured credit for financing both their research and development activity and their machinery and equipment that are firms in other sectors.

Description:

This study describes people who were incarcerated in federal and provincial/territorial adult facilities at midnight on October 5, 1996. A census was used to gather data on facilities, inmates and security issues.

Description:

The framework described here is intended as a basic operational instrument for systematic development of statistical information respecting the evolution of science and technology and its interactions with the society, the economy and the political system of which it is a part.

Description:

This report has two components. The first is an analytical component which examines trends in police personnel and expenditures at the national, provincial and census metropolitan area (CMA) levels, including data by rank and gender. Appropriate context is also included in terms of recent developments in the police community such as community policing and private security.

The second component is a tabular component which summarizes crime, personnel and expenditure statistics for all municipal police departments in Canada. Key ratios such as per officer strengths, per capita costs, clearance rates, and violent and property crime rates are included for each force.

Justice issues addressed: Policing accounts for approximately 60% of all justice expenditures. While crime remains high on the list of public concerns, governments have been forced to make cuts to most public sector areas, including policing. The analysis of trends in key ratios such as per capita costs, population per officer, police to civilian ratios, and the number of offences per officer can help shed some light on how the police community has responded to this changing environment.

Description:

Innovation is at the heart of economic growth and development. It is through innovation that new products are brought to market, new production processes developed and organizational change realized. Given existing cross-industry variations in structure, competitiveness and maturity, it is reasonable to expect that firms in different industries will innovate for different reasons, in different ways and with different results. This report focuses on how the innovation activities of firms in three dynamic service industries are conditioned by their different environments.

Through an understanding of what competitive pressures come into play and how these pressures affect the type of innovation that is performed, Innovation in dynamic service industries goes some way in illustrating how innovation regimes differ substantially, and quite logically, from one industry to another.

This is the fifth in the series of publications on innovation and technological change in Canada. One of the earlier studies investigated the type of innovation taking place in the manufacturing sector (Baldwin and Da Pont, Innovation in Canadian manufacturing enterprises, Catalogue No. 88-513-XPB). Two others focused on advanced manufacturing technologies. The first (Baldwin and Sabourin, Technology adoption in Canadian manufacturing, Catalogue No. 88-512-XPB) outlined the intensity of use of these technologies. The second (Baldwin, Sabourin, and Rafiquzzaman, Benefits and problems associated with technology adoption, Catalogue No. 88-514-XPE) investigated the determinants of adoption. Another study (Baldwin, Innovation and intellectual property, Catalogue No. 88-515-XPE) examined how innovative firms protect their intellectual property after they have innovated.

Description:

This publication presents information on youth crime and young offenders, including rates of crime, characteristics of young offenders and their victims, youth court cases, youth corrections, and repeat offenders.

Description:

These highlights provide a brief summary of the report "At risk: a socio-economic analysis of health and literacy among seniors", the latest monograph released using data from the International Adult Literacy Survey. This report demonstrates that the socio-economic environment remains an important determinant of health. Variables such as income and education continue to have direct and indirect effects on people's health status.