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Section 2  Analysis of Program Activities

Statistics Canada's strategic outcome is that Canadians have access to objective, high-quality, non-partisan statistics, statistical products, services and analyses on Canada's economy and society that fulfill legal requirements, are relevant to policy formulation and decision makers and are responsive to emerging issues.

This section describes Statistics Canada's program activities, and the financial and non-financial resources available to each. Performance is assessed for each of the four program activities:

  • Economic Statistics
  • Social Statistics
  • Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics
  • Internal Services.

2.1  Program Activity 1: Economic Statistics


Table 8  Financial and Human Resources, Economic Statistics
2009/2010 Financial resources1 ($ thousands) 2009/2010 Human resources (FTEs)
Planned spending Total authorities Actual spending Planned Actual Difference
165,571 200,298 190,129 2,088 2,179 (91)
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

The Economic Statistics program seeks to provide Canadians with a comprehensive, integrated set of measures of the structure, state and evolution of Canada's economy. With necessarily limited resources, this program must be continually adjusted to ensure it is responding to the highest-priority information needs of public and private decision makers. To support Canada's engagement in international policy-making, the program must respect international standards to permit intercountry comparison and analysis as well as development of global measures of economic performance.

To fulfill their purpose, statistics produced under this program must be of high quality and must accurately depict the performance of Canada's economy. They must also be timely, internally coherent and accessible.

The program must also be efficient, in terms of the resources consumed in the production of the various measures and in terms of the burden that the program imposes on businesses, farmers and other Canadians responding to its surveys.

Benefits for Canadians

An effective, well-developed economic statistics system is essential to the conduct of the federal government's business, most notably for developing, formulating and monitoring policy, as well as delivering several critical social and economic programs to Canadians. It is a prerequisite for Canada's recognition as a developed country and essential to its participation in international institutions such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. International co-ordination of economic policy and effective trade negotiations depend on statistical information.

Beginning with the Constitution Act of 1867, much Canadian legislation at the federal and provincial levels has relied on statistical information for its operation. Equalization payments to provinces and indexation of social benefits and tax brackets are important examples of legislated uses of economic statistics. In the private sector, many contracts and collective agreements are similarly dependent on economic statistics.

The current economic climate illustrates well the dependence of macro-economic fiscal and monetary policy on economic statistics. Equally important is a similar dependence on economic statistics of industrial and labour market policies, regional economic policy, policies designed to promote productivity and innovation, and policies designed to attract and retain foreign investment in Canada.

Private businesses, like governments, depend on economic statistics for their decisions on such things as mergers and acquisitions, investments and opening and closing locations. Timely and reliable statistics remove uncertainty about the economic environment and improve the efficiency of private decision-making.

For Canadians, economic statistics provide a scorecard for measuring their governments, to engage in policy debate and to hold governments to account. An effective economic statistics system is an essential ingredient of a vibrant, modern democracy.

Performance Analysis


Expected Result 1: Access to Statistics
  Year Performance rating
Statistics produced by Statistics Canada are available through a wide range of easily accessible media formats and venues. 2009/2010 Mostly met
2008/2009 Met

Table 9  Indicators of Access for Economic Statistics
Indicator Current benchmark/target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of page views of electronic publications ('000) Annual increase exceeds 5% 1,072 1,669 2,209 2,989 2,928 Not met
Annual percentage increase in the number of page views of electronic publications (%) 29.6 55.7 32.4 35.3 (2.0)
Number of print publications sold — accessible on demand (number) Many 5,562 4,856 5,630 4,349 4,095 Met all
Client satisfaction with price to access data 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 3.8 3.6 3.6 Somewhat met
Client satisfaction with ease of retrieval process 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 3.9 3.9 4.1 Exceeded
Client satisfaction with convenience of output formats 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 4.0 4.0 4.0 Met all
... not measured

Definitions

Number of page views of electronic publications: The number of web pages viewed during visitor sessions on the Statistics Canada website.

Number of print publications sold: The number of print copies for which a price was charged. Statistics Canada has moved to free dissemination of electronic versions of publications to encourage broader access.

Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Economic Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Economic Statistics program activity continued to have high numbers of electronic page views by clients. However, these declined relative to 2008/2009, and therefore did not meet the target. This suggests that more must be done to improve the effectiveness of the website. In accordance with Statistics Canada's strategy, there was a corresponding shift away from print publications. Overall, clients expressed satisfaction with the ease of retrieval and with the convenience of output formats. Clients expressed some dissatisfaction with respect to price, which continues to be a barrier to access.

Expected Result 2: Trust in Statistics
  Year Performance rating
Canadians are aware of the availability of these statistics and of their high quality, and of the professionalism and non-partisanship of Statistics Canada. 2009/2010 Met all
2008/2009 Met

Key factors to ensure that the statistical information produced by Statistics Canada can be trusted are relevance and data quality, which include international comparisons.

Table 10  Indicators of Relevance for Economic Statistics
Indicator Current benchmark/target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of data series downloaded from the CANSIM online database ('000) Annual increase exceeds 5% 5,176 8,445 8,535 11,251 13,859 Met all
Annual percentage increase in the number of data series downloaded from the CANSIM online database (%) 53.5 63.2 1.1 31.8 23.2
Client satisfaction with Statistics Canada's ability to meet their needs 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 3.9 3.9 4.0 Met all
... not measured

Definitions

Data series downloaded from the online database: Data series downloaded by external users from CANSIM, Statistics Canada's online database.

Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Economic Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Economic Statistics program activity continued to see strong growth in the number of tables downloaded from Statistics Canada's CANSIM online database. Table downloads require deliberate action on the part of clients, demonstrating the relevance of these data. Clients indicated that the data met their needs.

Table 11  Indicators of Data Quality for Economic Statistics
Indicator Current target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
%
Percentage of major statistical outputs released as planned 100 100 100 100 100 100 Met all
Percentage of major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives 95.0 ... 95.6 96.5 95.5 96.0 Exceeded
Percentage of reloads Less than 2.5 ... ... 2.7 1.8 0.4 Exceeded
... not measured

Definitions

Major statistical outputs released as planned:
Each year Statistics Canada publishes the planned release dates for major statistical outputs for the coming year on its website. These outputs and their release dates can be accessed at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/release-diffusion/index-eng.htm.

Major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives: Most surveys are based on statistical sampling. Sampling is an important means of achieving timely and cost-effective results. At the same time, estimates based on sampling can be expected to vary from sample to sample, and to differ from those that would result from a complete census. Sampling accuracy objectives are set on a survey-by-survey basis.

Reloads: Outputs that require correction after release. In 2008, Statistics Canada enhanced its process for monitoring the quality of its data releases to reduce the risk of errors found after official release.
Performance results: All major statistical outputs from the Economic Statistics program activity were released on time, adhering to the pre-established release schedule, and in accordance with accuracy targets.

International Comparison of Canadian Economic Indicators

Managing Canada's macro-economy through monetary and fiscal policies is the responsibility of the federal government. The Bank of Canada, the Department of Finance and international organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund, expect that the national statistical office will produce, in general compliance with international standards, a comprehensive and timely set of economic indicators to guide macro-economic policy.

Statistics Canada is internationally recognized for producing a comprehensive, high-quality and timely set of economic indicators. A May 2010 report by the OECD Statistics Directorate listed 28 categories of statistical measures (four more than in 2009) that member countries are expected to maintain and report. Canada was reported as fully compliant in 22 categories, Australia in 25, the United Kingdom in 23 and the United States in 25. Canada's compliance improved with the provision of capital stock by industry data, but declined in terms of consumer opinion surveys as this is not currently part of Statistics Canada's program. Compliance was lacking with respect to business tendency surveys (owing to the previous cancellation of the Business Conditions Survey), monthly international trade in goods by Standard International Trade Classification sections, and two new categories related to structural and business statistics.

Table 12 presents information derived from the International Monetary Fund website on the periodicity and timeliness of National Accounts data.

Table 12  International Comparisons of the Periodicity and Timeliness of Data Release, National Accounts, G7 Countries
G7 country Benchmark Periodicity Timeliness
SDDS Result Rating SDDS Result Rating
Canada Meet SDDS requirements Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 60 days Met
France Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 50 days Met
Germany Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 45 days Met
Italy Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 10 weeks Met
Japan Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 6 weeks Met
United Kingdom Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 1 quarter Met
United States Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter 31 days Met
SDDS: Special Data Dissemination Standard.

Definitions

Periodicity: Frequency of data compilation.

Timeliness: The lag between the end of the reference period and the dissemination of data.

Source: Table 12, including the performance rating, was derived from information available on the website of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at http://dsbb.imf.org/Applications/web/sddshome/. The IMF has established the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) as one of its surveillance standards. The objective of the SDDS is to enhance the data transparency of member countries, to promote development of sound statistical systems and to facilitate access to capital markets. Canada is a signatory to the SDDS, and an annual report on its performance with respect to this standard is available on the IMF website at http://dsbb.imf.org/images/pdfs/AnnualReports/2009/CAN_SDDS_AR2009.pdf.
Performance results: For measurement and dissemination of gross domestic product (GDP) data, Canada meets all of the standards set by the IMF. In fact, according to the annual report for 2009 on observance of the SDDS, “the quality, coverage, periodicity and timeliness of Canada's economic data are considered to be excellent both in the context of the Article IV consultation and for purposes of ongoing surveillance.”

Timeliness is measured as the lag between the end of the reference period and the dissemination of the earliest measures of GDP. Although Canada meets the IMF standard—it releases 60 days after the end of the reference period, 30 days ahead of the IMF limit—it appears to lag behind other G7 countries. This is because Canada releases GDP and the whole National Accounts database at once, providing users with a timely estimate of GDP and, at the same time, helping users understand the overall context. Many other countries, such as the United States, put out early or 'flash' estimates of GDP (the headline variable) and not the associated database. Most other G7 countries release the comprehensive database with a lag of 75 to 90 days from the end of the reference period.

Revisions to economic indicators are a normal consequence of the statistical compilation process. The first publication of quarterly real GDP based on income and expenditure is released approximately 60 days after the reference period, and provides timely information about the economy. These initial estimates are based on data available at the time of the release. However, this information will, at times, be incomplete. The initial estimates are revised or changed in value as increasingly complete source data becomes available. It is important that those initial estimates be reliable or close approximations of the final estimate.

Figure 7 illustrates the average revision to quarterly real GDP growth rate for Canada and other G7 countries, comparing the initial estimate to the latest available.


