Guidelines – Financial Information of Community Colleges and Vocational Schools (FINCOL)
For the fiscal year ending in 2020

I. Introduction

The main objective of this survey is to obtain detailed revenue and expenditure data on each college and vocational school in Canada. Coupled with what is already available for the university sector, this gathering of data will provide a complete picture of the financial statistics of postsecondary education as well as vocational training in Canada.

The following notes provide the principles, definitions and guidelines necessary for the completion of the data form. Since it is desirable to obtain figures as comparable as possible from one institution to another, each respondent is requested to:

  • provide accompanying notes of explanation in the observations and comments section of the submission for figures that do not follow the guidelines;
  • provide comments on items which are excluded from the data, such as cases where provinces are making contributions to repay debt on behalf of an institution or material gifts received as donated service along with their estimated market value;
  • estimates should be made whenever possible if income and expenditure figures are not readily available in the required format from the financial records of the institution. When estimates are made they should be indicated with an asterisk (*).

II. Submission

The final deadline for the submission is indicated in the covering letter. The completed questionnaire(s) should be returned in the self-addressed envelope provided.

A copy of the institution's Audited Financial Statements is also requested with your submission. If a copy is not available, please advise Statistics Canada as to the date on which they will be forwarded.

III. Coverage

With the exception of private institutions that only offer courses at the trade and vocational level, the survey covers all private and public non-degree granting institutions that offer educational programs at the postsecondary level and/or at the trade and vocational level. For statistical purposes, institutions are classified as follows:

  1. Colleges/Institutes/Polytechnics

    Included in this classification are the colleges of applied arts and technology (CAAT's) in Ontario, general and vocational colleges (CEGEP's) in Quebec, institutes of technology and any other institutions providing education in fields such as paramedical technologies, nursing, agriculture, forestry, nautical sciences, etc.. These institutions offer programs at the postsecondary level, and may offer trade-vocational level programs.

  2. Vocational Schools

    This classification includes Community Colleges in Saskatchewan and Vocational Centres in Alberta, government training schools, vocational training centres and any other institution offering programs at the trade-vocational level only.

  3. Training in hospitals

    Included in this classification are educational centres located in hospitals, which offer educational or training programs, independently of the community college system, in nursing, radiotherapy, radiography, medical technology, etc..

    To ensure full coverage, it is important that each reporting officer indicates on section 2 of the questionnaire the affiliated campuses included in and/or excluded from the submission.

IV. Confidentiality

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which could identify any person, business or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent or as permitted by the Statistics Act.

V. Authorization to Release

In order for Statistics Canada to release the information provided an 'Authorization to release' form must be signed. The form provided authorizes Statistics Canada to release the information in aggregation to the provincial/territorial level only.

VI. Principles of Reporting

1. Accrual Concept

For the purpose of this survey, the revenue and expenditure data should be reported on an accrual basis. That is, all revenues and expenditures should be reflected in the period in which they are considered to have been earned and incurred respectively. For example, major adjustments, such as retroactive salary and their related benefit costs, should be reported on that basis.

2. Total Income and Expenditures

All income and expenditures of the institution are to be reported. In this regard particular attention should be paid to the following:

  • when an institution is provincially governed or consists of a branch of a department, all costs related to the operation, maintenance and administration of the institution are to be reported; the actual funds used to finance those expenditures should be shown as a provincial source of funds;
  • consultations may be required with the institution's research department to obtain detailed breakdowns of income sources and expenses related to sponsored research;
  • capital expenditures, as well as related revenues, that are financed by a government Department or Ministry other than the one responsible for the institution must be included in this report; the reporting officer is responsible for obtaining and providing this information;
  • the figures reported should not include income or expenditures for the purpose of creating or eliminating an appropriation; however, any actual income or expenditure transaction recorded directly in reserve accounts should be included in the figures reported; this also applies to other assets and liability accounts; provisions for replacement of assets are considered to be transfers to reserve or appropriation accounts and should not be reported as expenses;
  • receipts and expenses relating to special purpose, trust and other funds of the institution should, as well, be included in the report.

3. Ancillary Enterprises

An ancillary enterprise is an entity that exists to furnish goods and services to students, staff or others, and that charges a fee directly related to, although not necessarily equal to, the cost of the goods or services. To reflect properly the full cost of these enterprises, you should report their total gross revenues and total gross expenditures in the appropriate cells in the Schedule 1 and Schedule 2A. In addition, a breakdown by type of ancillary enterprises (bookstores, food services, residences, parking) must be completed on the Supporting Schedule A.

4. Reporting of Income

When reporting the sources of funds in the operating, sponsored research and capital income in Schedule 1, it is important to show the revenues under the headings that correspond to the immediate source of funds for the institution. For example, if an institution offers training courses for which Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) purchases seats, then the amount of money paid by ESDC should be shown under "Federal" only if the money is received directly by the institution. If the money is received by a third party (provincial government) and then transferred to the institution, then the direct source of funds is the "Provincial Government".

VII. Definitions

1. Program Cost Groups

This section defines the program cost groups to be used in the reporting of direct instruction expenditures on Schedule 2B of the questionnaire.

The criteria used to define the various program cost groups originates from those used in other surveys conducted by Statistics Canada and also from analysis of different educational systems across Canada. Note that these statistical definitions may not correspond identically to other existing definitions used by other organizations or governments.

a) Postsecondary Programs

This program cost group includes all direct expenditures incurred in providing instruction to students enrolled FULL-TIME or PART-TIME in postsecondary programs offered by Colleges/Institutes (see section III). These programs are of two kinds: university transfer programs and semi-professional career programs.

i) University transfer programs

University transfer programs require secondary school completion to enter and provide a student with standing equivalent to the first or second year of a university degree program with which one can apply for admission to subsequent senior years at a degree granting institution.

ii) Career programs

These programs usually require high school graduation for admission and have a duration of at least one year. More commonly these programs last two, three or four years. Career programs lead to a certificate or a diploma in technology, business, applied arts, nursing, agriculture, etc., and they prepare a student to enter a career directly upon completion of the program, at a level between that of the university trained professional and the skilled tradesperson.

b) Trade and Vocational Programs

This program cost group includes all direct expenditures incurred in providing instruction (or training) to students (or trainees) enrolled FULL-TIME in vocational programs at the trade level for credit towards a recognized standing of proficiency or certification. Also included are direct expenditures related to students enrolled in academic upgrading programs for entry into a vocational program. Such students normally attend regular day classes in provincial trade schools, trade or industrial divisions of community colleges, adult vocational centres and other similar schools. These programs or courses prepare the student (trainee) for an occupational role below the professional or semi-professional level. A period of less than one year is normally sufficient to complete courses at this level. For less complex occupations, a program may last only a matter of weeks. Completion of grade 9 or 10 is usually required for entrance to these courses.

Included are, for example, pre-employment programs, language, skill or academic upgrading programs, refresher courses, apprenticeship programs, training on the job or training in-industry programs associated with educational institution, nursing assistant, etc..

c) Continuing Education Programs

This program cost group includes all direct expenditures incurred in providing instruction to students enrolled PART-TIME in courses, mostly in the evening, offered under the auspices of subsidiary divisions of schools designated by various names such as Division of Continuing Education, Adult Education Division and so on. Excluded are activities which have no sustained instruction or educational purpose such as recreational activities, presentations in the performing arts, art exhibitions and displays, debates fairs, conferences or conventions of clubs or associations.

Included are, for example, courses such as pre-employment programs, language, skill or academic upgrading programs, refresher, professional development, general interest, etc., which are offered on a PART-TIME basis.

2. Funds

a) Operating

This fund accounts for the cost of credit and non-credit instruction, non-sponsored research, academic support services, administration, plant maintenance and other operating expenses of the institution financed by fees, grants and other operating income. This fund will normally include all revenues and expenses regarding materials, supplies or services that are consumed within the year and which the institution considers to be operating, within the functional operating areas referred to in section 3 below.

b) Sponsored Research

Sponsored Research is a restricted fund that accounts for income and expenditures for all sponsored research as well as Research and Development (R&D). For an activity to qualify as R&D, there must be an appreciable element of novelty. Income is to be reported following the funds flow approach.

Sponsored Research covers the following activities:

Basic Research is any experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundation of phenomena and observed facts, without any particular application or use in view;

Applied Research is the original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge, and directed primarily towards a specific practical objective;

Experimental Development is systematic work drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, installing new processes, systems and services, or improving those already installed.

The following activities should not be counted as R&D:

  • all education and training of personnel; however, research by graduates and postgraduate students should be counted;
  • scientific and technical information services such as collecting, coding, recording, classifying, analyzing, disseminating, translating, and evaluating, except where conducted solely or primarily for R&D support;
  • routine testing of materials, components, products, processes, soils, etc.;
  • maintenance of national standards;
  • administrative and legal work connected with patents and licenses;
  • investigations of proposed engineering projects using existing techniques; however feasibility studies on research projects are part of R&D;
  • policy-related studies at the national, regional and local levels, as well as those of business enterprises in pursuit of economic activity;
  • routine software development, computer maintenance, quality assurance, routine data collection, and market research;
  • the many steps other than R&D necessary for the development and marketing of a manufactured product;
  • the raising, management, and distribution of R&D funds; and
  • routine investigation and normal application of specialized medical knowledge.

