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Misinformation graphic 1

In the age of social media, AI, and deepfakes, discerning fact from fiction is a crucial skill. Nowadays, we’re not just getting our information from the six o’clock news. Friends, family, researchers, influencers, entertainers, news anchors, advertisers… Who can you trust?

Timothy Caulfield, misinformation/disinformation expert, author, University of Alberta professor, and member of the Order of Canada, and Eric Rancourt, Assistant Chief Statistician at StatCan, join us to explore the challenges posed by our information environment and what can be done to counter misinformation.

Host

Tegan Bridge

Guests

Timothy Caulfield, Eric Rancourt

Listen to audio

Sources

Statistics Canada. "Media Consumption in Canada: Are Canadians in the Know?" Statistics Canada. Government of Canada, March 28, 2023.

"Statistics Canada's Trust Centre." Statistics Canada. Government of Canada, February 7, 2023.

Why are we conducting this survey?

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

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

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

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

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

Other important information

Authorization to collect this information

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

Confidentiality

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

Record linkages

To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the 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 and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon. The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician, specifying the organizations with which you do not want Statistics Canada to share your data and mailing it to the following address:

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

You may also contact us by email at statcan.esdhelpdesk-dsebureaudedepannage.statcan@statcan.gc.ca or by fax at 613-951-6583.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as well as with the provincial and territorial government ministries responsible for the energy sector, the Canada Energy Regulator, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

For a complete list of the provincial and territorial government ministries responsible for the energy sector, you can visit the following link: Information for survey participants

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 5.
• Fax number (including area code)

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

• Operational
• Not currently operational (e.g., temporarily or permanently closed, change of ownership)
  Why is this business or organization not currently operational?
  • Seasonal operations
    • When did this business or organization close for the season?
      • Date
    • When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?
      • Date
  • Ceased operations
    • When did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Date
    • Why did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Bankruptcy
      • Liquidation
      • Dissolution
      • Other
    • Specify the other reasons why 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 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 classes; 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.

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

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

Main activity

5. You indicated that is not the current main activity.

Was this business or organization's main activity ever classified as: ?

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

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

How to search:

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

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

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

Method of collection

1. Indicate whether you will be answering the remaining questions or attaching files with the required information.

• Answering the remaining questions
• Attaching files

Coal imported from foreign countries

1. Did this business import coal from foreign countries?

• Yes
• No

2. What was the volume of coal imported from foreign countries?

Please report the volume of all coal imported from foreign countries during the reference month, in metric tonnes.

• Metric tonnes

Coal purchased or received from Canadian (domestic) companies

3. Did this business purchase or receive coal from Canadian (domestic) companies?

• Yes
• No

4. From which provinces or territories did this business purchase or receive coal?

Select all that apply.

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

5. What was the volume of coal purchased or received from the following provinces or territories?

• Purchased during the month

Report the amounts of coal purchased or received during the reference month from Canadian (domestic) companies, by province and territory.

Opening inventory of coal for the month

6. This opening inventory is last month's closing inventory as provided by this business for coal on site and in transit.

Please review the value and if needed, make any modification.

When opening inventory is blank, please provide the opening inventory.

• Opening inventory

Report the total amount of Canadian and imported coal at the beginning of the month. This should equal the stock at the end of the month from the previous month's report.

• Metric tonnes

Disposition of coal for business's own use

7. What was the volume of coal used by this business for its own use?

Summary of total supply of coal for the month of [month]

8. This is a summary of the total supply of coal for the month of [month].

This opening inventory is last month's closing inventory as provided by this business. Correct if needed.

• Inventory adjustments

Coal inventory adjustments includes, for example, washer losses, etc.

Coke production

9. What was the volume of coke produced by this business?

Produced during the month

Report the amount of coke produced in your own plants during the month.

• Metric tonnes

Coke imported from foreign countries

10. Did this business import coke from foreign countries?

• Yes
• No

11. What was the volume of coke imported from foreign countries?

• Coke imported

Please report the total amount of coke imported from foreign countries.

• Metric tonnes

Coke purchased or received from Canadian (domestic) companies

12. Did this business purchase or receive coke from Canadian (domestic) companies?

• Yes
• No

13. From which provinces or territories did this business purchase or receive coke?

Select all that apply.

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

14. What was the volume of coke purchased or received from the following provinces or territories?

Please report the total amount of coke received or purchased from Canadian companies by province.

Please report for the mine location indicated at the start of this questionnaire.

Opening inventory of coke for the month

15. This opening inventory is last month's closing inventory as provided by this business for coke on site and in transit.

Please review the value and if needed, make any modification.

When opening inventory is blank, please provide the opening inventory.

Opening inventory

Report the total amount of coke in stock at the beginning of the month.

Stock of coke at the beginning of the month should be equal to the closing stock from the previous month.

• Metric tonnes

16. What was the average calorific value of the total supply of coke?

Average Calorific Value

Please report the net average calorific value of coke produced in megajoules per metric tonne.

• Megajoules per metric tonne

Total disposition of coke consumed for business's own use

17. What was the volume of coke used by this business for its own use?

Used in blast furnaces

Report the amount of coke (produced or purchased) used in blast furnaces during the month for business's own use.

Used in 'associated works'

Report the amount of coke (produced or purchased) used in other 'associated works' during the month for business's own use.

Sales by types of customer

18. Did this business sell or deliver coke to Canadian (domestic) companies?

e.g., other coke plants, mining and oil, wholesalers or distributors.

• Yes
• No

19. This business sold or delivered coke to which types of customer?

Exclude sales for the purpose of resale.

Select all that apply.

