Under the authority of the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is hereby requesting the following information, which will be used solely for statistical and research purposes and will be protected in accordance with the provisions of the Statistics Act and any other applicable law. This is a mandatory request for data.

• National accounts and Gross Domestic Product
  • Information on insured mortgages
  • Information by fund on gross sales and gross redemptions of investment fund units and reinvested distributions
  • Information on the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
  • Information on financial derivatives of chartered banks
  • Information on investment industry financial statistics and sectoral trades in financial instruments
  • Regulatory data on derivative transactions, crypto assets and funds
  • Data on the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
    Data on the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (CECRA)

National accounts and Gross Domestic Product

The Agriculture Statistics Program (ASP) is comprised of an integrated set of components including crop and livestock surveys, farm economic statistics, agri-environmental statistics, tax and other administrative data, research and analysis, remote sensing and the Census of Agriculture (CEAG). The statistical information produced by the CEAG is unique in its ability to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the industry and its people, as well as small area data, both of which are instrumental not only to the agricultural industry, but also for meeting the data requirements of environmental programs, health programs, trade and crisis management. ASP statistical information is used by a wide range of organizations, including different levels of government, not-for-profit and private organizations, academic institutions, and individual Canadians.

This evaluation was conducted by Statistics Canada in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat's Policy on Results (2016) and Statistics Canada's Risk-Based Audit and Evaluation Plan (2019/2020 to 2023/2024). The main objective of the evaluation was to provide a neutral, evidence-based assessment of the 2016 CEAG dissemination strategy, and of the design and delivery of the CEAG migration to the Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP). The evaluation also assessed projects in the broader ASP, with a focus on projects supporting Statistics Canada's modernization initiative.

The evaluation found that a majority of interviewees were satisfied with the dissemination of the 2016 CEAG and noted it was an improvement over 2011. Data tables were identified as the most used product. In terms of timeliness, interviewees were satisfied with the release of the first set of tables (farm operator data - one year after Census Day); however, the timeframe for releasing the remaining two sets of data tables affected their usefulness (2.5 years after Census Day for the last data table release with socioeconomic data). Gaps were also identified in cross-analysis with non-agricultural sectors and in emerging sectors, and in guidance for web tools.

The CEAG migration to the IBSP was proceeding as planned at the time of the evaluation. Efforts to resolve issues, such as those related to compatibilities between the Collection Management Portal (CMP) and the IBSP, and the availability of tools and capacity to support data quality assessments, were continuing. The start of the production phase will bring additional risks as new resources become involved and time pressures increase.

All ASP projects reviewed were aligned with the modernization pillars and expected results. Most of the projects focussed on increasing the use of data from alternative sources and integrating data. The evaluation found that while governance structures existed and regular monitoring was taking place, project management practices could be strengthened.

The evaluation proposed six recommendations:

Recommendation 1

For the 2021 CEAG, the Agriculture Division explore ways to improve the timeliness of the last two sets of data tables (historical data, and socio-economic data) and increase cross-analysis with non-agricultural sectors.

Recommendation 2

Web tools include guidance on how to use them and how to interpret data from them. A proactive approach to launching new tools should be taken. Webinars were identified as an effective channel and the use of other channels would allow for even a wider coverage.

Recommendation 3

Unresolved issues for the migration to the IBSP, including incompatibilities between the IBSP and the CMP as well as the IBSP processing capacity, are addressed prior to the production phase.

Recommendation 4

Significant risks during the production phase, particularly with regard to data quality assessments and the exercising of roles and responsibilities, are monitored and mitigated.

Recommendation 5

Planning processes for future projects falling outside the scope of the Departmental Project Management Framework include an initial assessment that takes into account elements such as risk, materiality, public visibility and interdependencies. The assessment should then be used to determine the appropriate level of oversight and project management.

Recommendation 6

Processes and tools for documenting and sharing of best practices are implemented and lessons learned from other organizations (internal and external) are leveraged.

Raison d'être

Strong data and evidence are crucial to good decision making. All parts of society—governments, businesses and individuals—count on high-quality, timely and detailed statistics to make decisions. Among its many applications, statistical information is used to draw electoral boundaries, determine international tariffs, inform trade negotiations, analyze economic performance, select sites for schools and public transportation, and support immigration policies and programs.