Sponsored Research accounts for the institution's income paid in the form of a contract (legally enforceable arrangements under which the institution, or an individual within the institution, agrees to undertake a research project, using the institution's facilities and/or personnel, for a sponsor that provide funds to meet all or part of the costs of the project) or a grant (unconditional payment for which service is not necessarily expected) from a source external to the institution.

Income sources include government, private industry and donors. Income may also include investment income, if the corresponding expenditures are reported in Sponsored Research.

Expenditures include activity funded from Sponsored Research income and exclude activity funded from the General Operating fund. It also includes the purchase of capital assets, if the corresponding income is reported as Sponsored Research.

c) Capital

The uniform reporting practice in the annual return for capital expenditures is to follow the funds flow approach, rather than to capitalize and amortize. Funds received to acquire capital assets are reported as income in the period in which the funds are received or receivable. Funds used to acquire capital assets are reported as expenditures in the year they take place.

For reporting purposes, capital expenditures are to be reported in the same fund as the corresponding income. Specifically, capital expenditures are only reported in the Capital fund when the corresponding income is reported in the Capital fund.

It is a restricted fund that accounts for resources provided to the institution for capital purposes and not reported in any other fund. Fund income includes grants and related investment income, donations and other resources made available to the institution by external funding sources, such as government and donors, specifically for capital purposes. Fund expenditures include building programs, acquisitions of major equipment and furniture, major renovations and alterations, space rental and buildings, land and land improvements.

Capital expenditures, as well as related revenues, being financed by a Government Department or Ministry other than the one responsible for the institution must be included in this report. The reporting officer should be responsible for obtaining and providing this information.

3. Functions (Schedule 2A)

a) Instruction and non-sponsored research

This includes all direct costs related to credit and non-credit courses, summer courses, extension programs and all other academic functions related to instruction and non-sponsored research such as offices of academic department heads, audio-visual services, laboratories, etc..

b) Library

This includes all the operating costs of the main library as well as the campus libraries, if there are any. All costs of library acquisitions from the Operating fund should be shown under this function.

c) General Administration

This includes costs for activities whose primary function is to provide administrative support for the operation of the institution. It includes the activities of the president's office, vice president, registrar, finance, personnel, public relations, secretariats, etc.. It also includes expenditures on convocations, ceremonies, legal and audit fees, long distance phone calls, the internal portion of debt repayments and costs for computing facilities.

d) Physical Plant

This includes the costs related to physical facilities, such as physical plant offices, maintenance of buildings and grounds, fire insurance, telephone service, security, repairs and furnishing, renovations and alterations, mail delivery service.

e) Student Services

This includes costs for activities whose primary purpose is to assist students in their educational or employment pursuits and which are outside of, but supplemental to, the instruction of academic programs. It includes the costs of: counselling, placement, health services, athletics (not physical education), student accommodation services (not residences), student transportation services, bursaries, scholarships and prizes, student financial aid office, cultural activities, etc..

4. Types of Income

a) Government Grants and Contracts

Lines 1 to 10 include grants from, and contracts with, federal government departments and agencies, provincial/territorial government departments and agencies, and municipal governments.

Government grants provide financial support to institutions and the grants may or may not be restricted.

Government contracts provide financial support to institutions under certain stipulations and conditions, including the provision of a deliverable product, such as a piece of equipment, a service or a report. A contract normally includes provisions for institutions to recover certain indirect or overhead costs, with the contract specifying or documenting the basis for the calculation of the recoverable costs.

Federal

Lines 1 to 6 include all research grants, research contracts, grants and contributions from the Government of Canada and its departments and agencies. Income received from the five major federal government agencies is reported on lines 1 to 5 as applicable.

The line items under "Federal" are as follows:

  • Line 1: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
  • Line 2: Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
    CFI income is reported under the Sponsored Research fund.
  • Line 3: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
  • Line 4: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
  • Line 5: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
  • Line 6: Other federal
    Income from all other federal government departments and agencies is reported on this line.
Provincial/Territorial

Lines 7 to 9 include income from provincial government departments and agencies. For example, Provincial/Territorial CFI matching grants, Provincial/Territorial CFI matching income (line 8) from the Ministry responsible for the institution is reported under the Sponsored Research fund.

In the case of a provincially/territorially administered institution, direct provincial funding is to be included here.

Municipal

Examples of income to be reported on this line include grants from urban transit, communication and parking authorities.

b) Fees

This includes all mandatory student fees for credit and non-credit courses (with the exception of residence fees, parking fees and other similar fees which should be reported under 'ancillary enterprises - gross') paid by, or on behalf of all FULL-TIME and PART-TIME students.

All other fees charged to students such as laboratory fees, transcript, late registration, application, athletic fees, etc., are to be reported under the heading 'other'.

Normally, whenever revenues from fees are reported in Schedule 1 under specific program(s), related expenditures should be reported for the corresponding program(s) in Schedule 2B.

Note: Fees that are "flow through" (such as student activity fees collected for the students' council, etc.) should not be reported as college revenue.

c) Bequests, Donations, Non-Government Grants

This includes receipts from business, industry, foundations, individuals and religious organizations, as well as the value of services donated by various organizations.

d) Investment Income

This includes income from all investments such as dividends, bonds, mortgages, short-term notes and bank interest. Realized gains (or losses) should also be included if they are treated as income in the operating and/or capital funds.

e) Ancillary Enterprises (gross)

This includes total revenues from all ancillary enterprises such as residence or parking fees, and sales of services and products from bookstores, food services (dining hall, cafeterias and vending machines), publishing, laundry services, etc..

It should also be noted that the reporting officer is asked to report, on Supporting Schedule A, a breakdown of total income for the institution's ancillary enterprises.

f) Borrowings

This includes only those borrowings which are used to finance expenditures when repayment is to be made by the institution. Note that borrowings should be reported on an accrual basis.

g) Miscellaneous

This includes net income from rentals (other than ancillary enterprises), library fines and fines for other similar charges, and any income not reported elsewhere.

h) Interfund Transfers

When income from one fund is used to finance expenditures in another fund, report the amount as an interfund transfer. Total interfund transfers must net to zero.

5. Types of Expenditures

a) Salaries and Wages

Salaries and wages (excluding fringe benefits) as well as payments for leave of absence, shown under the appropriate functions and programs, are to be broken down into the following two categories:

i) Teachers

Included in this category are salaries and wages paid to full-time and part-time teaching staff.

ii) Other

This category includes all salaries not reported in part (i) above. Specifically, it includes salaries and wages paid to tutors, monitors, demonstrators, markers, laboratory technicians, maintenance personnel, office and technical staff, research and teaching assistants, etc..

b) Fringe Benefits

This includes the institution's contribution (in respect of all salaries and wages) to pensions, group life insurance, workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance, Canada pension, salary contribution insurance, long term disability insurance and other similar benefits. Also include staff development costs paid for by the institution.

c) Library Acquisitions

This includes all purchases of books, periodicals, audio/visual material and other reference material for the library. Costs of binding may also be included if normally considered part of the acquisition costs.

d) Operational Supplies and Expenses

This includes all expenditures for supplies which are normally consumed in the fiscal year, including postage, teaching supplies, photocopying, publications, long distance telephone charges, repair materials, all supplies to operate laboratories, etc..

e) Utilities

This includes all expenditures for fuel, electricity, water, gas, telephone equipment rental, etc..

f) Furniture and Equipment

This includes all expenses for furniture and equipment, such as laboratory equipment (other than consumables), administrative equipment and furnishings, copying and duplicating equipment, computing equipment maintenance equipment, etc.. Rental and maintenance costs as well as other related operating expenses should be shown under the appropriate operational function. Costs for replacing or acquiring new furniture and equipment should be reported under the capital fund.

g) Scholarships and Other Related Students Support

This includes all payments to students including scholarships, bursaries, prizes, fee remissions, gifts, etc..

h) Fees and Contracted Services

This includes all expenses for services contracted to external agencies (except for renovations, alterations and major repairs). Examples would be cleaning contracts, security services, snow removal, etc.. Also included are fees paid to legal counsellors (including retainers for negotiations of collective contracts), auditors' fees, consultant's fees, etc..

i) Debt Services

This includes all payments made to service debts of the institution such as bank interest, mortgage or debenture interest payments, and related charges. Principal payments on loans, mortgages, debentures or repayable grants should be excluded.

j) Buildings

This includes all capital expenditures which are normally considered part of construction costs, except for furniture and equipment as well as land and site services which are to be reported under their respective item. Costs for space rental, building insurances, taxes, minor renovations and alterations on buildings, and all other related operating expenses should be shown under the Physical Plant operational function. Depreciation is not to be included as an expenditure.

k) Land and Site Services

This includes capital expenditures on acquisitions of and improvements to land such as landscaping, sewers, tunnels, roads, etc.. Capitalized professional fees and planning costs related to this category are also to be included. Rental, maintenance and insurance costs as well as other related operating expenses for this item should be shown under the Physical Plant operational function.

l) Miscellaneous

This is to be used when the institution has an operating or capital expenditure not classified in the other categories.

m) Transfers To/From

This item is used for internal transfers of costs between funds or functions whenever it is not feasible to directly adjust the appropriate expenditure items.

