Table of contents

• Message from the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council
• Executive summary
• Introduction
• 1. National statistical system
  • 1.1 More effective development of national data needed
  • 1.2 Indigenous-led data strategies are integral to a national data system
• 2. Statistical legislation
  • 2.1 The Statistics Act should be updated
  • 2.2 Statistics Canada's role needs to be better defined
  • 2.3 Authorized researchers should be recognized for microdata access
  • 2.4 Revisions needed to the Statistics Act in support of Indigenous data governance
• 3. Opportunities, barriers and critical data needs
  • 3.1 Connecting data
  • 3.2 Real time data flows
  • 3.3 Innovative measures and methods
• Definitions
• Endnotes

Message from the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council

The Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) was created to enhance the independence of Statistics Canada, Canada's national statistical organization, and to offer advice to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Chief Statistician of Canada. As part of its mandate, CSAC is tasked with producing an annual report on the state of Canada's statistical system. Our mission is to provide impartial and independent advice to ensure the quality, relevance and accessibility of the national statistical system.

In 2020, CSAC released its first report in a context that was shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased mobilization against racial injustice. We focused on the need for high-quality statistical information to address nationwide health issues and socio-economic inequities. We also engaged the need to collect these data while respecting the privacy of Canadians' personal information.

To meet the expectations and needs of Canadians and to ensure a robust national statistics system, we focus in this report on the characteristics of an effective and representative system. We stress the need to update policies and legislation that govern the national statistical system and the need to clarify and strengthen Statistics Canada's role as data steward. We identify opportunities, barriers and critical data needs that need to be pursued, overcome and addressed.

The Council is grateful to Statistics Canada, Anil Arora, the Chief Statistician of Canada, who is an ex-officio member of the Council, and his excellent team for responding to our requests for information with both written and oral presentations to our working groups and meetings. We would like to offer our very particular thanks to Melanie Forsberg, Kacie Ha, and Sam Ndayishimye of the CSAC Secretariat for their advice and assistance.

We trust that our report and advice be accepted by the Minister on behalf of the Government of Canada and will strengthen Canada's national statistical system to help the government and Canadians build a vibrant economy and a healthy population, as well as address the pressing problems the country faces today and in the years to come.

Signed: The Canadian Statistics Advisory Council

Annette Hester
Dr. Céline Le Bourdais
David Chaundy
Gail Mc Donald
Gurmeet Ahluwalia
Dr. Howard Ramos
Jan Kestle
Dr. Michael C. Wolfson

Executive summary

Information and data are among Canada's most valuable resources Both affect every aspect of Canadians' lives, from connecting with family and friends, to running businesses, to responding to pressing problems. They are foundations of a modern economy fuelled by people, diversity, an innovative drive, and a robust national statistical system that crosses all sectors and communities.

Leading edge Canadian public and private sector organizations are driving the use of digital information to better understand the issues Canadians face. There is also a wealth of public and private data in this country that is not part of the national statistical system. When built upon common concepts and definitions, as well as shared standards, these data can bring new perspectives to help inform some of the more complex issues Canadians face.

The federal government must be a leader and support the creation of national data as a tool to meet the expectations and needs of today and to be ready for those of tomorrow. Canada faces urgent data needs in a number of areas, such as health, diversity and environment. The creation of national data is hampered by government departments at all levels of jurisdiction that tend to be siloed, which makes sharing and integrating data among departments and across jurisdictions difficult, if not impossible. The underlying legal, policy and cost barriers are complex and challenging. However, it is time for outdated government infrastructures to be modernized and coordinated to meet the expectations of Canadians and tackle the 21^st century problems they face.

For Canada to succeed in an increasingly dynamic digital world, Statistics Canada's role is key. The agency is an independent and trusted source of official statistics and provides a solid foundation for government accountability and evidence-based decision making by both the public and the private sectors, which benefits all Canadians. Statistics Canada's role as data steward in the country's statistical systems needs to be clarified and strengthened in the Statistics Act. The Act is ambiguous regarding what role Statistics Canada has in assuring common data standards and coordination of data, in some cases leading to confusion in the Act's interpretation and implementation.

Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter and Indigenous Lives Matter movements have heightened a growing recognition among Canadians and decision makers of how important reliable detailed information is to understand many of the issues facing Canadians. There is an urgent need for nimble, flexible data systems, as pressing problems and critical events are often unexpected. In general, the pace of change today occurs much more quickly than the change captured in quinquennial census information or data collected from annual surveys. There are new untapped sources of information that can provide more realtime data and accurate portraits of Canadians and their communities.

Data sources on their own generally do not provide the breadth, depth or interconnections required to examine more complex issues such as socioeconomic inequalities and environmental impacts from and on businesses. For analysis, datasets need to be constructed from multiple sources by linking and connecting relevant variables under clearly specified confidentiality and security protocols. Such data environments can be successful only if done within Canada's broader data system, which includes all levels of government, First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and communities, and non-government entities. New and mutually beneficial partnerships are required to facilitate connecting data from different institutions in adherence to national standards on definitions, concepts and coding.

Recommendation 1.
Adapting governance and data stewardship to a digital society

Canada is an increasingly digital country, with information and data among its most valuable resources. Working within the national statistical system, Statistics Canada is often constrained in its ability to deliver what Canadians expect and need to create prosperity and well-being in a world marked by a digital future. Even with digital modernization efforts, the statistical system is hampered by fragmentation, unused data and unmet data needs in critical sectors. These are largely a consequence of the inherited historical governance structure between Statistics Canada and federal departments, provinces and territories. New governance models are needed that bring broader perspectives and partnerships.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities are each developing a distinctions-based approach to asserting their unique jurisdiction, ownership and control over their data that relates to their identity, their people, language, history, culture and communities. Information, data and capacity development investments are important at the community, regional and national levels to support these efforts. Partnerships with Statistics Canada should be pursued without prejudice or harm to existing and future processes.

Recommendation 2.
Statistical legislation must reflect the needs of a modern digital national statistical system

Data derived from a modern digital society are essential to informed decision making for pandemic recovery initiatives, for reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, for tackling the climate crisis, and for addressing key issues the country will face for decades to come Strong, clear and unambiguous statistical legislation is important to support the national data system, including its national data strategies.

Modern digital technology for collecting, transferring and sharing statistical information is not well reflected in the Statistics Act, which affects how the statistical legislation is interpreted. Much of the language pertaining to the collection and storing of statistical information is essentially unchanged since 1918.

Recommendation 3.
Leveraging opportunities for addressing critical data needs

Critical data gaps and a lack of coordinated data in Canada seriously undermine the ability of public and private decision makers and the general public to understand and address key social, economic, and environmental issues facing Canadians. In many cases, these serious data gaps stem from complex and longstanding issues involving multiple jurisdictions, competing interests and inadequate national direction and authority. Understanding and acting upon these impediments is essential to allow development of national and nationwide data that can be used to inform pressing issues of today and of tomorrow.

Introduction

Information and data are among Canada's most valuable resources Both affect every aspect of Canadians' lives, from connecting with family and friends, to running businesses, to responding to pressing problems. They are foundations of a modern economy fuelled by people, diversity, an innovative drive and a robust national statistical system that crosses all sectors and communities.

Events such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, the tragedy of Indigenous residential schools and the climate crisis cannot adequately be addressed without high quality data and a coordinated statistical system. Such a system is also key to offering Canadians a more prosperous and robust quality of life.

Collection and coordination of data from Canadians, from government departments and from Canadian businesses should be a public good. It is an essential infrastructure to support a strong economy and well-functioning society. In a modern and increasingly complex society, new and innovative sources of data and methods are required to effectively capture how Canadians are faring. It is key to sound decision making.

For Canada to succeed in an increasingly dynamic digital world, Statistics Canada's role is key. Canadians look to Statistics Canada for high quality information. ^{Footnote 1}

The agency is an independent and trusted source of official statistics and provides a solid foundation for government accountability and evidence-based decision making by both the public and the private sectors, which benefits all Canadians. It is also an agency that prizes confidentiality of people's information and weighs the necessity of collecting this information in all the work it does.

Statistics Canada, however, cannot alone support all of Canada's data needs. To meet its mandate and to be an effective agency, it must work with public and private sector partners to produce quality comparable data that are representative of all Canadians. This can be done only with national data standards so that important data produced by all sectors are comparable and can be shared across jurisdictions, not only routinely, but also when required to meet unexpected and critical data needs.

A strong statistical system must also be driven by inclusive strategic thinking on how social, economic and environmental factors contribute to issues and what data are needed to better understand and address them. This means collaborative frameworks that include Statistics Canada and partners from different sectors, with their roles and accountabilities clearly defined. It also means that individual Canadians need to do their part in sharing their data in exchange for high-quality statistics, statistical information and effective service delivery.

The federal government must be a leader and support the creation of national data as a tool to meet the expectations and needs of today and to be ready for those of tomorrow. Canada faces urgent data needs in a number of areas such as health and environment. There is also a lack of sufficient data to speak to the detailed and lived experiences of racialized Canadians, Indigenous communities, and all citizens in their various demographic intersections from coast-to-coast-to-coast. This  is hampered by government departments at all levels of jurisdiction that tend to be siloed, rendering sharing and integration of data among them and across jurisdictions difficult, if not impossible. The underlying legal, policy and cost barriers are complex and challenging. However, it is time for outdated government infrastructures to be modernized and coordinated to meet the expectations of Canadians and tackle the 21^st century problems they face.

This year's report of the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) focuses on principles for development of a national data system to address critical data needs, including new partnerships and capacities for making greater use of Canada's wealth of existing and potential data resources. The Council believes this is essential to build the infrastructure needed for a vibrant economy and a healthy population, and to meet the pressing problems the country faces today and in the years to come.

Recent developments

The Council recognizes the many developments by Statistics Canada and the federal government over the last year that are consistent with recommendations made in its 2020 report.

Increasingly, there is greater recognition of the role of national and nationwide data to support informed decision-making. The importance of official data can be seen in the January 2021 supplemental mandate letters to federal ministers ^{Footnote 2}with numerous references to statistics, and in 2021 Federal Budget with important investment announcements for developing data to meet critical data gaps. This includes the creation of a Disaggregated Data Action Plan, a new Census of Environment, and support for the development of data in a number of areas such as longterm and supportive care, quality of life, and clean growth and technology. The need for such investments was discussed in our report last year and is welcome news.

Events over the last year have provided Statistics Canada with opportunities for new strategic partnerships across all levels of government to accelerate innovative initiatives on alternative methods and data sources. In response to many demands for new data to support Canadians and government in their efforts to manage the effects of the pandemic, Statistics Canada has expanded the scope of its operations to leverage innovative statistical methods and tools. These have been applied to central programs such as the Labour Force Survey, and for collecting information through web panels and crowdsourcing. This has enabled reporting for key vulnerable populations, including immigrants and visible minority groups. Web portals, such as the Canadian Statistical Geospatial Explorer and COVID-19: A data perspective, provide data, indicators and analyses on the social and economic impacts of the pandemic on Canadians and their businesses.

The agency is playing key roles as coordinator and collaborator in support of efforts to connect information on the COVID-19 pandemic and assess its impacts on Canadians as it unfolds. This includes supporting the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on the development of tools, data products and analysis for tracking vaccines supply; forecasting ventilator capacity; refining variables in epidemiological models; and developing social impacts analyses. Leveraging the expertise of its survey interviewers, the agency also supported Health Canada to make the equivalent of over one million calls for contact tracing at the federal and provincial levels. The agency used its expertise in data science and data management to help Health Canada and PHAC work closely with the provinces and territories to better manage the supply and demand of personal protective equipment. Statistics Canada provided expert contributions to the federal economic response to the pandemic, as federal organizations, the Bank of Canada, Crown corporations and regulators were mobilized to strengthen the capacity for economic analysis and advice in support of decision making. The agency also introduced the new Canadian Survey on Business Conditions reports, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and business owners, for current data to understand the expectations of businesses in Canada.

Our report last year supported Statistics Canada's development of its Necessity and Proportionality Framework and recognized the important need to identify the value proposition of all statistical efforts. The concept of necessity relates to the need for Statistics Canada to collect data to produce official statistics that accurately and adequately measure Canadian social, economic and environmental well-being. Proportionality is balancing this need with the need to reduce the response burden on Canadians and to protect the privacy of their information. The agency has now implemented this framework across all programs and is embedding it as a key element within planning and processes.

Statistics Canada, like all departments and partners, had to transform operations to allow its employees to work remotely. This provided an opportunity to accelerate implementing advanced technologies around transmission of and access to confidential data. The 2021 Census was conducted virtually, with the 32,000 enumerators hired for the census conducting much of their work from home, and a large majority of Canadians completing the census questionnaire online. These technologies are also being piloted with the Virtual Data Lab project to broaden remote microdata access to authorized researchers. As this access is rolled out in phases; governance, data stewardship, partnerships and timeliness will be key.

The agency is developing a collaborative data analytics platform that cross- references data from reliable Statistics Canada sources, offering researchers innovative analytics, presentation and dissemination options. These are major developments that will transform how research is conducted in Canada.

1. National statistical system

Recommendation 1.
Adapting governance and data stewardship to a digital society

Canada is an increasingly digital country, with information and data among its most valuable resources.

Working within the national statistical system, Statistics Canada is often constrained in its ability to deliver what Canadians expect and need to create prosperity and well-being in a world marked by a digital future. Even with digital modernization efforts, the statistical system is hampered by fragmentation, unused data and unmet data needs in critical sectors. These are largely a consequence of the inherited historical governance structure between Statistics Canada and federal departments, provinces and territories. New governance models are needed that bring broader perspectives and partnerships.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities are each developing a distinctions-based approach to asserting their unique jurisdiction, ownership and control over their data that relates to their identity, their people, language, history, culture and communities. Information, data and capacity development investments are important at the community, regional and national levels to support these efforts. Partnerships with Statistics Canada should be pursued without prejudice or harm to existing and future processes.

1.1 More effective development of national data needed

In an environment where partnerships and innovation drive digital data ecosystems, more effective approaches are needed for national data development. This is critical for a strong, sustainable 21st century economy and society.

Leading-edge Canadian public and private sector organizations are driving the use of digital information to better understand the issues we face. The value of data is lost when not used, not shared or not coordinated, and together, this represents a lost opportunity to bring new perspectives to help inform some of the more complex issues Canadians face. There is a wealth of public and private data in this country that is not part of the national statistical system. When they are built upon common concepts and definitions and shared standards, these data can be key to meeting the needs of Canadians.

