Reference

Description: Rural Canada Non-Profits (RCNP) is a database that provides estimates of Non-Profit Organization (NPO) counts, total revenue and total employment in Canada. This document presents the data sources, methods and classification concepts used in the production of the RCNP.

Description:

This Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI) Reference Paper provides an overview the Canadian CPI. It is intended for a varied audience, ranging from users interested in general information to those requiring more technical or theoretical details. As such, it explains all the important aspects of the Canadian CPI: uses and interpretations, scope, classifications, sample strategy, price collection, index calculation, quality change, weights, basket updates, reliability and uncertainty, special cases and treatments and history.

Description: This document introduces and describes updates to the Labour Force Survey estimates in January 2023. These updates include the transition to National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 as well as enhancements to the LFS data processing system.

Description:

This paper introduces and explains modifications made to the Labour Force Survey estimates.

Description:

This technical reference guide is intended for users of the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP). The data for the products associated with this issue are based on the longitudinal Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS) administrative data files. Statistics Canada has derived a series of annual indicators of public postsecondary students including persistence rates, graduation rates, and average time to graduation by educational qualification, field of study, age group and gender for Canada, the provinces, and the three combined Territories.

Description:

As is the case in advance of each Census, content consultations are being held with data users. The Census Content Consultation Guide gives you the opportunity to provide input.

Description: This reference guide provides information to help users effectively use and interpret income data from the 2021 Census. This guide contains definitions and explanations of concepts, questions, classifications, data quality and comparability with other sources for this topic.

Description: This reference guide provides information to help users effectively use and interpret education data from the 2021 Census. This guide contains definitions and explanations of concepts, questions, classifications, data quality and comparability with other sources for this topic.

Description: The Census Dictionary is a reference document which contains detailed definitions of Census of Population concepts, variables and geographic terms, as well as historical information.

By referring to the Census Dictionary, both beginner and intermediate data users will gain a better understanding of the data and how to compare variables between census years.

The Census Dictionary will be released iteratively starting with geography and non-data dependent topic definitions, tables, figures and appendices with additional content made available based on subsequent topic releases.

Description:

The Guide to the Census of Population is a reference document that describes the various phases of the 2021 Census of Population. The guide provides an overview of content determination, sampling design, collection, data processing, data quality assessment, confidentiality guidelines and dissemination. It also includes response rates and other data quality information. This product may be useful to both new and experienced users who wish to familiarize themselves with and find specific information about the 2021 Census of Population.

The Guide to the Census of Population combines information previously available in the Overview of the Census, National Household Survey User Guide and the Data Quality and Confidentiality Standards and Guidelines from 2011. 

Description: This classification system was developed conjointly by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Statistics Canada which is the custodian. This shared standard classification, inspired by the Frascati Model 2015 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), will be used by the federal granting agencies and Statistics Canada to collect, and disseminate data related to research and development in Canada. The Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) first official version was the 2020 Version 1.0, now being replaced by CRDC Version 2.0. The CRDC is revised within 2 years for minor changes, and every five years for major revisions. CRDC 2020 Version 2.0 is composed of 3 main pieces: the type of activity or TOA (with 3 categories), the field of research or FOR (with 1,671 fields at the lowest level) and socioeconomic objective or SEO (with 85 main groups at the lowest level).

Description: The Standard Classification of Countries and Areas of Interest (SCCAI) has been developed to increase coherence of the list of countries used within Statistics Canada and includes countries and areas for which statistical data are compiled. The Variant of the SCCAI for Social Statistics and the Variant of the SCCAI for Travel Statistics were developed to create groupings of countries to enable the production of integrated statistics when publishing social statistics data and travel statistics data, respectively. These variants have three levels.

Description: The Canadian Export Classification is a structured, hierarchical classification system based on the Harmonized Description and Coding System. The HS nomenclature is divided into 21 Sections, which in general, group goods produced in the same sector of the economy.

Description: This product presents the Public Sector Universe, defined by Statistics Canada as a list of institutional units that are included in the economic measurement of governments in Canada. An institutional unit is defined as an economic entity that is capable, in its own right, of owning assets, incurring liabilities, and engaging in economic activities and in transactions with other entities. It includes the sectors of education, health, general government and government business enterprise sectors for all levels of government in Canada, annually, since 2008.