The total internal transfers of costs should net to zero.

n) Ancillary Enterprises (gross)

Includes all gross expenditures incurred in the operating of ancillary enterprises (see section 4 (e) above).

It should be noted that the reporting officer is asked to report, on the Supporting Schedule A, a breakdown of total expenditures for the institution's ancillary enterprises.

VIII. Supporting Schedule A

Additional information is to be provided in this section for the total revenue and expenditures of institutional ancillary enterprises (bookstores, residences, food services and parking).

IX. Suggestions

Statistics Canada would welcome any suggestions made to improve this survey.

Questionnaire – Financial Information of Community Colleges and Vocational Schools
For the fiscal year ending in 2020

Canadian Centre for Education Statistics

This information is collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S19.

Confidential when completed
(Le français est disponible)

Voluntary survey

Although your participation in this survey is voluntary, your cooperation is important so that the information collected will be as accurate and complete as possible.

Survey purpose

Results from this survey allow users a better understanding of the financial position (income and expenditures) of all community colleges and public vocational schools in Canada. Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Confidentiality

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which 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.

Financial Year Ending: Day, Month, Year (2020)

Identification of the institution

  • Name of institution
  • Address (number and street)
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal code
  • Check the appropriate boxes
    • Type
      • Public
      • Private
    • Governing authority
      • Province or territory
      • Board

Identification of the reporting officer

  • Name and title of reporting officer
  • Address (number and street)
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal code
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Fax number
  • Signature of the reporting officer
  • Day, Month, Year

Does your institution offer courses at the elementary-secondary level, other than those academic upgrading courses such as Adult Basic Education which should be reported in this questionnaire?

  • Yes
  • No

If yes, please exclude revenues and expenditures relating to that level of education.

Instructions

  1. Please read the guidelines carefully.
  2. All amounts should be expressed in thousands of dollars ($'000).
  3. Indicate estimated amounts with an asterisk (*).

Affiliated institutions or campuses included in this report

Affiliated institutions or campuses partially included in this report

Affiliated institutions or campuses excluded from this report

Schedule 1 – Operating, Sponsored Research and Capital Income
Table summary
This is an empty data table used by respondents to provide data to Statistics Canada. This table contains no data.
Types Funds
Operating
($'000)
Sponsored Research
($'000)
Capital
($'000)
Total
($'000)
Government Grants and Contracts        
FederalSchedule 1 footnote *        
1. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
       
2. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
       
3. Canadian Institutes of Health Research
       
4. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
       
5. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
       
6. Other federal
       
Provincial        
7. Regular Grants
       
8. CFI Matching Fund
       
9. Other
       
10. Municipal
       
Fees        
11. Postsecondary Programs
       
12. Trade Vocational Programs
       
13. Continuing Education Programs
       
14. Other
       
Bequests, Donations, Non-Government Grants        
15. Business Enterprises and Individuals
       
16. Non-profit Organizations and Foundations
       
17. Sub-total
       
18. Investment Income        
19. Ancillary Enterprises (Gross)Schedule 1 footnote **        
20. Borrowings        
21. Miscellaneous        
22. Interfund TransfersSchedule 1 footnote ***        
23. Total Income        
Schedule 1 footnote *

As highlighted in Section VI.4 in the Guidelines, amounts reported here should relate only to payments received directly by the institution.

Return to Schedule 1 footnote * referrer

Schedule 1 footnote **

Total should correspond with figures reported in the supporting schedule A.

Return to Schedule 1 footnote ** referrer

Schedule 1 footnote ***

Total interfund transfers must equal to zero.

Return to Schedule 1 footnote *** referrer

Schedule 2A – Operating, Sponsored Research and Capital Expenditures by Function and by Type
Table Summary
This is an empty data table used by respondents to provide data to Statistics Canada. This table contains no data.
Types of Expenditures Functions
Operating Sponsored Research
($'000)
Capital
($'000)
Total
($'000)
Instruction and non-sponsored researchSchedule 2A footnote * ($'000) Library
($'000)
General Administration
($'000)
Physical Plant
($'000)
Student Services
($'000)
Total Operating
($'000)
Salaries and Wages                  
1. Teachers
                 
2. Other
                 
3. Fringe Benefits                  
4. Library Acquisitions                  
5. Operational Supplies and Expenses                  
6. Utilities                  
7. Furniture and Equipment                  
8. Scholarships and Other Related Students Support                  
9. Fees and Contracted Services                  
10. Debt Services                  
11. Buildings                  
12. Land and Site Services                  
13. Miscellaneous                  
14. Transfers to/from                  
15. Ancillary Enterprises (Gross)Schedule 2 footnote **                  
16. Total Expenditures                  
Schedule 2A footnote *

The figures in this column should be identical to the appropriate ones in column 5 (column total), schedule 2B.

Return to Schedule 2A footnote * referrer

Schedule 2A footnote **

Total should correspond with figures reported in the supporting schedule A.

Return to Schedule 2A footnote ** referrer

Schedule 2B – Direct Instruction Expenditures by Program Cost Groups
Table Summary
This is an empty data table used by respondents to provide data to Statistics Canada. This table contains no data.
Types of Expenditures Programs
Postsecondary Programs Trade and Vocational Programs
($'000)
Continuing Education Programs
($'000)
TotalSchedule 2B footnote * ($'000)
University Transfer
($'000)
Career
($'000)
Salaries and Wages          
1. Teachers
         
2. Other
         
3. Fringe Benefits          
4. Operational Supplies and Expenses          
5. Furniture and Equipment          
6. Fees and Contracted Services          
7. Miscellaneous          
8. Transfers to/from          
9. Total Instruction Expenditures          
Schedule 2B footnote *

The figures in this column should be identical to the appropriate ones in column 1 (column instruction and non-sponsored research), schedule 2A.

Return to Schedule 2B footnote * referrer

Supporting Schedule A – Ancillary Enterprises
Table Summary
This is an empty data table used by respondents to provide data to Statistics Canada. This table contains no data.
  Total Income Total Expenditures
Operating
($'000)
Capital
($'000)
Operating
($'000)
Capital
($'000)
Bookstores        
Food Services        
Residences        
Parking        
Other        
TotalSchedule A footnote *        
Schedule A footnote *

Total should correspond with figures reported in schedules 1 and 2A.

Return to Schedule A footnote * referrer

Observations and Comments
Table Summary
This is an empty data table used by respondents to give their observations and comments. This table contains no data.
Description
(Fund, Function, Type of Income, Expenditure)
Comments
   
   
   
   
   
   

Retail Trade Survey (Monthly): CVs for Total sales by geography - September 2020

CVs for Total sales by geography - September 2020
Table summary
This table displays the results of Annual Retail Trade Survey: CVs for Total sales by geography - September 2020. The information is grouped by Geography (appearing as row headers), Month and Percent (appearing as column headers).
Geography Month
202009
%
Canada 0.6
Newfoundland and Labrador 1.1
Prince Edward Island 1.0
Nova Scotia 1.5
New Brunswick 2.2
Quebec 1.4
Ontario 1.1
Manitoba 1.6
Saskatchewan 2.5
Alberta 0.9
British Columbia 1.3
Yukon Territory 1.3
Northwest Territories 0.4
Nunavut 1.1

Evaluation of the Census of Agriculture and Innovation in the Agriculture Statistics Program - Information Sheet

PDF version (PDF, 493.42 KB)
Evaluation of the Census of Agriculture and Innovation in the Agriculture Statistics Program
Description - Evaluation of the Census of Agriculture and Innovation in the Agriculture Statistics Program

Evaluation of the Census of Agriculture and Innovation in the Agriculture Statistics Program

About the evaluation

Statistics Canada evaluates programs like the Agriculture Statistics Program (ASP) to ensure that products align with user needs and that related internal processes are effective and efficient. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Policy on Results (2016).

The main objective of the evaluation was to provide a neutral, evidence-based assessment of the 2016 Census of Agriculture (CEAG) dissemination strategy, the design and delivery of the CEAG migration to the Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP), and ASP projects supporting Statistics Canada’s modernization initiative.

A magnifying glass appears with the text: 85% of informants said the CEAG covered the issues important to their organization.

About the ASP

The mandate of the ASP is to provide economic and social statistics pertaining to the characteristics and performance of the Canadian agriculture sector and its people.

Areas covered:

  • Crop and livestock surveys
  • Farm economic statistics
  • Agri-environmental statistics
  • Taxes and other admin data
  • Research and analysis
  • Remote Sensing
  • Census of Agriculture

What we learned

  • The majority of users considered the 2016 CEAG dissemination an improvement compared to the 2011 CEAG and were satisfied with the overall approach taken.
  • CEAG data were used for multiple purposes with data tables being the product of choice.
  • CEAG migration to the IBSP is expected to improve efficiency and has been well managed to date. However, unresolved issues pose a risk.
  • ASP projects were aligned with the modernization pillars and expected results.
  • Overall, governance structures were in place for the ASP projects reviewed, however, some elements of project management and the sharing of best practices could be strengthened.