While Statistics Canada works closely with federal departments and organizations in reviewing their data needs, there is presently no standard or coordinated way to assess priority data requirements within the federal government. As it did in the last report, the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) recommends that statistical data requirements and funding be based on a holistic government approach and explicitly included in the planning for all federal government programs. There is movement in this direction, as Statistics Canada is working with the Privy Council Office and the Treasury Board Secretariat to see how data considerations and requirements can be built in from the onset and be a consideration throughout the program and service development lifecycle. We look forward to seeing how this translates to formal changes to governance in the federal statistical system.

The pandemic has brought to light many data initiatives, leading to a myriad of sources of data potentially available to Statistics Canada and other federal departments on just about any topic of federal interest. As well, there is an unparallelled growth in the private sector of important types of digital data, as Canadians embrace all sorts of online activities such as shopping and communicating.

In the 2021 Federal Budget, Statistics Canada was tasked with creating a Disaggregated Data Action Plan to fill data and knowledge gaps. According to the federal government, the agency would be empowered with a mandate to work with federal partners and other levels of government to address the priority data gaps the country is facing. Other federal partners would also be given the mandate to work in partnership with Statistics Canada to ensure the success of the federal data strategy and to fill priority data gaps. In particular, government departments would be mandated to provide federally generated administrative microdata of statistical value to Statistics Canada on a timely basis, as required While this in line with the recommendations of the Council, there are the significant challenges the federal government and Statistics Canada face to change a longstanding culture of more narrow and siloed departmental governance.

These initiatives represent a major step forward. Some public sector programs have a poor track record on addressing longstanding data needs, including the health and the environment subsectors. Also, there is generally a lack of detailed social, economic and environmental indicators to meet the needs of racialized groups; Indigenous communities; LGBTQ+ groups, including non-cisgender populations in particular; linguistic minorities; and Canadians in rural and northern communities to name some examples. The statistical system captures well the dominant population in the largest urban areas but fails to adequately capture the diversity of the country and misses the more varied experiences of Canadians.

National data strategies, roadmaps and key partnerships are tools that help define and guide the best use of Canada's data resources. They need to ensure coherence, nimbleness and accessibility of data. They should also include collaborative frameworks that empower partnerships to access, share and connect the national data Canadians need. Roles and accountabilities should always be clearly defined.

Statistics Canada is in the best position to lead the setting of common standards and coordinate Canadians' data, with expertise on a wide range of subject areas. It is also well positioned to facilitate dialogue across public, private and other sectors on data needs, and to work in partnership to co-develop and collaborate with First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and communities. It is an independent federal agency, with a clear legal mandate, strong methodology, security and governance practices that are required for data acquisition and modernization. Statistics Canada has a broad and holistic understanding of the data ecosystem, the country's social, economic and environmental issues, and how partners can come together to share, connect and make data accessible. Input and guidance from experts and advisors are important to continuously improve this understanding. The agency's expertise and leadership are highly acknowledged in Canada and internationally.

Statistics Canada has effectively been playing a data stewardship role that encompasses setting standards for data and data coordination. It is currently working with Canadians from across government, industry, civil society, First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and communities, academia, and standards development organizations to accelerate the development of industry-wide data governance standardization strategies. This is in line with the Canadian Data Governance Standardization Collaborative ^{Footnote 4} established by the Standards Council of Canada in 2019. Statistics Canada's role as data steward has also been accentuated during the pandemic. In the face of critical challenges of data sharing and incomparability, the agency has worked with partners on innovative data development.

National data strategies should adhere to a number of principles around governance and data stewardship. Without collaborative strategic thinking and planning, bureaucratic inertia and other hindrances to collecting and sharing statistical information across jurisdictions will continue to outweigh efforts to develop needed nationwide data accessible to all Canadians.

CSAC offers principles for developing national data. This is in line with the federal Canada Data and Digital Strategy (2021), which proposes that a national data strategy be developed with Statistics Canada providing national data stewardship support.

1.2 Indigenous-led data strategies are integral to a national data system

First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations have been developing capacity, infrastructure and strategic frameworks to support data governance and data collection processes at both national and regional levels. The nature of the data and analytical skills they require is changing and is more specific to regional and local issues that affect their peoples, both on and off their communities. There is a greater focus on measuring well-being, resiliency and economic progress. National attention to the tragedy of Indigenous residential schools and calls to move past colonialism and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation and dialogue require quality statistical information developed by Indigenous organizations and communities, and when appropriate, in co-partnership with federal, provincial, territorial and other governments.

The 2021 Federal Budget included an investment to support continued work with the First Nations Information Governance Centre to develop and implement a First Nations Data Governance Strategy, and with Inuit and Métis organizations and communities to develop data strategies and baseline data capacity. Investment in the advancement of First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led data governance capacity building efforts at the national and regional levels is necessary to addressing critical data needs and full participation in and contribution to the national statistical data system. It will be important to see how these funds are being used to support access to reliable and culturally relevant data on Indigenous peoples. This is critical to building a complete portrait of Indigenous lived experiences, unmasking inequalities and ensuring delivery of effective policies and programs. Distinctions-based approaches ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of the First Nations, Inuit and the Métis are acknowledged, affirmed, and acted upon.

It is important to clearly define the role of Indigenous organizations and communities, Statistics Canada and other federal departments when partnering to develop and implement data strategies and analytic capacity building. This will serve both Indigenous and Canada's interests with mutual contributions and receipt of knowledge and expertise. It must be founded on respectful and meaningful engagements, building trust, defining partnerships, co-governance and agreements, and creating opportunities and space for mutually beneficial involvement in the national data system. Indigenous-led data strategies are integral to the national data system. Recommendations in this report on changes to governance and statistical legislation address some of the barriers to transformative Indigenous distinctions-based data.

2. Statistical legislation

Recommendation 2.
Statistical legislation must reflect the needs of a modern digital national statistical system

Data derived from a modern digital society are essential to informed decision making for pandemic recovery initiatives, for reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, for tackling the climate crisis, and for addressing key issues the country will face for decades to come. Strong, clear and unambiguous statistical legislation is important to support the national data system, including its national data strategies.

Modern digital technology for collecting, transferring and sharing statistical information is not well reflected in the Statistics Act, which affects how the statistical legislation is interpreted. Much of the language pertaining to the collection and storing of statistical information is essentially unchanged since 1918.

The time to revise the Statistics Act is long overdue Data and statistical information have never been more essential to decision making on social and economic recovery initiatives, addressing climate change, reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, with impacts for decades to come. As the federal government reviews its privacy legislation, including the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, changes to these laws should be coordinated with the review of the Statistics Act. This review is important to maintain and not erode the Statistics Act's current authorities, while continuing to protect the confidentiality and privacy of Canadians as it has done for over 100 years.

The Statistics Act was amended in 2017, formalizing Statistics Canada's independence by entrenching this independence into law and ensuring that the methods and procedures for carrying out statistical programs are based strictly on professional statistical standards.

Much of the language and concepts in the act pertaining to the collection and storing of statistical information, however, have not been updated since the act's origin in 1918. They need to be clarified or amended to reflect a more contemporary and digital world.

Statistics Canada is modernizing its statistical infrastructure to meet the challenges of collecting and producing statistical information in a fast-changing digital economy. The agency is also engaging in partnerships with government and non-government organizations to develop new types of data from administrative and other sources, as traditional surveys are no longer as able to provide the in-depth and disaggregated data Canadians need.

While the agency is making major strides in these areas, there remain critical hindrances, limited by a Statistics Act that is largely outdated Canada needs a stronger national statistical system, with clearer legal mandates and authorities around data stewardship and data flows across jurisdictions.

In 2020, the Government of Canada released Canada's Digital Charter: Trust in a digital world, ^{Footnote 6} which lays the foundation for a made-in-Canada approach to promote public trust, encourage innovation and foster inclusive economic growth in a world that moves continuously in all directions and where data come increasingly from non-traditional sources. It has also signaled an interest in a review of the Statistics Act.

2.1 The Statistics Act should be updated

Statistics Canada has identified potential areas for legislative review that are in line with Canada's Digital Charter. These include access, use and release of microdata, data protection, provision of services, and modernization.

Such changes would allow Statistics Canada to be more relevant and efficient in a digital and data-driven world and ensure the expanded use of Statistics Canada expertise in data stewardship in supporting other organizations with their data management challenges. It would also allow for better management and oversight of the data collected, stored, integrated and shared, resulting in better data being accessible for research and analysis across Canada.

There is also a need to update terminology in the Statistics Act. It only mentions the word data once. Analysis is mentioned as one of a list of duties Statistics Canada must undertake, specifically to collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistics. Terms such as data and analysis are fundamental to modern methods and technologies for collecting, sharing and accessing data. They must be integral to the legal descriptions of Statistics Canada's roles, responsibilities and accountabilities.

Other terminology currently in the Statistics Act such as documents, information, instructions, records, reports, rules, tabulations and requests for information have become ambiguous and even irrelevant as modern statistical information is collected, stored, transferred and analyzed in digital formats. These terms need to be replaced or, at the minimum, clarified.

2.2 Statistics Canada's role needs to be better defined

The Statistics Act is ambiguous about what role Statistics Canada has in assuring common data standards and coordination of data, in some cases leading to confusion in the act's interpretation and application. The agency's role as data steward in the country's statistical systems needs to be clarified and strengthened in the Statistics Act.

Statistics Canada's legal mandate from the act includes producing national official statistics in collaboration with government departments and other organizations. It must also promote and coordinate with provinces, territories and Indigenous jurisdictions plans for integrated social and economic statistics, including arrangements and agreements with these jurisdictions for the transfer or exchange of statistics or information.

These provisions in the act have generally served Canadians and decision makers quite well Statistics Canada plays a leadership role in working with departments and organizations of all jurisdictions, resulting in a large array of consistent, comparable and integrated social and economic statistics produced by Statistics Canada drawing from these organizations.

However, there is a lack of willingness or capacity on the part of public, private and other sectors to work with Statistics Canada on developing or adopting common standards Statistics Canada expends substantial resources to make data from different sources comparable for a given topic. Moreover, there are notable instances where data needed for statistical purposes exist, but the data custodians are unwilling to provide copies of these data to Statistics Canada for various reasons. The Statistics Act provides the legal authority to collect this information, but the language in the act for doing so is soft and must be strengthened. Terms like promoting and coordinating may be the most effective way to obtain collaboration and partnerships for developing high-quality integrated data, but stronger legal language is also required for instances when this is not enough.

The Statistics Act should also be revised to more clearly articulate the legal authorities for sharing data across jurisdictions, particularly in relation to federal, provincial and territorial privacy legislation. There is presently much confusion and misinterpretation of Statistics Canada's legal authorities. In doing so,the Act should also clearly articulate the need for data flows across jurisdictions following principles such as those defined in Statistics Canada's necessity and proportionality framework. ^{Footnote 7}

While national and nationwide data should be a public good, issues around data sharing are complex. There are departments from all jurisdictions that see more value in maintaining their data in ways that best suit their own needs. Some departments are concerned with the impacts of change on their programs, including continuity of output and transformation costs. Some are concerned with how data shared across jurisdictions would be used.

The Statistics Act also presents legal barriers for Statistics Canada being able to partner with non-government organizations such as academic, research institutes and Indigenous organizations and communities in the collection and sharing of data. These organizations would like to make use of the data linkage opportunities within Statistics Canada and the Research Data Centres. In many cases, issues relate to the inability of these organizations to control access to their data once they are shared with Statistics Canada. This has been the case, for example, with university-led studies with government and private support such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging ^{Footnote 8}, CanPath ^{Footnote 9}; and the First Nations Regional Health Survey conducted by First Nations.

To effectively connect and compare data from different sources, data flows must be based on common definitional, statistical and technological standards. Revisions to the Statistics Act must clearly define the role and authorities of Statistics Canada with regard to the development and use of national data standards. While the act speaks to professional statistical standards for statistics produced by Statistics Canada, there is no mention of a requirement for other departments and jurisdictions to adhere to national standards for definitions, concepts and classifications. Many look to Statistics Canada and to the international statistical community for guidance. However, there are also many instances where non-adoption of common standards in Canada has hindered the integration and use of important data.

2.3 Authorized researchers should be recognized for microdata access

Statistics Canada has made significant progress on its plans to modernize infrastructures and methodologies to support remote microdata access and complex analytical computing and research.

A continuing point of contention for many researchers is the legal requirement for users of more detailed microdata to become deemed employees of Statistics Canada, including from other jurisdictions, academia and Indigenous organizations and communities. In accordance with the Statistics Act, only Statistics Canada staff can access the agency's detailed microdata holdings.

Revisions to the act should draw upon the experience of other countries, in creating a new category of "trusted users" or "authorized researchers ". Accredited users from government, academia, Indigenous and even private research institutions would be granted access to more disaggregated and perhaps sensitive data without having to become a deemed employee of Statistics Canada. The requirement for any such users to protect the confidentiality of Canadians' personal information is paramount and must be maintained, with penalties for disclosure of confidential information.

This could also extend to authorized international researchers. Canada has been absent from several international comparative studies which would provide further insight to Canadian research. This includes, for example, international studies on intergenerational income mobility,^{Footnote 10} on families, life-course trajectories, and gender relations,^{Footnote 11} as well as on the effects of health, social, economic and environmental policies over the life-course of citizens and beyond ^{Footnote 12}. Presently, international researchers must be affiliated with a Canadian university or government department Statistics Canada is sharing experiences with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, France and Netherlands, who have developed protocols for international users to access some of their microdata holdings. The agency should adapt international best practices to the Canadian legal and policy contexts.

2.4 Revisions needed to the Statistics Act in support of Indigenous data governance

Revisions to the Statistics Act should recognize the need for ensuring transparency, respect and collaboration with Indigenous peoples regarding the collection and access of data and the development of statistics and information needed to fill data needs for citizens of Indigenous communities regardless of where they live. These revisions should support a distinctions-based approach to ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis are acknowledged, affirmed, and acted upon in the national statistical system. Partnerships with the federal government and First Nations, Inuit and Métis should establish principles of necessity and proportionality which respect Canadian and Indigenous principles, jurisdiction and values.

The Statistics Act presents barriers to addressing critical data needs for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations. Examples include the requirement for Indigenous users accessing Statistics Canada data to swear an oath and to be a deemed employee of the agency; and the requirement for First Nation, Inuit and Métis data holdings shared with Statistics Canada to be subject to provisions of the Statistics Act. Actions to revise the Act and address such barriers for Indigenous peoples may also be considered a benefit for provinces, territories and other sectors.