• Manufacturers
  • e.g., other types of coke plants, associated works
• Other coke producers or domestic companies
  • e.g., wholesalers or distributors
• All other types of customer
  Specify all other types of customers
  • e.g., mining, oil and gas extraction.

20. This business indicated that coke was sold or delivered to manufacturers. To which provinces or territories did this business sell or deliver coke?

Select all that apply.

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

21. What was the volume of coke sold or delivered to manufacturers for the following provinces or territories?

22. This business indicated that coke was sold or delivered to other producers or domestic companies. To which provinces or territories did this business sell or deliver coke?

Select all that apply.

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

23. What was the volume of coke sold or delivered to other producers or domestic companies for the following provinces or territories?

24. This business indicated that coke was sold or delivered to [other type of customer]. To which provinces or territories did this business sell or deliver coke?

Select all that apply.

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

25. What was the total volume of coke sold or delivered to [other type of customer] for the following provinces or territories?

Export of coke to foreign countries

26. Did this business export coke to foreign countries?

• Yes
• No

Export of coke to foreign countries

27. What was the volume of coke exported to foreign countries?

Sold for export

Report the total amount of coke sold for export during the month.

• Metric tonnes

Sale of coke to other Canadian companies for resale

28. Did this business deliver or sell coke to other Canadian companies for the purpose of resale?

Exclude storage.

• Yes
• No

29. To which provinces or territories did this business deliver or sell coke for the purpose of resale?

Select all that apply.

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

30. What were the volume and value of coke delivered or sold to other Canadian companies for the purpose of resale from the following provinces or territories?

Summary of total supply of coke for the month of [month]

31. This is a summary of the total supply of coke for the month of [month].

This opening inventory is last month's closing inventory as provided by this business. Correct if needed.

• Inventory adjustments

Please report coke inventory adjustments which would include, for example, wasted or scrapped coke.

Changes or events

32. 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 units
• Expansion
• New/lost contract
• Plant closures
• Acquisition of business units
• Other - specify the other changes or events:
• No changes or events

Contact person

33. Statistics Canada may need to contact the person who completed this questionnaire for further information.

Is Provided Given Names, 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

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

Include the time spent gathering the necessary information.

• Hours
• Minutes

35. Do you have any comments about this questionnaire?

Enter your comments

For the monthly release of the Canadian international merchandise trade in the Daily, a variant of the NAPCS 2022 version 1.0 for merchandise import and export accounts is used to categorize traded products. For more information, please see Variant of NAPCS 2022 – Merchandise import and export accounts.

Merchandise trade is one component of Canada's international balance of payments (BOP), which also includes trade in services, investment income, current transfers, and capital and financial flows.

International trade data by commodity are available on a BOP and a customs basis. International trade data by country are available on a customs basis for all countries and on a BOP basis for Canada's 27 principal trading partners (PTPs). The list of PTPs is based on their annual share of total merchandise trade—imports and exports—with Canada in 2012. BOP data are derived from customs data by adjusting for factors such as valuation, coverage, timing and residency. These adjustments are made to conform to the concepts and definitions of the Canadian System of National Accounts.

For a conceptual analysis of BOP-based data versus customs-based data, see Balance of Payments trade in goods at Statistics Canada: Expanding geographic detail to 27 principal trading partners.

For more information on these and other macroeconomic concepts, see the Methodological Guide: Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts (Catalogue number13-607-X) and the User Guide: Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts (Catalogue number13-606-G).

The data in this release are on a BOP basis and are seasonally adjusted. Unless otherwise stated, values are expressed in nominal terms, or current dollars. References to prices are based on aggregate Paasche (current-weighted) price indexes (2017=100). Movements within aggregate Paasche prices can be influenced by changes in the share of values traded for specific goods, with sudden shifts in trading patterns—as observed with the COVID-19 pandemic—sometimes resulting in large movements in Paasche price indexes. Volumes, or constant dollars, are calculated using the Laspeyres formula (2017=100), unless otherwise stated.

For information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonally adjusted data – Frequently asked questions.

Revisions

In general, merchandise trade data are revised on an ongoing basis for each month of the current year. Current-year revisions are reflected in the customs-based and the BOP-based data.

The previous year's customs-based data are revised with the release of data for the January and February reference months, and thereafter on a quarterly basis. The previous two years of customs-based data are revised annually, and revisions are released in February with the December reference month.

The previous year's BOP-based data are revised with the release of data for the January, February, March and April reference months. To remain consistent with the Canadian System of Macroeconomic Accounts, revisions to BOP-based data for previous years are released annually in December with the October reference month.

Factors influencing revisions include the late receipt of import and export documentation, incorrect information on customs forms, the replacement of estimates produced for the energy section with actual figures, changes in merchandise classification based on more current information, and changes to seasonal adjustment factors. The seasonal adjustment parameters are reviewed and updated annually and applied with the October reference month release.

For information on data revisions for exports of energy products, see Methodology for Exports of Energy Products within the International Merchandise Trade Program.

Revised data are available in the appropriate tables.

The Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP) is a whole-of-government approach led by Statistics Canada to support governmental and societal efforts to address known inequalities and promote fair and inclusive decision making.

The DDAP supports Statistics Canada's efforts to continually identify and fill data and knowledge gaps across its programs. This leads to more representative data collection and enhanced statistics on diverse populations by collecting, analyzing and disseminating more disaggregated data than ever before. Disaggregated data are data that have been broken down into categories (e.g., gender, age, income, geographic region) to better understand the experiences of diverse population groups and potentially reveal important insights between and among different groups that may have otherwise been missed.