How can we improve the CEAG and ASP innovation projects?

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Significant risks during the production phase, particularly with regard to data quality assessments and the exercising of roles and responsibilities, are monitored and mitigated.
  • 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.
  • Processes and tools for documenting and sharing of best practices are implemented and lessons learned from other organizations (internal and external) are leveraged.

User satisfaction

How satisfied are CEAG users with:
How satisfied are CEAG users with: Satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not satisfied Unsure
Types and formats of products and publications 19 3 0 2
Time lapse between Census Day and first release 15 5 3 1
Types of agricultural operations covered 15 9 0 0
Number of topics or themes covered in each release 15 5 0 4
Time lapse between each release 13 5 2 4
Level of detail of products and publications 10 12 1 1
Cross-analysis with other topics and agricultural surveys 10 7 2 5
Time lapse between Census Day and release of all data 6 11 4 3

Structure of Canadian companies in the reporting enterprise, 2020 (BP-STRUC)

Introduction

Additional information

Data are used to prepare statements on Canada's Balance of International Payments and International Investment Position. Such statements are used as a major input in the conduct of monetary and exchange rate policies by the Government of Canada.

Authority

This information is collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Completion of this questionnaire is a legal requirement under this act..

Confidentiality

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which 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.

Record linkage

To enhance the data from this survey and to minimize the reporting burden, Statistics Canada may combine it with information from other surveys or from administrative sources.

Security of emails and faxes

If you choose to transmit the questionnaire to Statistics Canada by facsimile or other electronic transmission, please be advised that there could be a risk of disclosure during the communication. However, upon receipt of your information, Statistics Canada will provide the guaranteed level of protection afforded all information collected under the authority of the Statistics Act.

Note: There is no risk of disclosure if you are completing a web-based questionnaire online.

Return procedures

A completed copy of this questionnaire should be returned within four weeks of receipt to:

Statistics Canada, 150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Distribution Centre SC-0505
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6

If you need any clarification about reporting, please call toll free at 1-800-565-1685. Fax 1-888-883-7999. Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca

Reporting instructions

Reporting period:
Please report for the calendar year ending December 31, 20XX. If not possible, please report for this company's most recent fiscal year that ended at any time between April 1, 20XX and March 31, 20XX, and enter the period covered below:

Specify company's fiscal year:
Start: 20XX MM DD
End: 20XX MM DD

The Canadian reporting enterprise should report on this form all its Canadian subsidiaries and associates, according to the accounting practice used to report questionnaire: BP-FIC "Foreign investment in Canada".

Subsidiary:
A company in which the reporting company owns (directly and/or indirectly through other subsidiaries) a majority of shares carrying the right to elect at least a majority of the members of the board of directors.

Associate:
A company in which the Canadian reporting enterprise and/or its consolidated subsidiaries owns between 10% and 50% of the voting equity.

Enterprise structure:
Please provide information regarding your company's Canadian subsidiaries and associates. Indent the subsidiaries of each company. Rank companies according to their level in the enterprise structure. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary. The enterprise level locates each company within the enterprise structure (eg. 1 - the first primary subsidiary of the parent company, 1.1 - the first secondary subsidiary of the parent company, etc.).

Business or Organization and Contact Information

Please verify or provide the business or organization's legal and operating name and correct where needed.

Legal name modifications should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

Please verify or provide the contact information of the designated business or organization contact person for this questionnaire and correct where needed.

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.

Please verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal
and operating name.

Why is this business or organization not currently operational?

When did this business or organization close for the season?

When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

When did this business or organization cease operations?

Why did this business or organization cease operations?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

When was this business or organization sold?

What is the legal name of the buyer?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

When did this business or organization amalgamate?

What is the legal name of the resulting or continuing business or organization?

What is (are) the legal name(s) of the other amalgamated business(es) or organization(s)?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

When did this business or organization become temporarily inactive?

When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

Why is this business or organization temporarily inactive?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

When did this business or organization cease operations?

Why did this business or organization cease operations?

Go to question 4 once you have answered this question.

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

Part 1 - Canadian subsidiaries fully consolidated in the balance of payments questionnaire, bp-fic (foreign investment in Canada)

Please add additional sheets if more space is required.

Please report the following items as indicated:

  • (1): Enterprise level
  • (2): Name of Canadian Subsidiary
  • (3): Percentage of capital stock owned by your company and/or its consolidated subsidiaries - Common Stock
  • (4): Percentage of capital stock owned by your company and/or its consolidated subsidiaries - Preferred Stock

Part 2 - Canadian subsidiaries and associates not fully consolidated in balance of payments questionnaire, bp-fic (foreign investment in Canada)

Please add additional sheets if more space is required.

Please report the following items as indicated:

  • (1): Enterprise level
  • (2): Name of Canadian Subsidiary or Canadian Associate
  • (3): Percentage of capital stock owned by your company and/or its consolidated subsidiaries - Common Stock
  • (4): Percentage of capital stock owned by your company and/or its consolidated subsidiaries - Preferred Stock
  • (5): Total value of investment in subsidiary or associates as reflected in the books of the Canadian reporting enterprise in thousands of Canadian dollars (CAN$ '000) - Equity
  • (6): Total value of investment in subsidiary or associates as reflected in the books of the Canadian reporting enterprise in thousands of Canadian dollars (CAN$ '000) - Other securities or advances

Certification

Person primarily responsible for completing this questionnaire:
Last Name:
First Name:
Title:
Telephone number:
Extension:
E-mail address:
Fax number:
Signature:
Date: YYYY MM DD

Feedback

How long did it take to complete this questionnaire?

Include the time spent gathering the necessary information.

We invite your comments about this questionnaire.

Thank you for completing this questionnaire.
Please retain a copy for your records.

Financial statements, March 31, 2020

Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2020, and all information contained in these statements rests with the management of Statistics Canada (the agency). These financial statements have been prepared by management using the Government of Canada's accounting policies, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information in these financial statements. Some of the information in the financial statements is based on management's best estimates and judgment, and gives due consideration to materiality. To fulfill its accounting and reporting responsibilities, management maintains a set of accounts that provides a centralized record of the agency's financial transactions. Financial information submitted in the preparation of the Public Accounts of Canada, and included in the agency's Departmental Results Report, is consistent with these financial statements.

Management is also responsible for maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded, and that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in accordance with the Financial Administration Act and other applicable legislation, regulations, authorities and policies.

Management seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements through careful selection, training and development of qualified staff; through organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility; through communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards, and managerial authorities are understood throughout the agency and through conducting an annual risk-based assessment of the effectiveness of the system of ICFR.

The system of ICFR is designed to mitigate risks to a reasonable level based on an ongoing process to identify key risks, to assess the effectiveness of associated key controls, and to make any necessary adjustments.

A risk-based assessment of the system of ICFR for the year ended March 31, 2020 was completed in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Financial Management and the results and action plans are summarized in the annex, which can be found at the end of the notes to these financial statements.

The effectiveness and adequacy of the agency’s system of internal control is reviewed by the work of internal finance staff, who conduct periodic assessments of different areas of the agency’s operations, and by the Departmental Audit Committee (DAC), who provide advice to the Chief Statistician on the adequacy and effectiveness of the agency’s risk management, control and governance frameworks and processes.

The financial statements of Statistics Canada have not been audited.

Anil Arora, Chief Statistician
Ottawa, Canada
October 9, 2020

Monia Lahaie, Chief Financial Officer
Ottawa, Canada
October 9, 2020

Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
As at March 31

(in thousands of dollars)
  2020 2019
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 4)
75,031 79,357
Vacation pay and compensatory leave
34,674 27,577
Deferred revenue (note 5)
614 619
Lease obligation for tangible capital assets (note 6)
0 6
Employee future benefits (note 7)
20,520 19,280
Total net liabilities 130,839 126,839
Financial assets
Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund
55,874 63,107
Accounts receivable and advances (note 8)
12,276 7,316
Total net financial assets 68,150 70,423
Departmental net debt 62,689 56,416
Non-financial assets
Prepaid expenses
5,851 4,174
Consumable supplies
1,561 1,098
Tangible capital assets (note 9)
163,237 164,985
Total non-financial assets 170,649 170,257
Departmental net financial position 107,960 113,841

Contractual obligations and contractual rights (note 10)
Contingent liabilities and contingent assets (note 11)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Anil Arora, Chief Statistician
Ottawa, Canada
October 9, 2020

Monia Lahaie, Chief Financial Officer
Ottawa, Canada
October 9, 2020

Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)
  2020
Planned Results
2020 2019
Expenses
Statistical Information
646,031 663,599 610,940
Internal services
72,521 93,839 78,608
Total expenses 718,552 757,438 689,548
Revenues
Special statistical services
138,000 143,220 143,882
Other revenues
100 72 80
Revenues earned on behalf of Government
(18,100) (21,356) (20,418)
Total revenues 120,000 121,936 123,544
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers 598,552 635,502 566,004
Government funding and transfers
Net cash provided by Government of Canada
  553,096 504,373
Change in due from Consolidated Revenue Fund
  (7,233) 958
Services provided without charge by other federal government departments (note 12a)
  83,756 74,507
Transfer of assets to other federal government departments
  2 100
Net cost (revenue) of operations after government funding and transfers   5,881 (13,934)
Departmental net financial position - Beginning of year   113,841 99,907
Departmental net financial position - End of year   107,960 113,841