3. Opportunities, barriers and critical data needs

Recommendation 2.
Leveraging opportunities for addressing critical data needs

Critical data gaps and a lack of coordinated data in Canada seriously undermine the ability of public and private decision makers and the general public to understand and address key social, economic and environmental issues facing Canadians. In many cases, these serious data gaps stem from complex and longstanding issues involving multiple jurisdictions, competing interests and inadequate national direction and authority. Understanding and acting upon these impediments is essential to allow development of national and nationwide data that can be used to inform pressing issues of today and of tomorrow.

In recent years, there has been a greater recognition by the federal government of the role of data to support informed decision making. The January 2021 supplemental mandate letters to federal ministers mentioned "statistics" no less than 44 times and tasked Statistics Canada to work with the Treasury Board to develop a "whole-of-government" approach to data. Mandate letters to federal ministers appointed in October 2021, following the recent federal election, are forthcoming.

The 2021 Federal Budget included important investment announcements for developing data to meet critical data gaps. This includes the creation of a Disaggregated Data Action Plan, a new Census of Environment, support for Indigenous data governance strategies, and support for the development of data in a number of areas such as long term and supportive care, quality of life, and clean growth and technology.  Budget 2021 also follows up on the federal Digital Charter, announcing the creation of a new Data Commissioner who will inform governments and businesses on approaches to data- driven issues to help protect people's personal data and to encourage innovation in the digital marketplace. The roles and relationships of the Data Commissioner as they relate to Statistics Canada and others within the national statistical system still need to be articulated.

These developments, which include investing to enhance statistics on diverse populations and the environment, are all wonderful news. However, even with this funding, maintaining existing national governance structures and national strategic planning processes may lead to only marginal successes at best.

Statistics Canada needs to be a key player going forward to fully embrace opportunities that have emerged over the last year. The agency has demonstrated and strengthened its capacity to provide more in-depth insights, more timely information and innovative methods for connecting new sources of data. The agency must increasingly reach out to non- traditional experts to ensure it can forecast data needs and adopt cutting-edge and innovative methods.

There should be greater investment by the federal government and other sectors in the implementation and maintenance of state- of-the-art software and communications technologies to enable and coordinate collection of important data across federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous and other organizations to build a truly national data infrastructure. This includes understanding expectations of partners and data providers, and of future data needs not yet foreseen. There must also be capacity to sustain data flows with ever-changing digital data environments and technologies.

Statistics Canada and its partners should draw upon the experiences of successful, though challenging, collaborations to develop pan-Canadian databases. Best practices from within the justice and health sectors have benefitted from strong professional relationships and support from all levels of government. These and other governance models should be broadened to non-traditional and private data sectors.

3.1 Connecting data

Data sources on their own generally do not provide the breadth, depth or interconnections required to examine more complex issues such as socio-economic inequalities and environmental impacts from and on businesses. To support these analyses, datasets need to be constructed from multiple sources under clearly specified confidentiality and security protocols. Increasingly, researchers need to be able to link and connect relevant variables on demand.

Over the years, Statistics Canada has built a solid foundation of leading-edge methods and technologies for more effective data linkage, which supports secure data analysis that "connects the dots," enabling information that much better reflects the complexities and inter-relationships of the real world.

Such data environments can only be successful if done within Canada's broader data system which includes other federal departments, other levels of government, First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and communities and non-government entities. New and mutually beneficial partnerships are required, facilitating connecting of data from different institutions with adherence to national standards on definitions, concepts and coding. The Canadian Statistics Advisory Council offers principles and means for connecting data.

Lack of consistent, connected national and nationwide data is especially problematic in the health care sector, constituting a major deficiency of the health care system. Health is a complex and intricate sector, with large numbers of subsectors that interconnect with other social, economic and environment disciplines. The governance structures for health data are often fragmented with limited authority to coordinate data nationally. There is no central governance structure in Canada to oversee pan-Canadian health statistics National health statistics are generally provided by Statistics Canada on the health of the population and by the Canadian Institute for Health Information on the health care sector. While there is much collaboration among these agencies and the Public Health Agency of Canada, each has its own repository of health data and analysis. There are also overlapping mandates with a number of pan-Canadian health organizations, causing much confusion about official sources of national health data.

The delivery of health care services to Canadians is primarily under provincial and territorial jurisdiction. There are differences in how provinces and territories manage their health services, including the data they collect. Within these areas, regional and local health organizations such as hospitals, laboratories, clinics and registries do not necessarily share their data or use common data standards to ensure the compatibility of health information. Many do not see the benefits of sharing and integrating data. There are often excessive privacy concerns raised by heath data custodians which need to be mitigated by a better understanding of the public good that sharing and connecting their data can bring, not only to health research, but also to the quality of patient care and the cost-effectiveness of health care interventions.

Health care is tied to federal transfers. More substantive debates are required about holding provinces and territories accountable to Canadians in terms of data and statistical information for the billions of dollars transferred annually to provide health services. As recommended in last year's report, there should be an obligation under the transfer agreements for provinces and territories to share individual-level data with Statistics Canada for statistical purposes.

In response to the pandemic and to the public outcry for better nationwide data, the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy ^{Footnote 13} was initiated in 2021 to support the effective creation, exchange and use of critical health data for the benefit of Canadians and the health and public health systems they rely on. This initiative is much welcomed and should be extended to integration of health data with other social, economic and environmental aspects of life.

3.2 Real-time data flows

The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for nimble, flexible data systems, as pressing problems and critical events are often unexpected. The pace of change occurs much more quickly than changes captured in quinquennial census information or data from annual surveys. There are existing and untapped sources of information that could provide more real-time data and accurate portraits of Canadians and their communities.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis citizens regardless where they live on or off their communities, racialized groups, and other equity-deserving groups such as those with disabilities, those who identify with non-binary genders, or the LGBTQ+ communities in Canada are especially harmed by the lack of timely, consistent and disaggregated data. There is also lack of data for other small populations such as in rural areas and linguistic minorities.

Public and private organizations must be encouraged to collect this information directly in their administrative data, as this also best portrays diversity characteristics of people using their services. There has generally been a hesitancy on the part of organizations to directly collect racialized and Indigenous characteristics in their administrative data. For institutions such as police departments and immigration departments, this has reflected a certain lack of trust on how this information will be used. Also, when information is collected, many organizations use their own definitions and categories rather than adopting national standards. This may be due to a lack of awareness of national standards, a desire to customize definitions to their programs, or difficulties in collecting data on racial characteristics due to the complexity of social categories, how people identify with groups and how others assign national, ethnocultural, and racial labels. Whatever the reason it creates barriers to being able to quickly compare and connect data sources across regions.

Recent events, such as the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter and Indigenous Lives Matter movements, have heightened a growing recognition among Canadians and decision makers of how important this information is to understand many of the issues facing Canadians. This has included growing expectations from racialized groups and from Indigenous organizations for access to real-time disaggregated data that more clearly demonstrate social and economic inequalities.

The Census of Population is one of the most important primary sources of detailed information on the diversity of Canada's subpopulations. The information from the census becomes more powerful when connected with surveys and administrative data that provide more in-depth measures of social and economic trends and outcomes. For example, Statistics Canada has developed a data linkage and modelling environment that enables researchers to integrate census data on diversity with survey, administrative and other data sources. This has resulted in numerous reports on subjects such as the economic integration of immigrants and their children in communities across Canada Analysis of tax records and linkage to other surveys can be used in similar ways for other equity-deserving groups. The agency has created a web portal for gender, diversity and inclusion statistics, which presents data and analyses on these subjects. While such data and studies are important to support government policies and programs, they are generally not timely enough in situations when real-time data are needed. They pale in terms of the power of connecting them with data captured by private sector and other sources not currently integrated into federal data holdings.

Statistics Canada has the methodological expertise to develop options for and assist with collecting and sharing, in real time, data from a large number of new data sources in both the public and private sectors. It is presently engaged in a number of initiatives, such as partnering with Canada's police chiefs to collect information on racialized Canadians and Indigenous peoples (see Box). The agency draws upon its experiences of successful collaborations in partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and the private sector, adopting national data standards to allow data comparability and data connecting Modern real-time software and communications technologies are essential to coordinate timely data collection across government and non-government organizations.

3.3 Innovative measures and methods

Addressing crises such as climate change demands innovative and creative thinking and new methods of collection and analysis. Continuing to rely on the measures and methods of the 20th Century will only ensure failed targets and initiatives that have gotten the country and world into the position it is already in. Decisions should also be informed by Indigenous peoples who are on the front lines experiencing climate change and its devastating effects and who have traditional knowledge, expertise, and practices for a sustainable environment. Indigenous peoples have shared knowledge and forewarned the impacts on humanity and all life if we continue to ignore the harm and devastation caused to our Mother Earth as we are seeing today with rapid climate change.

A recent United Nations report on climate change ^{Footnote 14} warns of a code red for humanity. Global warming is affecting every region on earth. The viability of societies depends on immediate action Canada is not at all immune to these impacts. Rising temperatures have devastating effects on Canada's forests, crops and coastal waters. Timely and relevant statistical information on the environment, linked to social, health and economic data, is key for decision making and to position Canada for the future.

An important innovation to follow has been the use of satellite imaging data to improve and extend statistics on Canada's renewable resources (see box).

While Statistics Canada, through the Canadian Centre for Energy Information (CCEI) is also working to increase innovative data related to the energy sector, including drawing links between energy, environment, employment and other topics, the conceptual framework has prioritized management and governance to the detriment of creating urgently needed foundational connected datasets. For example, there is a need for definitive official energy statistics by province on historical production and consumption of all types of hydrocarbons that is coherent with internationally reported national data.

It is a challenge for Statistics Canada to develop and implement a progressive framework for environment data when much of the agency's environment statistics program is funded by different federal departments on a cost-recovery basis. This is the same issue that has plagued energy data as well as data on other subjects. Given the relevance of environmental challenges for decades to come, environment data requirements and funding should be based on a holistic government approach and explicitly included in the planning for federal government programs. There is no central governance structure in Canada to provide official statistics on the environment National and international data activities are coordinated by various federal departments, including Statistics Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada.

It is time to broaden the environment framework to emphasize the sustainability of Canada's ecosystems Environment statistics are presently collected using the international System of Environmental- Economic Accounting, which integrates economic and environmental data to provide a comprehensive view of the interrelationships between the two domains. Its framework has a structure similar to the System of National Accounts.

A broader environment framework is in line with the Stiglitz, Sen, Fitoussi Commission report ^{Footnote 18} (2009), which garnered much international attention, as it advocated a shift toward broader measures of social progress from conventional economic indicators such as gross domestic product to measuring people's well-being and quality of life. The report distinguishes between current well-being and long-term sustainability. Future societal well-being will depend, for example, on the magnitude of the stocks of exhaustible energy resources that are left to the next generations and on how well current generations maintain the quantity and quality of renewable natural resources that are necessary for life such as a habitable climate, clean water, forests and fishing stocks. It is also an approach that is in line with Indigenous perspectives that follow the "seven generations" principle, ^{Footnote 19} which sees relationships and responsibilities with land, water, animals and environment as existing beyond individual-human ends alone to plan ahead for future generations.

Presently, the principal outcome measures of Statistics Canada's environment programs, including the Natural Resource Asset Accounts, are economic, such as changes over time to economic ecosystem services related to stocks relevant to the energy, forestry and fishing industries. While this contributes to key decision making in areas such as trade, manufacturing and employment, decisions on environment protection are hampered without proper sustainability outcome measures. Most measures are also still captured through self-reporting or administrative data and do not yet tap into new data sources such as sensors, satellites, or systems-produced data that are increasingly used by smart devices. While it is encouraging that the new Census of Environment is set to include non- market ecosystem services, such as flood protection and the provision of habitat for wildlife, as well as different types of data sources, including earth observation data and datasets stemming from citizen science initiatives, the prioritization and pace of change must reflect a much-needed focus on sustainability.

There has been limited success in creating non-traditional national environment data standards and methods that are more inclusive of elements such as sustainability of resources, population health, quality of life and population diversity Governance, advisory and consultative mechanisms should be inclusive of the public and private sectors with a vested interest in climate change, including those with non-traditional or contrary viewpoints. The Census of Environment is hoped to be a first step for this necessary shift.

Transitioning Canada to a sustainable and green economy and ensuring a sustainable environment will require bold action and equally bold investment in statistics to support those actions.

Definitions

Administrative data are holdings of individual records collected by government departments and other organizations for the purpose of administering benefits, services and taxes.

Under provisions of the Statistics Act, administrative data can be shared with Statistics Canada for statistical purposes.

Connecting data involves linking records from different data sources on the same entity (i e , a person or business). Microdata linkage is an internationally recognized statistical method that maximizes the use of existing information by linking different files and variables to create new information that benefits Canadians. Connected microdata files should generally be created independently for research activities, and only on an "as-needed" basis. Linkage, storage and disposal protocols ensure the confidentiality of personal information.

Data stewardship, in support of the national statistical system, is the coordination and facilitation of nationwide data to inform Canadians and the country's public and private decision makers. It ensures these data are of high quality, easily accessible and used in a consistent manner. This includes data collected and managed by federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous jurisdictions as well as by the private sector.

Distinctions-based Indigenous led processes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, both on and off community, acknowledge the unique rights and jurisdiction of each to maintain ownership and control over data that relates to their identity, their people, language, history, culture, communities, nations both historic and contemporary. Each will establish laws and regulations to govern their data, determine how it will be managed, accessed and shared with other governments, organizations or individuals. Each is unique and distinct.

Equity-deserving groups are designated groups under the Employment Equity Act for which the government is required to strive to meet representation levels based on estimated workforce availability. They include women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The term also includes other groups that are disadvantaged, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are not recognized in the act but are increasingly considered in government policies.

Indigenous as a term in this report is understood at all times to mean First Nations, Inuit and Métis, living both on and off their communities. Indigenous organizations, as referenced in this document, include: Assembly of First Nations, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, First Nations Information Governance Centre, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, Native Women's Association of Canada

Microdata are individual records containing information collected from the census, surveys, administrative data and other sources. They may represent an individual, a household, a business or an organization. The confidentiality of identifiable information about individuals is protected under the Statistics Act.

National data and nationwide data are collected from the census, surveys, administrative data and other sources that represent all Canadians, including at the individual and household levels. They include pooled and integrated administrative data collected from provincial and territorial jurisdictions Nationwide data refers the collection of these data throughout the country National data are aggregated to produce the country's social and economic statistics, such as employment rates, life expectancy and gross domestic product. These data can be grouped by social and economic characteristics and can be analyzed statistically to examine issues such as socio- economic inequalities and health outcomes.