In 2022/2023, Statistics Canada expanded on the previous year's disaggregated data accomplishments by employing innovative survey designs and sampling methods, which allowed for more intersectional analyses and insights on diverse population groups. For instance, studies conducted during this period examined trends in pay gaps; the housing experiences of various population groups; the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in provincial custody; and the educational and economic outcomes of lesbian, gay and bisexual people from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds. Furthermore, DDAP-funded research on innovative methods included improving sampling for better representation of diverse population groups and coordinating sampling between surveys to reduce respondent burden, especially for small population groups.

Building on work started in 2021/2022, Statistics Canada continues to modernize its data collection and administrative data programs. Notably, monthly Labour Force Survey (LFS) supplements were collected from April to December 2022, and the resulting data offer valuable insights on the quality of employment for various groups. Once funding is secured for the completion of the project, new variables will be added to the Civil Court Survey, allowing for the integration of civil court data in other administrative databases. Finally, the DDAP Administrative Data Fund, which provides funding to external partners to enable them to enhance their administrative data holdings, was introduced.

Statistics Canada routinely engages with various partners and stakeholders to meet the increasing information needs of Canadians. Noteworthy achievements include Statistics Canada's partnerships with selected cities to enhance the Business Register, as well as identify strategies to address municipal data gaps.

The following sections highlight the achievements of key projects funded under the DDAP in 2022/2023.

Expanded disaggregated data assets

Social, health and labour indicators

Statistics Canada launched the first wave of the Survey Series on People and their Communities (SSPC), which collected sufficient disaggregated data to examine the experiences of racialized Canadians and immigrants, including newcomers to Canada. The first panel included questions on sport, community engagement, confidence in institutions, political engagement and workplace culture. The first set of SSPC results was released in March 2023.

Statistics Canada has also been developing a framework to address data gaps on the care economy. Questions were added to the sixth wave of the Canadian Social Survey, which focused on paid and unpaid caregiving for both children and care-dependent adults. An article was released in November 2022, and others are forthcoming. Additionally, many data tables using disaggregated data from the General Social Survey were produced for the Quality of Life Framework and the Social Inclusion Framework.

Statistics Canada continued to work on the production of demographic projections and estimates for specific population groups and lower levels of geography. In September 2022, Statistics Canada released population projections on immigration and diversity in Canada up to 2041. These projections are discussed in a report and are available in table form and as part of an interactive dashboard. The 2022 population estimates for municipalities (2016 census subdivision boundaries) were also released in January 2023.

Consultative engagements and a feasibility exercise were completed regarding the addition of new content to the Civil Court Survey. New variables will be added and will include personal identifiers to allow the integration of civil court data in other Statistics Canada databases. This data integration will allow for the analysis of socioeconomic factors, including information on Indigenous people and racialized groups, which will provide insight into the experiences of diverse populations in Canadian civil courts. Additionally, following recommendations from public engagement on the new Canadian Correctional Services Survey, Statistics Canada developed new population-based indicators and analysis on the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in provincial custody.

Disaggregated data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used to develop a variety of products, including social inclusion indicators for Canada's ethnocultural groups, food security indicators and data pertaining to access to a regular health care provider. In addition, 2015 to 2018 CCHS data allowed for the release of a table on the socioeconomic characteristics of the lesbian, gay and bisexual population. Further, data from the 2016 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort were integrated with administrative data, which were then used to calculate COVID-19 mortality among racialized populations in Canada and its association with income.

Additional enhancements were made to the LFS in 2022/2023, including additional indicators on quality of employment for diverse population groups in Canada. Specifically, data pertaining to child care and career challenges experienced by parents, financial difficulties faced by households in the context of high inflation, and the number of Canadians working through digital platforms were collected. Further, the new Labour Market and Socio-economic Indicators (LMSI) survey, a supplement to the LFS, was implemented to collect data about labour, support payments and unmet health care needs, and to monitor the economic well-being of individuals and families. Data from the LMSI and the Canadian Income Survey were integrated to provide 12 months of LFS data on people with disabilities. These disaggregated data will be released every year. This improved coverage enabled detailed analyses on the labour market characteristics of people with and without disabilities in 2022.

Data on business conditions

The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions plays a vital role in helping governments understand the key economic issues that businesses in Canada are facing. Detailed data are published for all provinces and territories and the 20 largest census metropolitan areas, by population centre and rural area, business size, and sector. Data tables on the average percentage of women and men in management positions were released for the first quarter of 2023. Data tables on private sector business counts disaggregated by majority ownership were also released for the second quarter of 2022, third quarter of 2022, fourth quarter of 2022 and first quarter of 2023. All other data tables released were crossed with majority ownership variables, including majority ownership by women, Indigenous people, immigrants to Canada, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ population and members of racialized groups.

Data integration and administrative data

On the data integration side, two projects focused on patent-related research to fill important data and knowledge gaps on patenting by gender at the business and individual levels. The Canadian Patent Research Database is now included in the Linkable File Environment, which allows for Statistics Canada's business microdata to be integrated with different administrative and survey sources. In addition, databases pertaining to business ownership and government business support programs for the COVID-19 pandemic were integrated, updated and made accessible to a wider research community. This fostered research on the impact of the pandemic on businesses owned by underrepresented groups and how those businesses were supported by government programs. The integration of such databases led to the development of a forthcoming research paper on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on underrepresented groups, including women and immigrants.

Finally, 2022/2023 saw the launch of the DDAP Administrative Data Fund, which provides external partners with an opportunity to improve their own disaggregated administrative data holdings. In 2022/2023, the Administrative Data Fund team launched an agency-wide callout for proposals and received numerous applications for funding. All proposals were reviewed, and five initiatives that span the social and economic domains were recommended for potential funding. These proposals will be funded throughout 2023/2024, as the budget permits.

