Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M) training

The Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M) is a microsimulation tool specifically designed for analyzing the tax and transfer system in Canada. It is a complex multidisciplinary analytical tool which, while easily used, requires significant experience to master. Statistics Canada is committed to working with licensees of the SPSD/M in order to help them get the maximum benefit from the model and to do so in a flexible way that is most beneficial to individual client's research and personnel needs. The SPSD/M training will assist those interested in analyzing financial interactions of federal/provincial governments and individuals in Canada. To this end we have two training options to help develop the knowledge and skills to effectively employ the model and provide advice on how to best apply the SPSD/M to approach your policy research questions.

Target participants

Individuals who are interested in using microsimulation to analyze Canadian tax and transfer policies. Participants should have some understanding of the Canadian tax and transfer system.

This tool is specifically designed for analyzing the tax and transfer policies in Canada and can't be used to analyze policies for other countries. Please contact us directly if you have questions.

Training seminars

These courses are offered in English and French twice per year. A minimum number of participants is required to hold a course (courses will be cancelled if there is not enough registrations less than 10 working days prior to the date of the course). This training can also be given at a client's site if suitable facilities are available.

To register, simply send an e-mail message to spsdm@statcan.gc.ca
(Please note that, generally, our seminars are offered in the spring and fall of each year.)

Course descriptions

Course description for SPSD/M Black Box training

This is an introductory seminar directed primarily towards persons who will be hands-on users of the SPSD/M, although the seminar is also of value to all persons who will be analyzing and interpreting SPSD/M results. The course provides a detailed understanding of the components of the product and how to use key features such as controlling scenarios, creating new variables and customized tables. Case studies are presented and participants have an opportunity for hands-on experience. Persons planning on attending the seminar are strongly advised to have worked through the examples presented in the Introduction and Overview manual. The following is an outline of the major topics covered in the course.

  • Microsimulation fundamentals
  • SPSD/M components and structure
  • Key concept: Static database aging
  • Key concept: Unit of analysis
  • Key concept: Accounting framework
  • Social Policy Simulation Model (SPSM) parameters
  • SPSM installation & operation
  • Selection and sampling
  • Custom tables with the crosstabulator
  • SPSD/M database and variables
  • SPSM algorithms
  • SPSM facilities
  • Creating new variables
  • Example simulations and case studies

Course description for SPSD/M Glass Box training

This is an advanced seminar directed towards persons who are already hands-on users of the SPSD/M. The course provides an understanding of how to create glass box executables by modifying the Social Policy Simulation Model (SPSM) algorithms which are written in C++. Case studies are presented and participants have an opportunity for more hands-on experience.

Prerequisites: Persons planning on attending the seminar should already be familiar with the use of the SPSD/M in Black box mode. They should know how to create new user variables and custom tables at various family levels.

The following is an outline of the major topics covered in the course.

  • SPSM algorithms
  • Visual Studio .NET
  • Building a glass box
  • SPSD/M file structure
  • Creating new parameters
  • Creating new variables
  • Debugging

The next scheduled courses

SPSD/M Black Box Training (English)

Course description for Black Box Training

Language:

English

Dates:

Course duration is 4 days: April 25 2025 (1pm-4pm EST), April 28 2025 (10:30am-4pm EST), April 29 2025 (10:30am-4pm EST), May 2 2025 (10:30am-4pm EST)

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

$800.00 + HST

SPSD/M Black Box Training (French)

Course description for Black Box Training

Language:

French

Dates:

Course duration is 4 days: March 11 2025 (1pm-4pm EST), March 12 2025 (10:30am-4pm EST), March 13 2025 (10:30am-4pm EST), March 20 2025 (10:30am-4pm EST)

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

$800.00 + HST

SPSD/M Glass Box Training (English)

Course description for Glass Box Training

Language:

English

Dates:

Course duration is 8 days: November 12 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), November 14 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), November 19 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), November 21 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), November 26 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), November 28 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), December 3 2024 (1pm-4pm EST), December 5 2024 (1pm-4pm EST).

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

$1600 + HST

Prerequisites:

Persons planning on attending the seminar should already be familiar with the use of the SPSD/M in Black box mode. They should know how to create new user variables and custom tables at various family levels.

SPSD/M Glass Box Training (French)

Course description for Glass Box Training

Language:

French

Dates:

TBD

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

$1600 + HST 

Prerequisites:

Persons planning on attending the seminar should already be familiar with the use of the SPSD/M in Black box mode. They should know how to create new user variables and custom tables at various family levels.

In-house training

If an organization or individual has either a special project they wish to use the model for, or a specific advanced aspect of model use they wish to master (i.e. stochastic imputation) arrangements can be made for one-on-one training. In most of these cases an analyst works with our microsimulation team in Ottawa. The access to a group of microsimulation and quantitative policy analysis oriented professionals is an added benefit of this type of training. It is also possible for a Statistics Canada microsimulation analyst to visit a client's site.

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