Attendance
CSAC Members Attendance
Dr. Howard Ramos (Chairperson), Catherine Beaudry, Benoit Dostie, Annette Hester, Anke Kessler, Jan Kestle, André Loranger (Chief Statistician of Canada), Vinamra Mathur, Stephen Tapp
CSAC Members Regrets
David Chaundy
Statistics Canada
Assistant Chief Statisticians (ACS)
June 3: Josée Bégin, Geoff Bowlby, Stéphane Dufour, Kathleen Mitchell, Eric Rancourt, Mélanie Scott, Jennifer Withington
June 4: Geoff Bowlby, Stéphane Dufour, Kathleen Mitchell, Eric Rancourt, Mélanie Scott, Jennifer Withington and Gayatri Jayaraman, Jeff Latimer and Lucie Léonard on behalf of Josée Bégin
Meeting Agenda – Day 1
| Time | Agenda | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 |
Members meet-and-greet |
All members |
| 9:00 – 9:10 |
Chairperson introductory remarks |
Howard Ramos |
| 9:10 – 9:40 |
Chief Statistician of Canada updates |
André Loranger |
| 9:40 – 10:40 |
Work of international organisations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Canada’s position |
Presenters (in order): Eric Rancourt Stéphane Dufour Milana Karaganis Guest: Christos Sarakinos |
| 11:00 – 12:00 |
Perspective from the new Chief Statistician of Canada and discussion on the concept of official statistics |
Presenters (in order): Eric Rancourt Antonio Bakopoulos Pierre Desrochers Guest: Tom Dufour |
| 12:00 – 13:20 | Lunch and group photo | |
| 13:20 – 14:20 |
Discussion on the quality of administrative data |
Presenter Patrice Martineau |
| 14:30 – 15:55 |
Roundtable discussion about the report In camera |
All members |
| 15:55 – 16:00 |
Chairperson closing remarks for the day |
Howard Ramos |
Summary of the meeting
1. Chairperson introductory remarks
Dr. Ramos opened the meeting by welcoming members. He thanked members for their work on the report so far. The purpose of the meeting was to tighten up the report and start developing recommendations. He provided an update on topics discussed at the last in-person meeting on March 14th-15th, including their Letter of advice to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the selection process for the new Chief Statistician of Canada. He also noted a few key articles and reports that the Council should consider for the report.
2. Chief Statistician of Canada updates
Mr. Loranger provided an update on recent senior management changes and the conditions of his interim as Chief Statistician (CS) as well as the selection process for the new Chief Statistician, including timing. He then shared his vision for the agency, which builds on the modernization journey with a shift in emphasis and is guided by the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics to position the agency to provide the information Canadians and stakeholders need to meet current and future challenges. He then provided updates on recent initiatives at Statistics Canada, including the CS recent visits to regional offices, the new Internal Trade Hub, the Business Data Lab, Opioid Overdose Crisis Data and Temporary Foreign Worker Statistics.
Members discussed Statistics Canada’s historical funding structure (including the proportion tied to legislation) and its potential impact on new data needs and the importance of having a frame to prioritize.
3. Work of international organisations on AI and Canada’s position
Mr. Rancourt provided a brief history of the use of AI at Statistics Canada, which started early on with automated models. Mr. Dufour presented the work of the High Level Group for the Modernisation of Official Statistics (HLG-MOS), including context, the evolution of the mandate over time, the structure, and the HLG-MOS major projects for the year. He then spoke about the work of HLG-MOS on the use of Generative AI for official statistics, which includes use cases (with different levels of implementation depending on countries), solutions to address risks and considerations, and looking at co-developing some solutions. He concluded with future project development and outputs, noting that the Group will continue with an incremental approach to improve statistical capabilities and increase nimbleness. Ms. Karaganis provided an overview of the AI ecosystem within the Government of Canada, including the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, collaboration within the Government of Canada, such as the AI Strategy for the Public Service that includes three areas: data, technology and talent. Within the Government of Canada there are also working groups focusing on different aspects of technology. Statistics Canada has been well involved in data science and AI through connections with other countries and international organisations, with the aim of ensuring the quality of outputs is not compromised.
Members and presenters discussed exchanges in terms of research and development between the public and private sectors as well as between private sector organisations, given competition in this area. They also spoke about the governance for the federal government and the role of Statistics Canada. Members asked about current AI projects at Statistics Canada, such as Chatbots, and the models of AI being explored.
The Council mentioned that businesses support Statistics Canada and noted that other organisations, such as businesses, produce quality insights in the national statistical system. Council members also noted the importance of ensuring the public service has the competencies needed in terms of digital transformation. Members cautioned against using AI for its popularity and recommended to ensure the focus is on the tools and how they are supporting the work of the agency.
4. Perspective from the new Chief Statistician and discussion on the concept of official statistics
Mr. Rancourt noted the importance of discussing official statistics within the national statistical system, noting how the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics can help, and the coordination role of Statistics Canada internationally and domestically. Mr. Bakopoulos spoke briefly about the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and elements in the legislation related to official statistics and the coordinator role of Statistics Canada. In the current context, it is important to look at what official statistics are and how they can be used by Statistics Canada’s partners. Mr. Bakopoulos summarized key essential elements of official statistics and provided domestic and international examples of how other countries and government departments (federal and provincial) define official statistics.
