Analysis

Description: This discussion summarizes the interesting new findings around measurement errors in opt-in surveys by Kennedy, Mercer and Lau (KML). While KML enlighten readers about “bogus responding” and possible patterns in them, this discussion suggests combining these new-found results with other avenues of research in nonprobability sampling, such as improvement of representativeness.

Description: Kennedy, Mercer, and Lau explore misreporting by respondents in non-probability samples and discover a new feature, namely that of deliberate misreporting of demographic characteristics. This finding suggests that the “arms race” between researchers and those determined to disrupt the practice of social science is not over and researchers need to account for such respondents if using high-quality probability surveys to help reduce error in non-probability samples.

Description: Nonprobability samples are quick and low-cost and have become popular for some types of survey research. Kennedy, Mercer and Lau examine data quality issues associated with opt-in nonprobability samples frequently used in the United States. They show that the estimates from these samples have serious problems that go beyond representativeness. A total survey error perspective is important for evaluating all types of surveys.

Description: Statistical approaches developed for nonprobability samples generally focus on nonrandom selection as the primary reason survey respondents might differ systematically from the target population. Well-established theory states that in these instances, by conditioning on the necessary auxiliary variables, selection can be rendered ignorable and survey estimates will be free of bias. But this logic rests on the assumption that measurement error is nonexistent or small. In this study we test this assumption in two ways. First, we use a large benchmarking study to identify subgroups for which errors in commercial, online nonprobability samples are especially large in ways that are unlikely due to selection effects. Then we present a follow-up study examining one cause of the large errors: bogus responding (i.e., survey answers that are fraudulent, mischievous or otherwise insincere). We find that bogus responding, particularly among respondents identifying as young or Hispanic, is a significant and widespread problem in commercial, online nonprobability samples, at least in the United States. This research highlights the need for statisticians working with commercial nonprobability samples to address bogus responding and issues of representativeness – not just the latter.

Description: This paper is an introduction to the special issue on the use of nonprobability samples featuring three papers that were presented at the 29^th Morris Hansen Lecture by Courtney Kennedy, Yan Li and Jean-François Beaumont.

Description: Every year, Statistics Canada collects data from hundreds of surveys. As the amount of data gathered increases, Statistics Canada has introduced infographics to help people, business owners, academics, and management at all levels, understand key information derived from the data. Infographics can be used to quickly communicate a message, to simplify the presentation of large amounts of data, to see data patterns and relationships, and to monitor changes in variables over time.

These infographics will provide a quick overview of Statistics Canada survey data.

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.

Description: Using data from the Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS) and the Census of Population, 2021, this infographic provides information on enrolment in Canadian public postsecondary institutions for transgender and non-binary people.

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

Description: This report presents the results of the population projections by age group and sex for Canada, the provinces and territories. These projections are based on assumptions that take into account the most recent trends relating to components of population growth, particularly fertility, mortality, immigration, emigration and interprovincial migration.

The detailed data tables are available in CODR: tables 1710005701 and 1710005801.

Description: This article provides insights into the rates of COVID-19 mortality among First Nations peoples and Métis living in private dwellings and the social determinants of COVID-19 mortality among these populations using data from the 2016 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohorts linked to the Canadian Vital Statistics – Death Database from 2016 to 2021.

Description: This short video explains how it can be very effective for all levels of governments and organizations that serve communities to use disaggregated data to make evidence-informed public policy decisions. By using disaggregated data, policymakers are able to design more appropriate and effective policies that meet the needs of each diverse and unique Canadian.

Description: This short video explains how the use of disaggregated data can help policymakers to develop more targeted and effective policies by identifying the unique needs and challenges faced by different demographic groups.

Description: A series of articles on various subjects which explore the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-economic landscape. New articles will be released periodically.

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:

The paper shows different estimation methods for complex survey designs. Among others, estimation of mean, ratio and regression coefficient is presented. The standard errors are estimated by different methods: the ordinary least squares procedure, the stratified weighted sample procedure, the stratified unit weight procedure, etc. Theory of large samples and conditions to apply it are also presented.

Description:

Cost models to determine an optimum allocation of the sample among stages in cluster samples are considered. Results from a proposed cost model, which directly considers the implications of follow-up visits to sample clusters as well as other travel to and from the field by data collectors, are compared with results from existing cost models. The proposed model generally calls for fewer clusters with more elements selected per cluster than the existing models.

Description:

This study considers the suitability of composite estimation techniques for the Canadian Labour Force Survey. The performance of a class of AK composite estimators introduced initially by Gurney and Daly is investigated for several characteristics. While the ordinary composite estimate has a large bias, the AK composite estimate is capable of reducing the bias. Composite estimates having minimum variance and minimum mean square error are compared.

Description:

The oil crisis of the mid-1970’s triggered a new awareness among Canadians of the importance of energy conservation. The resulting government programs in the transportation sector demanded basic data about on-the-road fuel consumption by motor vehicles operating in Canadian conditions. This paper describes the Passenger Car Fuel Consumption Survey which was developed jointly by Statistics Canada and Transport Canada to meet this need. The methodology of the survey is described and some examples of the results are presented. The paper concludes with some speculation about future directions for the survey and for vehicle-usage statistics in general.

Description:

In order to improve the timeliness, accuracy and consistency of population estimates for different geographic areas, Statistics Canada has developed new methods of estimation for sub-provincial areas (census divisions and census metropolitan areas). Beginning with 1982, two sets of population estimates (regression and component based) will be published yearly, appearing 3-4 months and 12-15 months, respectively, from the reference date.