Increased analytical insights

Statistics Canada continues to provide detailed statistical information about the economic, social and health experiences and outcomes of diverse groups in Canada. Overall, 45% of analytical products released by Statistics Canada during the 2022/2023 fiscal year included disaggregated data for at least one of the four employment equity groups (i.e., Indigenous people, women, members of racialized populations and people with disabilities).

With regard to the interrelated health and socioeconomic outcomes of Canadians, one research project focused on how historical improvements in life expectancy and health status influence economic outcomes, such as earnings and employment, for diverse groups in Canada. An article pertaining to the educational and economic outcomes of lesbian, gay and bisexual people from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds was also released. Another project examined the association between cybervictimization and mental health among diverse Canadian youth, including transgender and non-binary youth, Indigenous youth, and those with chronic conditions. An article examining variations in immigrants' lower risk of suicide-related behaviours was also released. In collaboration with policy partners, these projects led to the production of detailed statistical information to highlight the experiences of diverse groups of Canadians, shed light on inequities and promote inclusion in decision making.

Two other projects focused on the changing demographics of racialized people in Canada and variation in poverty among racialized groups. An introduction paper and a series of fact sheets on housing provide timely analytical insights into the housing experiences of various population groups in Canada.

In terms of labour, disaggregated data and analysis from the LFS were highlighted in monthly releases and other publications throughout the year. The October 2022 LFS release included estimates of the share of Canadians living in households experiencing financial difficulties, and new insights on self-employment among racialized groups were included in the July 2022 release.

May 2022 marked the first release of the Quality of Employment in Canada publication, which provided data and analysis on key quality of employment indicators using an internationally supported statistical framework. The release included an article on pay gaps, which examined the average hourly wages of racialized employees and provided updated information on the gender wage gap.

In terms of business and economic statistics, a study examined the patenting activity of women-owned businesses and compared it with that of men. Forward-looking analyses on businesses owned by women, members of racialized groups, immigrants and Indigenous people were also released based on data from the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions. Key highlights include analysis on businesses majority-owned by women in the second quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, businesses majority-owned by immigrants, and businesses majority-owned by immigrants to Canada and businesses majority-owned by racialized people.

To better understand the participation of Indigenous people in the Canadian economy, Statistics Canada is developing the Indigenous Peoples Economic Account (IPEA). A feasibility study with preliminary estimates was published in August 2022. The first iteration of the IPEA had three components: a suite of economic indicators; a human resource module, which provides estimates related to paid worker jobs by various sociodemographic characteristics; and a supplementary analysis showing how estimates of gross domestic product, output and total jobs could be further broken down by location of residence and Indigenous identity group.

Enhanced access to disaggregated data

Statistics Canada’s Municipal Data Program successfully launched the Centre for Municipal and Local Data. This provides a primary platform for municipal users to access data at the level of geography most relevant to municipalities. The release was promoted through municipal associations, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Statistics Canada offices that constantly collaborate with municipalities.

In addition, the Municipal Financial and Socioeconomic Data Dashboard was updated to include 35 cities, including two regions in Ontario, which established the framework for how to allocate regional finances and services.

The Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub continues to bring together data tables, analyses and announcements regarding diverse population groups on a centralized platform, making it easier for data users to access disaggregated data and analyses. New statistical products are promoted via social media campaigns, highlighted on the hub, and shared with key partners and stakeholders via email. Consultations with non-federal organizations and academia took place to gather feedback on the usability of the hub, and their outcome is being considered for future enhancements.

Statistics Canada continues to leverage existing data access solutions such as Public Use Microdata Files and Real Time Remote Access to improve access to and dissemination of disaggregated data for Canadians.

Strong methods and statistical standards

A robust methodology and well-defined standards are essential to the production of high-quality data and reliable statistics. To improve the statistical representation of diverse population groups in surveys, Statistics Canada has diversified its sampling strategies, such as by using multiple sampling frames and optimizing sample allocation among the various subpopulations of interest, while ensuring the coordination of samples drawn to reduce any overlap and additional respondent burden. It is also testing non-probabilistic sampling methods for hard-to-reach populations. A methodological guide was developed to summarize all relevant sampling approaches in the DDAP context. Moreover, methods related to disaggregation were presented and discussed by statisticians from around the world at Statistics Canada's 2022 International Methodology Symposium, "Data disaggregation: Building a more-representative data portrait of society."

To address partial non-response in surveys and facilitate further disaggregation, Statistics Canada has explored imputation strategies using data modelling and machine learning techniques. For instance, the efficacy of machine learning models was evaluated to address partial non-response across demographic variables such as sex, gender, Indigenous identity and racialized group in the Canadian Correctional Services Survey. While the conclusion was that more refinement of the models was needed before machine learning could be adopted for this purpose, the exercise answered several questions regarding the use of this technique. This annual survey includes variables on Indigenous identity, racialized status and other self-reported information. For certain individuals, information is missing, resulting in some groups being undercounted in correctional institutions.

For tackling the response mobility of DDAP group identification, modelling techniques were developed to improve the accuracy of identification in surveys such as the SSPC. Probabilities of identification in various groups of interest were also modelled at the sampling stage for the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions and the Survey on Financing and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises, as part of a study on low or underrepresented populations among Canadian business owners.

Statistics Canada continued to develop new statistical standards. A new Standards, data sources and methods web page is now available to the public and was developed to improve the usability of the standards.