Members discussed the concept of official statistics and whether there’s a need to define it as well as what can be considered official statistics and methods that could be used to determine whether statistics can be considered official. They also spoke about the difference Statistics Canada makes between official statistics and “experimental statistics” and the role the agency could play in terms of production, coordination and stewardship, for example in the implementation of best practices on methodology standards.
The Council noted that while it requires governance to ensure coordination of official statistics, Statistics Canada would be best placed to play this stewardship role.
5. Discussion on the quality of administrative data
Mr. Rancourt introduced the presentation and clarified that the definition of administrative data in the context of the presentation includes all non-survey data. Mr. Martineau presented the context, including the importance of administrative data for National Statistical Offices and key concepts. He provided an overview of the theoretical framework that the agency uses to ensure data quality, including assumptions. He then spoke about examples in the Canadian context including challenges, proposed solutions and limitations.
Members shared their experience with measuring the quality of administrative data in their field and the need to hold high standards of methodology even with non-traditional methods of collecting data. They also discussed the different methods used for linking administrative data for the examples mentioned during the presentation. They spoke about issues related to comprehensiveness of the framework, how well the administrative data measures the intended concept (compared to surveys, for example) and how to create a path forward for other information collectors.
6. Roundtable discussion about the report
The Chairperson facilitated an in-camera roundtable discussion on key takeaways from the day and how they will inform the Council’s annual report themes and recommendations.
7. Chairperson closing remarks for the day
Dr. Ramos provided closing remarks for the day.
Meeting Agenda – Day 2
| Time | Agenda | Lead Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:10 |
Chairperson introductory remarks |
Howard Ramos |
| 9:10 – 9:40 |
Update on Census of population |
Presenter (in order): Patrice Mathieu Guest: Christiane Laperrière |
| 9:40 – 10:40 |
Discussion about the report |
All members |
| 11:00 – 12:00 |
Battles of legitimacy: discussion on misinformation, disinformation in relation to official statistics |
Presenters (in order): Janice Keenan Chris Li Isabelle Marchand Guests: Nathalie Brault Matthew MacDonald Eric Caron Malenfant Vincent Dale |
| 12:00 – 12:20 |
Lunch |
|
| 12:20 – 12:30 |
Chairperson closing remarks |
Howard Ramos |
1. Chairperson Introductory Remarks
Dr. Ramos welcomed participants back and provided a summary of key themes of the report discussed the day before in-camera. He then presented an overview of the agenda for the second day of the CSAC in-person meeting.
2. Update on Census of population
Mr. Bowlby provided context on the focus of the presentation as the Census 2021 cycle ended and the new Census 2026 cycle has started. Mr. Mathieu presented the 2026 Census of Population cycle timelines, current status and way forward. The objectives of the new Census cycle are building on the success of previous Censuses while making improvements using new technologies, increasing the use of administrative data and maintaining cost effectiveness. Mr. Mathieu spoke about the 2024 Census Test objectives, timeline, sample size and geography as well as content and operational changes to be tested in 2024. He provided an overview of the combined census research, including next steps and communications, consultations, and outreach. He concluded with potential innovations to the 2031 Census and beyond.
Members discussed challenges related to the Census, such as measuring homelessness and linkages with Census data and sources used to ensure a fulsome picture is depicted.
The Council noted that Statistics Canada’s communication campaign on social media was particularly effective during the last Census cycle.
3. Discussion of work for the year and report
The Chairperson facilitated an in-camera discussion with the Council on the themes and recommendations of the annual report, taking stock of discussions throughout the in-person meeting.
4. Battles of legitimacy: discussion on misinformation, disinformation in relation to official statistics
Ms. Keenan clarified the difference between misinformation and disinformation, mentioning a few studies on whether Canadians fact check and on trust in institutions. She provided an overview of the media landscape, including challenges, and of the communication strategy in place to maintain trust in the agency and the agency’s strategy to mitigate misinformation. Ms. Li provided an overview of the response to misinformation and communication and outreach strategy related to the Consumer Price Index and Ms. Marchand focused on the Labour Force Survey.
Members and presenters discussed the strategy to mitigate misinformation when the information is misrepresented in media articles, including the amount of correction requests. They also spoke about trends related to support for the agency and misinformation and Statistics Canada’s strategy for social media, which is a different format than traditional media.
The Council noted the importance of outreach to journalists and even the broadcaster or editor to correct information when needed. Members also discussed the role of the Council in ensuring trust in the agency is maintained and the potential benefit for the agency, and the Government of Canada, to have an overall proactive approach and strategy.
5. Chairperson Closing Remarks
Dr. Ramos thanked CSAC members, the Chief Statistician, the Assistant Chief Statisticians and their teams and the CSAC Secretariat for their support. He summarized next steps for the Council, including themes to discuss at the upcoming virtual meeting.