Segmented information (note 13)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements

Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)
  2020 2019
Net cost (revenue) of operations after government funding and transfers 5,881 (13,934)
Change due to tangible capital assets
Acquisition of tangible capital assets (note 9)
28,447 36,046
Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 9)
(30,146) (27,418)
Net loss on disposal of tangible capital assets including adjustments
(70) (76)
Transfer of tangible capital assets to other federal government departments
21 95
Total change due to tangible capital assets (1,748) 8,647
Change due to consumable supplies 463 (182)
Change due to prepaid expenses 1,677 (1,181)
Net increase (decrease) in departmental net debt 6,273 (6,650)
Departmental net debt - Beginning of year 56,416 63,066
Departmental net debt - End of year 62,689 56,416
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31

(in thousands of dollars)
  2020 2019
Operating activities
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers
635,502 566,004
Non-cash items:
Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 9)
(30,146) (27,418)
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets
(70) (76)
Services provided without charge by other federal government departments (note 12a)
(83,756) (74,507)
Transfer of emergency salary advances to other federal government departments
20 (5)
Variations in Statement of Financial Position:
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable and advances
4,960 (1,343)
Increase (decrease) in prepaid expenses
1,676 (1,181)
Increase (decrease) in consumable supplies
463 (182)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
4,326 5,397
Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave
(7,097) (1,966)
Decrease in deferred revenue
5 8
Increase (decrease) in employee future benefits
(1,240) 3,572
Cash used in operating activities 524,643 468,303
Capital investing activities
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets, excluding capital leases (note 9)
28,447 36,046
Cash used in capital investing activities 28,447 36,046
Financing activities
Payments of lease obligation for tangible capital assets
6 24
Cash used in financing activities 6 24
Net cash provided by Government of Canada 553,096 504,373
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31

1. Authority and objectives

Statistics Canada (the agency) was established in 1918, pursuant to the Statistics Act. The agency received full departmental status by order-in-council in 1965.

The agency is a division of the public service named in Schedule I.1 of the Financial Administration Act. The minister responsible for Statistics Canada is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, who represents the agency in Parliament and in Cabinet.

The agency's mandate derives primarily from the Statistics Act. The act requires the agency — under the direction of the minister — to collect, compile, analyze, and publish statistical information on the economic, social, and general conditions of the country and its citizens. Statistics Canada has a mandate to coordinate and manage the country's statistical system.

The agency's mandate has two primary objectives:

  • Provide statistical information and analysis of the economic and social structure and functioning of Canadian society as a basis for the development, operation and evaluation of public policies and programs. This information is used for public and private decision-making, and for the general benefit of all Canadians.
  • Promote the quality, coherence, and international comparability of Canada's statistics through collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, with the provinces and territories, and in accordance with sound scientific standards and practices.

The agency reports on the two core responsibilities described below.

Statistical information - The agency has a responsibility to produce objective high-quality statistical information for the whole of Canada. The statistical information produced relates to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic, environmental and general activities and conditions of the people of Canada.

Internal services - Internal services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

These financial statements have been prepared using the agency's accounting policies stated below, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.

The significant accounting policies are as follows:

(a) Parliamentary authorities

The agency is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the agency do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since authorities are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Financial Position and in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through authorities from Parliament. Note 3 provides a reconciliation between the bases of reporting. The planned results amounts in the "Expenses" and "Revenues" sections of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are the amounts reported in the Future-oriented Statement of Operations included in the 2019-20 Departmental Plan. Planned results are not presented in the "Government funding and transfers" section of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt because these amounts were not included in the 2019-20 Departmental Plan.

(b) Net cash provided by Government

The agency operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the agency is deposited into the CRF, and all cash disbursements made by the agency are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by the Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements, including transactions between federal government departments.

(c) Amounts due from or to the CRF

Amounts due from or to the CRF are the result of timing differences at year-end between the time when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that the agency is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.

(d) Revenues

  • Revenues received for special statistical services are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt. These amounts are recognized as revenue in the period in which the services are rendered and related expenses are incurred.
  • Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenues occurred.
  • Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the agency's liabilities. While the Chief Statistician; is expected to maintain accounting control, he has no authority regarding the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are considered to be earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented as a reduction of the entity's gross revenues.

(e) Expenses

  • Transfer payments are recorded as an expense in the year the transfer is authorized and all eligibility criteria have been met by the recipient.
  • Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.
  • Services provided without charge by other federal government departments for accommodation, employer contributions to the health and dental insurance plans, and workers' compensation are recorded as operating expenses at their carrying value.

(f) Employee future benefits

  1. Pension benefits — Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multi-employer pension plan administered by the Government. The agency's contributions to the Plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. The agency's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.
  2. Severance benefits — The accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures ceased for applicable employee groups. The remaining obligation for employees who did not withdraw benefits is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.

(g) Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are initially recorded at cost. When necessary, an allowance for valuation is recorded to reduce the carrying value of accounts receivable to amounts that approximate their net recoverable value.

(h) Non-financial assets

  • All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. Tangible capital assets do not include immovable assets located on reserves as defined in the Indian Act, works of art, museum collection and Crown land to which no acquisition cost is attributable; and intangible assets.
  • Consumable supplies include items held for future program delivery and are not intended for resale. These supplies are recorded at the acquisition cost. If there is no longer a service potential, the supplies are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

(i) Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, a provision is accrued and an expense recorded to other expenses. If the likelihood is not determinable or an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

(j) Contingent assets

Contingent assets are possible assets which may become actual assets when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future even is likely to occur or fail to occur, the contingent asset is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

(k) Transactions involving foreign currencies

Transactions involving foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollar equivalents using rates of exchange in effect at the time of those transactions. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are reported on the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position according to the activities to which they relate.

(l) Measurement uncertainty

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes at March 31. The estimates are based on facts and circumstances, historical experience, general economic conditions and reflect the Government's best estimate of the related amount at the end of the reporting period. The most significant items where estimates are used are the liability for employee future benefits and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.

(m) Related party transactions

Inter-entity transactions are transactions between commonly controlled entities. Inter-entity transactions, other than restructuring transactions, are recorded on a gross basis and are measured at the carrying amount, except for the following:

  1. Services provided on a recovery basis are recognized as revenues and expenses on a gross basis and measured at the exchange amount.
  2. Certain services received on a without charge basis are recorded for departmental financial statement purposes at the carrying amount.

3. Parliamentary authorities

The agency receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary authorities. Items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and the Statement of Financial Position in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current, or future years. Accordingly, the agency has different net results of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:

(a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year authorities used

Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year authorities used
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers 635,502 566,004
Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities:
Amortization of tangible capital assets
(30,146) (27,418)
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets
(70) (76)
Services provided without charge by other federal government departments
(83,756) (74,507)
Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave
(7,097) (1,966)
Increase (decrease) in employee future benefits
(1,240) 3,572
Refund of prior years' expenditures
526 1,548
Increase in respendable revenues
1,878 0
Consumption of prepaid expenses
(8,831) (9,261)
Bad debt expense
0 (80)
Consumption of supplies
0 (182)
Increase in accrued salary receivable
451 183
Total items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities
(128,285) (108,187)
Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities:
Acquisition of tangible capital assets, excluding capital leases
28,447 36,046
Decrease in lease obligations for tangible capital assets
6 24
Decrease in respendable accounts receivable
0 (664)
Acquisition of prepaid expenses
10,507 8,081
Acquisition of consumable supplies
463 0
Increase in salary receivable
133 353
Decrease (increase) in salary advances
(9) 6
Payments for pay equity settlement
185 6,081
Total items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities
39,732 49,927
Current year authorities used 546,949 507,744

(b) Authorities provided and used

Authorities provided and used
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Authorities provided:
Vote 1 - Operating expenditures
489,492 466,035
Statutory amounts
73,190 69,622
Total authorities provided
562,682 535,657
Less:
Lapsed: Operating expenditures
(15,733) (27,913)
Current year authorities used 546,949 507,744

4. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

The following table presents details of the agency's accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Accounts payable - Other federal government departments and agencies 6,624 9,323
Accounts payable - External parties 27,669 24,631
Accrued salaries and wages 40,738 45,403
Total accounts payables and accrued liabilities 75,031 79,357

5. Deferred revenue

The agency has the authority to expend revenue received during the fiscal year. Deferred revenue represents the balance at year-end of unearned revenues stemming from amounts received from external parties, which are restricted for specific statistical services. Revenue is recognized in the period in which these expenditures are incurred or in which the service is performed. Details of the transactions related to this account are as follows:

Deferred revenue
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Opening balance 619 627
Amount received 143,215 143,874
Revenues recognized (143,220) (143,882)
Net closing balance 614 619

6. Lease obligation for tangible capital assets

The organization entered into agreements to lease photocopiers under capital leases with a cost of $110 thousand, which were fully amortized as at August 31, 2020. There are no obligations for the coming years.