Necessity and proportionality refer to principles applied to the collection of information. The agency considers needs for data to ensure the well-being of the country (necessity), and it also tailors the volume and detail of the data collected to meet these needs (proportionality).

Racialized is a term increasingly used in place of visible minority, which has been criticized in Canada and internationally, including by the United Nations Racialized refers to people or groups who are categorized or discriminated against because of their racial background or appearance.

Statistical information is the added value to statistics resulting from quantitative interpretation, modelling and analysis. This can take many forms, including charts, interactive visualizations and analytical articles.

Without prejudice or harm to existing and future processes refers to non- interference with existing or pending negotiations between federal, provincial and territorial governments with Indigenous communities or organizations with respect to their data sovereignty and jurisdiction or impacts on any current funding determinations or agreements.

Why do we conduct this survey?

This survey is conducted by Statistics Canada in order to collect the necessary information to support the Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP). This program combines various survey and administrative data to develop comprehensive measures of the Canadian economy.

The statistical information from the IBSP serves many purposes, including:

• obtaining information on the supply of and/or demand for energy in Canada
• enabling governmental agencies to fulfill their regulatory responsibilities in regards to public utilities
• enabling all levels of government to establish informed policies in the energy area
• assisting the business community in the corporate decision-making process.

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Your participation in this survey is required under the authority of the Statistics Act.

Other important information

Authorization to collect this information

Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19.

Confidentiality

By law, Statistics Canada is prohibited from releasing any information it collects that could identify any person, business or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent, or as permitted by the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada will use the information from this survey for statistical purposes only.

Record linkages

To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the response burden, Statistics Canada may combine the acquired data with information from other surveys or from administrative sources.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data-sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which have agreed to keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations.

Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician, specifying the organizations with which you do not want Statistics Canada to share your data and mailing it to the following address:

Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Director, Enterprise Statistics Division
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6

You may also contact us by email at statcan.esd-helpdesk-dse-bureaudedepannage.statcan@statcan.gc.ca or by fax at 613-951-6583.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as well as with the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources, the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government, the Quebec Forest Industry Council, the ministère des Finances du Québec, the ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques du Québec, the ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles du Québec, Transition énergétique Québec, the Manitoba Department of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, Alberta Energy, the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, the Canada Energy Regulator, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Business or organization and contact information

1. Verify or provide the business or organization's legal and operating name, and correct information if needed.

Note: Legal name should only be modified to correct a spelling error or typo.

Legal name

The legal name is one recognized by law, thus it is the name liable for pursuit or for debts incurred by the business or organization. In the case of a corporation, it is the legal name as fixed by its charter or the statute by which the corporation was created.

Modifications to the legal name should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

To indicate a legal name of another legal entity you should instead indicate it in question 3 by selecting "Not currently operational" and then choosing the applicable reason and providing the legal name of this other entity along with any other requested information.

Operating name

The operating name is a name the business or organization is commonly known as if different from its legal name. The operating name is synonymous with trade name.

• Legal name
• Operating name (if applicable)

2. Verify or provide the contact information for the designated contact person for the business or organization, and correct information if needed.

Note: The designated contact person is the person who should receive this questionnaire. The designated contact person may not always be the one who actually completes the questionnaire.

• First name
• Last name
• Title
• Preferred language of communication
  • English
  • French
• Mailing address (number and street)
• City
• Province, territory or state
• Postal code or ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) code:
• Country
  • Canada
  • United States
• Email address
• Telephone number (including area code)
• Extension number (if applicable)
• Fax number (including area code)

3. Verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name above.

• Operational
• Not currently operational - e.g., temporarily or permanently closed, change of ownership
  Why is this business or organization not currently operational?
  • Seasonal operations
    • When did this business or organization close for the season?
      • Date
    • When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?
      • Date
  • Ceased operations
    • When did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Date
    • Why did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Bankruptcy
      • Liquidation
      • Dissolution
      • Other - Specify the other reasons why operations ceased
  • Sold operations
    • When was this business or organization sold?
      • Date
    • What is the legal name of the buyer?
  • Amalgamated with other businesses or organizations
    • When did this business or organization amalgamate?
      • Date
    • What is the legal name of the resulting or continuing business or organization?
    • What are the legal names of the other amalgamated businesses or organizations?
  • Temporarily inactive but will reopen
    • When did this business or organization become temporarily inactive?
      • Date
    • When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?
      • Date
    • Why is this business or organization temporarily inactive?
  • No longer operating due to other reasons
    • When did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Date
    • Why did this business or organization cease operations?

4. Verify or provide the current main activity of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name above.

Note: The described activity was assigned using the North American Industry Classification System.

This question verifies the business or organization's current main activity as classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Created against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies. NAICS is based on supply-side or production-oriented principles, to ensure that industrial data, classified to NAICS, are suitable for the analysis of production-related issues such as industrial performance.

The target entity for which NAICS is designed are businesses and other organizations engaged in the production of goods and services. They include farms, incorporated and unincorporated businesses and government business enterprises. They also include government institutions and agencies engaged in the production of marketed and non-marketed services, as well as organizations such as professional associations and unions and charitable or non-profit organizations and the employees of households.

The associated NAICS should reflect those activities conducted by the business or organizational units targeted by this questionnaire only, as identified in the "Answering this questionnaire" section and which can be identified by the specified legal and operating name. The main activity is the activity which most defines the targeted business or organization's main purpose or reason for existence. For a business or organization that is for-profit, it is normally the activity that generates the majority of the revenue for the entity.

The NAICS classification contains a limited number of activity classifications; the associated classification might be applicable for this business or organization even if it is not exactly how you would describe this business or organization's main activity.

Please note that any modifications to the main activity through your response to this question might not necessarily be reflected prior to the transmitting of subsequent questionnaires and as a result they may not contain this updated information.

The following is the detailed description including any applicable examples or exclusions for the classification currently associated with this business or organization.

Description and examples

• This is the current main activity.
• This is not the current main activity.

Provide a brief but precise description of this business or organization's main activity.

e.g., breakfast cereal manufacturing, shoe store, software development

Main activity

5. You indicated that _ is not the current main activity. Was this business or organization's main activity ever classified as _ ?

• Yes
  When did the main activity change?
  Date
• No

6. Search and select the industry classification code that best corresponds to this business or organization's main activity.

How to search:

• if desired, you can filter the search results by first selecting the business or organization's activity sector
• enter keywords or a brief description that best describe the business or organization's main activity
• press the Search button to search the database for an activity that best matches the keywords or description you provided
• select an activity from the list.

Select this business or organization's activity sector (optional)

• Farming or logging operation
• Construction company or general contractor
• Manufacturer
• Wholesaler
• Retailer
• Provider of passenger or freight transportation
• Provider of investment, savings or insurance products
• Real estate agency, real estate brokerage or leasing company
• Provider of professional, scientific or technical services
• Provider of health care or social services
• Restaurant, bar, hotel, motel or other lodging establishment
• Other sector

Enter keywords or a brief description, then press the Search button

Electricity generation

1. Did this business generate electricity?

Electricity:
A form of energy generated by friction, induction or chemical change that is caused by the presence and motion of elementary-charged particles.

Electricity Generation:
Please provide the total amount of electricity generated including what was consumed by the plant and sold.

Note: If the plant consumed any of the electricity it generated, please include the quantity consumed in question 5.

• Yes
• No

2. How much electricity did this business generate?

Note: Report the total quantity of electricity generated; regardless of whether it was consumed by this business or sold to others.

• Quantity generated

Unit of measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
• Megawatt-hour (MWh)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)

Type of energy consumed

3. Which types of energy were consumed by the business?

Include energy consumed: as fuel for the production process (also heating, on-site transportation, to produce steam for own use); to produce electricity; to produce steam for sale or transfer to another business; and for non-energy use (such as atomization, as feedstock to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends).

Select all that apply.

Electricity:
A form of energy generated by friction, induction or chemical change that is caused by the presence and motion of elementary-charged particles. The electricity that is consumed can either be received by the establishment (purchased) or produced by the establishment (self-generated).

Natural gas:
A mixture of hydrocarbons, comprised principally of methane (CH4), originating in the gaseous phase or in solution with crude oil in porous geologic formations beneath the earth's surface.

Propane:
A gaseous, straight-chained hydrocarbon. A colourless, paraffinic gas extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, consisting of molecules composed of three atoms of carbon and eight atoms of hydrogen (C3H8). Used primarily in residential and commercial heating and cooling, as transportation fuel and petrochemical feedstock.

Middle distillates (diesel, light fuel oil, kerosene)
Diesel:
All grades of distillate fuel used for diesel engines, including those with low sulphur content (lower than 0.05%). Exclude diesel used for transportation off the plant site.

Light fuel oil:
A light petroleum distillate used for power burners. Include fuel oil no. 2, fuel oil no. 3, furnace fuel oil, gas oils and light industrial fuel.

Kerosene and other middle distillates:
Include kerosene (a light petroleum distillate that is used in space heaters, cook stoves and water heaters, and is suitable for use as a light source when burned in wick-fed lamps; also known as stove oil), fuel oil no. 1 and mineral lamp oil. Exclude gasoline used for transportation off the plant site.

Heavy fuel oil (Canadian/Foreign):
All grades of residual type fuels, including those with low sulphur content. Usually used for steam and electric power generation, and diesel motors.
Include heavy fuel oil nos. 4, 5, 6 and bunker C.

Wood and wood waste:
Wood and wood energy used as fuel, including round wood (cord wood), lignin, wood scraps from furniture and window frame manufacturing, wood chips, bark, sawdust, shavings, lumber rejects, forest residues, charcoal and pulp waste from the operation of pulp mills, sawmills and plywood mills.

Spent pulping liquor (Black liquor):
A recycled by-product formed during the pulping of wood in the paper-making process. It is primarily made up of lignin and other wood constituents, and chemicals that are by-products of the manufacture of chemical pulp. It is burned as fuel or in a recovery boiler which produces steam which can be used to produce electricity.

Refuse:
Solid or liquid waste materials used as a combustible energy source. Include the burning of wastepaper, packing materials, garbage and other industrial, agricultural and urban refuse. It is often used to generate electricity. Please specify type.

Steam:
A gas resulting from the vaporization of a liquid or the sublimation of a solid, generated by condensing or non condensing turbines. The steam that is consumed can either be produced by the establishment (self-generated) or received by the establishment (purchased). Report purchased or self-generated steam used as fuel for the production process, used to produce electricity and used for a non-energy use (such as atomization or as feed in process application). However, steam consumed as a motive force to move liquid and gas streams, or steam used to moisturize feed for another process should not be reported.

Special note:
The consumption of fuels used to generate steam for use within the establishment (self-generated steam) should be reported under "as fuel" for those fuels. For example, if 100 cubic metres of heavy fuel oil was used to produce self-generated steam, the consumption of 100 cubic metres should be included under "as fuel" for heavy fuel oil.

Coal:
A readily combustible, black or brownish-black rock-like substance, whose composition, including inherent moisture, consists of more than 50% by weight and 70% by volume of carbonaceous material. It is formed from plant remains that have been compacted, hardened, chemically altered and metamorphosed by heat and pressure over geologic time without access to air.

Bituminous coal (Canadian/Foreign):
A dense, black coal, often with well-defined bands of bright and dull material with a moisture content usually less than 20%. It has a higher heating value and higher volatile matter and ash content than sub-bituminous coal; the heating value of bituminous coal typically ranges from 23.3 to 30.2 terajoules per kilotonne. Used in making coke, in steam and electricity production, as well as in the production of steel. Metallurgical coal is typically bituminous coal.

Sub-bituminous coal (Canadian/Foreign):
A black coal used primarily for thermal generation. It has a high moisture content, between 15% and 40% by weight. Its sulphur content is typically quite low; its ash content is also usually low, but volatile matter is usually high and can exceed 40% of the weight. Heating value varies from 16.3 terajoules per kilotonne to slightly over 20.9 terajoules per kilotonne.

Lignite:
Low-rank, brown coals which are distinctly brown and woody or claylike in appearance, and which contain relatively high moisture contents (between 30% and 70% of the fuel by weight). Used almost exclusively for electric power generation.

Anthracite:
A hard, black, lustrous coal containing a high percentage of fixed carbon, a low percentage of volatile matter, little moisture content, low sulfur, low ash and a high heating value at or above 27.7 terajoules per kilotonne that burns with a nearly smokeless flame. Generally used in the production of steel.

Coal coke (Canadian/Foreign):
A hard, porous product made from the carbonization (baking) of bituminous coal in ovens in substoichiometric atmosphere at high temperatures to the extent that the volatile matter of the coal is released and the coal passes through a "plastic stage" to become metallurgical coke. Often used as a fuel and a carbon input (reducing agent) in smelting iron ore in an integrated steel mill (blast furnace). Coke breeze and foundry coke are included in this category.

Coal tar:
Organic material separated from coke oven gas evolved during coking operations (a black and viscous liquid). This category includes pyridine, tar acids, naphthalene, creosote oil and coal pitch.

Light coal oil:
Condensable products (primarily benzene, toluene, xylene and solvent naphtha) obtained during distillation of the coke oven gas, following removal of the coal tar.

Coke oven gas:
Obtained as a by-product of solid fuel carbonization and gasification operations carried out by coke producers and iron and steel plants.

Petroleum coke (Canadian/Foreign):
A final product, often called a "waste product", of the petroleum refining process, which is the output of the refinery after all of the distillates and oils have been distilled from crude oil, leaving a product that has the appearance of coal. There are various types, e.g., "sponge", "shot", and "fluid" coke, which are differentiated according to size. Petroleum coke is a residue high in carbon content and low in hydrogen that is the final product of thermal decomposition in the condensation process in cracking. It is typically high in sulfur, low in volatile matter, low in ash and low in moisture. It may be sold as is or further purified by calcining for specialty uses, including anode production. It may also be burned as fuel in various processes, ranging from power plants to cement kilns.
Heating value is typically around 40 terajoules per kilotonne.

Refinery fuel gas:
Any un-separated mixture of gases produced in refineries by distillation, cracking, reforming and other processes. The principal constituents are methane, ethane, ethylene, normal butane, butylenes, propane, propylene, etc. (et cetera) Also known as still gas. Still gas is used as a refinery fuel and a petrochemical feedstock.

Coke on catalyst (Catalyst coke):
In many catalytic operations (e.g., catalytic cracking), carbon is deposited on the catalyst, thus deactivating the catalyst. The catalyst is reactivated by burning off the carbon, which is used as a fuel in the refining process. This carbon or coke is not recoverable in a concentrated form.