Figure 7 Average Revision, Real Gross Domestic Product Quarterly Growth Rate, G7 Countries: 1995 to 2008

[D]


Organizational Efficiency

Statistics Canada, in an effort to improve its organizational efficiency, uses administrative data from various sources to reduce response burden.

Table 13  Use of Administrative Data in Lieu of Questionnaires
Indicator Current target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of business surveys using tax/administrative data (number) Continual increase 30 41 42 43 47 Met all
Percentage of business surveys using tax/administrative data (%) 14 19 19 20 22 Met all
Number of administrative records used in order to reduce survey sizes ('000)1 55 61 2692 298 303 Met all
Definition and notes

Use of administrative data: The use by Statistics Canada of data from the Canada Revenue Agency and other administrative sources as an alternative to obtaining data directly from respondents. Sometimes called survey data replacement, this reduces the number of questionnaires going to respondents and the associated response burden.

1. This comprehensive new indicator replaces “Contacts avoided because of tax replaced units”.
2. The sharp increase in the number of administrative records used in 2007/2008 reflects the development of a new program designed to make extensive use of tax data to derive a large portion of the estimate combined with a smaller-sized sample survey and therefore minimize response burden.
Performance Results: The Economic Statistics program activity continued to use more and more administrative data in lieu of questionnaires.

Table 14  Average Response Burden Hours per Canadian Business Establishment
Indicator Current target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Index of response burden hours(1991 = 100) 60 or less 62 62 63 63 68 Not met
Definition

Response burden hours: This estimate is calculated annually using the frequency of each survey, the average time to complete the questionnaire and the number of surveyed respondents. Dividing by the estimated number of Canadian businesses gives average burden per establishment. The average is indexed, to a base year of 1991. The calculation excludes the quinquennial Census of Agriculture.
Performance Results: Response burden has increased slightly in the Economic Statistics program activity in the last few years. This happened because the business community had information needs not covered by administrative data.

Canada's Economic Action Plan Initiative

Announced in Budget 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP) provided Statistics Canada with $2.9 million to extend the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program. In 2009/2010, Statistics Canada delivered survey results and underlying microdata for the Households and the Environment Survey 2007, the Agricultural Water Use Survey 2006, the Industrial Water Survey 2007, and the Survey of Drinking Water Plant 2007. Performance status: Met all — all CEAP deliverables were completed.

Lessons Learned

What worked well

Maintaining quality of statistical outputs requires constant attention. To ensure that all its program components continue to meet the high data-quality standards Canadians expect, Statistics Canada has undertaken several initiatives, including an extensive quality review process. To date, nearly two dozen programs have undergone review, and the process has become an ongoing part of Statistics Canada's activities. This has made Statistics Canada more confident of the robustness and accuracy of its statistical outputs.

Regular interaction with stakeholders at all levels is critical to aligning our programs with highest priority information needs. Statistics Canada cannot determine in isolation what information is required.

What could be improved and what we are doing about it

During the course of the year, it became apparent that even the most knowledgeable stakeholders are not aware of all of the information held by Statistics Canada that is available to meet their information needs. Statistics Canada must do more to improve the effectiveness of its website, and to build knowledge and statistical capacity in the user communities.

Analytical research to support policy development sometimes requires access to statistical analysis based on anonymized personal and business microdata. Statistics Canada is now exploring ways under its legislative framework to expand access to business microdata without compromising its obligations towards respondents to protect their private information.

Businesses value the factual information published by Statistics Canada. In the current economic climate, it is even more critical that Statistics Canada release timely economic statistics and minimize burden on business survey respondents, so it can maintain high levels of collaboration into the future.

2.2  Program Activity 2: Social Statistics


Table 15  Financial and Human Resources, Social Statistics
2009/2010 Financial resources1 ($ thousands) 2009/2010 Human resources (FTEs)
Planned spending Total authorities Actual spending Planned Actual Difference
132,585 144,751 136,495 1,716 1,450 266
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

This program provides information to decision makers and all Canadians on the social and economic characteristics of individuals, families and households in Canada, and on the major factors that can contribute to their well-being. This program generates key indicators related to the labour market, earnings, pensions, income and expenditures, health, justice and education, as well as information on factors influencing social outcomes. Some indicators also target segments of the Canadian population, such as children, youth, Aboriginal peoples, immigrants, elderly people, and people with activity limitations. Those indicators are used by policy makers to make informed decisions on social issues.

This program also provides information and analysis on the facilities, agencies and systems that are publicly funded to meet Canadians' socioeconomic and physical needs, and on the outcomes of the services that they provide. It encompasses the justice, health and education systems as well as cultural institutions and industries—the program measures the nature and extent of their services and operations, the characteristics of the individual Canadians and families whom they serve and their impacts on Canadian society.

Benefits for Canadians

Timely and accurate information on a broad range of social issues provides decision makers at all levels of government, non-government organizations and academics with essential information for developing policies, managing programs, conducting research, and making decisions that affect individuals, families and households in Canada.