Mandate and role

Statistics Canada produces data that help Canadians better understand their country—its population, resources, economy, society and culture. In Canada, providing statistics is a federal responsibility. As Canada's central statistical office, Statistics Canada is legislated to serve this function for the whole of Canada and each of the provinces and territories. The agency also conducts a census of the population and a census of agriculture every five years, providing a detailed picture of Canadian society. Statistics Canada operates under the authority of the Statistics Act and is committed to protecting the confidentiality of the information with which it is entrusted.

The agency promotes the quality and coherence of Canada's statistics through collaboration with international organizations, federal departments and agencies, and the provinces and territories. As a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission, the agency endorses the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, which help define what constitutes a good system of official statistics and what role that system should play in national governments.

• Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
  • Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
  • Sustainable development in Statistics Canada
  • Departmental performance by FSDS goal
  • Report on integrating sustainable development
• Gender-based analysis plus
  • Institutional GBA+ Capacity
  • Highlights of GBA+ Results by Program
• Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

This supplementary information table supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole-of-government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.

The departmental information in this supplementary information must take into account information previously prepared in accordance with the following guidance documents:

• 2017 to 2020 Guidance for the Preparation of Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies
• Guideline on Green Procurement for Small and Micro Departments
• Guide to Preparing Supplementary Information Tables: 2019–20 Departmental Plan (Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy).

These documents provided text and tables to help departments describe their actions and performance measures, and show how their actions support the achievement of the goals and targets of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).

1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. Statistics Canada adheres to the principles of the FSDS and, although the agency is not bound formally by the act, supports reporting on the implementation of the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2. Sustainable development in Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for 2017 to 2020 describes the agency's actions in support of achieving low carbon government. This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years' supplementary information tables are posted on Statistics Canada's website.

Statistics Canada also contributes data to help monitor and track several FSDS themes.

• Clean growth: Statistics Canada releases survey and macroeconomic data on Canada's clean technology sector.
• Sustainably managed lands and forests: Statistics Canada provides data on changes in land cover and land use for all of Canada's census metropolitan areas and is expanding these statistics to cover other communities.
• Modern and resilient infrastructure: Statistics Canada is collaborating with Infrastructure Canada to deliver Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey.
• Safe and healthy communities: Statistics Canada provides data on household awareness of radon. This work is done in conjunction with Health Canada.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

The following tables provide performance information on departmental action in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.

Context: Low-carbon government

As per Statistics Canada's mandate and objectives, the only FSDS contributing action is to "support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement." Procurement activities continue to be modernized, including the reduction of manual processes with the use of electronic submissions and acceptance. Environmental considerations are incorporated into all public procurement (e.g., purchasing copy paper that contains a minimum of 30% recycled content, which is a recognized environmental standard). In addition, procurement specialists use existing procurement instruments—available through Public Services and Procurement Canada—that include environmental considerations.

4. Report on integrating sustainable development

During the 2019–20 reporting cycle, Statistics Canada had no proposals that required a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and no public statements were produced.

Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)

Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

Response to parliamentary committees

There were no parliamentary committee reports requiring a response.

Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

There were no audits in 2019–20 that required a response.

Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

There were no audits in 2019–20 that required a response.

• 2018 Canadian Housing Survey results
• Administrative data: Why it matters to you
• Blueprint 2020
• Canadian Centre for Energy Information
• Canadian Energy Information Portal
• Canadian Indicator Framework
• Corporations Returns Act
• Corporations Returns Regulations
• Faces of StatCan
• GCcoworking
• GC InfoBase
• Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub
• Indigenous Statistics Portal
• Joe Anonymous
• Measuring digital economic activities in Canada: Initial estimates
• Minister's Mandate Letter
• My StatCan
• Official Languages Act
• Open Government Portal
• Public Accounts of Canada
• Report on Federal Tax Expenditures
• Statistics Act
• Statistics Canada website
• Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub
• The Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation: Dataset
• The Daily
• The Weekly Review
• Trust Centre

