Ethnicity, Language and Immigration Thematic Series
Reference guide on the social inclusion indicators for ethnocultural groups in Canada, 2024
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This document presents a list of the social inclusion indicators for ethnocultural groups in Canada that are available on the homepage of the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub .
The information provided for each indicator includes a short description of the corresponding derivation, available data sources and reference years as well as accessible levels of geography and disaggregation. Each indicator has various corresponding products (data tables, visualization tools and analytical documents).
The social inclusion indicators in this document are linked to Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. They are organized according to a conceptual framework and their corresponding information are accessible under the following themes.
Themes and social inclusion indicators
Participation in the labour market
Participation rate
Includes persons aged 15 years and over who were employed or unemployed during the reference week.
In 2021, the reference period was the week of Sunday, May 2 to Saturday, May 8.
This indicator corresponds to the "labour force status" which is a variable used in the census. For more information about the "labour force status" variable and the comparability of labour force status data from the 2021 Census of Population and the Labour Force Survey, please consult the Labour Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Appendix 2.11 of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Employment rate
Includes persons aged 15 years and over who were employed in the reference week.
In 2021, the reference period was the week of Sunday, May 2 to Saturday, May 8.
This indicator corresponds to the "labour force status" which is a variable used in the census. For more information about the "labour force status" variable and the comparability of labour force status data from the 2021 Census of Population and the Labour Force Survey, please consult the Labour Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Appendix 2.11 of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Unemployment rate
Includes persons aged 15 years and over who were unemployed during the reference week.
In 2021, the reference period was the week of Sunday, May 2 to Saturday, May 8.
This indicator corresponds to the "labour force status" which is a variable used in the census. For more information about the "labour force status" variable and the comparability of labour force status data from the 2021 Census of Population and the Labour Force Survey, please consult the Labour Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Appendix 2.11 of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Population who worked mainly full-time
Includes persons aged 15 years and over who worked for pay or in self-employment full time (30 hours or more per week) for most of the weeks during the calendar year preceding the census.
In 2021, the reference calendar year was 2020.
This indicator corresponds to the concept of "full-time or part-time weeks worked during the reference year" which is a variable used in the census. For more information about this concept and the comparability of labour force status data from the 2021 Census of Population and the Labour Force Survey, please consult the Labour Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Appendix 2.11 of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Self-employed population (unincorporated)
Includes persons aged 15 years and over whose job consisted mainly of operating a business, farm or professional practice, alone or in partnership. The indicator includes those with or without paid help (employees) as well as unpaid family workers.
Self-employed (unincorporated) correspond to "class of worker – variant on employees and self-employed" which is a classification of the "class of worker" variable used in the census.
For more information about the class of worker and the comparability of labour force status data from the 2021 Census of Population and the Labour Force Survey, please consult the Labour Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021 and the Appendix 2.11 of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Overqualified population
Includes persons aged 15 years old and over with a bachelor’s degree or higher who, during the current year or the year prior the census, held a position usually requiring a high school diploma or equivalency certificate or less.
This indicator excludes the population whose highest level of education was less than a bachelor’s degree, the population who held a management occupation and the population who did not work during the current year or the calendar year prior the census. The immigrants who first obtained landed immigrant or permanent resident status on or prior to the census year calendar and who reported that their last job, occupied during the reference year was being outside Canada are also excluded. The non-permanent residents who reported that their last job, occupied during the reference period, was located outside Canada are part of the exclusion too.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, first official language spoken, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree and location of study.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Youth not in employment, education or training
Includes youth aged 15 to 29 who were not in employment during the census reference week (in 2021, the reference week is May 2 to May 8) and who had not attended any accredited educational institution or program in the eight months preceding the census day (for example, in 2021 this period is between September 2020 and 11 May 2021).
The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is the main data source for calculating national estimates of the youth not in employment, education, or training indicator, commonly known as "NEET." This indicator is calculated using data from the first quarter or the average of the first three months of the calendar year, which excludes summer employment. This LFS-based indicator is published on an annual basis and is used for international comparisons. The NEET indicator has regularly published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since the late 1990s.
