As the national statistical office, Statistics Canada ensures that Canadians have the information they require to make evidence-based decisions. The agency provides all levels of government with the timely, high-quality data and insights they need to monitor inflation, promote economic stability, plan roads and cities, and develop employment and social programs that benefit Canadians.
Statistics Canada's five core modernization principles—developed in collaboration with stakeholders and data users to better understand their information needs—will continue to guide the agency's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships, build trust, increase data integration and provide Canadians with the data-driven insights they need in a post-pandemic context.
The Disaggregated Data Action Plan remains a major focus in 2023–24. This multi-year plan will provide Canadians with the detailed data required to address gender gaps, racism and other systemic barriers, as well as to apply fairness and inclusion to decisions that affect the entire population.
Building on the success of the 2021 Census, the agency will continue to release data insights as it begins planning for the 2026 Census. This will include conducting extensive consultations with Canadians on both the content and dissemination strategy throughout the year.
Statistics Canada's other key priorities in 2023–24, by modernization principle, include the following.
Modernization principle: Working in collaboration and partnerships
To ensure that more data are integrated from a variety of sources and that more end users have the information they need to make evidence-based decisions, the agency has identified further opportunities to collaborate with new and existing partners. The number of partnerships will only increase as the country transitions to a post-pandemic environment.
Modernization principle: Being user-centric
The agency will prioritize the experience of users and partners at every step in the data value chain, with the aim of making it simple for Canadians to connect with their data. This includes leveraging existing tools, such as podcasts, mobile applications and data portals, to share insights with Canadians. Statistics Canada will continue to complete studies and develop new products to address user needs and emerging concerns.
Modernization principle: Using leading-edge methods
Statistics Canada is responding to the demand for rapid access to integrated data and insights and ensuring that Canadians have the necessary information to make decisions on complex emerging issues. The agency will use leading-edge approaches and its new data analytics platform to produce integrated data and insights efficiently and sustainably. Attention will be directed toward producing more actionable insights while remaining at the forefront in acquiring, processing, integrating, analyzing and disseminating data.
Modernization principle: Having a modern workforce and workplace
Statistics Canada provides its employees with access to the services and work environment that enable them to deliver results, mitigate organizational challenges and pursue business opportunities. This includes a multi-year plan currently underway to modernize its office spaces, agency-wide human resources strategies to increase diversity and inclusion, and an environment that attracts and retains talent. The agency is also establishing a barrier-free Statistics Canada through the implementation of its first multi-year accessibility plan.
Modernization principle: Building numeracy and data literacy skills
Statistics Canada is globally recognized for its expertise and ongoing leadership role on the world stage. The agency will also continue to be a national data literacy leader through its three key data strategy initiatives: data literacy and training, a data stewardship engagement strategy, and a data science community of practice. The agency will maintain a proactive and coordinated approach to drive the use of data as a strategic asset throughout the Government of Canada and provide support to other federal organizations.
Through partnerships with Indigenous peoples, organizations and communities, Statistics Canada will continue to be an important resource to assist in building capacity and maintaining Indigenous peoples' statistical programs that are grounded in their needs and based on the recognition of rights, respect and collaboration.
For more information on Statistics Canada's plans, see the "Core responsibilities: planned results and resources, and key risks" section of this plan.