In the past several years, Canadians have faced many uncertainties, from the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest to economic challenges and calls for social change. Throughout this period, Statistics Canada's expertise and reputation as a trusted source of information have been integral to the success of Canada's response and recovery planning. Data have proved to be vital in understanding what is happening and in guiding strong policies to move society forward while leaving no one behind. This report outlines how Statistics Canada will meet the nation's evolving data needs as Canadians seek to establish a more informed, stable and inclusive future.
The agency continues to include recommendations provided by the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) as part of its plans for the coming year. The work outlined in this departmental plan aligns with the three key recommendations provided in CSAC's third annual report:
- maintain the authority and responsibilities of Statistics Canada
- strengthen data stewardship within the national statistical system
- strengthen data sharing across jurisdictions.
The agency plans to work with new and existing partners, within the country and around the world, to integrate different sources of high-quality data. This will enhance its ongoing efforts to deliver the best information and insights available to help Canadians make timely, evidence-based decisions. Statistics Canada will also continue to work in partnership with First Nations peoples, Métis and Inuit to support strengthening the statistical capacity of these communities. As a national leader in data literacy, the agency will also implement innovative, engaging tools to reach more audiences and enhance their ability to extract value from data.
Canadians have been calling for more detailed information to address emerging socioeconomic and environmental concerns. To that end, Statistics Canada will continue implementing its Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP) and integrating the richness of 2021 Census data into more of its programs. The DDAP has enabled the release of data that will guide policies supporting women, racialized populations, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities and others experiencing systemic barriers to inclusion. Additionally, Statistics Canada's Census of Environment will help Canadians develop a better understanding of the state of the country's ecosystems. It will provide insight into how Canadians are adapting to new and emerging environmental challenges, improve awareness about the health impacts of the climate crisis, and inform strategies to repair the damage already done.
Statistics Canada is proud to play a leadership role in Canada's data network. The agency will continue exploring modern methods, tools and strategies to enable it to lead the way in acquiring, processing, integrating and analyzing data, while expanding access to the information and insights the agency produces.
As many industries and governments around the world implement new policies to reshape their work environments, Statistics Canada is transitioning to the Government of Canada's common hybrid work model. Most employees from across the country are working in the hybrid model that facilitates collaboration and innovation. Statistics Canada is modernizing its office spaces and refining its hiring, development and retention strategies to increase diversity and inclusion among employees.
For more than a century, the agency has steadfastly carried out its legal and ethical duty to collect, store and use data responsibly, as well as to protect the data that come into its care. Through Statistics Canada's online Trust Centre, the agency engages in an ongoing dialogue with Canadians about how it collects and uses data on their behalf, while protecting their privacy and safeguarding the confidentiality of the data they entrust to the agency. I invite Canadians to visit the Trust Centre to learn more about how the agency operates, as well as how the data-driven insights it produces contribute to the public interest.
Anil Arora
Chief Statistician of Canada