Statistics Canada's leadership in the development of international statistical standards on new forms of employment was reflected in the publication of the Handbook on Forms of Employment by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in August 2022. This new handbook provides guidance on the measurement of forms of employment and describes new types of arrangements and technologies that may place workers from diverse groups in vulnerable situations. In December 2022, Statistics Canada conducted an LFS supplementary survey on digital platform employment based on these international standards and recommendations. The results showed that in 2022, more than half of workers who provided ride or delivery services through an app or platform were immigrants. To examine changes over time, Statistics Canada will collect these data again in December 2023.

In June 2022, Statistics Canada released Reference Data as a Service (RDaaS) to provide machine-readable access to the DDAP standards. RDaaS includes the code sets, classifications and concordances that are used within Statistics Canada to harmonize data for better interdepartmental data integration and analysis.

Continued engagement and collaboration

Engagement and consultations with partners are crucial for ensuring the relevance of Statistics Canada statistical programs, data and statistical standards.

Statistics Canada undertook consultations as part of the review of the visible minority concept to identify the appropriate terminology and categories to describe the population and properly address data needs in health, education, justice and employment equity. The consultations opened in October 2022 and were conducted with virtual group discussions and information sessions, and e-forms and written submissions. Statistics Canada received submissions from over 460 individuals from a variety of organizations, including anti-racism groups, civil society organizations, ethnocultural community organizations, religious networks and social inclusion groups, and from the general public.

In 2022/2023, the expansion of the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey continued. This initiative will ensure that the collection of data on the Indigenous and racialized identity of accused people and victims of crime fulfills the data needs of communities, the police, policy makers and the Canadian population more broadly. In September 2022, an interim report with recommendations to guide the path forward was released, and a second round of engagements focusing on operationalizing the recommendations outlined in the interim report started in August 2022. The system was updated based on the recommendations received and should be ready to receive data from police services in January 2024.

With funding from the DDAP, the Uniform Calls for Service Reporting Program was able to advance in 2022/2023 on a plan developed in the previous year to operationalize a national-level reporting program that gathers microdata records of calls for assistance made by the public to police. This initiative fills important gaps in information on the full spectrum of police work, more specifically by examining the non-criminal types of events that police respond to, and the diverse populations who live within communities where these calls take place.

In terms of municipal data, Statistics Canada worked closely with five cities to create an administrative data template to upload information to the Business Register. Furthermore, data for 35 cities were released in the Municipal Financial and Socioeconomic Data Dashboard. This project is linked to a broader initiative aimed at encouraging municipalities and their jurisdictions to adopt standard approaches to the collection and sharing of government statistics with Statistics Canada.

Additionally, members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities were contacted over the winter of 2023 to find out how they use Statistics Canada data, to identify key data priorities and to identify other ways to collaborate. The results will guide Statistics Canada's future data improvements at lower levels of geography, in collaboration with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and its provincial and territorial jurisdictions.

To meet Statistics Canada's long-term goal of effectively measuring the diversity of members on non-profit boards, Statistics Canada held a series of consultations with representatives from the non-profit sector. Furthermore, an external advisory committee with leaders from governments, academia and the non-profit sector across Canada was established and will serve as a forum to share expertise regarding this important sector.

Internally, subject-matter experts from across Statistics Canada collaboratively developed a comprehensive training workshop to build analytical capacity to effectively analyze disaggregated data and produce meaningful research and insights on diverse populations in Canada.

General

To request an alternate format (such as large font, braille, American Sign Language [ASL] and langue des signes québécois [LSQ]), please contact Statistics Canada's Accessibility Secretariat.

Statistics Canada: Road to Accessibility, 2023 Progress Report - PDF Version (PDF, 416.06 KB)

How to provide feedback

The Head of the Equity, Talent Development and Workforce Strategy Division, Workforce and Workplace Branch is designated to receive feedback on behalf of StatCan. We want to hear from you.

• Mail: Accessibility Secretariat, Statistic Canada, 150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6
• Telephone: 1-800-263-1136
• TTY: 1-800-363-7629
• Feedback Form on our website: Accessibility Feedback form
• Email: statcan.accessibilitysecretariat-secretariataccess.statcan@statcan.gc.ca

Do you want to send us feedback anonymously? You can send us mail, call, or use our Accessibility feedback form without providing any personal information.

Your feedback is important to us. Feedback received will be acknowledged in the same way it was received unless it was received anonymously.

For more information, please consult this Privacy Notice.

Introduction

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) aims to create a barrier-free Canada by 2040 by identifying barriers and preventing the creation of new ones. Statistics Canada published its first accessibility action plan in December 2022. Even before the publication of the plan, our agency has been committed to accessibility and has made great progress in becoming more accessible.

Accessibility is everyone's responsibility. Over the course of the year, this has become evident as teams and individuals across the agency have contributed to the progress. The 2023 Progress Report on the Accessibility Action Plan for Statistics Canada is an important milestone. This report showcases 105 accomplishments from September 2022 to September 2023 as part of our journey to becoming an accessibility confident organization.

Accomplishments by the numbers (September 2022 to September 2023)

• 22 presentations to StatCan Persons with Disabilities Committee Meetings on topics ranging from progress on the Engaging (Dis)ability Innovation, to Fire drill dates and procedures, to Ergonomic lending libraries at Tunney's Pasture, Office noise level measurements to R/Python programming languages for data science and analytics.
• 50 participants took the pilot Government of Canada (GC) Workplace Accessibility Passport manager training
• 40 participants attended the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport informal consultation sessions
• 15 Accessibility Feedback instances received from December 23rd, 2022, to September 1st, 2023
• 195 attendees to the awareness presentation on deafblindness hosted with Carleton University's Canadian Accessibility Network
• 687 views of the May 2023 self-paced 'challenge' for leadership
• 440 average views per month of the centralized site for accessibility-related information and reports
• 630 workplace accommodation requests received
• 467 workplace accommodation requests processed
• 34 average processing time (in days) for all accommodation requests which is a marked improvement from 2021 of 54 days.
• 78% satisfaction with workplace accommodations that were implemented (2022 Public Service Employee Survey)
• 8 accessibility evaluations initiated for Regional Offices
• 100% of priority repairs (repairs that pose immediate danger) on 8 temporary spaces (swing space floors) were completed.
• 5 licenses procured of each commonly requested accessibility software.
• 28 Sign Language videos published in American Sign Language and Langue de signes du Quebec
• 11,059 page views housing ASL/LSQ videos
  • 3,821 plays of these videos with a completion rate of 23%.
• 103 full digital service accessibility reviews conducted (82 External Services, 21 internal services)

