The Business & Community Newsletter – December 2018

Feature article

Introducing Statistics Canada's Data Centres

With the recent introduction of the first Data Service Centres in Toronto and Montréal (and Vancouver in January with more to follow), Statistics Canada is undertaking a significant transformation and leading efforts to be more responsive to the data needs of users.

We live in a world in which there is a proliferation of data and data providers. Data have become more important than ever. There are increased expectations and demand for "real time" and micro data. It is a data revolution - a revolution that demands ingenuity and innovation.

Statistics Canada recognizes this reality and is making changes to better respond while ensuring that it remains the trusted source for the country's needs. We are leveraging our expertise in producing quality data and protecting the confidentiality of the information entrusted to us. That is part of our DNA.

We will expand on our statistical capacity and continue to be a world leader.  We are moving beyond simply a survey-first approach with new methods and integrating data from a variety of existing sources.

We want to make data easier to access and use by adopting new tools to analyze and visualize data, enabling Canadians to use data to make evidence-based decisions.

Over the next year, we will build a national network of service centres where Canadians will have the ability to access, in the virtual world or in the real world, assistance to learn about, interpret, and use Statistics Canada's data and analyses.

These data service hubs will also foster statistical capacity building, and through partnership building with all sectors, will seek out new sources of data that, along with the agency's existing data holdings, will enable the development of new indicators to maintain and strengthen economic growth and social progress in Canada.

These new Data Service Centres will offer a wider range of products and services. They will have access to more resources to better help you.

This is only one step in our journey. We will continue to innovate. Now more than ever, we are focusing on the needs of our users. We are adopting leading edge statistical methods, and collaborating with you, our clients, stakeholders and partners. We are striving to meet Canadian's evolving information needs, and using new tools and channels to make our data more accessible and engaging.

In this uncertain world, it is more important than ever to have a trusted source of data committed to producing data for the benefit of society. A place that protects and respects the confidentiality of the information collected.

We know that trusted and reliable data fuel innovation and are the foundation of effective policies, programs and services.

Good things take time if you want to do them right. We will be working hard to give you a better, more responsive Statistics Canada through the Data Service Centres.

Rest assured. Statistics Canada will continue to be your partner and your trusted source for your data needs.

Did you know…?

Results from the Canadian Survey on Disability now available!

On November 28, Statistics Canada released the findings from the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) providing new insights into the lives of Canadian adults with disabilities.

The CSD, developed by Statistics Canada in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada, is a voluntary survey conducted every five years. The CSD collects information on Canadians aged 15 and over whose daily activities are limited because of a long-term condition or health-related problem. The CSD looks specifically at 10 disability types:

• seeing
• hearing
• mobility
• flexibility
• dexterity
• pain-related
• learning
• developmental
• mental health-related
• memory.

The results provide information on the type and severity of disabilities, the use of aids and assistive devices, medication use and educational and labour force experience.

Why are the CSD results important to Canadians?

Regions by the numbers

Also worth reading

Infographics