1. Acknowledge your child's fears. Understand that finger pricks may be scary to children and that kids may experience real discomfort. Refrain from telling your child that their claims of discomfort from finger pricks are wrong. Responses such as "You didn't feel that" or "It won't hurt a bit" can be confusing and frustrating if the child truly did experience pain.
2. Reduce anxiety-provoking factors and try to remain as relaxed as possible. Children are greatly influenced by parental anxiety. Talk softly and slowly. Try not to escalate the tone or speed of your speech if your child begins to cry or resist. Do not put much emphasis on the lancet to reduce the child's fear and apprehension of the device.
3. Use controlled breathing. Everyone involved in the finger prick may want to practice controlled breathing. Instruct your child to take a deep, slow breath, hold for three seconds, and exhale slowly. Do this two to three times together. Time depressing the button on the lancet with the last breath, and have your child blow out, as if he were blowing away the pinch.
4. Use distraction. Distraction is the most practical and effective tool to minimize pain and distress for children. Some effective distraction activities include blowing bubbles, squeezing on a soft ball, searching for specific items in a colorful photo or in the room, watching a video on a tablet or device, doing simple math equations out loud, counting, or saying the alphabet.
5. Press the lancet device firmly on the finger. It is common to instinctually pull back slightly when depressing the button on the lancet. This will cause the needle to not go deep enough into the skin and will greatly increase the likelihood of having to repeat the procedure on another finger because you will not have enough blood to fill up a circle on the card. Press the device firmly onto the child's finger and keep that pressure while depressing the button on the lancet to ensure the needle goes deep enough to pierce the skin properly.

PDF Version - English (PDF, 737.52 KB)

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in many ways. In an attempt to better understand how COVID-19 has affected the health of Canadians, Statistics Canada, in partnership with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, has created the Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey (CCAHS). While this is a voluntary survey, your participation is important as your contribution will play an important part in understanding past infections by measuring the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies amongst Canadians, including those who have never had symptoms.

What does participating in the CCAHS involve?

This unique survey will collect information in two parts.

1. The first part is an electronic questionnaire about general health, chronic conditions and symptoms, access to care and exposure to COVID-19. The questionnaire must be completed prior to moving on to the second part as it is necessary to collect your personal information so we can send the results to you, and to obtain your written consent to complete the second part.
2. The second part is an at-home finger-prick blood test which you will administer to yourself as soon as possible after completing the electronic questionnaire. You will then return the dried blood spot sample using the enclosed prepaid package. The lab will analyze the sample to determine the presence of COVID-19 antibodies.

How were you selected to participate in this survey?

You have been randomly selected to participate, which ensures that the data collected will be representative of the Canadian population.

Even if you do not think you have been exposed to COVID-19, your information will provide valuable answers about the virus. You will also receive a copy of your lab report, providing you with valuable information about your own health.

Why do I need to provide consent?

While completing the electronic questionnaire, you will be asked for consent to:

• provide the dried blood spot sample
• receive your test results
• store your sample in a biobank
• share certain data with provincial and territorial ministries of health, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada and potentially McGill University.

By consenting, you confirm that:

• you understand that even though you have agreed to some or all of the items above, you can still withdraw from any part of this survey or subsequent studies at any time
• you understand what is involved in taking part in the survey.

Consent to storage of your samples

With your consent, the surplus dried blood spots samples (leftover blood samples after antibody testing is performed) will be stored anonymously at the Statistics Canada biobank located at the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. This is a high security facility that meets international security standards for this type of laboratory. The samples will be used for future health research projects. Only researchers who submit projects that meet the strict conditions imposed by Statistics Canada, in particular those relating to confidentiality, will have access to these samples.

Can I choose not to participate in the survey?

Your participation is voluntary. You can choose to end your participation in this survey (called withdrawal) at any time without having to provide a reason. If you choose to withdraw from the survey you can call us at 1-800-263-1136 (TTY: 1-800-363-7629) or email STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@statcan.gc.ca. We will ensure that your samples are destroyed and your data deleted. If tests have already been done on your samples or your sample has already been sent to another laboratory for testing or related research, it will not be possible to withdraw those results. However, no further testing will be done.

What are the risks of participating in this survey?