However, the census and other data sources such as social surveys like the Canadian Community Health Survey serve a different purpose. These data sources provide more specialized data that allowed deeper analysis of specific sociodemographic characteristics and conditions for a given population group, which is a rich complement to understand the context and the factors behind the NEET estimates provided by the LFS.
Although the Census of the Canadian population and the Labor Force Survey (LFS) measure similar concepts linked to labour market activities, there are several fundamental differences between the characteristics of the two concept that measure the population of youth not in employment, education or training. The most important of these differences is that in the LFS, the reference period for school attendance and the reference period for employment are the same, whereas in the Census they are different. Other differences between the census and the LFS include the length of the reference period, the number of questions and their content, the sample size, the enumeration method and the coverage. For more information about the comparability of labour force status data from the Census of Population versus that of the LFS, please consult the Appendix 2.11 – Comparability of labour force status data from the 2021 Census of Population (long-form questionnaire) and the Labour Force Survey from the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, first official language spoken, immigrant and generation status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Representation in decision-making positions
Legislative and senior management occupations
Includes persons aged 15 years old and over whose occupation was in the major group of legislative and senior management.
This indicator corresponds to the Occupation (based on the National Occupational Classification [NOC] 2021 Version 1.0) which is a variable used in the census.
For more information about the National Occupational Classification [NOC] system, including it structural changes and comparability over time, please consult theNational Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Civic engagement and political participation
Civic engagement—Membership in or participation in the activities of a group, organization or association
Includes persons aged 15 years old and over who were part, as a member or participant during the 12 months preceding the survey, in at least one of the 12 types of groups, associations or organizations identified in the General social survey on Social Identity. The groups, organizations or associations could be formally organized or informal groups (where people get together regularly to do an activity or talk about things); they include groups in which the respondent was active through the Internet.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or
missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Civic engagement by type of group, organization or association (11)
This series of indicators includes persons aged 15 years old and over who were a member or participant during the 12 months preceding the survey, for each of the following 11 different types of groups, organizations or associations: sports organizations; cultural, educational or hobby organizations; unions or professional associations; political parties or organizations; religious-affiliated groups; school groups, neighborhood associations, civic or community associations; humanitarian organizations, charities or service clubs; seniors clubs; youth organizations; immigrant or ethnic associations; environmental groups. The results for the category "other types of groups, organizations or associations" are not displayed.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections
Includes Canadians citizens aged 18 years and over who reported being eligible to vote and who reported voting in the last specified elections.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Participation in political activities
Includes persons aged 15 years and over who participated, in the last 12 months preceding the survey, in one or more of the following political activities: searching for information on a political issue; volunteering for a political party; expressing views on an issue by contacting a newspaper or a politician or through an Internet forum or news website; signing a petition on paper or on the Internet; boycotting or choosing a product for ethical reasons; attending a public meeting; speaking out in a public meeting; participating in a demonstration or march; wearing a badge, T-shirt or displaying a lawn sign in support of or opposition to a political or social cause.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation:
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Basic needs and housing
Household food security (5)
This series of five indicators is based on a set of 18 questions that aims to measure the levels of household food security. The indicators indicate whether households both with and without children were able to afford the food they needed in the previous 12 months of the survey. The levels of food security are defined as: 1- Food secure: No indication of difficulty with income-related food access; 2- Marginally food insecure: Exactly one indication of difficulty with income-related food access; 3- Moderately or severely food secure; 4- Moderately food insecure: Indication of compromise in quality and/or quantity of food consumed; 5- Severely food insecure: Indication of reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns.
Includes the population aged 18 years and older.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, Annual Component, 2022.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada and geographical region of Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Population living in affordable housing
Includes persons living in a household that dedicates less than 30% of its budget to housing costs.
For more information, please consult the Housing Characteristics Reference Guide, Census of Population 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Population living in core housing need
Include persons living in a private household whose housing does not meet at least one of the indicator thresholds for housing adequacy, affordability or suitability, and have to spend 30% or more of its total before-tax income to pay the median rent of alternative local housing that is acceptable (attains all three housing indicator thresholds).