Performance Analysis


Expected Result 1: Access to Statistics
  Year Performance rating
Statistics produced by Statistics Canada are available through a wide range of easily accessible media formats and venues. 2009/2010 Mostly met
2008/2009 Met

Table 16  Indicators of Access for Social Statistics
Indicator Current benchmark/target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of page views of electronic publications ('000) Annual increase exceeds 5% 2,417 3,003 3,210 3,962 4,304 Exceeded
Annual percentage increase in the number of page views of electronic publications (%) 30.6 24.2 6.9 23.4 8.6
Number of print publications sold — accessible on demand (number) Many 6,277 6,470 7,816 4,604 5,005 Met all
Client satisfaction with price to access data 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 3.5 3.4 3.3 Not met
Client satisfaction with ease of retrieval process 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 4.1 3.8 3.4 Somewhat met
Client satisfaction with convenience of output formats 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 4.2 4.1 4.0 Met all
... not measured

Definitions

Number of page views of electronic publications: The number of web pages viewed during visitor sessions on the Statistics Canada website.

Number of print publications sold: The number of print copies for which a price was charged. Statistics Canada has moved to free dissemination of electronic versions of publications to encourage broader access.

Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Social Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Social Statistics program activity again exceeded its target growth rate for electronic page views by clients. There was also a slight increase in sales of print publications. Overall, clients expressed satisfaction with the convenience of output formats. Clients expressed dissatisfaction with ease of retrieval and with respect to price. The latter constitutes a barrier to access. Statistics Canada is reviewing its dissemination model with a view to having more data available to the public free of charge.

Expected Result 2: Trust in Statistics
  Year Performance rating
Canadians are aware of the availability of these statistics and of their high quality, and of the professionalism and non-partisanship of Statistics Canada. 2009/2010 Met all
2008/2009 Met

Key factors to ensure that the statistical information produced by Statistics Canada can be trusted are relevance and data quality, which include international comparisons.

Table 17  Indicators of Relevance for Social Statistics
Indicator Current benchmark/target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of data series downloaded from the CANSIM online database ('000) Annual increase exceeds 5% 8,202 11,879 12,114 14,159 16,063 Exceeded
Annual percentage increase in the number of data series downloaded from the CANSIM online database (%) 32.0 44.8 2.0 16.9 13.4
Client satisfaction with Statistics Canada's ability to meet their needs 4 on a scale of 5 ... ... 4.1 4.0 3.9 Mostly met
... not measured

Definitions

Data series downloaded from the online database: Data series downloaded by external users from CANSIM, Statistics Canada's online database.

Client satisfaction: These data are derived from the client satisfaction surveys conducted by the Social Statistics program activity. The surveys use measures that are consistent with the common measurement tool in use across the federal government.
Performance results: The Social Statistics program activity saw strong growth in the number of tables downloaded from Statistics Canada's CANSIM online database. Table downloads require deliberate action on the part of clients, demonstrating the relevance of these data.

Table 18  Indicators of Data Quality for Social Statistics
Indicator Current target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
%
Percentage of major statistical outputs released as planned 100 100 100 100 100 100 Met all
Percentage of major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives 95.0 ... 98.7 98.6 99.1 99.7 Exceeded
Percentage of reloads Less than 2.5 ... ... 4.1 2.2 2.1 Exceeded
... not measured

Definitions

Major statistical outputs released as planned: Each year, Statistics Canada publishes the planned release dates for major statistical outputs for the coming year on its website. These outputs and their release dates can be accessed at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/release-diffusion/index-eng.htm.

Major statistical outputs whose sampling accuracy is within set objectives: Most surveys are based on statistical sampling. Sampling is an important means of achieving timely and cost-effective results. At the same time, estimates based on sampling can be expected to vary from sample to sample, and to differ from those that would result from a complete census. Sampling accuracy objectives are set on a survey-by-survey basis.

Reloads: Outputs that require correction after release. In 2008, Statistics Canada began an ongoing process of monitoring the quality of its data releases to reduce the risk of errors found after official release.
Performance results: All major statistical outputs from the Social Statistics program activity were released on time, adhering to the pre-established release schedule, and in accordance with accuracy targets.

International Comparison of Unemployment Data

Table 19 presents information on the periodicity and timeliness of unemployment data.

Table 19  International Comparisons of the Periodicity and Timeliness of Data Release, Unemployment, G7 Countries
G7 country Benchmark Periodicity Timeliness
SDDS Result Rating SDDS Result Rating
Canada Meet SDDS requirements Quarterly Monthly Met 1 quarter 2 weeks Met
France Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter Not later than 10 weeks Met
Germany Quarterly Monthly Met 1 quarter 1 month Met
Italy Quarterly Quarterly Met 1 quarter Not later than 1 quarter Met
Japan Quarterly Monthly Met 1 quarter 1 month Met
United Kingdom Quarterly Monthly Met 1 quarter 5 weeks Met
United States Quarterly Monthly Met 1 quarter 3 weeks—not later than 1 month Met
SDDS: Special Data Dissemination Standard.

Definitions

Periodicity: This refers to frequency of data compilation.

Timeliness: This refers to the lag between the end of the reference period and the dissemination of data.

Source: Table 19, including the performance rating, was derived from information available on the website of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at http://dsbb.imf.org/Applications/web/sddshome/. The IMF has established the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) as one of its surveillance standards. The objective of the SDDS is to enhance the data transparency of member countries, to promote development of sound statistical systems and to facilitate access to capital markets. Canada is a signatory to the SDDS, and an annual report on its performance with respect to this standard is available on the IMF website at http://dsbb.imf.org/images/pdfs/AnnualReports/2009/CAN_SDDS_AR2009.pdf.
Performance results: Canada met or exceeded all the SDDS quarterly periodicity and timeliness requirements.