Accomplishments by priority areas and the barriers they address

Culture

An accessible culture within StatCan is accessibility-confident and disability-inclusive. Focus and commitment are put on educating all employees and managers to empower and inform them on accessibility. Accessibility standards and best practices are emphasized, and employees feel confident and safe in speaking out on barriers to accessibility and potential solutions.

Accomplishments

Addressing the lack of awareness

1. Created a page on the Internal Communication Network (ICN) to centralize all internal accessibility-related information and reports for employees and managers.
2. Organized plain language training for StatCan employees. Promoted accessibility training from the School of Public Service and free bilingual online accessibility training.
3. Organized awareness presentations with Carleton University's Canadian Accessibility Network on deafblindness and the removal of accessibility barriers.
4. Launched the National Accessibility Awareness Week (NAAW) with a message from the Persons with Disabilities Champion.
5. Participated in a senior leader discussion with the Deputy Minister Champion for Federal Employees with Disabilities and the Chief Accessibility Officer for the National Accessibility Awareness Week (NAAW) titled "Learn from Yesterday, Change Today, Enhance Tomorrow: Building an Accessible Public Service Together"
6. Participated in an AMI-tv Channel, the world's first television network to broadcast all programs with open format described video for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, program segment on government wide accessibility. Footage was included in the video from the Clerk for National Public Service Week.
7. Launched the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport with a joint message from the Chief Statistician and the Persons with Disabilities Champion.
8. Divisions promoted the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport and discussed the tool at divisional meetings to increase take up.
9. Organized a one-month self-paced 'challenge' for leadership allowing leaders at all levels to complete tangible actions that help the work environment become more accessible.
10. Developed performance management objectives for executives to measure progress made in accessibility and inclusion within their teams.
11. Piloted performance management objectives within a division for employees at all levels to expand accountability and prioritization of accessibility in their work.
12. Developed and delivered "The basics of meeting planning" training to improve productivity and inclusivity in meetings. Training includes resources and recommendations for accessibility requirements.
13. Participated in training for executives led by the CSPS and Live Work Play covering topics such as social motivators, impact of exclusion on the brain, approaches to accommodation, applying habits for lasting change, growth mindset, and curiosity over judgement.
14. Launched sector committee with representatives from several divisions to collaborate on accessibility-related improvements such as best practices for internal tools and applications and brainstorming about accessibility-related employee challenges.
15. Census, Regional Services and Operations (Field 7) identified a Divisional Champion to promote awareness and educational opportunities. The Champion is also the contact person to collect feedback from other employees about accessibility barriers. If required, action plans are developed with management to remove accessibility barriers.

Addressing the lack of inclusion and feedback

16. Developed and managed a centralized and anonymous feedback system for all employees, Canadians and external StatCan users.
17. Presented accessibility plan and tools to teams and employee networks across StatCan providing an avenue for information sharing, discussion, and feedback.
18. Identified a Divisional Champion to act as the contact person for feedback from employees about accessibility barriers. If required, action plans are developed with management to remove accessibility barriers.

Addressing the lack of internal collaboration

19. Facilitated interdivisional quarterly working group and leadership meetings to monitor and ensure progress of interdependent files.
20. Met with teams across StatCan to discuss their accessibility strategies and consultation methods allowing for an exchange and gathering of best practices internal to the agency.
21. The Accessibility Secretariat hosted a series of accessibility network meetings to promote accessibility knowledge sharing across the Government of Canada. These intergovernmental informal discussions allowed for an exchange and gathering of best practices external to the agency.
22. The Centre for Health Data Integration (CHDI) and the Social Analysis and Modelling Division (SAMD) launched a community of practice to bring together a cross-functional group of subject matter experts, analysts, HR advisors and researchers within StatCan, who have the responsibility, experience, and interest in collecting, acquiring, and analyzing data, and sharing insights on the topic of disability and accessibility. The community will contribute towards members' growth by creating opportunities for collaboration and sharing of experiences through our work, projects, training, and/or education.

Workplace Accommodation

Workplace accommodation at StatCan means that accommodation is made on a confidential, case-by-case basis and employees are supplied with the functional tools and working conditions they need to maximize their potential.

Accomplishments

Addressing the lack of procedural knowledge

23. Collaborated with internal partners on the development of Frequently Asked Questions content on how to request accommodation as part of the "Hybrid Work Environment" reference material.
24. Maintained training and information links on the ICN.
25. Divisions increased their knowledge on process through regular meetings with Duty to Accommodate Office, Labour Relations (when required).

Addressing delays in getting accommodations

26. Created and collaborated on the implementation of the communication plan for launch of GC Workplace Accessibility Passport within agency to help expedite the receipt of key information and employee-manager dialogue needed for processing accommodations.
27. Created scent-free zones, food-free zones, and low lighting zones in each physical space neighbourhood for all employees to benefit from thereby reducing the number of individual requests to process.
28. Implemented a designated chair depot and ergonomic lending library in each physical space neighborhood which also helped reduce the processing of individual requests.
29. Created a dedicated space for employees with noise sensitivities by converting a closed office space to be shared by employees requiring this type of accommodation.