For more information, please consult the Housing Characteristics Reference Guide, Census of Population 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Population living in suitable housing
Include persons living in a private household whose housing is a suitable according to the National Occupancy Standard (NOS); that is, whether the dwelling has enough bedrooms for the size and composition of the household. A dwelling is deemed suitable if it has enough bedrooms, as calculated using the NOS.
For more information, please consult the Housing Characteristics Reference Guide, Census of Population 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Population living in a dwelling owned by one or some members of the household
Includes persons living in a dwelling owned by one or some members of the household.
For more information, please consult the Housing Characteristics Reference Guide, Census of Population 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Health and well-being
Perceived health (very good or excellent; fair or poor) (2)
These two indicators include the population aged 18 and over who described their own health status as being either excellent or very good or fair or poor, depending on the indicator. The other possible answer was "good."
Perceived health refers to a person's perception of her health in general. Health means not only the absence of disease or injury but also physical, mental and social well-being.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, Annual Component, 2022.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada and geographical region of Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Perceived mental health (very good or excellent; fair or poor) (2)
These two indicators include the population aged 18 and over who described their own mental health status as being either excellent or very good or fair or poor, depending on the indicator. The other possible answer was "good."
Perceived mental health refers to a person's perception of her mental health in general. Perceived mental health provides a general indication of the population suffering from some form of mental disorder, mental or emotional problems, or distress, not necessarily reflected in perceived mental health.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, Annual Component, 2022.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada and geographical region of Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Perceived life stress (2)
These two indicators include the population aged 18 and over who described, when thinking about the amount of stress in their life, either "most of their days as being quite a bit or extremely stressful" or "not very stressful or not at all stressful," depending on the indicator. The other possible answer was "a bit stressful."
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, Annual Component, 2022.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada and geographical region of Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Life satisfaction (satisfied or very satisfied)
Includes persons aged 18 and over who reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their life in general. Life satisfaction is based on a self-reported score from 0 to 10 for how respondents feel about their life as a whole at the moment of the survey. "Satisfied or very satisfied" represents those who indicated a value of 6 or more out of 10.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, Annual Component, 2022.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada and geographical region of Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Income and wealth
Average employment income
Includes persons aged 15 years old and over who reported employment income during the calendar year preceding the census. Employment income includes income from a salary, wages, tips and/or commissions, as well as income from self-employment.
Average employment income of a specified group is calculated by dividing the aggregate employment income of that group by the number of units in that group. Average employment incomes are calculated for those with employment income (positive or negative).
For more information on income related concepts, please consult the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Median employment income
Includes persons aged 15 years old and over who reported employment income during the calendar year preceding the census. Employment income includes income from a salary, wages, tips and/or commissions, as well as income from self-employment.
The median employment income of a specified group is the amount that divides the employment income distribution of that group into two halves, i.e., the employment incomes of half of the units in that group are below the median, while those of the other half are above the median.
For more information on income related concepts, please consult the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Ability to meet household’s financial needs (difficulty and ease) (2)
These two indicators refer to the population living in housing where the reference person, aged 15 years old and over, reported that it was, in the 12 past months, "very difficult" or "difficult" or; "very easy" or "easy" for their household to meet its financial needs in terms of transportation, housing, food, clothing and necessary expenses.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Housing Survey, 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, gender, age group, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Poverty rate (MBM)
Refers to the proportion of individuals living in private households whose income falls below the Market Basket Measure (MBM) poverty line. The MBM is Canada's official measure of poverty based on the cost of a specific basket of goods and services representing a modest, basic standard of living developed by Employment and Social Development Canada. For more information on the measure of the MBM, please consult the definition of "Market Basket Measure (MBM)" from the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2016 and 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Prevalence of low income (LIM-AT)
Includes the proportion of individuals living in private households whose income falls below a specified low-income line. Refers to the income situation of a person in relation to the Low-income measure, after-tax (LIM-AT). Persons with income that is below this low-income line are considered to be in low income.