You may experience very mild discomfort from the sting of the needle when taking a blood sample from a finger prick. Rest assured that we have chosen this measure and technique because it is safe. The risk of infection by COVID-19 from blood is considered extremely low. Medical research has shown that the virus is rarely found in the blood even when someone is sick. Furthermore, the small amount of blood that is being collected further minimizes any risk of infection. However you should still be cautious when handling blood because of the possible presence of other infectious agents.

What are the benefits of participating in this survey?

Your participation will help in further understanding the impact of COVID-19. The results will help indicate how many people have been infected with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), including those who may not have had related symptoms. Also, you will receive your test results once they are available.

Will my data be linked and shared?

When filling in the electronic questionnaire, we will inform you about the possibility of linking the information you provide to the CCAHS with other surveys or administrative data sources. Data linkage combines information on survey participants from at least two different sources. This is done only for statistical and research purposes. Linking data helps governments monitor, evaluate and modify policies in health care. If you agree to data linkage, we will:

• Ask you for your health card number to help with the linkage process.
• Combine the information we collect during this survey with some of the information that your provincial health department, health registries or other recognized health organizations already have on file about you.
• Remove personal identifiers such as your name, address and health card number from the linked file as soon as the linkage is complete.
• Destroy all linkage files at the end of the project.

Only Statistics Canada employees will perform data linkage. All linked data will remain confidential under the Statistics Act. We will not provide any information about you to the ministry of health in your province, territory or to any other organization. For more information on data linkage, visit Microdata Linkage at Statistics Canada

You will also be asked if you consent to sharing the information you provide with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and provincial and territorial ministries of health (including l'Institut de la statistique du Québec for Quebec residents). Sharing data allows researchers to fully utilize the information we collect to improve health policies and, in turn, the health of Canadians. If you consent, your data will be shared under the following conditions:

• Your name, address, telephone number and health card number could be shared.
• The Institut de la statistique du Québec and provincial and territorial ministries of health may make this data available to local health authorities. Local health authorities will not receive any personal identifiers, only your postal code.
• Your information will not be shared with any other party without your consent.
• Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the ministries of health will use this information only for statistical and research purposes.

To avoid duplication of surveys, Statistics Canada might sign agreements to share the data from this survey with McGill University. McGill is the legal entity representing the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF). The CITF is a group of scientists and experts who use data to support decision-makers in their efforts to protect Canadians and minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With your consent, your survey responses and postal code will be shared with McGill and the CITF. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses and health card numbers will not be shared.

How will my data be kept private and confidential?

The data and samples are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all your personal information remains confidential and secure. Your data are also protected under the Privacy Act of Canada.

Statistics Canada will never:

• store or test your samples if you did not provide consent
• provide information about your samples to any law enforcement agency
• share your personal information or your test results with insurance companies or employers
• allow any of your information or data to be used in partnership suits or any other legal proceedings.

How do I do the dried blood spot (DBS) test?

This guide will demonstrate how to administer the dried blood spot (DBS) test. Please read the entire guide carefully prior to beginning the test. An instructional video can be found at Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey (CCAHS). If you have any questions, please call us at 1-888-253-1087 or email statcan.ccahs-ecsac.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Statistics Canada takes all necessary precautions to ensure that the collection of health information and samples is safe for participants.

It is very important to note that you should not do the DBS test if you have a clotting condition such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, if you have had chemotherapy within the last 4 weeks, or if you have undergone a bilateral mastectomy. If you have had a mastectomy only on one side, you may perform the finger prick on the opposite hand. In addition, you should not complete the DBS test if you have experienced fainting or vomiting due to a finger prick or the sight of blood.

If at any point you feel that your health or safety is at risk due to this test, please stop the test immediately. It is recommended that you administer the test with someone nearby in case you begin to feel unwell. Furthermore, if you are feeling stressed because of the survey or the COVID-19 pandemic in general, please visit Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey and click on the Mental and Physical Health link under Participants for a list of tips and resources to help with your mental and physical health during these stressful times.