Organizational Efficiency

In 2009/2010, the Social Statistics program activity undertook a number of initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency. Among the most significant of these was continued progress on a multi-year plan to streamline processes and systems for the collection and processing of survey data. The first of these integrated systems providing common processing tools will be operational by the end of 2010/2011. As well, concepts and definitions have been harmonized for a large number of core variables and are being implemented across the social surveys.

Lessons Learned

What worked well

The first nine years of operation of the Research Data Centre Network have exceeded all expectations. Conceived to offer academic researchers access to Statistics Canada's longitudinal microdata files through secure centres in six universities, the network has to date provided access to over 150 social survey files, census data and administrative files to almost 2,000 researchers in 24 centres across Canada. Building on this solid foundation, a remote microdata access application called Real Time Remote Access is being developed. This new application will automatically process the data and verify the results to ensure that confidential information is not disclosed. These are two examples of how the Microdata Access program is contributing significantly to the access and quality of Statistics Canada information.

The Content Harmonization Initiative is coming to a very successful conclusion. This project has developed standardized treatment for a number of concepts and variables used in the Social Statistics program. These include family, household, language and income. These standards will be implemented in all agency social surveys to improve coherence across survey results and introduce efficiencies in survey design.

Statistics Canada reached agreement with its partner, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, to consolidate the two major occupational classifications into a single national classification. This is a considerable advance toward coherent occupational statistics across the Government of Canada.

What could be improved and what we are doing about it

An ongoing threat to the quality of Statistics Canada data is the increasing difficulty collecting it. The active lifestyles of Canadian families make it harder to contact them at home. As well, more households have only cellphones, or use Internet phones. All of this makes it more costly to maintain response rates. Without further efforts in survey collection, response rates and quality will decline. Statistics Canada is streamlining its collection functions to generate efficiencies in processes and systems that can be re-invested in maintaining response rates and data quality.

Statistics Canada will endeavour to improve communication with users about the data available on its website, and to ensure that these data are organized in a user-friendly and easy-to-access manner.

On the international front, Statistics Canada is involved in discussions on gaps for the measurement of societal well-being. This includes both a conceptual framework and the development of data in the areas of economic resources, quality of life and sustainability. Statistics Canada will continue to work with federal and international partners on this initiative.

2.3  Program Activity 3: Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics


Table 20  Financial and Human Resources, Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics
2009/2010 Financial resources1 ($ thousands) 2009/2010 Human resources (FTEs)
Planned spending Total authorities Actual spending Planned Actual Difference
78,669 100,325 93,146 889 968 (79)
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

The census program, conducted on a five-year cycle, has two components. The census proper consists of a small number of primarily demographic questions, which are asked of 100% of Canadian households. Concurrent with the census, Statistics Canada also conducts a large-scale sample survey to collect a variety of socioeconomic and cultural information on the population. In the 2006 Census, the most recent completed, the sample survey went to one in every five households. Planning is underway for the 2011 Census.

The census program's many activities provide statistical information on the Canadian population, its demographic characteristics and conditions, and changes over time. It provides needed detailed information on subgroups of the population and for small geographic areas. Population counts and estimates are required to determine electoral boundaries, the distribution of federal transfer payments, and the transfer and allocation of funds among regional and municipal governments, school boards and other local agencies within provinces. This program also provides information on the socioeconomic conditions and well-being of Aboriginal peoples. Further, the census provides an anchor point—a benchmark—on which survey estimates are calibrated for accuracy and consistency purposes.

Also every five years, the Census of Agriculture provides data on the number and types of farms; farm operators; commodities grown; animals raised; business operating arrangements; land and land management practices; capital investments; farm vehicles, machinery and equipment; and hired agricultural labour.

Benefits for Canadians

Census Program

Decennial census data are constitutionally required for determining the number and boundaries of federal electoral districts.

Further, the demographic, social and economic data that the census program collects on the Canadian population are needed to meet the priority information needs of government and the private sector. The census program provides unique and essential data for the following:

  • learning about populations that are key targets of government policy (e.g., recent immigrants; visible minorities; people with disabilities; Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations communities; ethnic, religious and language minorities; seniors and youth)
  • supporting provincial/territorial and local government planning and program delivery, as it provides detailed small-area information to monitor progress on issues such as rural population decline, infrastructure-related investments by all levels of government and the changing makeup of neighbourhoods
  • designing surveys that provide estimates of monthly employment, family incomes and expenditures, and other topics of concern to government, industry, labour and the general public
  • analysing social and economic issues, such as skills shortage and integration of immigrants
  • reviewing the effectiveness of current legislation.

Demography Statistics

During the intercensal period, population estimates are required to meet various legislative requirements, such as the Canada Health Transfer, the Canada Social Transfer, the Wait Times Reduction Transfer, the Equalization Formula and the Territorial Formula Financing, which together amounted to over $60 billion in 2009/2010. Population estimates are produced annually and quarterly by province and territory. Demographic projections are derived every five years, following the census, using various assumptions on population fertility, mortality and migration to define potential growth scenarios.

Aboriginal Statistics

Results from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey complement census data, providing a snapshot of the socioeconomic, cultural and health conditions of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations people living off-reserve. Similarly, the results of the 2006 Aboriginal Children's Survey address a data gap and provide decision makers with much-needed indicators of the early childhood development and well-being of Aboriginal children living off-reserve.