7. Employee future benefits

a) Pension benefits

The agency's employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan ("the Plan"), which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2 percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Québec Pension Plan benefits and they are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and the agency contribute to the cost of the Plan. Due to the amendment of the Public Service Superannuation Act following the implementation of provisions related to Economic Action Plan 2012, employee contributors have been divided into two groups – Group 1 relates to existing plan members as of December 31, 2012, and Group 2 relates to members who joined the Plan as of January 1, 2013. Each group has a distinct contribution rate.

The 2019-2020 expense amounts to $50,686 thousand ($48,546 thousand in 2018-2019). For Group 1 members, the expense represents approximately 1.01 times (1.01 times in 2018-2019) the employee contributions and, for Group 2 members, approximately 1.00 times (1.00 times in 2018-2019) the employee contributions.

The agency's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.

b) Severance benefits

Severance benefits provided to the agency's employees were previously based on an employee's eligibility, years of service and salary at termination of employment. However, since 2011 the accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures progressively ceased for substantially all employees. Employees subject to these changes were given the option to be paid the full or partial value of benefits earned to date or collect the full or remaining value of benefits upon departure from the public service. By March 31, 2020, substantially all settlements for immediate cash out were completed. Severance benefits are unfunded and, consequently, the outstanding obligation will be paid from future authorities.

The changes in the obligations during the year were as follows:

Severance benefits
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Accrued benefit obligation - Beginning of year 19,280 22,852
Expense or adjustment for the year 2,959 (1,308)
Benefits paid during the year (1,721) (2,264)
Accrued benefit obligation - End of year 20,520 19,280

8. Accounts receivable and advances

The following table presents details of the agency's accounts receivable and advances balances:

Accounts receivable and advances
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Receivables - Other federal government departments and agencies 4,495 1,153
Receivables - External parties 7,598 5,987
Employees advances 185 178
Subtotal 12,278 7,318
Allowance for doubtful accounts on receivables from external parties (2) (2)
Net accounts receivable and advances 12,276 7,316

9. Tangible capital assets

Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Amortization period of tangible capital assets
Asset class Amortization period
Computer hardware 5 years
Computer software 5 years
Other equipment 5 years
Motor vehicles 7 years
Leasehold improvements 25 years
Assets under construction Once available for use
Software under development Once available for use
Assets under capital leases Term of lease

Assets under construction and software assets under development are recorded in the applicable asset class in the year that they become available for use and are not amortized until they are available for use.

Tangible capital assets
Capital Asset Class Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value
Opening Balance Acquisitions Disposals and Write-Offs AdjustmentsFootnote 1 Closing Balance Opening Balance Amortization Disposals and Write-Offs AdjustmentsFootnote 1 Closing Balance 2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Computer hardware 3,086 39 (205) (210) 2,710 2,828 68 (205) (210) 2,481 229 258
Computer software 329,695 155 (8,663) 16,595 337,782 229,722 28,403 (8,642) 0 249,483 88,299 99,973
Other equipment 4,511 53 (463) 37 4,138 2,801 441 (463) 15 2,794 1,344 1,710
Motor vehicles 2,812 32 (27) 0 2,817 2,185 271 (25) 0 2,431 386 627
Leasehold improvements 23,878 307 0 21 24,206 8,434 957 0 0 9,391 14,815 15,444
Assets under construction 54 514 0 (54) 514 0 0 0 0 0 514 54
Software under development 46,913 27,347 0 (16,610) 57,650 0 0 0 0 0 57,650 46,913
Assets under capital leases 110 0 (94) 0 16 104 6 (94) 0 16 0 6
Total 411,059 28,447 (9,452) (221) 429,833 246,074 30,146 (9,429) (195) 266,596 163,237 164,985
Footnote 1

Included in adjustments are the following: software assets under development of $16,610 thousand that were transferred to computer software upon completion of the assets; assets under construction of $21 thousand that were transferred to leasehold improvements upon completion of construction and $33 thousand that was expensed due to projects being cancelled; computer hardware with a net book value of $1 each for a total $11 that was transferred out to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and other equipment with a net book value of $21 thousand that was transferred in from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Return to the first footnote 1 referrer

10. Contractual obligations and contractual rights

a) Contractual obligations

The nature of the agency's activities may result in some large multi-year contracts and obligations whereby the agency will be obligated to make future payments when the services/goods are received. Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:

Contractual obligations
  2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 and subsequent Total
(in thousands of dollars)
Acquisition of goods and services 10,177 5,720 162 0 0 16,059
Total 10,177 5,720 162 0 0 16,059

b) Contractual rights

The activities of the agency sometimes involve the negotiation of contracts or agreements with outside parties that result in the agency having rights to both assets and revenues in the future. They involve sales of goods and services. Major contractual rights that will generate revenues in future years and that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:

Contractual rights
  2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 and subsequent Total
(in thousands of dollars)
Sales of goods and services 501 0 0 0 0 501
Total 501 0 0 0 0 501

11. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

a) Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of operations and their ultimate disposition is unknown.

Claims and litigations

The agency records an allowance for claims and litigations where it is likely that there will be a future payment and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made. In 2019-2020, the agency did not have any contingent liabilities.

b) Contingent assets

The agency discloses contingent assets that are likely to be realized. In 2019-2020, the agency did not have any contingent assets.

12. Related party transactions

The agency is related as a result of common ownership to all government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. Related parties also include individuals who are members of key management personnel or close family members of those individuals, and entities controlled by, or under shared control of, a member of key management personnel or a close family member of that individual.

The agency enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms.

a) Common services provided without charge by other federal government departments

During the year, the agency received services without charge from certain common service organizations related to accommodation, the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans and workers' compensation coverage. These services provided without charge have been recorded at the carrying value in the agency's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position as follows:

Common services provided without charge by other federal government departments
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Accommodation 37,017 35,973
Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans 46,667 38,458
Worker's compensation 72 76
Total 83,756 74,507

The Government has centralized some of its administrative activities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness purposes and economic delivery of programs to the public. As a result, the Government uses central agencies and common service organizations so that one department performs services for all other departments and agencies without charge. The costs of these services, such as the payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada and audit services provided by the Office of the Auditor General are not included in the agency's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.

b) Other transactions with other federal government departments and agencies

Other transactions with other federal government departments and agencies
  2020 2019
(in thousands of dollars)
Accounts receivable 4,495 1,153
Accounts payable 6,624 9,323
Expenses 15,513 16,189
Revenues 103,971 102,004

Expenses and revenues disclosed in (b) exclude common services provided without charge, which are already disclosed in (a).

13. Segmented information

Presentation by segment is based on the agency's core responsibilities. The presentation by segment is based on the same accounting policies as described in the Summary of significant accounting policies in note 2. The following table presents the expenses incurred and revenues generated for the main core responsibilities, by major object of expense and by major type of revenue. The segment results for the period are as follows:

Segmented information
  Statistical Information Internal services 2020 Total 2019 Total
(in thousands of dollars)
Transfer payments
Grant to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
64 0 64 100
Total transfer payments 64 0 64 100
Operating expenses
Salaries and employee benefits
546,952 62,563 609,515 554,466
Accommodation
27,333 9,685 37,018 35,973
Professional and special services
24,756 8,416 33,172 33,916
Transportation and postage
15,765 721 16,486 18,794
Amortization
29,380 766 30,146 27,418
Repairs and maintenance
240 509 749 499
Materials and supplies
4,577 8,694 13,271 4,492
Rentals
12,373 2,456 14,829 12,705
Communication and printing
2,109 17 2,126 1,013
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets
23 0 23 0
Loss on write-offs of assets
0 0 0 76
Bad debts
1 0 1 80
Other
26 12 38 16
Total operating expenses 663,535 93,839 757,374 689,448
Total expenses 663,599 93,839 757,438 689,548
Revenues
Special statistical services
143,220 0 143,220 143,882
Other revenues
72 0 72 80
Revenues earned on behalf of Government
(21,356) 0 (21,356) (20,418)
Total revenues 121,936 0 121,936 123,544
Net cost from continuing operations 541,663 93,839 635,502 566,004

Annex to the Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control over Financial Reporting of Statistics Canada for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 (Unaudited)

1. Introduction

This document provides summary information on the measures taken by Statistics Canada to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), including information on internal control management, assessment results and related action plans.

Detailed information on the agency's authority, mandate and core responsibilities can be found in the Departmental Plan for the 2020-2021 fiscal year and the Departmental Results Report for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

2. Departmental system of internal control over financial reporting

2.1 Internal control management

Statistics Canada has a well-established governance and accountability structure to support departmental assessment efforts and oversight of its system of internal control. A departmental internal control management framework, approved by the Chief Statistician and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is in place and includes:

  • organizational accountability structures as they relate to internal control management to support sound financial management, including roles and responsibilities of senior managers for control management in their areas of responsibility;
  • values and ethics considerations;
  • ongoing communication and training on statutory requirements, and policies and procedures for sound financial management and control; and
  • regular updates to, and monitoring at least on a semi-annual basis, of internal control management as well as the provision of related assessment results and action plans to the Chief Statistician, senior departmental management and the Departmental Audit Committee (DAC).