The regression technique uses family allowance recipients as the main symptomatic indicator and where available, additional indicators - reference population from provincial health insurance files and hydro accounts - to derive population change for the current year. The first set is obtained by adding this change to the second set for the previous year produced by the component method, with births and deaths from vital registers, and estimated migration from Revenue Canada taxation files. The two sets were found to be statistically similar with respect to accuracy, though the first set is more timely, and the second provides more details on the components of population change.

Description:

This paper firstly provides an overview of the For-hire Trucking Survey background and of the steps that were involved in the revision that led to its re-design. It secondly describes the general direction of the methodology of the re-designed survey which is being implemented for reference year 1981.

Description:

The Air Scheduled International Passenger Origin and Destination (ASIPOD) estimation system uses the data from two air traffic surveys to produce origin-destination estimates of international passengers. The “assignment technique” is the solution to the problem caused by the non-coverage of non-interlining traffic. The assumptions of the technique are sufficiently questionable to warrant an evaluation of the bias of the estimates. However, major improvements will be made in the new system which will decrease the bias in the estimates. Also, estimates of reliability will be produced. And as a result, knowledge of the strength of the inferences made with respect to air traffic markets from these estimates will be improved in international bilateral air negotiations.

Description:

Statistics Canada, Canada’s central statistical agency, has been compiling national mortality statistics, including those on cancer mortality since 1921. Also, cancer incidence data are available from 1969.

The data quality of these files may be assessed in a variety of ways. Ratios of cancer mortality to incidence give some information on coverage errors. Micro-data matches between incidence and mortality files give an indication of misclassifications. As well, multiple registrations for cancer incidence may be duplicates. Completeness and availability of data items are also important for special studies.

In this paper, the feasibility of using these measures of data quality and the implications of these measures are discussed.

Description:

The Canadian Labour Force Survey is a household survey conducted each month for the purpose of producing point-in-time estimates of the number of persons employed, unemployed and not in the labor force. The survey has a rotating panel design in which all individuals in a sampled household location are interviewed each month, for six consecutive months. In the past, little use has been made of this longitudinal structure, although considerable interest has been expressed in the month-to-month gross flows (transitions) amongst the labour force status categories. In this paper we discuss methods being considered by Statistics Canada for the production of gross flow estimates, but from a model-based perspective.

Description:

The peach, sour cherry and the grape objective yield surveys have been carried out annually in the Niagara Peninsula since 1964 in order to forecast the magnitude of change in marketable fruit production from the previous year. Timeliness of the estimates is essential in order to enable the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers Marketing Board (OTFGMB) and the Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board (OGGMB) to establish the marketing strategies well ahead of the harvest. This paper summarizes the major changes due to the second redesign initiated in 1982. In particular, the sample design, data collection operation and modifications of the estimation procedures are elaborated upon.

Description: The papers published in the Analysis in Brief analytical series shed light on current economic issues. Aimed at a general audience, they cover a wide range of topics including National Accounts, business enterprises, trade, transportation, agriculture, the environment, manufacturing, science and technology, services, etc.

Description:

Health Reports, published by the Health Analysis Division of Statistics Canada, is a peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research. It is designed for a broad audience that includes health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. The journal publishes articles of wide interest that contain original and timely analyses of national or provincial/territorial surveys or administrative databases. New articles are published electronically each month.

Health Reports had an impact factor of 5.0 for 2022 and a five-year impact factor of 5.6. All articles are indexed in PubMed. Our online catalogue is free and receives more than 700,000 visits per year. External submissions are welcome.

Description: The Prices Analytical Series provides research and analysis pertaining to price indices. The Analytical series is intended to stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to the analysis of the evolution of prices through time or space.

Description: Labour Statistics at a Glance features short analytical articles on specific topics of interest related to Canada's labour market. The studies examine recent or historical trends using data produced by the Centre for Labour Market Information, i.e., the Labour Force Survey, the Survey of Employment Payrolls and Hours, the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey, the Employment Insurance Coverage Survey and the Employment Insurance Statistics Program.

Description: The Health Research Working Paper Series publishes: analytical work-in-progress; background documentation for specific research projects (e.g methodological papers); lengthy reports intended for specific clients, and; compendiums of data tables. Publication in this series does not preclude publication of specific aspects of the work in a peer-reviewed journal.

Description: Environment fact sheets will include short, focused, single-theme analysis on key issues within the changing environment with regards to all Canadians. Over the course of the series, analysis will include topics on: air and climate, pollution and waste, environmental protection and quality, and natural resources.

Description: The ‘Eh Sayers’ podcast explores data of interest to Canadians, like social or news-worthy topics. It also aims to foster data literacy and deliver insight into the lives of Canadians by exploring the data the agency produces and tying it to real life situations through storytelling.

Description: This publication presents key highlights and results from the General Social Survey on the topics of caregiving and care receiving; social identity; giving, volunteering and participating; victimization; time use; and family.

Description: Statistics Canada produces videos that present key communications messages to multiple publics in an easy-to-understand way. As a communications tool, they make complex information and ideas easy to interpret by telling a visual story. Statistics Canada has videos on a variety of topics.

Description: The newsletter offers information aimed at three main groups, businesses (small to medium), communities and ethno-cultural groups/communities. Articles and outreach materials will assist their understanding of national and local data from the many relevant sources found on the Statistics Canada website.