New barrier: Lack of internal collaboration

30. Actively participated in the internal Hybrid Work Environment planning to ensure accessibility is considered throughout the planning of the future of work.
31. Collaborated with the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport Adopter Community of Practice on the development of tools.
32. Collaborated with the Disability Inclusion and Workplace Accommodation Community of Practice in the development of tools and processes.

Priority Areas under the Accessibility Canada Act

Employment

Accessible employment at StatCan means that employees with disabilities and those experiencing barriers are supported throughout their employee journey. From recruitment and hiring to onboarding and career progression, all employees are supported to reach their full potential.

Accomplishments

Addressing the lack of knowledge or understanding of accessible and inclusive hiring practices

33. Launched a pilot project to promote all posters through Equitek to better reach the Employment Equity communities.
34. Presented the Engaging (Dis)ability summary research report to the Staffing Standing Committee.
35. Developed and delivered awareness sessions (with partners such as LiveWorkPlay) and material on barriers persons with disabilities face throughout the employment journey for management and staffing advisors.
36. Created ICN content promoting accessible and inclusive tools (such as the Public Service Commission hiring tools).
37. Developed partnership strategy for Accessible and Inclusive Employment and start discussions with disability employment service organizations, university and student associations for persons with disabilities.
38. Updated the agency's self-declaration form to increase transparency on data collection and usage.

Addressing stigma and attitudinal barriers

39. Launched learning opportunities related to the employee journey of persons with disabilities.
40. Developed guidance documents on duty to accommodate procedures and feedback processes related to a selection process.
41. Launched the first internal Sponsorship program for executive or mid-level leaders who are part of equity-seeking groups (including persons with disabilities).
42. Initiated discussions about learning styles as part of the onboarding process to ensure that employees receive the support they need from the beginning of their employment.

Addressing inflexible and complex staffing tools and processes

43. Standardized paragraphs for staffing posters to make them more accessible.
44. Completed initial review of the accommodation process to improve efficiency and to ensure all candidates are processed at the same pace.
45. Initiated accessibility review of staffing communication templates.
46. Collaborated on the agency implementation plans for the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport offering guidance for staffing processes.
47. Developed presentation for human resources employees on accessible assessment practises.
48. Reviewed staffing tools to ensure future recruitment and hiring are accessible for Census 2026.

Built Environment

An accessible built environment at StatCan is one where workspaces and the work environment are accessible for all. From the spaces in employees' homes to those owned or leased by StatCan, all environments used by employees will be accessible by design.

Accomplishments

Addressing the lack of consultation with persons with disabilities and those experiencing barriers

49. Consulted with persons with disability committee on building procedures (including accessible fire safety procedures and emergency procedures).
50. Actively participated in monthly persons with disabilities committee meetings.

Addressing that accessibility is not a key requirement in construction

51. Met with the Persons with Disabilities Committee to review new Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) designs for R.H. Coats.
52. Worked in collaboration with PSPC to implement accessible space reservation tools.
53. Developed and implemented communication strategy to communicate construction plans and site closures through various media including the Accessibility site on the ICN.

To contribute to the desired state of enhancing accessibility of the workplace and employee workspaces

54. Completed consultations with the Fire Safety Officers to ensure procedures are documented and meet accessibility requirements in the event of an emergency.
55. Initiated evaluations in our Regional Offices to ensure documentation of accessibility plan for each office.
56. Participated in monthly meetings with property managers regarding the accessibility of outdoor spaces.
57. Updated large appliances in the kitchens on swing space floors to ensure accessibility such as fridges that are more readily accessible for individuals in a wheelchair and microwaves with larger print and braille for use by individuals with visual impairments.
58. Completed repairs that pose immediate danger on swing space floors as outlined in the consultant audit.
59. Enhanced the emergency email communication tool to also include messages in ASL.

Information and communication technologies

Accessible information and communication technologies at StatCan (often called ICT) means that IT products are usable and accessible for everyone. Whether it is software development, infrastructure support, platform operations, service request fulfillment, IT asset management, cloud environments or offsite support, these all need to be accessible.

Accomplishments

Addressing knowledge gaps within the IT team

60. Researched and compared external accessibility maturity models.
61. Created IT Accessibility Advisory Board for governance and guidance on Accessibility by Design development.

Addressing accessibility considerations

62. Created Accessible Information and Communication Technology Scorecard and Maturity Model for StatCan IT.
63. Initiated documentation of IT service processes related to accessibility requirements.
64. Created documents guiding accessibility testing using common accessibility software on common StatCan platforms.
65. Improved the accessibility of the Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP) application.
66. Implemented the creation of a fully accessible version for each new issue of the "In Hybrid News" newsletter using the ICN.
67. Actively discussed accessibility for GCXchange and M365 office and collaborative tools with Treasury Board in support of accessible meetings.
68. Initiated plans for printers as part of future of work project.

Addressing unavailable tools

69. Collaborated with Industry Canada and Innovation Solutions Canada to develop an application that conducts accessibility reviews.

Addressing lengthy accommodation processes

70. Established the base offering of the Accessibility Software Lending Service.
71. Procured licenses of each commonly requested accessibility software.

Communication, other than information and communication technologies

Accessible communication at StatCan means information that is provided, sent, or received is clear, direct and easy to understand and meets the needs of employees and Canadians.

