Letter from the co-chairs

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We are very pleased to present the latest edition of the Satellite Account of Non-profit Institutions and Volunteering, which includes two new years of data: 2006 and 2007.

Also new this year is an article focussing on non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH). This group of non-profit institutions has unique economic characteristics that are different from non-profit institutions classified to the government or corporate sector.  New data tables on NPISH are also available upon request. The chapter on the value of volunteer work is not included this year and will be updated at a later date.

Non-profit institutions continue to make a significant contribution to the economic and social well-being of Canadians and are central to community engagement and the building of social capital. In 2007, the core non-profit segment grew 5.8% in nominal terms, accounting for 2.5% of Canada's gross domestic product. This share increases to 7.0% when hospitals, universities and colleges are included.

The concepts and methods used by Statistics Canada draw heavily on international standards outlined in the United Nations (UN) Handbook on Non-profit Institutions in the System of National Accounts. The non-profit sector has now gained prominence in many countries' official economic statistics. Nine countries have already published non-profit satellite accounts and 34 countries are committed to implementing the UN Handbook guidelines. Statistics Canada was one of the first statistical agencies to develop a Satellite Account on non-profit institutions.

The Satellite Account ensures that reliable information on the size, scope and nature of the non-profit sector is featured in Canadian economic statistics.  We are very excited about providing new and more current economic information on non-profit institutions for policymakers, academics and experts worldwide, and for the many non-profit organizations operating throughout Canada.

Once again this year, we would like to thank the members of the Advisory Committee for their guidance and support, and in particular for their valuable input to this sixth edition.

Yours truly,

Co-chairs of the Advisory Committee for the Satellite Account of Non-profit Institutions.

Dr. Jacquelyn Thayer Scott, O.C., LL.D. (Hons.), Dipl. (Hons.)
Past President and Professor, Shannon School of Business
Cape Breton University

Karen Wilson
Assistant Chief Statistician
National Accounts and Analytical Studies Field
Statistics Canada