Significant data gaps exist, however, for the on-reserve population. Statistics Canada is working with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in its efforts to develop strategies to fill these gaps.

Census of Agriculture

Direct federal and provincial payments to the agriculture sector in recent years have been approximately $5 billion annually. The Census of Agriculture is critical for the development and evaluation of the underlying programs and policies related to food supply and safety, the environment, renewal, science and innovation, and business risk management. It contributes both directly with data and indirectly with its support of the annual agricultural statistics program. The Census of Agriculture provides a comprehensive source of data that is the foundation for the analysis of the agriculture and agri-food industry undertaken by federal and provincial departments.

Users of Census of Agriculture data go beyond federal, provincial and municipal governments. Local-level organizations and agencies (e.g., conservation authorities), associations that directly represent farmers (e.g., the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the National Farmers Union), academics (e.g., sociologists, economists and agronomists), specialized agriculture media and the general media all use Census of Agriculture data.

Performance Analysis


Expected Result 1: Access to Statistics
  Year Performance rating
Statistics produced by Statistics Canada are available through a wide range of easily accessible media formats and venues. 2009/2010 Met all
2008/2009 Met

Table 21  Indicators of Access for Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics
Indicator Current benchmark/target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of page views of electronic publications ('000) Annual increase exceeds 5% 288 344 5111 6301 666 Met all
Annual percentage increase in the number of page views of electronic publications (%) 40.5 19.4 48.5 23.3 5.7
Number of print publications sold — accessible on demand (number) Many 1,892 2,208 2,037 1,726 1,291
1. Revised from the 2008/2009 Departmental Performance Report.

Definitions

Number of page views of electronic publications: The number of web pages viewed during visitor sessions on the Statistics Canada website.

Number of print publications sold: The number of print copies for which a price was charged. Statistics Canada has moved to free dissemination of electronic versions of publications to encourage broader access.
Performance results: The Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics program activity exceeded its target growth rate for electronic page views by clients. In accordance with Statistics Canada's strategy, there was a corresponding shift away from print publications.

Expected Result 2: Trust in Statistics
  Year Performance rating
Canadians are aware of the availability of these statistics and of their high quality, and of the professionalism and non-partisanship of Statistics Canada. 2009/2010 Mostly met
2008/2009 Met

Key factors to ensure that the statistical information produced by Statistics Canada can be trusted are relevance and data quality, which include international comparisons.

Table 22  Indicators of Relevance for Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics
Indicator Current benchmark/target 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Number of data series downloaded from the CANSIM online database ('000) Annual increase exceeds 5% 1,862 2,184 1,7931 1,861 1,721 Not met
Annual percentage increase in the number of data series downloaded from the CANSIM online database (%) 31.2 17.3 (17.9) 3.8 (7.5)
2006 Census of Population Dissemination Program revenue ($ millions) Planned revenue ... ... 2.4 4.1 3.1 Met all
Actual revenue ... ... 3.7 5.6 3.1
... not applicable
1. Revised from the 2008/2009 Departmental Performance Report.

Definition

Data series downloaded from the online database: Data series downloaded by external users from Statistics Canada's CANSIM online database.
Performance results: The Census of Population, currently preparing for the 2011 Census, experienced a slight decline in the number of tables downloaded from its online database. This is typical of the level of demand at this point in the census cycle.

Actual revenues associated with the Census of Population Dissemination Program met planned revenue as a result of the strong demand by users for custom tabulations that meet their individual and business information needs. Similarly, revenues generated as a result of sales through a network of secondary distributors of census data were also very strong—another indication of the relevance of the data.

Table 23  Census of Population, Indicators of Data Quality, Including International Comparisons
Indicator / International comparison 2001 2006
Net census undercoverage1
Canada (%) 2.99 2.80
United States (2000 census) (%) 2.31 ...
Canada's position Slightly worse ...
Response rates
Canada – planned (%) 98.0 98.0
Canada – actual (%) 98.3 96.5
Rating Met Not met
Census outputs released as planned
Percentage of census outputs released as per the pre-announced schedule 100 100
Rating Met Met
... not applicable
1. The target is that this be as low as possible.

Definitions

Net census undercoverage: The number of people missed less the number of people counted more than once. Following each census since the 1961 Census, the reverse record check (RRC) has been carried out to measure census population undercoverage. The RRC estimates the number of people missed in the census. This estimate is combined with the estimate from the census overcoverage study of the number of people enumerated more than once to calculate net undercoverage.

Response rates: The accuracy of the data disseminated by Statistics Canada is directly related to the accuracy of the data provided by the respondents to its surveys or censuses. It follows that an important indication of accuracy is the percentage of respondents asked to provide data who actually do so. Generally, the higher the response rate, the greater the accuracy of the census results.

Census outputs released as planned: The planned release dates for Census of Population data that Statistics Canada publishes on its website. These outputs and their release dates can be accessed at http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/rt-td/index-eng.cfm.
Performance results: For the Census of Population, response rates are lower than in 2001, and are lower than planned. This is consistent with the change in response generally in survey-taking activities. All census outputs were released on time, adhering to the pre-established release schedule, and net undercoverage has improved since 2001.