Bitumen emulsion (Orimulsion):
A thick oil and water emulsion. It is made by mixing bitumen with about 30% water and a small amount of surfactant. Behaves similarly to fuel oil and was developed for industrial use.

Ethane:
A normally gaseous, straight-chain hydrocarbon. A colourless, paraffinic gas extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, consisting of molecules composed of two atoms of carbon and six atoms of hydrogen (C2H6). Ethane is used as petrochemical feedstock in production of chemicals and plastics and as a solvent in enhanced oil recovery process.

Butane:
A normally gaseous hydrocarbon. A colourless, paraffinic gas extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, consisting of molecules composed of four atoms of carbon and ten atoms of hydrogen (C4H10). Butane is used primarily for blending in high-octane gasoline, for residential and commercial heating, and in the manufacture of chemicals and synthetic rubber.

Naphtha:
A feedstock destined primarily for the petrochemical industry (e.g., ethylene manufacture or aromatics production). Naphtha specialties comprise all finished products within the naphtha boiling range of 70°C to 200°C that are used as paint thinners, cleaners or solvents.
Include gas oil used as petrochemical feedstocks.

By-product gas:
A mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced from chemical processes such as ethane cracking.

Flared gas:
Gas that is being burned as a means of disposal to the environment usually when it contains odorous or toxic components. Flared gas should be reported "as non-energy use".

Other:
Any energy commodity consumed not otherwise identified above. Specify in the space provided along with the unit of measure.

• Electricity - self-generated or purchased
• Natural gas
• Propane
• Diesel consumed on site
• Light fuel oil
• Kerosene and other middle distillates
• Heavy fuel oil
• Wood and wood waste
• Spent pulping liquor
• Steam - self-generated or purchased
• Coal - Bituminous
• Coal - Sub-bituminous
• Coal - Anthracite
• Coal - Lignite
• Coal coke
• Coal tar
• Light coal oil
• Coke oven gas
• Petroleum coke
• Refinery fuel gas
• By-product gas
• Coke on catalyst
• Bitumen emulsion (orimulsion)
• Ethane
• Butane
• Naphtha
• Flared gas
• Refuse - Specify the type of refuse consumed:
• Other - Specify other energy consumed not listed:

Electricity consumed

4. What unit of measure will you use to report electricity?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
• Megawatt-hour (MWh)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)

5. What was the quantity of self-generated and purchased electricity consumed as fuel?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Electricity:
A form of energy generated by friction, induction or chemical change that is caused by the presence and motion of elementary-charged particles. The electricity that is consumed can either be received by the establishment (purchased) or produced by the establishment (self-generated).

Amount consumed as fuel:

The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the plant consumed self-generated electricity, please ensure you reported the total amount of electricity that was generated in question 1. If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

What was the quantity of self-generated and purchased electricity consumed as fuel?

	Quantity of self-generated electricity consumed	Quantity of purchased electricity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.

Natural gas consumed

6. What unit of measure will you use to report natural gas?

Unit of Measure

• 100 cubic feet (Ccf)
• Cubic foot (ft3)
• Cubic metre (m3)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

7. What was the quantity of natural gas consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Natural gas:
A mixture of hydrocarbons, comprised principally of methane (CH4), originating in the gaseous phase or in solution with crude oil in porous geologic formations beneath the earth's surface.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. Some examples of natural gas used for non-energy use are:

• used as a reducing agent to produce direct reduced iron (DRI)
• used as feed to produce hydrogen and ammonia.

What was the quantity of natural gas consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Propane consumed

8. What unit of measure will you use to report propane?

Unit of Measure

• 33-Pound cylinder
• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

9. What was the quantity of propane consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Propane:
A gaseous, straight-chained hydrocarbon. A colourless, paraffinic gas extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, consisting of molecules composed of three atoms of carbon and eight atoms of hydrogen (C3H8). Used primarily in residential and commercial heating and cooling, as transportation fuel and petrochemical feedstock.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam.

What was the quantity of propane consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Diesel consumed on-site

10. What unit of measure will you use to report diesel?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

11. What was the quantity of diesel consumed on-site for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Diesel:
All grades of distillate fuel used for diesel engines, including those with low sulphur content (lower than 0.05%). Exclude diesel used for transportation off the plant site.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam.

What was the quantity of diesel consumed on-site for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Light fuel oil consumed

12. What unit of measure will you use to report light fuel oil?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

13. What was the quantity of light fuel oil consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Light fuel oil:
A light petroleum distillate used for power burners. Include fuel oil no. 2, fuel oil no. 3, furnace fuel oil, gas oils and light industrial fuel.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam.

What was the quantity of light fuel oil consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity

Kerosene and other distillates consumed

14. What unit of measure will you use to report kerosene and other middle distillates?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

15. What was the quantity of kerosene and other middle distillates consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Kerosene and other middle distillates:
Include kerosene (a light petroleum distillate that is used in space heaters, cook stoves and water heaters, and is suitable for use as a light source when burned in wick-fed lamps; also known as stove oil), fuel oil no. 1 and mineral lamp oil. Exclude gasoline.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam.

What was the quantity of kerosene and other middle distillates consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity

Heavy fuel oil consumed

16. What unit of measure will you use to report heavy fuel oil?

Unit of Measure

• Barrel (Bbl)
• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

17. What was the quantity of imported and Canadian heavy fuel oil consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Heavy fuel oil (Canadian/Foreign):
All grades of residual type fuels, including those with low sulphur content. Usually used for steam and electric power generation, and diesel motors.
Include heavy fuel oil nos. 4, 5, 6 and bunker C.

Amount consumed as fuel:

The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam.

What was the quantity of imported and Canadian heavy fuel oil consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity of imported heavy fuel oil consumed	Quantity of Canadian heavy fuel oil consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Wood and wood waste consumed

18. What unit of measure will you use to report wood and wood waste?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

19. What was the quantity of wood and wood waste consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Wood and wood waste:
Wood and wood energy used as fuel, including round wood (cord wood), lignin, wood scraps from furniture and window frame manufacturing, wood chips, bark, sawdust, shavings, lumber rejects, forest residues, charcoal and pulp waste from the operation of pulp mills, sawmills and plywood mills.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

What was the quantity of wood and wood waste consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity

Spent pulping liquor consumed

20. What unit of measure will you use to report spent pulping liquor?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

21. What was the quantity of spent pulping liquor consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Spent pulping liquor (Black liquor):
A recycled by-product formed during the pulping of wood in the paper-making process. It is primarily made up of lignin and other wood constituents, and chemicals that are by-products of the manufacture of chemical pulp. It is burned as fuel or in a recovery boiler which produces steam which can be used to produce electricity.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

What was the quantity of spent pulping liquor consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity

Steam consumed

22. What unit of measure will you use to report steam?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

23. What was the quantity of self-generated and purchased steam consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Steam:
A gas resulting from the vaporization of a liquid or the sublimation of a solid, generated by condensing or non condensing turbines. The steam that is consumed can either be produced by the establishment (self-generated) or received by the establishment (purchased). Report purchased or self-generated steam used as fuel for the production process, used to produce electricity and used for a non-energy use (such as atomization or as feed in process application). However, steam consumed as a motive force to move liquid and gas streams, or steam used to moisturize feed for another process should not be reported.

Special note:
The consumption of fuels used to generate steam for use within the establishment (self-generated steam) should be reported under "as fuel" for those fuels. For example, if 100 cubic metres of heavy fuel oil was used to produce self-generated steam, the consumption of 100 cubic metres should be included under "as fuel" for heavy fuel oil.

What was the quantity of self-generated and purchased steam consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity of self-generated steam consumed	Quantity of purchased steam consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating and on-site transportation.
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Bituminous coal consumed

24. What unit of measure will you use to report bituminous coal?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

25. What was the quantity of imported and Canadian bituminous coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Bituminous coal (Canadian/Foreign):
A dense, black coal, often with well-defined bands of bright and dull material with a moisture content usually less than 20%. It has a higher heating value and higher volatile matter and ash content than sub-bituminous coal; the heating value of bituminous coal typically ranges from 23.3 to 30.2 terajoules per kilotonne. Used in making coke, in steam and electricity production, as well as in the production of steel. Metallurgical coal is typically bituminous coal.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of imported and Canadian bituminous coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity of imported bituminous coal consumed	Quantity of Canadian bituminous coal consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Sub-bituminous coal consumed

26. What unit of measure will you use to report sub-bituminous coal?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

27. What was the quantity of imported and Canadian sub-bituminous coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Sub-bituminous coal (Canadian/Foreign):
A black coal used primarily for thermal generation. It has a high moisture content, between 15% and 40% by weight. Its sulphur content is typically quite low; its ash content is also usually low, but volatile matter is usually high and can exceed 40% of the weight. Heating value varies from 16.3 terajoules per kilotonne to slightly over 20.9 terajoules per kilotonne.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of imported and Canadian sub-bituminous coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity of imported sub-bituminous coal consumed	Quantity of Canadian sub-bituminous coal consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Imported anthracite coal consumed

28. What unit of measure will you use to report imported anthracite coal?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

29. What was the quantity of imported anthracite coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Anthracite:
A hard, black, lustrous coal containing a high percentage of fixed carbon, a low percentage of volatile matter, little moisture content, low sulfur, low ash and a high heating value at or above 27.7 terajoules per kilotonne that burns with a nearly smokeless flame. Generally used in the production of steel.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of imported anthracite coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Canadian lignite coal consumed

30. What unit of measure will you use to report Canadian lignite coal?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

31. What was the quantity of Canadian lignite coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Lignite:
Low-rank, brown coals which are distinctly brown and woody or claylike in appearance, and which contain relatively high moisture contents (between 30% and 70% of the fuel by weight). Used almost exclusively for electric power generation.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of Canadian lignite coal consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Coal coke consumed

32. What unit of measure will you use to report coal coke?

Unit of Measure

• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)

33. What was the quantity of imported and Canadian coal coke consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Coal coke (Canadian/Foreign):
A hard, porous product made from the carbonization (baking) of bituminous coal in ovens in substoichiometric atmosphere at high temperatures to the extent that the volatile matter of the coal is released and the coal passes through a "plastic stage" to become metallurgical coke. Often used as a fuel and a carbon input (reducing agent) in smelting iron ore in an integrated steel mill (blast furnace). Coke breeze and foundry coke are included in this category.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of imported and Canadian coal coke consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity of imported coal coke consumed	Quantity of Canadian coal coke consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Coal tar consumed

34. What unit of measure will you use to report coal tar?

Unit of Measure

1. Barrel (Bbl)
2. Cubic metre (m3)
3. Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
4. U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
5. Gigajoule (GJ)
6. Litre (L)
7. Million Btu (MMBtu)
8. Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

35. What was the quantity of coal tar consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Coal tar:
Organic material separated from coke oven gas evolved during coking operations (a black and viscous liquid). Include pyridine, tar acids, naphthalene, creosote oil and coal pitch.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of coal tar consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Light coal oil consumed

36. What unit of measure will you use to report light coal oil?

Unit of Measure

• Barrel (Bbl)
• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

37. What was the quantity of light coal oil consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Light coal oil:
Condensable products (primarily benzene, toluene, xylene and solvent naphtha) obtained during distillation of the coke oven gas, following removal of the coal tar.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of light coal oil consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Coke oven gas consumed

38. What unit of measure will you use to report coke oven gas?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

39. What was the quantity of coke oven gas consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Coke oven gas:
Obtained as a by-product of solid fuel carbonization and gasification operations carried out by coke producers and iron and steel plants.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of coke oven gas consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Petroleum coke consumed

40. What unit of measure will you use to report petroleum coke?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

41. What was the quantity of imported and Canadian petroleum coke consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Petroleum coke (Canadian/Foreign):
A final product, often called a "waste product", of the petroleum refining process, which is the output of the refinery after all of the distillates and oils have been distilled from crude oil, leaving a product that has the appearance of coal. There are various types, e.g., "sponge", "shot", and "fluid" coke, which are differentiated according to size. Petroleum coke is a residue high in carbon content and low in hydrogen that is the final product of thermal decomposition in the condensation process in cracking. It is typically high in sulfur, low in volatile matter, low in ash and low in moisture. It may be sold as is or further purified by calcining for specialty uses, including anode production. It may also be burned as fuel in various processes, ranging from power plants to cement kilns.
Heating value is typically around 40 terajoules per kilotonne.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of imported and Canadian petroleum coke consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity of imported petroleum coke consumed	Quantity of Canadian petroleum coke consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Refinery fuel gas consumed

42. What unit of measure will you use to report refinery fuel gas?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

43. What was the quantity of refinery fuel gas consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Refinery fuel gas:
Any un-separated mixture of gases produced in refineries by distillation, cracking, reforming and other processes. The principal constituents are methane, ethane, ethylene, normal butane, butylenes, propane, propylene, etc. (et cetera) Also known as still gas. Still gas is used as a refinery fuel and a petrochemical feedstock.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

What was the quantity of refinery fuel gas consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity

By-product gas consumed

44. What was the quantity of by-product gas consumed as fuel?

e.g., for the production process, heating, on-site transportation, to produce steam for own use

By-product gas:
A mixture of hydrocarbons and hydrogen produced from chemical processes such as ethane cracking.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

• Quantity consumed

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

Coke on catalyst consumed

45. What unit of measure will you use to report coke on catalyst?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

46. What was the quantity of coke on catalyst consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Coke on catalyst (Catalyst coke):
In many catalytic operations (e.g., catalytic cracking), carbon is deposited on the catalyst, thus deactivating the catalyst. The catalyst is reactivated by burning off the carbon, which is used as a fuel in the refining process. This carbon or coke is not recoverable in a concentrated form.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of coke on catalyst consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Bitumen emulsion (orimulsion) consumed

47. What unit of measure will you use to report bitumen emulsion (orimulsion)?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

48. What was the quantity of bitumen emulsion (orimulsion) consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Bitumen emulsion (Orimulsion):
A thick oil and water emulsion. It is made by mixing bitumen with about 30% water and a small amount of surfactant. Behaves similarly to fuel oil and was developed for industrial use.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of bitumen emulsion (orimulsion) consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Ethane consumed

49. What unit of measure will you use to report ethane?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

50. What was the quantity of ethane consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Ethane:
A normally gaseous, straight-chain hydrocarbon. A colourless, paraffinic gas extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, consisting of molecules composed of two atoms of carbon and six atoms of hydrogen (C2H6). Ethane is used as petrochemical feedstock in production of chemicals and plastics and as a solvent in enhanced oil recovery process.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of ethane consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Butane consumed

51. What unit of measure will you use to report butane?

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

52. What was the quantity of butane consumed for each of the following purposes?

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Butane:
A normally gaseous hydrocarbon. A colourless, paraffinic gas extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, consisting of molecules composed of four atoms of carbon and ten atoms of hydrogen (C4H10). Butane is used primarily for blending in high-octane gasoline, for residential and commercial heating, and in the manufacture of chemicals and synthetic rubber.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of butane consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Naphtha consumed

53. What was the quantity of naphtha consumed for non-energy use?

e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Naphtha:
A feedstock destined primarily for the petrochemical industry (e.g., ethylene manufacture or aromatics production). Naphtha specialties comprise all finished products within the naphtha boiling range of 70°C to 200°C that are used as paint thinners, cleaners or solvents.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

• Quantity consumed

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Litre (L)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

Flared gas consumed

54. What was the quantity of flared gas consumed for non-energy use?

e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Flared gas:
Gas that is being burned as a means of disposal to the environment usually when it contains odorous or toxic components. Flared gas should be reported "as non-energy use".