Description:

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is used for classifying instructional programs according to field of study. CIP was originally created by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the United States. It is a hierarchical classification. The classification provides a detailed description of each instructional program class together with illustrative examples of the types of instructional programs found in that class. Illustrative examples are also provided of closely related programs that are classified elsewhere. In addition, the classification includes an introduction to CIP and an alternative structure for the aggregation of field of study data. CIP has a ten-year revision cycle.

Description:

The North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) is the departmental standard for the classification of products (goods and services). The classification is a joint project of the national statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. NAPCS is used to produce product statistics on a variety of topics, including the value of outputs of industries, the consumption by businesses and households, the value of imports and exports, and the movement of industrial and raw material prices. NAPCS Canada comprises definitions for all categories that include a descriptive text, as well as illustrative examples, inclusions and exclusions where appropriate.

Email: statcan.csds-standardsproducts-cnsd-normesproduits.statcan@statcan.gc.ca

Description:

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Created against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies. NAICS is based on supply-side or production-oriented principles, to ensure that industrial data, classified to NAICS, are suitable for the analysis of production-related issues such as industrial performance.

NAICS is a comprehensive system encompassing all economic activities. It has a hierarchical structure. At the highest level, it divides the economy into 20 sectors. At lower levels, it further distinguishes the different economic activities in which businesses are engaged.

Email: statcan.csds-standards-industry-cnsd-normes-industrie.statcan@statcan.gc.ca  

Description:

This publication provides a systematic classification structure to identify and categorize the entire range of occupational activity in Canada. Definitions and occupational titles are provided for each unit group. An alphabetical index of the occupational titles classified to the unit group level is also included.

Description:

The concordance table provides a link between data tables and the survey questions from the Survey of Innovation and Business Strategy (SIBS).

Description:

The Ecological Land Classification (ELC) is Statistics Canada's official classification for ecological areas in Canada.

The ELC was developed to enable the production of integrated statistics for ecological areas. It is a hierarchical framework that classifies ecological areas or ecosystems and that incorporates all major components of ecosystems: air, water land and biota. All boundaries in the ecological framework are matched to soil landscape polygons from the Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC).

There are 15 ecozones at the top of the ecological land classification hierarchy. They cover the entire terrestrial extent of Canada.

These ecozones are subdivided into 53 ecoprovinces that contain 194 ecoregions, which can be further subdivided into 1,027 separate ecological units called ecodistricts.

Description: These reference guides are intended for users of the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP). The guide provides an overview of the Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS) and the Registered Apprenticeship Information System (RAIS), the general methodology used to create longitudinal indicators, and important technical information for users.

Description: This guide is intended to provide a detailed review of both the 2022 IPS and IPS–NIS with respect to subject matter and methodological approaches. It is designed to help data users by serving as a guide to the concepts and measures of the survey as well as the technical details of the survey’s design, field work and data processing. This guide is meant to provide users with helpful information on how to use and interpret survey results. The discussion on data quality also allows users to review the strengths and limitations of the data for their particular needs.

Chapter 1 of this guide provides an overview of the 2022 IPS and IPS–NIS by introducing the survey background and objectives. Chapter 2 outlines the survey’s themes and explains the key concepts and definitions used for the survey. Chapters 3 to 6 cover important aspects of the survey methodology, sampling design, data collection and processing. Chapters 7 and 8 review issues of data quality and caution users about comparing 2022 IPS or IPS–NIS data with data from other sources. Chapter 9 outlines the survey products available to the public, including data tables, analytical articles and reference material. The appendices provide a comprehensive list of survey indicators, extra coding categories and standard classifications used on both the IPS and the IPS–NIS. Lastly, a glossary of survey terms and information on confidence intervals is also provided.

Description: The Guide to Employment Insurance Statistics (EIS) summarizes the survey methodology and data source and includes a dictionary of concepts and definitions used by the program.

Description: Data on income of census families, individuals and seniors are derived from the T1 Family File (T1FF). This file is based on information from the T1 form, Income Tax and Benefit Return, which Statistics Canada receives from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) thirteen months after the end of the taxation year.

Description: Data on income of census families, individuals and seniors are derived from income tax returns. The data for the products associated with this release are derived from the T1 file that Statistics Canada receives from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) thirteen months after the end of the taxation year.

Description: This report aims to describe the methods used for the calculation of projection parameters, the various projection assumptions and their rationales.

Description: The Guide to the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey contains a dictionary of concepts and definitions, and covers topics such as survey methodology, data collection, processing, and data quality.

Description: The Guide to the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey contains a dictionary of concepts and definitions, and covers topics such as survey methodology, data collection, processing, and data quality. The guide covers both components of the survey: the job vacancy component, which is quarterly, and the wage component, which is annual.

Description: The Guide to the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours contains a dictionary of concepts and definitions and covers topics such as survey methodology, data collection and processing, and data quality. It also provides information on products and services, as well as the survey questionnaire.

Description: This handbook complements the tables of the Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP). It is a guide that provides general descriptions for each indicator and indicator component. PCEIP has five broad indicator sets: a portrait of the school-age population; financing education systems; elementary and secondary education; postsecondary education; and transitions and outcomes.

The Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP) is a joint venture of Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.

Description:

This file contains a generalised population ecumene based on census population density data. It can be used to produce small-scale thematic maps of statistical data.

A reference guide is available for the Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File, Reference guide (92-159-G)

The Ecumene Files are portrayed in Lambert conformal conic projection and are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

Description:

This reference guide is intended for users of the census boundary files. The guide provides an overview of the files, the general methodology used to create them, and important technical information for users.

Description:

The Designated Place Boundary Files portray the designated place boundaries for which Census data are disseminated. A designated place is normally a small community or settlement that does not meet the criteria established by Statistics Canada to be a census subdivision (an area with municipal status) or population centre. Designated places are created by provinces and territories, in cooperation with Statistics Canada, to provide data for sub-municipal areas. The files contain the boundaries of all designated places defined for the Census.

There are two types of boundary files: digital and cartographic. Digital files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. Cartographic files depict the geographical areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. The files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems (GIS) or other mapping software.

The Designated Place Boundary Files are in latitude and longitude coordinates and are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). A reference guide is available (92-160-G).

Description:

The Population Centre Boundary Files portray the population centre boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A population centre has a minimum population concentration of 1,000 persons and a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometre, based on the current census population count. The files contain the boundaries of all population centres defined for the census.

There are two types of boundary files: digital and cartographic. Digital files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. Cartographic files depict the geographical areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. The files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems (GIS) or other mapping software.

The Population Centre Boundary Files are in latitude and longitude coordinates and are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). A reference guide is available (92-160-G).

Description:

The Census Tract Boundary Files portray the census tract boundaries for which Census data are disseminated. Census tracts are small, relatively stable geographic areas that usually have a population of 2,500 to 8,000. They are located in census metropolitan areas and in census agglomerations with an urban core population of 50,000 or more in the previous census. The files contain the boundaries of all census tracts located within census metropolitan areas and those census agglomerations which are part of the Census Tract Program.

There are two types of boundary files: digital and cartographic. Digital files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. Cartographic files depict the geographical areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. The files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems (GIS) or other mapping software.

The Census Tract Boundary Files are portrayed in Lambert conformal conic projection and are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). A reference guide is available (92-160-GWE).

Description:

The Illustrated Glossary is a tool that helps users take advantage of census statistical data by providing an understanding of the terms related to geographic concepts. Geography is important to the national statistical system as well-defined geographic areas provide the framework for the collection, presentation and analysis of data. Users can access the Illustrated Glossary which presents geographic concepts as well as links to online tutorials and detailed definitions.

Description:

This product provides information about the geographic products and services offered by Statistics Canada. It contains short descriptions of the products and services, along with the most current information on availability.