Before you begin, please make sure you have all the necessary items in your testing kit:

• 2 Single-use rounded T-shaped lancets
• 1 DBS card
• 2 Alcohol swabs
• 2 Gauze pads
• 2 Bandages
• 1 pair of gloves
• 1 Dehumidifying pack
• 1 Humidity indicator card
• 1 Small brown envelope
• 1 Large resealable plastic bag
• 1 Small striped plastic bag
• 1 Prepaid postage envelope

Step 1: Getting ready

1. If possible, it is best to have another person present while you perform the DBS test. This is so that they can assist you in the event that you experience any adverse effects. They may also be able to help you with some steps of the process if required. Please note: if someone is assisting you or if you are assisting someone else with their DBS test, gloves should be worn to ensure that there will be no contact with another person's blood.
2. Write the date in the space indicated on the small brown envelope. Do not write your name or any other information that could identify you. Do not write on the DBS card.
3. Prepare all the materials before starting the collection, as shown in the picture below. We suggest covering the surface of the table with paper towels to absorb any excess drops of blood.
4. Fold back the flap of your DBS card to uncover the testing area with the 5 circles. Make sure not to touch this area. Your card should look like the card on the photo below.
5. Open the gauze package and a bandage and set aside. You will need these after pricking your finger with the lancet.
6. Chose which finger you will be using to collect your sample. Only use your middle or ring fingers. It is important that you choose a finger that is not injured or infected.
7. Make sure your hands are warm. This will improve blood flow. You can do so by rubbing your hands together or moving your arms.

Step 2: The collection

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after the test.
2. Make sure you are seated comfortably at a clean table with all provided materials within reach.
3. Hold the white base of the lancet with one hand, and twist off the purple cap with the other. Even with the cap off, you will not see the needle. This is normal. 
4. Use the alcohol swab to clean the entire tip of the chosen finger all the way down to the first knuckle, and allow it to air dry.
5. Position the lancet on your finger tip. The needle should go across the fingerprint lines, not in the same direction.
6. Lay the back of your hand against a solid surface:

   Hold the lancet firmly between your index and major finger of the opposite hand, place the tip of the lancet onto the finger tip and push the button on the top of the lancet with your thumb. You will hear a click and feel it prick your finger.

   Once a lancet is used, it retracts back into the device, and cannot be activated a second time. Two lancets have been provided in the event that you are unable to complete the test with only one finger prick. Should you choose to do a second finger prick, make sure to use a different finger.
7. Let a small drop of blood form at your finger tip and wipe it away with a gauze pad. Do not use the alcohol pad to wipe away the drop of blood.
8. Now it's time to start collecting blood on the card. Gently squeeze your finger from the base towards the tip to help a blood drop form. Once a large drop of blood forms on your fingertip, let the blood fall from your finger onto the card. The blood should saturate the card and show through the other side. Do not let your finger touch the card.
    
   Front of the DBS card
    
   Other side of the saturated DBS card
    
   Fill the first circle completely before moving on to the next. The goal is to fill all 5 circles, but fewer full circles are better than more incomplete circles. If one drop of blood is not enough to fill a circle, aim the next drop of blood beside the first drop until the circle is filled. Avoid layering blood drops directly on top of one another.
   This photo demonstrates a good dried blood spot sample compared to a poor quality sample.
    
   If you have attempted the DBS test, you should mail back your DBS card no matter the outcome. Even if you were only able to fill one circle, or if none of your circles are complete, the laboratory will still try to analyze your sample.

Step 3: After collection

1. Apply firm pressure with gauze until the bleeding has stopped.
2. Apply a bandage.
3. Used lancets must be placed in the provided large resealable plastic bag and thrown in the trash.
4. Place the DBS card in a safe place until it is completely dry. With the flap folded back, allow to dry for at least 3 hours. Do not place it in direct sunlight or near a heater, and keep out of reach of children and pets to avoid contamination.
5. Once dry, fold the flap back over the blood spots and place it in the small brown envelope. Do not seal the small brown envelope. Place the small brown envelope, the humidity indicator card and the dehumidifying pack inside the small striped plastic bag. Do not place the humidity indicator card in the small brown envelope. Remove as much air from the bag as you can before closing it.
6. To send your DBS test to , place your small striped plastic bag in the prepaid, pre-addressed package and seal it. Write your postal code in the six boxes in the bottom right hand corner of the return label. Do not write your name or address on the return label. Return your test in the package provided