The reference period is calendar year preceding the census. For example, in 2021, the reference period for low-income data is the calendar year 2020.
For more information about the different low-income concepts, please consult the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Prevalence of low income (LIM-BT)
Includes persons living in private households whose income falls below a specified low-income line. Refers to the income situation of a person in relation to the Low-income measure, before-tax (LIM-BT). Persons with income that is below this low-income line are considered to be in low income.
The reference period is calendar year preceding the census. For example, in 2021, the reference period for low-income data is the calendar year 2020.
For more information about the different low-income concepts, including it structural changes and comparability over time, please consult the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Average total household income, adjusted for the number of persons
"Adjusted total income" refers to total income of the household that is adjusted for the number of persons in the household. The average income is calculated by dividing the aggregate income of the household members by the number of persons in that group.
The reference period is calendar year preceding the census. For example, in 2021, the reference period for low-income data is the calendar year 2020.
For more information about the adjusted total household income concept, please consult the definition of "Adjusted total income" from the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Social connections and personal networks
Trusting most people in general
Includes persons aged 15 years and old who described their general trust in people as "most people can be trusted." The other possible answer was "You cannot be too careful in dealing with people."
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Strong sense of belonging (local community, town or city, province and Canada) (4)
This series of four indicators includes persons aged of 15 years old and over who described their sense of belonging very strong or somewhat strong to the level of residence unit. The other possible responses choices were somewhat weak, very weak and no opinion.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Size of local personal networks (3)
Local personal networks include close relatives and close friends who live in the same city or the same local community as the respondent. People who live in the same household as the respondent are also included in this category. Close relatives and close friends are people with whom the respondent feels at ease with could freely speak their mind or call on for help.
Includes the population aged 15 and over.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
The other products using the data tables such as the Data visualization tools – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups will subsequently be updated using the most recent data.
Number of close relatives (2) and close friends (2)
Refers to the total number of close relatives or close friends reported by the respondent. These two categories of personal network include close relative(s) or close friend(s) depending on the indicator who live in a different city, a different local community or a different household as the respondent as well as those who live in the same city, the same local community or the same household as the respondent. Close relatives or close friends are people with whom the respondent feels at ease with could freely speak their mind or call on for help.
Includes the population aged 15 and over.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Number of other friends or acquaintances (3)
This type of personal network includes the total number of other friends and acquaintances reported by the respondent. Other friends and acquaintances are individuals to whom the respondent does not feel close. The people included in the personal network of other friends and acquaintance can live in the same or in a different local community or household as the respondent.
Includes the population aged 15 and over.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products:
Table 43-10-0063-01 - Size and composition of personal networks (local, close relatives, close friends, acquaintances), by visible minority and selected characteristics
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Ethnically diverse network of friends and acquaintances
Persons with ethnically diverse networks of friends and acquaintances are those who reported that at least half of friends they have been in contact last month come from an ethnic group visibly different from their own. These contacts were in person, by telephone, by text, e-mail or any other form of online communication (such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or online gaming).
Includes the population aged 15 and over.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Population living alone
This indicator refers to the percentage of the population living in a one-person household.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
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Education and skills development
Highest certificate, diploma or degree (6)
This series of six indicators corresponds to the highest certificate, diploma or degree which is the classification used in the Census to measure the broader concept of "educational attainment."
This variable refers to the highest level of education that a person aged 15 years and over living in a private household has successfully completed.
For more information for the variable "highest certificate, diploma or degree," please consult the Education Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, first official language spoken, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
Associated products
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Knowledge of official languages (4)
Refers to whether the person can conduct a conversation in English only, French only, in both or in neither language.
For more information on language variables, including information on their classifications, the questions from which they are derived, data quality and their comparability with other sources of data, please consult the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, censuses of population, 2006, 2016 and 2021; National Household Survey, 2011.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group and first official language spoken, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration and generation status, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada, geographical region of Canada, province or territory, census metropolitan area.