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

• Quantity consumed

Unit of Measure

• Cubic metre (m3)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

Refuse consumed

55. What unit of measure will you use to report the type of refuse?

i.e., (In other words) the refuse you specified in Question 3

Unit of Measure

• 100 cubic feet (Ccf)
• Barrel (Bbl)
• Cubic foot (ft3)
• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

56. What was the quantity of the type of refuse consumed for each of the following purposes?

i.e., (In other words) the refuse you specified in Question 3.

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Refuse:
Solid or liquid waste materials used as a combustible energy source. Include the burning of wastepaper, packing materials, garbage and other industrial, agricultural and urban refuse. It is often used to generate electricity. Please specify type.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam.

What was the quantity of the type of refuse consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Other energy consumed

57. What unit of measure will you use to report the other energy?

i.e., (In other words) the other energy you specified in Question 3.

Unit of Measure

• 100 cubic feet (Ccf)
• 33-Pound cylinder
• Barrel (Bbl)
• Cubic foot (ft3)
• Cubic metre (m3)
• Imperial gallon (imp. gal.)
• U.S. gallon (U.S. gal)
• Gigajoule (GJ)
• Kilogram (kg)
• Litre (L)
• Long ton (LT)
• Metric tonne (MT)
• Million Btu (MMBtu)
• Pound (lb)
• Short ton (ST)
• Thousands of cubic metres (000m3)

58. What was the quantity of the other energy consumed for each of the following purposes?

i.e., (In other words) the other energy you specified Question 3.

Use the unit of measure you selected in the question above.

Other:
Any energy commodity consumed not otherwise identified on the questionnaire. Include gasoline used on site but exclude gasoline used for transportation off the plant site. Specify in the space provided along with the unit of measure.

Amount consumed as fuel:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to:

• power production processes, heating, on-site transportation
• produce steam for own use (e.g., steam which is then used to heat the plant, to generate electricity or for non-energy use).

Note: If the energy commodity was used to produce steam for own use, please also respond to the consumption of self-generated steam question.

Amount consumed to produce steam for sale:
The quantity of the energy commodity used in the production of steam that is delivered to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding. Energy used to produce steam which is used internally by your plant is reported consumed "as fuel".

Amount consumed to produce electricity:
The quantity of the energy commodity used to generate electricity either for the plant's own use or for delivery to another establishment, as per a sales contract or other understanding.

Amount consumed for non-energy use:
The quantity of the energy commodity used for other purposes than as fuel in the plant production process or to produce electricity or steam. For example, anthracite used for non-energy use are used as feed (as a reducing agent) to produce ferrosilicon, silicon metal, iron and steel.

What was the quantity of the other energy consumed for each of the following purposes?

	Quantity consumed
As fuel for the production process Also include energy consumed for heating, on-site transportation and to produce steam for own use.
To produce steam for sale or transfer to another business
To produce electricity
For non-energy use e.g., atomization, as feed to produce other products, as a reducing agent or used in gasoline blends

Steam sales

59. Did this business produce steam to sell or transfer to others?

• Yes
• No

60. What was the quantity of steam sold or transferred to other businesses in the industries below?

Report in gigajoules.

Steam sales: Please report the amount of steam sold or transferred to another plant in Gigajoules (GJ).

What was the quantity of steam sold or transferred to other businesses in the industries below?

	Quantity in gigajoules
Residential Include apartment buildings.
Agriculture
Paper manufacturing
Chemical manufacturing
All other manufacturing
Public administration
Commercial and institutional
Total

Changes or events

61. Indicate any changes or events that affected the reported changes in your energy consumption for this business or organization, compared with the last reporting period.

Select all that apply.

Reasons for changes in energy consumption: This section aims to reduce the necessity for further inquiries. Statistics Canada compares responses to this questionnaire with those from previous years. Please indicate the reasons that best describe significant changes in your energy consumption from the previous year along with an explanation.

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• Fuel price changes - Specify the fuel price changes:
• Technology changes - Specify the technology changes:
• Process changes - Specify the process changes:
• Awareness of energy efficiency - Specify the awareness of energy efficiency:
• New contract or loss of contract - Specify the new contract or loss of contract:
• Plant expansion or contraction - Specify the plant expansion or contraction:
• Change in product line - Specify the change in product line:
• Other - Specify the other changes or events:
• No changes or events

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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the consequences of the pandemic on the Canadian economy, the federal government of Canada announced and implemented various support and recovery measures for businesses, households, students, the vulnerable population and organizations helping individuals. The table Federal government expenditures on COVID-19 response measures presents the major federal measures announced and implemented, their treatment in the national accounts (in particular, in the Income and Expenditure Accounts), the table numbers where the pertinent series may be found and the amount of expenditure on a quarterly basis.

For a comprehensive explanations on the treatment of COVID-19 government support measures in the national accounts, please refer to the documents Recording COVID-19 measures in the national account and Recording new COVID measures in the national accounts.

Treatment in national accounts: Subsidies on production, by quarter at quarterly rates

COVID-19 measure	2020				2021
	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter	Fourth quarter	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter
	$ millions
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - business	4,356	29,384	22,729	11,644	11,078	9,528	5,366
Temporary Wage Subsidy (TWS) - business	169	738
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) - business			54	1,746	1,899	1,601	550
Lockdown Support (LS) - business			5	240	381	329	58
Source: Statistics Canada, tables 36-10-0103, 36-10-0118, 36-10-0477.

Treatment in national accounts: Current transfers to non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH), by quarter at quarterly rates

COVID-19 measure	2020				2021
	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter	Fourth quarter	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter
	$ millions
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - NPISH	200	1,095	1,050	618	622	546	172
Temporary Wage Subsidy (TWS) - NPISH	13	46
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) - NPISH			1	42	43	36	12
Lockdown Support (LS) - NPISH			0	5	7	6	1
Source: Statistics Canada, tables 36-10-0118, 36-10-0477, 36-10-0115.

Treatment in national accounts: Subsidies on products and imports, by quarter at quarterly rates

COVID-19 measure	2020				2021
	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter	Fourth quarter	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter
	$ millions
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)		1,130	904
Federal contribution		849	679
Provincial contribution		281	225
Source: Statistics Canada, tables 36-10-0103, 36-10-0118, 36-10-0477.

Treatment in national accounts: Current transfers to households - Employment Insurance benefits, by quarter at quarterly rates

COVID-19 measure	2020				2021
	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter	Fourth quarter	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter
	$ millions
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) - EI stream		19,127	9,239	864
Source: Statistics Canada, tables 36-10-0118, 36-10-0477, 36-10-0112.

Treatment in national accounts: Transfers to households -Other federal transfers to households, by quarter at quarterly rates

COVID-19 measure	2020				2021
	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter	Fourth quarter	First quarter	Second quarter	Third quarter
	$ millions
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) - CRA stream		29,002	15,597	704
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)		1,386	1,550	8	2
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)				6,073	7,280	6,516	5,091
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)				900	960	933	619
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)				246	144	188	119
Source: Statistics Canada, tables 36-10-0118, 36-10-0477, 36-10-0112.

Evaluation Report

June 2021

How the report is structured

• The report in short
• Acronyms and abbreviations
• What is covered
• What we learned
  1. Design and delivery
  2. Responsiveness to users' needs
  3. Moving forward
• How to improve the program
• Management response and action plan
• Appendix A: List of new economic statistical products released

The report in short

Throughout the pandemic, Statistics Canada has responded rapidly and with agility to the data needs of various users by developing many new products relevant to COVID-19 and its impacts on Canadians. While this response was agency-wide, this report focuses on three types of products: 1) gross domestic product (GDP) flash estimates, 2) consumer prices data and 3) other new economic statistical products.

This evaluation was conducted by Statistics Canada in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Results and Statistics Canada's Risk-based Audit and Evaluation Plan (2020/2021 to 2024/2025). The objective of the evaluation was to provide a neutral, evidence-based assessment of Statistics Canada's data response to COVID-19. The evaluation aimed at providing valuable information about the timeliness, the relevance and the impact of these products. It also looked at some of the related challenges and opportunities faced by the divisions responsible for these products to inform future direction.

The evaluation methodology consisted of a document review, administrative reviews and key interviews with Statistics Canada professionals working in different divisions within Economic Statistics. Additionally, interviews were conducted with key users and partners external to Statistics Canada. The findings outlined in this report are based on the triangulation of these data collection methods.

Key findings and recommendations

Design and delivery

The evaluation reviewed organizational changes that were implemented to develop COVID-19 economic statistical products. The evaluation found that Statistics Canada took rapid action by assessing and delivering products that shed light on issues of importance during the pandemic. Delivery of COVID-19 economic statistical products was facilitated by an organizational shift towards business agility, which included innovative approaches to manage resources and analyze data. The dedication of staff was instrumental in the successful release of those products. However, the sheer volume and push for expediency impacted staff well-being.

Responsiveness to users' needs

To inform Statistics Canada on the effectiveness of its response related to economic statistical data needs during COVID-19, the evaluation assessed the extent to which the products released addressed the needs of key users in different areas. The majority of users considered the products released to be relevant, useful, timely and accessible. Users were also satisfied with the agency's level of engagement and the methodological information released. As the pandemic has various socioeconomic impacts on Canadians, a number of gaps were identified in the areas of household economic data, employment data, and industry economic data.

Moving forward

The evaluation assessed the extent to which there is an ongoing need for COVID-19 economic statistical products and factors that must be taken into account going forward to deliver both COVID-19 products and regular activities. Users indicated an ongoing need for most of the products released, particularly for GDP flash estimates, consumer prices data and trade by exporter characteristics data. As the pandemic evolves, data on the recovery of the Canadian economy will be key for decision-making and policy development. The forward approach should focus on addressing post-pandemic data needs and areas of data gaps, while ensuring the sustainability of meeting both emerging and core economic data needs. Opportunities remain to fully explore the lessons learned from the pandemic.

Recommendation 1:

The Assistant Chief Statistician (ACS), Economic Statistics (Field 5), should ensure that a comprehensive strategy is developed to identify, prioritize and respond to emerging data needs (i.e., post-pandemic data), including areas of current data gaps.

The strategy should consider the key enablers identified, and include approaches and plans that clearly set out how:

• emerging data needs will be identified (e.g., stakeholder engagement approaches, international scan);
• current and emerging data gaps will be addressed;
• data needs will be prioritized based on intended outcomes and resource capacity; and
• ongoing monitoring of data needs will be carried out.

Recommendation 2:

The ACS, Economic Statistics (Field 5), should ensure that a lessons learned exercise from the COVID-19 pandemic is conducted to identify approaches that could be applied to respond to COVID-19 data needs and improve core activities going forward. The lessons learned should be presented to a Tier 1 committee that will provide direction on their potential implementation across the agency, as applicable. They should also be shared across the agency to foster innovation and continuous improvement in support of the agency-wide response to COVID-19.

Acronyms and abbreviations

ACS

Assistant Chief Statistician

CPI

Consumer Price Index

GDP

Gross domestic product

HR

Human resources

IIP

International investment position

NSO

National statistical office

OECD

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

PEAI

Provincial economic activity index

SEPH

Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours

TEC

Trade by exporter characteristics

What is covered

The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Results and Statistics Canada's Integrated Risk-based Audit and Evaluation Plan (2020/2021 to 2024/2025). In support of decision making, accountability and improvement, the objective of the evaluation was to provide a neutral, evidence-based assessment of Statistics Canada's data response to COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, Statistics Canada has responded rapidly and with agility to the data needs of various users by developing many new products relevant to COVID-19 and its impacts on Canadians. The evaluation focused on three types of products: 1) gross domestic product (GDP) flash estimates, 2) consumer prices data and 3) other new economic statistical products. The evaluation aims to provide valuable information about the timeliness, the relevance and the impact of these products. It also looked at some of the related challenges and opportunities faced by the divisions responsible for these products to inform future decisions.

Gross domestic product flash estimates

The GDP is a core economic measure of the health of the Canadian economy. Given the unique situation faced by the Canadian economy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the demand for trusted information on the aggregate economic impact of this crisis, Statistics Canada has produced a flash estimate alongside the monthly official GDP release. The GDP flash estimate is an approximation of the scale of economic disruption resulting from the deliberate actions taken to protect the health of Canadians.

Consumer prices data

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents changes in prices as experienced by Canadian consumers. It measures price change by comparing, through time, the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services. While Statistics Canada continued to calculate the official CPI based on the fixed basket approach, it recognized that an analytical CPI series that accounts for temporary extreme shifts in consumer purchasing patterns would provide valuable insight into the impact of COVID-19 on the CPI. The derived products included adjusted price index, provincial average price tables and consumer spending patterns.

Other new economic statistical products

A number of other new economic statistical products were also developed to address specific COVID-19 data needs in the context of the Canadian economy:

• provincial economic activity index (PEAI)
• international investment position (IIP) (preliminary estimates)
• monthly trade by exporter characteristics (TEC)
• monthly transaction counts
• monthly trade of personal protective goods.

The list of specific products can be found in Appendix A.

The evaluation

The scope of the evaluation encompassed three types of products: 1) GDP flash estimates, 2) consumer prices data and 3) other new economic statistical products. The scope was established in consultation with the divisions involved in these areas.

The evaluation was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 and covered products released from March 2020 to February 2021.

The following issues and questions were identified for review.