Table 24  Census of Agriculture, Indicators of Data Quality, Including International Comparisons
Indicator / International comparison 2001 2006
Net census undercoverage – number of farms
Canada (%) 5.60 3.40
United States (2002 and 2007 censuses) (%) 17.90 16.24
Canada's position Better Better
Net census undercoverage – total farm area
Canada (%) 1.90 1.30
United States (2002 and 2007 censuses) (%) 2.40 3.33
Canada's position Better Better
Response rates
Canada (%) 98.0 96.0
United States (2002 and 2007 censuses) (%) 88.0 85.0
Canada's position Better Better
Definitions

Net census undercoverage – number of farms: The number of farms missed by the census less the number of farms counted more than once.

Net census undercoverage – total farm area: The total farm area missed by the census less the total farm area counted more than once.

Response rates: The accuracy of the data disseminated by Statistics Canada is directly related to the accuracy of the data provided by the respondents to its surveys or censuses. It follows that an important indication of accuracy is the percentage of respondents asked to provide data who actually do so. Generally, the higher the response rate, the greater the accuracy of the census results.
Performance results: Response rates and net undercoverage compared favourably with corresponding measures for the United States.

Organizational Efficiency


Table 25  Cost per Dwelling of Conducting the Census of Population, Including International Comparisons
Indicator / International comparison 2006 2011
$ Canadian
Cost per dwelling of conducting the Census of Population
Canada 45.31 41.78
Australia 42.881 44.191
United States (2010 census) ... 114.872
Canada's position Worse Better
... not applicable
1. Converted from Australian dollars on July 8, 2010, at a rate of 1 AUD = 0.9091 CAD, as per Bank of Canada at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html.
2. Converted from U.S. dollars on July 8, 2010, at a rate of 1 USD = 1.0446 CAD, as per Bank of Canada at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html.

Definition

Cost per dwelling: The total cost divided by the total number of dwellings. For 2011, this is an estimate.
Performance results: The 2006 Census underwent a significant methodological change that required a one-time investment of $35.4 million. The cost per dwelling including this investment was $45.31. The cost per dwelling in the 2011 Census is $41.78. In comparison to the 2006 Census, this represents a reduction of $3.53 (7.8%) per dwelling, or $51.7 million.

2011 Census of Population

The 2011 Census will capitalize on major changes introduced for the 2006 Census. These include an option for Canadians to respond to the census online, automated editing and data capture technologies and greater centralization of operational activities. For the 2011 Census, Statistics Canada plans to leverage heavily on the approaches and systems developed for the 2006 Census, and pursue a re-use strategy.

In fiscal year 2009/2010, work on the development and implementation phase of the 2011 Census continued. Statistics Canada tested key census processes, systems, and planning assumptions in the integrated end-to-end Census Test, which was conducted in May 2009. Test findings were incorporated in the development of operational infrastructure and materials.

Lessons Learned

What worked well

As part of the preparations for the 2011 Census of Population, a test was conducted in May 2009, consisting of 125,000 households. The objectives of the test were to fully exercise systems, procedures and processes, as well as enhancements to improve areas that were problematic in 2006, and to validate major changes.

The test met its main objectives:

  • evaluate the questionnaire to ensure relevant, good quality results
  • test a new multi-wave collection approach aimed at increasing overall Internet response uptake while minimizing non-response
  • test systems, procedures and processes to address issues encountered in the field during the 2006 Census (recruitment approaches, timely field/management communications).

Results of the test were used to validate assumptions and make required adjustments prior to the implementation phase of the 2011 Census. The 2009 Census Test was successful in demonstrating that these initiatives, among others, worked well and, with lessons learned, can be scaled up to the volumes required for the 2011 Census.

What could be improved and what we are doing about it

For the Census of Agriculture, issues identified during the Census Test will be resolved prior to the Census in 2011. These include

  • labelling for mailings to operators of more than one farm
  • recalibration of the scanners that capture data from questionnaires in order to increase both the quantity of throughput and quality of the resulting captured data
  • minor adjustments to the systems related to the Census Help Line.

2.4  Program Activity 4: Internal Services


Table 26  Financial and Human Resources, Internal Services
2009/2010 Financial resources1 ($ thousands) 2009/2010 Human resources (FTEs)
Planned spending Total authorities Actual spending Planned Actual Difference
77,566 91,847 89,323 874 948 (74)
1. Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding. Amounts shown are net of respendable revenue.

Overview

Internal Services are activities that enable all of the agency's operations. These activities help Statistics Canada carry out its mandated functions and advance its strategic outcome.

Internal Services comprises groups of activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of the organization: management and oversight services; communications services; legal services; human resource management services; financial management services; information management services; real property services; materiel services; acquisition services; and travel and other administrative services.

Benefits to Canadians

Statistics Canada provides access to a trusted source of information. In support of the agency's strategic outcome, our human resources, information technology, and other horizontal management areas must be fully integrated to ensure that our Economic Statistics, Social Statistics, and Census, Demography and Aboriginal Statistics programs have the guidance, infrastructure, and resources needed for successful delivery.

Performance Analysis


Table 27  Management Accountability Framework
Indicator Current target 2008/2009 2009/2010 Rating
Rating on 21 areas of management, as defined in the Management Accountability Framework Obtain rating of 'strong' or 'acceptable' in most areas of management Rated 'strong' or 'acceptable' in all but two areas of management Rated 'strong' or 'acceptable' in all but one area of management Met all
Definition

Management Accountability Framework: This is an annual evaluation of departments conducted by the Treasury Board Secretariat measuring 21 areas of management. This independent evaluation is an indicator of the efficiency of an organization's modern management practices.
Performance results: Statistics Canada improved its rating regarding quality of its management.