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Institutions and public services
Confidence in institutions (8)
This series of eight indicators includes persons aged 15 years old and older who rated their confidence at 4 or 5, on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 means "no confidence at all" and 5 means "a great deal of confidence" for each of the following institution: the police service; the justice system and courts; the school system; the Federal Parliament; banks; major corporations; merchants and local business people and; Canadian media.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Perception of the local police force as doing a good job (6 measures)
This series of six indicators includes persons aged of 15 years old and over who stated that local police did a good job in the indicated performance measure. Other possible responses were that the police did "an average job" or "a poor job" in a given situation. The available performance measures are: enforcing the laws, responding to calls, being approachable and easy to talk to, supplying information to the public on ways to prevent crime, ensuring the safety of the citizens in their area and lastly treating people fairly.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Victimization, 2019.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
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Has a regular health care provider
Includes persons aged 18 and over who reported having a healthcare provider they regularly see or talk to when they need normal care or advice for their health. It includes one of the following healthcare providers: family doctor or general practitioner, medical specialist (e.g., cardiologist, pediatrician, oncologist), nurse practitioner or other (e.g., chiropractor, psychologist).
The percentages of the indicators are calculated excluding non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, Annual Component, 2022.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, period of immigration.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada and geographical region of Canada.
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Local community
Satisfied with feeling part of the community
Includes the population living in housing where the reference person rated, on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 means "very dissatisfied" and 10 means "very satisfied," their satisfaction with feeling as part of their community at 8, 9 or 10.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Housing Survey, 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, gender, age group, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Satisfied with the neighbourhood
Includes the population living in housing where the reference person rated, on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 means "very dissatisfied" and 10 means "very satisfied," their neighbourhood at 8, 9 or 10.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Housing Survey, 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, gender, age group, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Feeling safe walking in their area alone after dark
Includes the population living in housing where the reference person indicated feeling "very safe" or "reasonably safe" from crime walking alone after dark in their neighborhood. Includes respondents who reported that they "do not walk alone."
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Housing Survey, 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, gender, age group, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Feeling unsafe walking in their area alone after dark
Includes the population living in housing where the reference person "somewhat unsafe" or "very unsafe" from crime walking alone after dark in their neighborhood. Includes respondents who reported that they "do not walk alone."
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Canadian Housing Survey, 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, gender, age group, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Discrimination and victimization
Experiences of discrimination, five years before and since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic (2)
These two indicators include persons aged 15 years old and over who reported that they experienced discrimination for any reason. Discrimination is defined as treating people differently, negatively or adversely because of their race, culture, age, gender, religion, or other characteristics. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Reasons of discrimination, five years before and since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic (8)
These two series of five indicators include persons aged 15 years old and over who reported that they experienced discrimination for each of the following reasons: ethnicity or culture, race or colour, religion and language. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken and highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Situations of discrimination, five years before and since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic (8)
These two series of four indicators include persons aged 15 years old and over who reported that they experienced discrimination for each of the following situations: at work or when applying for a job or a promotion; when dealing with the police; in a store, bank or restaurant and when attending school or classes. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Social Identity, 2020.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status, generation status, first official language spoken, highest certificate, diploma or degree.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Satisfied with personal safety from crime
Includes persons aged 15 years old and over who indicated being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their personal safety from crime. The other possible answers were: "neither satisfied nor dissatisfied," "dissatisfied," "very dissatisfied" and "no opinion." "Don't know" and "refusal" responses were not allowed.
The percentages of the indicators are calculated including non-response records or missing data in the denominator.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey – Victimization, 2019.
Levels of disaggregation
Visible minority, age group, gender, immigrant status.
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Police-reported hate crimes motivated by race or ethnicity and religion
These two indicators measure the number of police-reported hate crimes motivated by race or ethnicity and religion during the reference period.
Data sources and available reference years
Statistics Canada, Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
Levels of disaggregation
Type of motivation (race or ethnicity, religion)
Accessible levels of geography
Canada.
Associated products
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Data visualization tool – Social inclusion indicators for Canada’s ethnocultural groups: Discrimination and victimization- Date modified: