Reference

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: 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.

Description:

This guide focuses on the following topic: education. This reference guide provides information that enables users to effectively use, apply and interpret data from the 2016 Census. This guide contains definitions and explanations of concepts, classifications, data quality and comparability to other sources. Additional information is included for specific variables to help general users better understand the concepts and questions used in the census.

Description:

This reference guide provides information to help users effectively use and interpret language 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 commuting 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 labour 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 instruction in the minority official language 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 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: 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: 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: 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 report presents the results of a study on the estimated number of children eligible for instruction in the minority official language, pursuant to section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, who were classified as ineligible in the 2021 Census because relationships between family members living at different addresses could not be established within this data source. Using other data sources, including previous censuses and administrative data (such as vital statistics and tax data), we were able to establish these family relationships within the 2021 Census. This report presents the methods and data sources used first, then the results by selected regions and age groups.

Description: This document presents a complete list of the social inclusion indicators for ethnocultural groups in Canada that are available on the homepage of our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub. The information provided for each indicator includes a short description of the corresponding derivation, available data sources, reference years and accessible levels of geographical and disaggregation. Each indicator has a corresponding products number (data tables, visualization tools and analytical documents). This document has been updated to reflect the social inclusion indicators and associated products that are available in 2024.

Description:

This report deals with Indigenous identity, Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous group, Registered or Treaty Indian status, Membership in a First Nation or Indian band, Membership in a Métis organization or Settlement, and Enrollment under an Inuit land claims agreement, and contains explanations of concepts, data quality, historical comparability and comparability with other sources, as well as information on data collection, processing and dissemination.

Description: The data for the products associated with this technical reference guide are derived from an early version of the T1 file that Statistics Canada receives from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Data on special topics linked to income and income tax deductions can be derived from the T1 income tax returns. Topics of interest for this preliminary release of the T1 data can vary from year to year.

Description:

The Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Non-tracted Census Agglomerations cover smaller census agglomerations that are not part of the census tract program. Each map in the series covers one census agglomeration and displays the boundaries and codes of dissemination areas, designated places and their names, urban core, urban fringe and rural fringe, within that census agglomeration. There are 271 maps in this series and inset maps were created to show detail for the more concentrated areas. The maps also display census subdivision boundaries with detailed street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The maps vary in scale and size, the maximum dimensions being 86 cm by 61 cm (34 inches by 24 inches). Dissemination area reference maps are also available by census tracts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (92-147-XIB) and by census subdivisions for areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (92-145-UIB). Together, the three sets of dissemination area maps cover all of Canada. A reference guide is available (Catalogue No. 92-145-GIE). Reference maps are available free on the Internet (www.statcan.gc.ca). To purchase this product in electronic format (PDF on CD-ROM) or paper format, please contact us.

Description:

The Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Subdivisions, for areas outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations cover areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. Each map in this series covers one census subdivision and displays the boundaries and unique identifiers of dissemination areas, designated places and their names, as well as population centres and rural areas within a census subdivision. The maps also display census subdivision boundaries with street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes.

Dissemination areas reference maps are also available by census tracts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (92-147-X), and by non-tracted census agglomerations (92-148-X). Together, the three sets of dissemination area maps cover all of Canada.

A reference guide is available (92-143-G).

Description:

The Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Non-tracted Census Agglomerations cover census agglomerations that are not part of the census tract program. Each map in the series covers one census agglomeration and displays the boundaries and unique identifiers of dissemination areas, designated places and their names, core, fringe and rural areas, within a census agglomeration. Inset maps are available to show detail for the more concentrated areas. The maps also display census subdivision boundaries with street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes.

Dissemination area reference maps are also available by census tracts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (92-147-X) and by census subdivisions for areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (92-145-X). Together, the three sets of dissemination area maps cover all of Canada.

A reference guide is available (Catalogue No. 92-143-G).

Description:

The Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) Reference Guide is available for the following product: Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) (Catalogue No. 92-153-XCB). The Reference Guide describes how to use the product.

Description:

Most Geography products come with free reference guides that describe the content and applications of the product, as well as data quality, record layouts and other information. Reference guides are included as PDF files with the products when they are distributed. The guides are also accessible online.

Description:

This technical paper outlines the methodology used to delineate boundaries for Canada's settlements.

Description:

This boundary file delineates areas of significant agricultural activity in Canada as indicated by the 2006 Census of Agriculture. It is available at the Canada level, except for the territories, and is generalized for small-scale mapping. This agricultural ecumene enables users to thematically map data aggregated to the census division level and limits the data display to those areas where agricultural activity is concentrated in Canada. When used in dot and chloropleth maps, the ecumene concept provides a more accurate depiction of the spatial distribution of data within standard geographic areas such as census divisions. Agricultural indicators including the ratios of total agricultural land to total land area, and total agricultural receipts to total land area were used in generating the agricultural ecumene.

Description:

This boundary file delineates areas of significant agricultural activity in Canada as indicated by the 2006 Census of Agriculture. It is available at the Canada level, except for the territories, and is generalized for small-scale mapping. This agricultural ecumene enables users to thematically map data aggregated to the census division level and limits the data display to those areas where agricultural activity is concentrated in Canada. When used in dot and chloropleth maps, the ecumene concept provides a more accurate depiction of the spatial distribution of data within standard geographic areas such as census divisions. Agricultural indicators including the ratios of total agricultural land to total land area, and total agricultural receipts to total land area were used in generating the agricultural ecumene.

Description:

This guide describes the content of the product, as well as providing information on data quality, record layouts and methodology.

Description:

The Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File contains the boundaries of forward sortation areas (FSAs) derived from postal codes captured from census questionnaires.

The Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File is available in two representations: Digital Boundary File and Cartographic Boundary File. Digital boundary files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. Cartographic boundary files depict the geographical areas using the shorelines of 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 (GISs) or other mapping software.

A reference guide is included (92-170-GIE).

Description: This product contains articles related to the latest methodological, conceptual developments in the Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts as well as the analysis of the Canadian economy. It includes articles detailing new methods, concepts and statistical techniques used to compile the Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts. It also includes information related to new or expanded data products, provides updates and supplements to information found in various guides and analytical articles touching upon a broad range of topics related to the Canadian economy.

Description: From November 2022 to March 2023 Statistics Canada undertook a series of discussions to obtain feedback on the questions used to identify First Nations people, Métis and Inuit on the Census of Population and on other Statistics Canada surveys. This report summarizes the feedback received during these discussions.

Description: Engagement on the questions used to identify First Nations people, Métis and Inuit that are included on the Census of Population and on other Statistics Canada surveys is an important part of ensuring high quality and meaningful data are collected. The feedback received during these discussions are presented in these reports.

Description: Data from the Census of Population are important for all communities and are vital to plan services that support education, employment, transportation, health care and housing. To maintain the relevance of the census, Statistics Canada evaluates and reviews the census questionnaire content for each census cycle. In preparation for the 2026 Census, Statistics Canada consulted Canadians from fall 2022 to spring 2023. Detailed responses were received from organizations and individuals representing federal, provincial, territorial and local government departments; First Nations people, Métis and Inuit; the general public; academia; special interest groups; and the private sector.

This report focuses on the findings of the 2026 Census data needs consultation and stakeholder discussions. Chapter 1 explains whom we consulted. Chapter 2 describes the strength of census data users’ needs such as the size of the population of interest. Chapter 3 provides an assessment of the perceived data gaps in census content and the availability and suitability of alternative data sources. Chapter 4 focuses on information needs by census topic and how preparations for the 2024 Census Test will help meet these needs.

Description: User consultation is the first step in determining Census Program content. The findings of content consultations are presented in these reports.

Description: Departmental Results Reports (DRRs) are part of the Estimates family of documents. Estimates documents support appropriation acts, which specify the amounts and broad purposes for which funds can be spent by the government. The Estimates document family has three parts.

Part I (Government Expenditure Plan) provides an overview of federal spending.

Part II (Main Estimates) lists the financial resources required by individual departments, agencies and Crown corporations for the upcoming fiscal year.

Part III (Departmental Expenditure Plans) consists of two documents. Departmental Plans (DPs) are expenditure plans for each appropriated department and agency (excluding Crown corporations).

Description: The Fees Report must be tabled in parliament annually, as per the Service Fees Act, which came into force in June 2017. The Service Fees Act introduces a modern legislative framework that enables cost-effective delivery of services and, through enhanced reporting to Parliament, improved transparency and oversight.

Description: This report provides a summary of changes to municipal boundaries, status and names. The list is usually produced on an annual basis for changes that occurred during the previous year. A five year list is produced on Census of population years.

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:

The report Veterans data in the 2021 Census of Population aims to provide an overview of the data quality assessment activities performed for the 2021 Census data on Canadian military experience, comparability to other sources and recommendations for usage.