Table 1 Evaluation issues & Evaluation questions

Evaluation issues	Evaluation questions
Design and delivery	What actions were taken by Statistics Canada in response to COVID-19 in regard to GDP flash estimates, consumer prices and other new economic statistical products?
Responsiveness to users' needs	To what extent did the products released address the needs of key users? Engagement Relevance and Utility Timeliness Access Clarity (of methodology)
Moving forward	What factors should be taken into consideration moving forward?

Guided by a utilization-focused evaluation approach, the following quantitative and qualitative collection methods were used.

Description - Figure 1

The figure depicts the four collection methods used for the evaluation: international scan, document review, key external interviews, and key internal interviews.

The international scan identified new products released and methods in other countries in response to COVID-19 (e.g., France, United States, Australia and the United Kingdom).

The document review included a review of Statistics

Canada's internal files and documents

The key external interviews included semi-structured interviews with: federal government departments, provincial and territorial governments, banks, academic and private sector. There were 25 external interviews conducted.

The key internal interviews included semi-structured interviews with Statistics Canada employees. There were 18 internal interviews conducted.

Three main limitations were identified, and mitigation strategies were employed.

Table 2 Limitations and mitigation strategies

Limitation	Mitigation strategy
Because of the large number of users and partners using data, the perspectives gathered through external interviews may not be fully representative.	External interviewees were selected using specific criteria to maximize a strategic reach for the interviews. Different types of organizations that use COVID-19-related data extensively from a wide range of locations across Canada were selected. Evaluators were able to find consistent overall patterns.
Interviews have the possibility of self-reported bias, which occurs when individuals who are reporting on their own activities portray themselves in a more positive light.	By seeking information from a maximized circle of stakeholders, evaluators were able to find consistent overall patterns.
Limited documentation was available on the projects sampled for the evaluation.	Key staff working on the relevant projects were interviewed and a strategy to gather additional documents during the interview sessions was put in place. Additional interviews were conducted as needed to fill the gaps.

What we learned

1. Design and delivery

Summary

The evaluation reviewed organizational changes that were implemented to develop COVID-19 economic statistical products. The evaluation found that Statistics Canada took rapid action by assessing and delivering products that shed light on issues of importance during the pandemic. Delivery of COVID-19 economic statistical products was facilitated by an organizational shift towards business agility, which included innovative approaches to manage resources and analyze data. The dedication of staff was instrumental in the successful release of those products. However, the sheer volume and push for expediency impacted staff well-being.

In response to COVID-19, Statistics Canada took rapid action to assess the impacts of the pandemic on the Canadian economy by delivering a variety of statistical products using innovative data approaches

The COVID-19 pandemic had, and still continues to have, significant impacts on the Canadian economy and society. During this crisis, the need for more timely and credible data has never been as crucial to understand and manage the economic and social effects of the pandemic. In response to COVID-19 economic data needs, Statistics Canada developed new products and adapted some of their regular products. These products aimed at providing more timely and relevant data for monitoring the impacts of the pandemic on the Canadian economy. Economic statistical products were primarily developed by the Macroeconomic Accounts Branch (Industry Accounts Division, National Economic Accounts Division and International Accounts Division) and the Economy-wide Statistics Branch (Consumer Prices Division) under the Economic Statistics Field. The Provincial Economic Activity Index was developed by the Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch (Economic Analysis Division) under the Strategic Management, Methods and Analysis Field, in collaboration with the National Economic Accounts Division.

Gross domestic product flash estimates (Industry Accounts Division)

Statistics Canada provides an advanced aggregate indicator (GDP flash estimate) of the state of the Canadian economy in addition to the monthly official GDP release. This advanced aggregate indicator is subject to future revisions as more information on economic activities becomes available over the period.

The methodology for the GDP flash estimate is based on preliminary and often incomplete information as well as other sources such as publicly released facts, including media releases and general public statements by businesses and governments. It was noted that the GDP flash estimate must be interpreted with caution, as the methodology to obtain it is different and the quality of the data is lower than that of the official estimates.

Consumer prices data (Consumer Prices Division)

Beginning in April 2020, the collection and compilation of CPI have been impacted by measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, as in-person field collection was conducted remotely, and imputation strategies were required to address an increased number of temporary business closures and out-of-stock products. These measures and strategies were aligned to international guidelines and followed consultation with other national statistical offices (NSOs) from Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

While Statistics Canada continued to calculate the official CPI based on the fixed basket approach, exploratory work recognized that an analytical CPI series that accounts for temporary extreme shifts in consumer purchasing patterns would provide additional insight into the impact of COVID-19. Using various sources of expenditure data, Statistics Canada, in partnership with the Bank of Canada, calculated adjusted consumer expenditure basket weights and an adjusted price index reflecting shifts in consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. New data tables reflecting consumption patterns during the pandemic were released. It was noted that the adjusted price index is experimental and should not be used instead of the official measure of consumer price inflation, the CPI.

Provincial economic activity index (Economic Analysis Division, Strategic Management, Methods and Analysis Field)

The experimental indexes of economic activity in the provinces and territories provide a timely summary measure of economic activity by combining existing economic data into a single index. Statistics Canada adopted a statistical model-based strategy to quickly create exploratory measures of provincial economic activity. The models look for correlations in data and typically have a different set of inputs for each province or territory, impacting the consistency and thus affecting inter-jurisdictional comparability.

International investment position (International Accounts Division)

The international investment position (IIP) is the value and composition of Canada's assets and liabilities to the rest of the world. The preliminary estimates (IIP flash estimates) for this measure were released once in April 2020 from the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics Canada developed this flash estimate based on a methodology that focuses primarily on valuation effects. The estimate was not expected to be of the same quality as Statistics Canada's official estimates, as the model used was based on the valuation effect of 2019 and an incomplete set of surveys and administrative data sources. The resulting revisions were small; however, there were minimal fluctuations in the economy during the period covered.

Monthly trade by exporter characteristics (International Accounts Division)

The trade by exporter characteristics – Goods (TEC-Goods) program provides aggregated statistical information on the characteristics of Canadian businesses that export goods. The new data were developed based on a similar linkage methodology used for the annual TEC-Goods program. The data were seasonally adjusted, starting at the release of August 2020, to remove the effect of seasonal and calendar influences from the original data.

Monthly import transaction counts (International Accounts Division)

Statistics Canada began publishing monthly counts of import transactions in response to COVID 19 in May 2020. The counts are not seasonally adjusted and can vary from month to month based on seasonal patterns and trading day effects. In addition, they are not completely aligned with the trade values produced for the month based on the Canada Border Services Agency final accounting deadlines, as many of the transactions processed in a given month actually occurred in the previous month.

Monthly trade of personal protective goods (International Accounts Division)

Statistics Canada produced information to examine the trade in products used for the prevention, testing and treatment of COVID-19 by creating four categories: disinfectants and sterilization products, personal protective equipment, medical equipment and products, and diagnostic products. The categorization of goods was developed based on the Harmonized System classification guidelines.

Common approaches were used across OECD countries to develop products addressing COVID-19 economic statistical data needs

The United States releases advance estimates roughly 30 days after the quarter, which are similar to the early release of GDP. France has been publishing flash estimates of economic activity, including GDP, every two weeks since the end of March 2020 and has committed to do so until the end of 2021. The United Kingdom now provides early monthly estimates of GDP, in addition to their usual quarterly estimate. In terms of consumer prices data, Statistics Canada appeared to be the first NSO to develop an adjusted price index to account for the sudden shift in consumer expenditures. Similar to Statistics Canada, other countries did release information on the impacts of the pandemic. For example, Australia developed consumer demand statistical information during the pandemic using scanner data.

The PEAI is somewhat unique to Canada. Although it uses standard statistical approaches, similar to other OECD countries, its methodology is tailored to account for the various economic nuances in each province and territory. The model used was an adaptation of a United States model; however, the American activity index reports at the national level rather than the state level. New Zealand produces an index that is similar to that of the United States. The monthly TEC release is unique to Canada. Staff noted that other OECD countries showed interested in the product, particularly with regard to the disaggregation by city, country of destination, industry and other factors on a monthly basis.

Overall, the evaluation found that Statistics Canada modified its product mix more extensively than comparable NSOs to respond to COVID-19 data needs.

Delivery of COVID-19 economic statistical products was facilitated by an organizational shift towards business agility and through the agency's modernization initiatives

To ensure the timely delivery of COVID-19 products, changes were made to organizational approaches and internal processes to increase agility. The organizational shifts were also implemented to avoid interference with the delivery of mission-critical surveys, such as the regular GDP and CPI. Three main approaches were taken to that end: 1) by using different teams to develop, produce and release the COVID-19 products; 2) by developing the COVID-19 products outside the core infrastructure used for mission-critical surveys; and 3) by combining both approaches. For example, the GDP flash estimate was developed by a research and development team using their own methods and infrastructure (e.g., simpler techniques). Similarly, consumer prices data were primarily developed outside the CPI production team; however, many areas and staff were involved in the evaluation, analysis and quality assurance of the data. The work put additional pressures on all staff, which was also the case for the development of other products that could not solely rely on dedicated teams (e.g., TEC, PEAI). Other significant changes to existing processes (e.g., data production, data sources, methodology and dissemination) were also implemented to deliver other COVID-19 products (e.g., PEAI). Finally, collaboration between divisions was also enhanced and identified as a key enabler.

The evaluation did not find any major changes to governance mechanisms at the branch or division levels; regular structures were used to review and approve the COVID-19 products. However, the review and approval processes were expedited to maximize timeliness. It should also be noted that many products were already under development prior to the pandemic as part of the modernization agenda, and they were simply accelerated. For example, the Macroeconomic Accounts Branch already had discussions about the GDP flash estimate as part of the modernization agenda a few years prior to the pandemic. The pandemic accelerated its production and dissemination. The CPI scanner data, the Personal Inflation Calculator and high-capacity processing and machine learning capabilities were in use or development in the division prior to the pandemic. Some of the new products benefitted from this foundational work, which accelerated their release. Alternative data sources played a key role in the ability to shed light on shifting consumption patterns during the pandemic. This required collaboration across various divisions and fields, as well as with key stakeholders, such as the Bank of Canada. Big data methods and the use of open-source tools such as R and Python were repurposed to help develop the PEAI, and automation processes were already in place, which allowed the TEC development team to condense the time between the reference period and release date.

The collaboration and dedication of the teams were instrumental in the successful release of these products; staff well-being was impacted at times, but ongoing support was provided by management to help alleviate these impacts and support staff well-being

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, Statistics Canada primarily focused on maintaining its 21 mission-critical programs (e.g., GDP, CPI) to avoid any interruption of core economic measures for the proper functioning of the Canadian economy. Shortly after, other projects were rapidly launched by the agency to provide Canadians with data to better understand and manage various social and economic impacts of COVID-19.

Given the added workload and time pressure, the collaboration and dedication of teams involved in COVID-19 economic statistical products were instrumental to the timely delivery of these products. Flexible reallocation of resources also allowed for a rapid response to COVID-19 data needs, and release schedules for COVID-19 products were carefully planned with regard to core products to avoid increased pressure on teams and supporting divisions. Moreover, divisions within the Macroeconomic Accounts Branch, the Economy-wide Statistics Branch, and the Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch provided ongoing support to employees by adjusting workflows where possible to help facilitate work-life balance, holding well-being sessions and undertaking staff recognition activities. Nonetheless, the sheer volume and push for expediency had an impact on the well-being of staff.

2. Responsiveness to Users' Needs

Summary

To inform Statistics Canada on the effectiveness of its response related to economic statistical data needs during COVID-19, the evaluation assessed the extent to which the products released addressed the needs of key users in different areas. The majority of users considered the products released to be relevant, useful, timely and accessible. Users were also satisfied with the agency's level of engagement and the methodological information released. Because the pandemic has various socioeconomic impacts on Canadians, a number of gaps were identified in the areas of household economic data, employment data and industry economic data.

To gauge COVID-19-related data needs, Statistics Canada leveraged new and established mechanisms to engage with key users and partners; stakeholder groups were satisfied with the agency's level of engagement

The established networks between key users and the divisions responsible for regular macroeconomic and consumer price data served as the base for understanding the needs of users and how they evolved during the pandemic. Proactive environmental scans (e.g., media, requests by general users and journalists, liaison with the minister's office) provided a real-time understanding of evolving data needs. Direct consultations with various federal and provincial and territorial organizations were also used to gather needs. For example, the GDP flash estimates and consumer prices data were developed in close collaboration with the Bank of Canada. The PEAI was developed in consultation with provincial and territorial focal points. Global Affairs Canada and Export Development Canada were engaged before producing the monthly TEC data, and the monthly trade of personal protective goods data was developed in collaboration with Health Canada and other federal partners. Throughout the pandemic, continued discussions were held to gather feedback from key users and partners to further refine products and associated methodologies.

Users were satisfied with the level of engagement from Statistics Canada; many of them had an opportunity to share their COVID-19 data needs with the organization.

Economic statistical products were used for multiple purposes, with GDP flash estimates, consumer prices data and monthly TEC being the products most used

The evaluation found that the most frequently used economic products were the GDP flash estimates, consumer prices data and monthly TEC. As shown in Chart 1, these new products were used for multiple purposes depending on the type of user.

Although the other economic products covered by the evaluation were seen as relevant by key users, there were mixed views on their utility. For example, while the PEAI was deemed useful to financial institutions and federal departments, the lack of clarity on the methodology negatively impacted its use among provincial departments, academics and private consultants. The monthly trade of personal protective goods was particularly useful only at the onset of the pandemic. The international investment position and monthly transaction counts were found to be generally useful. However, the lack of disaggregated data at the provincial level decreased its relevance. Overall, the products were deemed helpful in assisting users in keeping their partners and the public informed of the impacts of the pandemic.

The products were largely considered unique by users and were their preferred source of data; some gaps were noted in the areas of household, employment and industry economic data

The products were largely considered unique and the level of duplication of information produced by other organizations was deemed low. Users across stakeholder groups indicated that they could not have accessed similar information from other sources, with a few exceptions: indexes similar to the PEAI are calculated by private-sector economists and some analysis of consumer price inflation is published by the Bank of Canada (i.e., Monetary Policy Report). However, even in cases where users could access data from other sources, users preferred Statistics Canada's data, because it is trusted, detailed and transparent, relative to other sources.

While users were generally satisfied with the products released by the organization, gaps were identified by users in the areas of household economic data, employment data and industry economic data.