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 I describes the classification and related standard geographic areas and place names. It provides names and codes for the geographical regions of Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions (counties, regional municipalities) and census subdivisions (municipalities). The names and codes for census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations, census metropolitan influenced zones, economic regions, census agricultural regions and census consolidated subdivisions are shown in the classification variants of the SGC. Volume I explains the changes between the current version of the SGC and the previous version that impact upon the classification, such as changes in name, type or code, and indicates how the new and old codes relate to one another.

Reference maps showing the locations and boundaries of the standard geographic areas in the classification are in Volume II, Reference Maps

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.

Description: The Dissemination Geographies Relationship File is a dataset at the dissemination block level that contains the relationships to all census geographic areas. The purpose of this product is for it to be used with the Boundary Files to link geographic areas with other geography levels using the Dissemination Geography Unique Identifiers.

Description:

Starting with the 2010 survey year, the Survey of Household Spending (SHS) has used a different collection methodology from previous surveys. The new methodology combines a questionnaire and a diary of expenses. Also, data collection is now continuous throughout the year. This note provides information to users and prospective users of data from the SHS about the methodological differences between the redesigned SHS and the former SHS.

Description:

This paper provides a preview of the comprehensive (historical) revision of the Canadian System National Accounts to be released beginning in June 2012. The last revision of this scope took place in 1997. The paper highlights the changes resulting from the adoption of SNA2008 which is the revised international standard for national accounting, along with statistical revisions arising from new and improved source data and methodologies. Updates to the classification systems used in the Canadian System of National Accounts are also presented along with a list of changes planned for 2014.

Description:

Before each Census of Population, Statistics Canada carries out a three- to four-year process to review the content of the census questionnaires in consultation with census data users, performing tests and developing questionnaire content to ensure that it takes into account the evolution of Canadian society. Factors considered in developing the content include legislative requirements regarding information, program and policy requirements; the burden placed on respondents to respond to questions; concerns about privacy; feedback from consultations and tests; data quality; costs and operational considerations; the comparability of data with earlier data and the availability of alternative data sources. Before each census, Statistics Canada tests the questionnaire content through an extensive test. The content report presents the analyses conducted from the data collected from this test and the results that are used to fine tune the questionnaires, the methodology and the systems used for the Census Program.

Description:

This article discusses the revision policy of the Canadian System of National Accounts

Description:

This guide aids users in providing feedback for the 2016 Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Census Agglomeration (CA) Strategic Review and in contributing ideas and suggestions towards shaping the rules that will define the 2016 CMA/CAs. Readers will find the definition of the concepts, as well as discussion points and questions.

Description:

The majority of Canada's national, provincial and territorial macroeconomic indicators originate from the Canadian System of National Accounts (CSNA). These indicators include such things as gross domestic product, net worth, savings, personal disposable income and government debt. Statistics Canada is launching a project that will make key changes to these macroeconomic indicators. The changes introduced by this project are outlined in this paper.

Description:

The government finance statistical program is designed to measure and analyze the economic dimensions of the public sector of Canada

Statistics Canada, in cooperation with representatives of all levels of government and with the academic and business communities, developed the Financial Management System (FMS) over the last 65 years. The FMS was founded on a modified-cash based system of accounting. Recently, Canadian governments have decided to move from that modified-cash based accounting system to an accrual based accounting system. In addition, an internationally accepted Government Finance Statistics (GFS) manual has been developed. This article outlines the move to Government Finance Statistics.

Description:

Summary of the technical workshop on Estimates of Research and Development in the Higher Education Sector (HERD), held in Ottawa on October 16, 2009. Data users and experts from universities and colleges, granting councils and provincial and federal government departments proposed general and detailed recommendations for the methodology applied in estimating the HERD.

Description:

With the release of the Financial Flow Accounts (FFA) on December 1st and the National Balance Sheet Accounts (NBSA) on December 14th, the Income and Expenditure Accounts Division will be publishing revised sector and category detail on CANSIM.

Description:

With each census, Statistics Canada improves its methods of dissemination to the public by seeking ways of publishing census results in a timely and accessible manner, while maintaining high data quality standards.

This consultation guide has been developed to assist you in providing feedback on 2006 Census products and services and in contributing ideas and suggestions to the 2011 Census dissemination strategy.