The DAC provides advice to the Chief Statistician on the adequacy and effectiveness of the agency's risk management, control and governance frameworks and processes.

2.2 Service arrangements relevant to financial statements

Statistics Canada relies on other organizations for the processing of certain transactions that are recorded in its financial statements, as follows:

2.2.1 Common arrangements
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), which administers the payment of salaries and the procurement of goods and services, and provides accommodation services;
  • Shared Services Canada (SSC), which provides information technology (IT) infrastructure services;
  • The Department of Justice Canada, which provides legal services; and
  • Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, which provides information on public service insurance and centrally administers payment of the employer's share of contribution toward statutory employee benefit plans.
2.2.2 Specific arrangements
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada provides Statistics Canada with the Common Departmental Financial System (CDFS) platform to capture and report financial and materiel management transactions.

Readers of this annex may refer to the annexes of the above-noted departments for a greater understanding of the systems of internal control over financial reporting related to these specific services.

3. Departmental assessment results for the 2019-2020 fiscal year

The following table summarizes the status of the ongoing monitoring activities according to the previous fiscal year's rotational plan.

Progress during the 2019 to 2020 fiscal year
Previous fiscal year's rotational ongoing monitoring plan for current fiscal year Status
Direct and precise monitoring capital assets, census payroll, financial close and reporting, interviewers payroll, and payroll and benefits Completed as planned; no remedial actions required
IT general controls under agency management controls, and revenue Completed as planned; remedial actions started

In the 2019- 2020 fiscal year, in addition to the progress made in ongoing monitoring, Statistics Canada conducted risk assessments for new financial management business processes: Planning and Budgeting, Forecasting, Investment planning, Costing, and Chief Financial Officer Attestation.

The key findings and significant adjustments required from the current fiscal year's assessment activities are summarized in subsection 3.1.

3.1 New or significantly amended key controls

In the current year, there were no new or significantly amended key controls in existing processes which required a reassessment.

3.2 Ongoing monitoring program

As part of its rotational ongoing monitoring plan, the agency completed its reassessment of direct and precise monitoring controls, IT general controls (ITGCs), and the financial controls within the business processes of capital assets, census payroll, financial close and reporting, Interviewers' payroll, payroll and benefits, and revenue. For the most part, the key controls that were tested performed as intended.

4. Departmental action plan for the next fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years

Statistics Canada's rotational ongoing monitoring plan over the next four fiscal years, based on an annual validation of the high-risk processes and controls and related adjustments to the ongoing monitoring plan as required, is shown in the following table.

Rotational ongoing monitoring plan
Key control areas 2020–2021 fiscal year 2021–2022 fiscal year 2022–2023 fiscal year 2023–2024 fiscal year
Entity-level controls X      
IT general controls under agency management X X X X
Capital assets       X
Census payroll X      
Financial close and reporting X   X  
Interviewers' payroll     X  
Operating expenditures       X
Revenues   X    
Payroll and benefits X   X  

In addition to the ongoing monitoring plan for ICFR, in 2020-2021 Statistics Canada plans to conduct environmental scans of its ICFR business processes as well as design effectiveness testing on the following new financial management business processes, in line with the Policy on Financial Management: Forecasting, Planning and Budgeting, and Costing.

Management is assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the internal control environment and this may result in changes to the ongoing monitoring plan as currently stated.

Due to COVID-19, management will review the key controls of the Financial Close and Reporting business process to determine if there is a significant change, or new risk, within this process that would impact the validity, accuracy and completeness of the Financial Statements, including Notes.

Wholesale Trade Survey (monthly): CVs for total sales by geography - September 2020

Wholesale Trade Survey (monthly): CVs for total sales by geography - September 2020
Geography Month
201909 201910 201911 201912 202001 202002 202003 202004 202005 202006 202007 202008 202009
percentage
Canada 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
Newfoundland and Labrador 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.7 0.3 1.2 0.7 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.4
Prince Edward Island 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Nova Scotia 2.7 2.1 2.2 6.8 2.6 2.0 2.8 3.3 4.0 2.3 1.5 1.8 1.7
New Brunswick 1.1 1.4 3.8 1.7 2.6 1.2 1.3 2.1 3.3 1.9 2.1 4.2 3.6
Quebec 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.2 1.4 2.1 1.6 2.4 2.0 1.9 1.8 2.1 1.9
Ontario 1.0 1.0 0.8 1.2 1.2 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.0
Manitoba 1.1 1.7 0.9 2.6 1.3 0.8 1.0 2.9 2.8 1.2 1.2 1.8 2.3
Saskatchewan 0.9 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.5 1.2 0.7 0.7 1.1 1.6 0.7
Alberta 1.9 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.2 2.9 2.9 2.3 2.3 1.8 3.3
British Columbia 1.4 1.1 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.9 1.7
Yukon Territory 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Northwest Territories 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Nunavut 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Geography

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Supplement to Statistics Canada's Generic Privacy Impact Assessment related to web-scraping and other web-based collection activities for company-specific COVID-19-related information

October 2020

Program manager: Director, Mining, Manufacturing and Wholesale Trade Division

Reference to Personal Information Bank (PIB)

Not applicable as there are no direct personal identifiers being collected and retained.

Description of statistical activity

Statistics Canada will be automating web-scraping and other web-based collection activities in order to more expediently and efficiently gather web-based, public information required to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian economic activity.

This initiative will automate three methods for collecting web-based, public information that are currently performed manually:

  • Scraping of Canadian companies' websites and of provincial and territorial government websites that provide information on COVID-19 -specific essential services
  • Collecting information posted by these companies on their social media accounts (LinkedIn and Twitter)
  • Collecting company-specific information from news aggregator services (Government of Canada NewsDesk and Google News).

The information to be retrieved includes company name, date of access or date of publication, information source and “snippets” (paragraphs of text) that contain COVID-19 -related keywords of interest. This would provide information on pandemic-related closures, changes in products or production processes, lay-offs, etc.

Web-Scraping

Web-scraping is carried out by using automated programs, or "bots", to access specific parts of company websites containing news on current activities.

Statistics Canada will scrape on a daily basis the websites of the Canadian manufacturers with the largest sales for mentions of COVID-19 -related events such as closures, changes in products or production processes, lay-offs, etc. Provincial and territorial government websites that post information about essential services will also be scraped on a daily basis.

All scraping will be done in compliance with the site owners' terms and conditions.

Social Media

Relevant announcements by manufacturing companies on their LinkedIn and Twitter accounts will also be retrieved, either directly using an interface with the data (Application Programming Interface - API), or indirectly through NewsDesk (which provides this service in addition to news aggregation).

News Service

NewsDesk and Google News will also be accessed, using company names together with keywords as search terms.

While the company and provincial / territorial websites will be scraped on a daily basis, information from the social media accounts and news aggregators will be retrieved monthly.

The information collected from all three sources (web-scraping, social media and news services) will be processed, combined and stored in a database for access by Statistics Canada employees only, to assist with analysis of the economic impacts of COVID-19.

These activities are not meant to collect, create or use personal information. Should any personal information or personal identifiers – such as account name, handle, or any other piece of personal information relating to an individual – be inadvertently collected, this personal information will be stripped from the data and deleted.

Reason for supplement

The Generic Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) addresses most of the privacy and security risks related to statistical activities conducted by Statistics Canada.

The purpose of this supplement is to address any privacy risks associated with the inadvertent collection of personal information, such as social media account names or handles relating to an individual, during the web-scraping and other web-based collection activities. If applicable, any personal information inadvertently collected will be stripped from the data and deleted.

Necessity and Proportionality

The automated web-scraping and web-based collection activities for the study of the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian economic activity are not meant to collect, create or use personal information. Any personal information inadvertently collected during these activities will be stripped from the data and deleted.

Furthermore, this project has been assessed against Statistics Canada's Necessity and Proportionality Framework:

  1. Necessity: This information is needed to measure the impact of COVID-19 on the manufacturing sector and to generate flash estimates of monthly GDP, a new statistical product put out by Statistics Canada.

    This activity will augment coverage and allow for high quality information on the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian economic activity for the benefit of Statistics Canada stakeholders, including the public, and will inform government policy and decision-making.

    This information will help provide more accurate data that will enable Canadians to have a much better understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting various industries across Canada. For example the impacts of lock-down measures and plant closures on employment; how certain manufacturers modified their production line to produce personal protection equipment, respirators or hand sanitizer; others where employment is on the rise, etc.

    This type of web-based information is used by economic programs to validate, augment and analyze the information collected by other instruments: surveys or administrative data. Analysts use this information to ensure the quality of statistical products and to gain an understanding of the economic phenomena being measured.

  2. Effectiveness (Working assumptions): In the current pandemic context where economic activity is impacted and quickly evolving, the automation of this web-scraping activity provides the means of obtaining information on emerging or current issues regarding economic activity in a systematic, efficient and timely manner.