Chart 2: Data gaps identified by key users regarding COVID-19 economic data

Household economic data

• Disaggregated data on the uptake of assistance programs (by demographics, sector/industry)
• Changes in the distribution of debt, savings and household disposable income
• Data on food prices and consumption for different household sizes
• More monthly indicators on household consumption spending
• Changes in the amount of sick leave and drug coverage, disaggregated by demographics

Employment data

• Increased timeliness of employment data at the industry level
• Increased timeliness of the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours (SEPH) — lag is too long between release and reference period during the pandemic
• Diversity group data (e.g., government programs targeting Black Canadian businesses, women, First Nations, Asians)
• Behavioural changes that will impact employment in specific industries
• Incorporation of Canada Revenue Agency data with the SEPH and demographic data to facilitate regional-level analysis (by postal code)

Industry economic data

• Tourism and travel (domestic and international)
• Monthly provincial GDP
• Issues faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises and Canadian exporters, including a running tally of exported goods
• Impact on services sectors, particularly the food services
• Northern and rural consumer price data

The methodologies used by Statistics Canada were communicated to and understood by key users

Given that the majority of the products were developed in collaboration with key users and stakeholders, the methodologies were generally well understood. Methodological information was released through The Daily with the releases of the products. Key users indicated that Statistics Canada effectively communicated methodological information related to the products and was transparent about their limitations; the releases in The Daily were deemed to be useful in deepening their understanding about how to use the data.

Although users were generally satisfied, some users indicated that more methodological information would have been useful for the PEAI and consumer prices data. For example, users indicated that there was a lack of clarity around the methods and variables used to calculate the PEAI (e.g., the provincial indicators used). Additional information on how to interpret the data would also have been helpful. Finally, users also indicated that the methods and data sources used to calculate the adjusted price index were not clear.

The evaluation found that Statistics Canada is aware of these issues and has taken action. For example, outreach activities took place with key users to clarify methods and variables used for the PEAI. For consumer prices data, technical briefings were conducted to clarify methods and data sources.

Users were aware of releases and were satisfied overall with both the timeliness and the accessibility of the economic statistical products

The evaluation found that most key users, particularly federal, provincial and territorial users, relied on Statistics Canada staff to keep them informed of new releases, and engagement was continuous. Users were also kept informed of releases by accessing the Statistics Canada website, particularly through The Daily. To a lesser extent, social media was the mechanism through which they remain informed of releases. Two key channels to access data were direct contact with Statistics Canada and the website.

Although users were satisfied with the accessibility of those products, they made the following suggestions, which also apply to regular products:

• provide more detailed themes on the website or the portals for existing data (e.g., vulnerable groups)
• send data automatically to users who are subscribed to a mailing list
• highlight key points for each release in a brief summary so users can quickly determine if the data are relevant for them
• identify the most important issues on each Daily release.

In terms of timeliness of the products, users indicated that timely, quality data are always desirable. On the other hand, they were cognizant of the level of effort required by Statistics Canada to provide accurate detailed data that sheds light on issues of importance. In fact, a majority of users indicated that, at the onset of the pandemic, they had concerns about the capacity of Statistics Canada to meet set timelines for the release of core economic measures such as the GDP and the CPI, given the context at the time. As Statistics Canada maintained the planned releases of those regular core economic measures and later released additional COVID-19 economic statistical products, users no longer have those concerns. Key users were very satisfied with the timeliness of the COVID-19 economic products and recognized the trade-off between speed and accuracy of the information.

3. Moving Forward

Summary

The evaluation assessed the extent to which there is an ongoing need for COVID-19 economic statistical products and factors that must be taken into account going forward to deliver both COVID-19 products and regular activities. Users indicated an ongoing need for most of the products released, particularly for GDP flash estimates, consumer prices data and TEC data. As the pandemic evolves, data on the recovery of the Canadian economy will be key for decision making and policy development. Forward approaches should be focused on addressing post-pandemic data needs and areas of data gaps, while ensuring the sustainability of meeting both emerging and core economic data needs. Opportunities remain to fully explore the lessons learned from the pandemic.

While users foresee a continued need for COVID-19 economic statistical products, their focus has started to shift towards data needs to monitor economic recovery; meanwhile, efforts have been made by the agency to further improve these products

Keys users indicated that there is an ongoing need for economic statistical products going forward as the pandemic and its impacts continue. Among the products already released, they indicated an ongoing need particularly for GDP flash estimates, consumer prices data and TEC data. More generally, data tracking Canadian economic activity will be important. As the pandemic evolves and eventually ends or stabilizes, data on the recovery of the Canadian economy will be essential for decision making and policy development. In particular, data tracking business activity, labour market participation and reliance on government assistance programs have been identified as key data. However, the need for the GDP flash estimates will be reduced.

Statistics Canada is aware of the current COVID-19 data needs and is working on addressing gaps going forward. In particular, discussions were held to develop advanced GDP estimates for all provinces based on the work already done by Quebec and Ontario (i.e., release of semi-annual estimates) and to provide access to GDP inputs to users upon request. The increased timeliness of GDP data through GDP flash estimates also provides opportunities to meet Canada's international commitments towards the International Monetary Fund by providing data within targets. Consumer prices data, including the regular CPI, will benefit from a basket update in 2021, including future approaches to these updates. In addition, the use of the adjusted price index as an input will support the quality of the CPI. Discussions are also underway to provide more data on food pricing in the North and on changes in household spending. As well, research is ongoing to improve data consistency and seasonal adjustment of the PEAI to expand its use.

Forward approaches should consider post-pandemic data needs, areas of data gaps, and the ongoing delivery of both emerging and core economic products; moreover, opportunities remain to fully explore the lessons learned from the pandemic

Statistics Canada's rapid response to COVID-19 underscored its ability to meet new data needs during an unprecedented period. The COVID-19 economic statistical products released were largely considered relevant, timely and useful. Nonetheless, significant efforts were necessary to release COVID-19 products in a timely manner without compromising the ongoing delivery of core products.

With the emerging post-pandemic data needs, sustaining the ongoing delivery of both COVID-19-related products and core economic products will be a challenge. Moreover, these emerging needs will likely bring forth other areas of data gaps, in addition to those identified by key users (i.e., household economic data, employment data and industry economic data) during this evaluation.

In light of these considerations, the organization should reflect on its forward approach with a focus on identifying emerging data needs, addressing areas of data gaps where possible, and sustaining the ongoing delivery of both COVID-19-related products and core economic products. Business prioritization, human resources, information technology and source data were identified as key enablers to sustain the ongoing delivery of COVID-19 economic statistical products and core products.

Chart 3: Key enablers to sustain COVID-19 economic statistical products and core products

Given that Statistics Canada is continuing to operate in an evolving pandemic, divisions involved in the COVID-19 economic products have not had the opportunity to conduct a full-fledged assessment of lessons learned aimed at finding approaches to improve core activities and benefitting the whole agency. Staff recognized the need to identify such lessons and find approaches to improve core activities to ensure that the organization as a whole builds on its pandemic experience to create synergies for the future. Nonetheless, some preliminary lessons learned were identified:

• develop a robust long-term HR plan to ensure adequate expertise and succession planning
• maintain the increased level of internal communication and collaboration implemented during the pandemic (break the silos)
• challenge the status quo to ensure continuous improvement of processes, methods and data products
• embed foresight into regular activities to proactively identify data needs.

Leveraging these lessons learned would help the organization further improve its COVID-19 data response and core activities. The lessons learned could also be shared across the agency to foster innovation and continuous improvement in support of the agency-wide response to COVID-19.

How to improve the program

Responsiveness to users' needs

Recommendation 1:
The Assistant Chief Statistician (ACS), Economic Statistics (Field 5), should ensure that a comprehensive strategy is developed to identify, prioritize and respond to emerging data needs (i.e., post-pandemic data), including areas of current data gaps.

The strategy should consider the key enablers identified, and include approaches and/or plans that clearly set out how:

• emerging data needs will be identified (e.g., stakeholder engagement approaches, international scan);
• current and emerging data gaps will be addressed;
• data needs will be prioritized based on intended outcomes and resource capacity; and
• ongoing monitoring of data needs will be carried out.

Moving Forward

Recommendation 2:
The ACS, Economic Statistics (Field 5), should ensure that a lessons learned exercise from the COVID 19 pandemic is conducted to identify approaches that could be applied to respond to COVID 19 data needs and improve core activities going forward. The lessons learned should be presented to a Tier 1 committee that will provide direction on their potential implementation across the agency, as applicable. They should also be shared across the agency to foster innovation and continuous improvement in support of the agency-wide response to COVID-19.

Management response and action plan

Recommendation 1

The Assistant Chief Statistician (ACS), Economic Statistics (Field 5), should ensure that a comprehensive strategy is developed to identify, prioritizeand respond to emerging data needs (i.e., post-pandemic data), including areas of current data gaps.

The strategy should consider the key enablers identified, and include approaches and/or plans that clearly set out how:

• emerging data needs will be identified (e.g., stakeholder engagement approaches, international scan);
• current and emerging data gaps will be addressed;
• data needs will be prioritized based on intended outcomes and resource capacity; and
• ongoing monitoring of data needs will be carried out.

Management response

Management agrees with the recommendation.

The Field will develop a comprehensive strategy to identify, prioritize and respond to emerging data needs.

This strategy will explain how data gaps will be addressed and include a process to ensure ongoing monitoring of data needs.

This strategy will consider the key enablers identified (i.e., business prioritization, human resources, information technology, source data) and form the basis for:

• Prioritization of Field resources
• Proposals for 'seed funding projects'
• External funding requests

Deliverables and timelines

The ACS, Economic Statistics (Field 5) will ensure the delivery of the Field 5 strategy document (March 31, 2022).

Recommendation 2

The ACS, Economic Statistics (Field 5), should ensure that a lessons learned exercise from the COVID-19 pandemic is conducted to identify approaches that could be applied to respond to COVID-19 data needs and improve core activities going forward. The lessons learned should be presented to a Tier 1 committee that will provide direction on their potential implementation across the agency, as applicable. They should also be shared across the agency to foster innovation and continuous improvement in support of the agency-wide response to COVID-19.

Management response

Management agrees with the recommendation.

The Field will conduct a lessons learned exercise that will enumerate:

• New data products that were developed in response to the pandemic
• New tools and techniques used to develop these products

This exercise will identify strengths and weaknesses in the approach taken, along with recommendations for improvement and best practices that could potentially be leveraged across the agency.

The results of this exercise will be presented to the Modernization Management Committee to foster a fulsome discussion on these lessons learned and their potential implementation agency-wide.

Deliverables and timelines

The ACS, Economic Statistics (Field 5) will ensure the delivery of a report on lessons learned and its presentation to the Modernization Management Committee (January 15, 2022).

Appendix A: List of new economic statistical products released

Industry Accounts Division

Category	Date of release	Products	The Daily release
Gross domestic product by industry: Preliminary Estimate / Flash Estimate	April 15, 2020 (March flash GDP)	Statistics Canada has been producing flash estimates of monthly GDP starting with the March 2020 reference period and released the product in The Daily.	Gross domestic product by industry: Nowcast, March 2020 (March flash GDP)Table note *
Gross domestic product by industry: Preliminary Estimate / Flash Estimate	May 29, 2020 (April flash GDP)	Statistics Canada has been producing flash estimates of monthly GDP starting with the March 2020 reference period and released the product in The Daily.	Gross domestic product by industry, March 2020 (April flash GDP)Table note *
Table note * The flash estimate for the following month since that date is published in The Daily alongside the preliminary monthly GDP. Return to the first table note * referrer

Economic Analysis Division

Category	Date of release	Products	The Daily release
Experimental Economic Activity Indexes for Canadian Provinces and Territories	July 14, 2020	Data: Experimental indexes of economic activity in the provinces and territories	Study: Experimental economic activity indexes for Canadian provinces and territories, January 2002 to March 2020
Experimental Economic Activity Indexes for Canadian Provinces and Territories	July 14, 2020	Analysis: Experimental Economic Activity Indexes for Canadian Provinces and Territories	Study: Experimental economic activity indexes for Canadian provinces and territories, January 2002 to March 2020
Experimental Economic Activity Indexes for Canadian Provinces and Territories	July 14, 2020	Methods and References: Experimental Economic Activity Indexes for Canadian Provinces and Territories: Experimental Measures Based on Combinations of Monthly Time Series	Study: Experimental economic activity indexes for Canadian provinces and territories, January 2002 to March 2020

International Accounts Division

Category	Date of release	Products	The Daily release
Monthly trade of personal protective goods	June 4, 2020	Trade in medical and protective goods, April 2020 (first release)	Canadian international merchandise trade, April 2020 Note: Releases occurred every subsequent month.
International Investment Position - Preliminary estimates	April 27, 2020 (one-time)	Estimated quarterly changes in Canada's international investment position, first quarter 2020	Market turbulences and COVID-19 outbreak: The impact on Canada's international investment position: Preliminary estimates, first quarter 2020
Monthly trade in goods by exporter characteristics	May 25, 2020	Trade in Goods by Exporter and Importer Characteristics: Interactive Tool Note: Monthly trade in goods by exporter characteristics data are available upon request.	Monthly trade in goods by exporter characteristics, March 2020 (first release) Note: Releases occurred every subsequent month.
Monthly transaction counts	May 13, 2020	Data: Monthly import transaction counts (not seasonally adjusted)	Monthly trade in goods by exporter characteristics, March 2020 (first release) Note: Releases occurred every subsequent month.
Monthly transaction counts	May 13, 2020	Analysis: Recent Developments in the Canadian Economy, 2020: COVID-19, first edition	Canadian merchandise import transaction counts, April 2020 Note: Releases occurred every subsequent month.

Consumer Prices Division

Date of release	Products (analytical papers)	The Daily release
April 8, 2020	Canadian Consumers Prepare for COVID-19	Canadian consumers prepare for COVID-19, December 29, 2019, to June 6, 2020
May 11, 2020	Canadian Consumers Adapt to COVID-19: A Look at Canadian Grocery Sales up to April 11	Study: Canadian consumers adapt to COVID-19: A look at Canadian grocery sales up to April 11
June 10, 2020	Monthly average retail prices for selected products, by province	Provincial monthly average retail prices for selected products, April 2020
July 13, 2020	Consumer expenditures during COVID-19: An exploratory analysis of the effects of changing consumption patterns on consumer price indexes	Study: Consumer expenditures during COVID-19: An exploratory analysis of the effects of changing consumption patterns on consumer price indexes
October 8, 2020	N/A	Adjusting the Consumer Price Index to the new spending realities during the pandemic Monthly adjusted price index, provisional Monthly adjusted consumer expenditure basket weights
April 2020 - October 21, 2020	Technical Supplement for the (March-September) 2020 Consumer Price Index	Consumer Price Index, March 2020 - September 2020