Table 28  Financial Management
Indicator Current target Performance summary Rating
Financial reports to Policy Committee provided as planned Monthly
  • All reports were provided as scheduled.
Met all
Efficient and effective financial management service is delivered, based on a solid organizational foundation consisting of sound business practices, processes, systems and people Adherence to Treasury Board Secretariat policies related to financial management
  • Adopted a Chief Financial Officer model, modernizing financial management and implementing a risk-based model for financial operations.
  • Created a designated training unit to support managers in the achievement of their financial management responsibilities.
  • Maintained an “acceptable” score for Area of Management 17 (Effectiveness of Financial Management and Control). Several initiatives were implemented to better align the financial management and control function with central agencies' requirements.
Met all
Efficient and effective governance and strategic directions Adherence to Management Accountability Framework standards related to governance and strategic directions
  • Developed a Corporate Business Plan that provides detailed information on the agency's governance structure and shows an integrated approach to business and human resources planning.
  • Established a Departmental Audit Committee, which is an essential component of our governance structure.
  • Program Activity Architecture was updated to include all program activities as per the Treasury Board definition guidelines and to improve its alignment with the Management, Resources and Results Structure.
  • Revised Strategic Outcome and developed a more results-based representation of how programs are delivered.
Met all
Definitions

Financial reports to Policy Committee provided as planned: Reporting by the agency's financial management services to the agency's executive committee. This is scheduled to occur monthly.

Efficiency and effectiveness: These relate to the implementation of financial management initiatives and the Management Accountability Framework, which is an annual evaluation of departments conducted by the Treasury Board Secretariat.
Performance results: Statistics Canada met all its financial management targets.

Table 29  Human Resources
Indicator Current target Performance summary Rating
Rating on Departmental Staffing Accountability Report (DSAR) Improve on results from 2008 DSAR Overall rating improved to “strong”. All indicators were rated acceptable or strong. Specifically, improvements were noted in the following areas:
  • delegation of staffing to deputy heads went from acceptable in 2008/2009 to strong;
  • planning for staffing went from acceptable in 2008/2009 to strong;
  • merit went from opportunity for improvement in 2008/2009 to acceptable.
Met all
Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) 2008 – response rate compared with 2005 Improvement The 2008 response rate of 86.3% is an increase of 6.1 percentage points compared to PSES 2005. Met all
Public Service Employee Survey 2008 – response rate compared with other departments Above others The 86.3% response rate is the highest response rate of the large departments and is well above the Public Service rate of 61.2%. Exceeded
Public Service Employee Survey 2008 – results Rank among the best in comparison with other federal government departments Statistics Canada was rated as highly as or higher than other federal departments on job satisfaction, satisfaction with the organization and commitment to the organization: 61% of employees (20 percentage points higher than the Public Service as a whole) agreed that management had made progress resolving issues raised in the 2005 survey. Two-thirds of employees (19 percentage points higher than the Public Service as a whole) agreed that management will try to resolve concerns raised in this survey. Exceeded
Definitions

Departmental Staffing Accountability Report: An annual report provided by organizations to the Public Service Commission concerning the management and results of departmental/agency staffing.

Public Service Employee Survey (PSES): A public service-wide survey that provides a snapshot of the views of employees about the organizations and units in which they work. The PSES also supports Public Service Renewal. By providing information on demographics, skills, career expectations and concerns of public service employees, it enables deputy heads to identify emerging human resources challenges and needs in their organizations. The ultimate outcome is ensuring that Canadians are served by a dynamic and effective Public Service now and into the future.
Performance Results: Statistics Canada met or exceeded its targets in all human resources activities.

Canada's Economic Action Plan Initiative

Announced in Budget 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP) provided Statistics Canada with $0.2 million to enhance federal public service student employment. Performance status: Met all — all CEAP deliverables were completed.

Lessons Learned

What worked well

The agency undertook ambitious work to strengthen the effectiveness of its internal audit function, the quality of performance reporting, the effectiveness of its information technology management and the effectiveness of the organizational contribution to government-wide priorities. This work was very successful, as indicated by the MAF scores for these areas of management. Internal audit and performance reporting went from 'opportunity for improvement' to 'acceptable'. The organizational contribution to government-wide priorities and the management of information technology went from 'acceptable' to 'strong'. In all, 13 areas of management were assessed in the current round: 4 improved, 1 declined, 6 were unchanged and 2 cannot be compared.

What could be improved and what we are doing about it

As described in Section 1, Information Management (MAF area of management 12) declined from 'acceptable' to 'opportunity for improvement'. This activity is considered fundamental to the mandate of Statistics Canada. The main reason for the decline is that the organization had an Information Management (IM) strategy with an accompanying action plan that was still in draft form at the time of the assessment. The draft action plan identified proposed initiatives and leads for each of the priorities; however, it did not include milestones, timelines and resources. The recommendation is therefore that “Statistics Canada should finalize and seek management approval for its IM Strategy and action plan, begin implementation, and ensure that appropriate governance structures and performance measurements are in place to monitor the progress of the strategy.”