    When deployed in an interactive environment where information can be collected and presented on a daily basis, these tools will support the agency in meeting one of its stated objectives: the near real-time release of statistical information.

    Automating the data collection process is expected to result in measurable time and resource savings. In addition, automation makes it easier to share information across programs, which will ensure coherence of analysis across the agency.

    As a proof of concept, this initiative provides a test case of IT environments, machine learning, programming applications, and processes for the acquisition of information, all of which will allow the agency to modernize its processes for information collection, processing, reporting, and visualization.

  3. Proportionality: Measuring the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian economic activity does not require any personal information or personal identifiers. Only the necessary information about Canadian manufacturers will be collected. The data will be used only to enhance the agency's analysis and to replace what is currently collected manually. There is no intent to release this information to other departments or agencies, or to the public.

    The personal information that might be collected inadvertently is already in the public domain. Furthermore, since the privacy settings of the social media platforms being used (Twitter and LinkedIn) are well understood by users, especially when compared to the privacy settings of Facebook, the information being disclosed by users is being done so with their knowledge.

  4. Alternatives: The aim of this project is to automate processes and present the information in a usable format.

    The alternative is to collect social media information (the only source under consideration that may contain personal identifiers) on a manual and intermittent basis, which is the current process. In comparison to current methods, this project has the potential to generate considerable time savings and automatically track company-related developments in real time. As well, conducting a survey has also been considered, but it would not achieve the main goal which is to produce real-time information.

    Finally, in terms of privacy, this project is not accessing any information that isn't currently available to analysts using manual processes. Just as analysts don't currently retain personal identifiers contained in social media, this project will remove any such identifiers before further processing.

Mitigation factors

Any personal information that is inadvertently collected will be identified, removed and destroyed immediately. An application will be set up to automatically identify and remove user account IDs and similar identifiers that are not associated with the companies whose information is being sought.

Using Twitter as an example, tweets and the re-tweets that they include are presented as separate database records. These individual records contain fields with personal identifies such as the user ID and handle. As the data are being captured, the contents of these fields can be deleted for all users other than the companies whose information is being sought.

Conclusion

This assessment did not identify any privacy risks that cannot be managed using existing safeguards.

Formal approval

This Supplementary Privacy Impact Assessment has been reviewed and recommended for approval by Statistics Canada's Chief Privacy Officer, Director General for Modern Statistical Methods and Data Science, and Assistant Chief Statistician for Social, Health and Labour Statistics.

The Chief Statistician of Canada has the authority for section 10 of the Privacy Act for Statistics Canada, and is responsible for the Agency's operations, including the program area mentioned in this Supplementary Privacy Impact Assessment.

This Privacy Impact Assessment has been approved by the Chief Statistician of Canada.

Why are we conducting this survey?

The purpose of this survey is to produce statistics on the stocks of frozen and chilled meat held in warehouses registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

These data will be aggregated with data from other sources to produce estimates of national and provincial stocks. These estimates are used by government and the private sector to make policy and investment decisions.

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 reporting 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 statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province.

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.esdhelpdesk-dsebureaudedepannage.statcan@statcan.gc.ca or by fax at 613-951-6583.

For this survey, there is a Section 12 agreement with the Prince Edward Island statistical agency.

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 where needed.

Note: Legal name modifications should only be done 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 of the designated business or organization contact person for this questionnaire and correct where 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 code
  • Country
    • Canada
    • United States
  • Email address
  • Telephone number (including area code)
  • Extension number (if applicable)
    The maximum number of characters is 10.
  • 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
    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 the 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 re-open
      • 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 (NAICS).

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.

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

7. You have indicated that the current main activity of this business or organization is:
Main activity
Are there any other activities that contribute significantly (at least 10%) to this business or organization's revenue?

  • Yes, there are other activities
  • No, that is the only significant activity

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

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

8. Approximately what percentage of this business or organization's revenue is generated by each of the following activities?

When precise figures are not available, provide your best estimates.

Approximately what percentage of this business or organization's revenue is generated by each of the following activities?
  Percentage of revenue
Main activity  
Secondary activity  
All other activities  
Total percentage  

Location of stocks

1. Are the stocks located at the following address?

  • Yes
  • No

Please report the address where the stocks are located.

  • Address (number and street):
  • City:
  • Province or territory:
    • Alberta
    • British Columbia
    • Manitoba
    • New Brunswick
    • Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Northwest Territories
    • Nova Scotia
    • Nunavut
    • Ontario
    • Prince Edward Island
    • Quebec
    • Saskatchewan
    • Yukon
  • Postal code:

Products in storage

2. Which of the following products were in storage at this location on ?

Select all that apply.

  • Pork - Domestic and imported
  • Beef - Domestic and imported
  • Veal - Domestic and imported
  • Mutton and lamb - Domestic and imported
  • Fancy meats
  • None of the above

All meat categories include brains, livers, sweetbreads, tongues, stomachs, kidneys, lungs and other glands for pharmaceuticals.
Beef, veal, and lamb include tails, headmeat, weasand meat, gullets, neck trim and blood plasma.

Pork - Domestic and imported

3. What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported pork products?

Include:

  • stocks held at this site only, regardless of ownership
  • smoked pork products
  • stocks held for export.

Exclude:

  • stocks held at another site
  • meat that has been further processed such as sausages, meat in soups or prepared dinners
  • back fat or rendered fat.

Conversion: 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds, 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
Enter zero '0' if there are no stocks.

What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported pork products?
  Total stocks (kg)
Hams  
Loins  
Bellies  
Butts  
Picnics  
Ribs  
Backs and shoulders  
Trimmings  
Unclassified - other pork cuts and sundries not elsewhere listed  
Total domestic and imported pork products  

Beef - Domestic and imported

4. What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported beef products?

Include:

  • stocks held at this site only, regardless of ownership
  • stocks held for export.

Exclude:

  • stocks held at another site
  • meat that has been further processed such as sausages, meat in soups or prepared dinners
  • back fat or rendered fat.

Conversion: 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds, 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
Enter zero '0' if there are no stocks.

What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported beef products?
  Total stocks (kg)
Bone-in domestic  
Bone-in imported  
Boneless domestic  
Boneless imported  
Total domestic and imported beef products  

Veal - Domestic and imported

5. What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported veal products?

Include:

  • stocks held at this site only, regardless of ownership
  • stocks held for export.

Exclude:

  • stocks held at another site
  • meat that has been further processed such as sausages, meat in soups or prepared dinners
  • back fat or rendered fat.

Conversion: 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds, 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
Enter zero '0' if there are no stocks.

What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported veal products?
  Total stocks (kg)
Bone-in domestic  
Bone-in imported  
Boneless domestic  
Boneless imported  
Total domestic and imported veal products  

Mutton and lamb - Domestic and imported

6. What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported mutton and lamb products?

Include:

  • stocks held at this site only, regardless of ownership
  • stocks held for export.

Exclude:

  • stocks held at another site
  • meat that has been further processed such as sausages, meat in soups or prepared dinners
  • back fat or rendered fat.

Conversion: 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds, 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
Enter zero '0' if there are no stocks.

What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following domestic and imported mutton and lamb products?
  Total stocks (kg)
Domestic mutton and lamb  
Imported mutton  
Imported lamb  
Total domestic and imported mutton and lamb products  

Fancy meats

7. What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following fancy meat products?

Include:

  • brains, livers, sweetbreads, tongues, stomachs, kidneys, lungs, other glands for pharmaceuticals
  • stocks held at this site only, regardless of ownership
  • stocks held for export.

Exclude:

  • stocks held at another site
  • meat that has been further processed such as sausages, meat in soups or prepared dinners
  • back fat or rendered fat.

Conversion: 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds, 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
Enter zero '0' if there are no stocks.

What was the total stocks in kilograms (kg) of the following fancy meat products?
  Total stocks (kg)
Pork  
Beef  
Veal  
Lamb  
Total fancy meats products  

Changes or events

1. Indicate any changes or events that affected the reported values for this business or organization, compared with the last reporting period.

Select all that apply.

  • Strike or lock-out
  • Exchange rate impact
  • Price changes in goods or services sold
  • Contracting out
  • Organizational change
  • Price changes in labour or raw materials
  • Natural disaster
  • Recession
  • Change in product line
  • Sold business or business units
  • Expansion
  • New or lost contract
  • Plant closures
  • Acquisition of business or business units
  • Other
    Specify the other changes or events:
  • No changes or events

Contact person

1. Statistics Canada may need to contact the person who completed this questionnaire for further information.
Is the provided given names and the provided family name the best person to contact?

  • Yes
  • No

Who is the best person to contact about this questionnaire?

  • First name:
  • Last name:
  • Title:
  • Email address:
  • Telephone number (including area code):
  • Extension number (if applicable):
    The maximum number of characters is 5.
  • Fax number (including area code):

Feedback

1. How long did it take to complete this questionnaire?

Include the time spent gathering the necessary information.

  • Hours:
  • Minutes:

2. Do you have any comments about this questionnaire?