Accomplishments

Addressing gaps in accessible communications

72. Explored accessibility improvements for internal all-staff messages.
73. Completed the census chatbot accessibility review and working with Microsoft to implement the recommendations.
74. Increased the awareness and usage of MS 365 accessibility functions like PowerPoint Live and MS Forms.
75. Updated internal newsletters and documents to conform with accessibility guidelines (e.g., avoiding use of certain colours).
76. Adopted use of larger fonts in email communications (Arial 14)

Addressing the lack of emphasis on the accessible design of communications

77. Researched plain language training options to make this a mandatory course for all StatCan employees.
78. Collaborated with the Accessibility Secretariat to ensure efficient communication with all staff around the topic of accessibility resources and events.
79. Added information on Video Relay Service to all the wave materials for Census test and products.
80. Prepared braille and ASL/LSQ versions to products for Census, the Canadian Survey on Disability, Survey on Accessible Print Materials, etc.
81. Scheduled the accessibility testing on mobile phones for the Census Chatbot.
82. Added Alt Text requirements for all social media posts.
83. Collaborated with the Centre of Expertise on Accessibility to learn about best practices in accessibility for apps and mobile products
84. Adopted plain language across the agency for public facing content
85. Added visuals and alternate formats such as tables, slides or videos to releases and documents to provide accessibility to different types of reading and learning styles.

Procurement of goods, services, and facilities

The accessible procurement of goods, services, and facilities at StatCan means to centralize purchases, including computer software and hardware and a variety of external professional services, while prioritizing accessibility.

Accomplishments

Addressing GC centralized program and policies

86. Prepared an inventory of all the different documents and forms used during the procurement process.
87. Adapted procurement documents to be accessible.
88. Ensured accessibility considerations were taken in procurement files and flagged inaccessible items to project leaders.
89. Transitioned from buyandsell.gc.ca to the new GC accessible tendering platform.

Addressing the lack of consultation

90. Appointed a champion on accessible procurement.
91. Planned a townhall on accessible procurement.

Addressing insufficient knowledge

92. Attended learning events and training offered by PSPC Centre of Expertise on Accessible Procurement as well as with Shared Services Canada.

Design and delivery of programs and services

The accessible design and delivery of programs and services at StatCan means that surveys, programs, and services are inclusive and accessible by design to meet the needs of Canadians and employees.

Accomplishments

Addressing the reactive approach

93. Revised the Notice of Web Accessibility process to now requires a brief when products are inaccessible or unreviewed to contribute to proactive accountability.
94. Created an in-house braille version of the Statistics Canada: Road to Accessibility.
95. Published Sign Language videos in American Sign Language and Langue des signes du Quebec (i.e.: in support of the Canadian Survey on Disability, Survey on Accessible Print Materials, etc.). The video with the highest combination of views (over 2,000) and completion rate (23%) was on First Nations People, Metis, and Inuit in Canada, and the video with the highest completion rate (42%) was on the COVID 19 Survey.
96. Successfully promoted the use of Video Relay Services Canada to Census and other programs
97. Continued expanding the Text-to-Speech pilot and feedback tool on multiple StatCan websites.
98. Offered alternative collection options to survey respondents, other than traditional telephone and electronic questionnaires.
99. Hired employees with lived experience and expertise in accessibility.
100. Made the "Accessibility Assurance step" an integral part of the development processes for all our current and future products: (e.g. Aviation dashboard, Energy Flow Visualization (Sankey Diagram), High Frequency Electricity Dashboard (HFED)

Addressing inaccessible tools

101. Completed the service inventory of all the programs and services at StatCan.
102. Conducted 103 full digital service accessibility reviews for both external (82) and internal (21) services.

Addressing the lack of a centralized approach Addressing accessibility needs

103. Shared significant advice to colleagues across the agency on accessibility features for software such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and contributed to the accessibility resources on the ICN.
104. Launched the Accessibility Review Pilot Project:
     • Completed the Accessibility Review of the agency's online learning services.
     • Contributed to the early accessibility and usability review of the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport online portal.
     • Conducted accessibility reviews to comply with the Management Accountability Framework. Responsible areas are making changes to fix accessibility barriers uncovered.
105. Statistics Canada has been tasked – as a partner - by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to conduct accessibility reviews on the multinational STAT Data explorer. These reviews continue.

Transportation

No barriers in StatCan policies, practices, programs, and services, were identified at the time of publication of the 2023-2025 Accessibility Action Plan. The agency regularly monitors this area through our feedback mechanism, to ensure prevention and removal of barriers. This is to confirm that no new barriers have been identified since the drafting of this report.

Consultation

This section covers consultations conducted from September 2022 to September 2023. For more information about consultations conducted in order to inform the development of the 2023-2025 Accessibility Action Plan, please read the Consultation section in Statistics Canada: Road to Accessibility.

Consulting employees continues to be a critical element in the implementation of Statistics Canada: Road to Accessibility. Consultations were led by various areas to advance in the actions accomplished above.

Internal Consultation by the Accessibility Secretariat

In the spring of 2023, the agency's Accessibility Secretariat held information sessions open to all employees and which included a consultative component. To ensure continued engagement and increase the accessibility confidence of the agency, these sessions covered the framework of Statistics Canada: Road to Accessibility (StatCan Accessibility Plan), accomplishments to date, how-to submit feedback and tools they can use to make their everyday work more accessible.

The consultation sought to get the pulse on employee understanding of the plan, awareness of and sentiment towards the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport and accountability on contributing to the accessibility journey.

• Based on our StatCan Accessibility Plan and across domains, which domain pillar is more important to you?
• How familiar are you with the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport?
• Do you think the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport will help you?
• What tasks could you accomplish in your position to make StatCan more accessible?

English and French sessions were held using MS Teams to ensure access to all employees. The presentation and consultation leveraged the PowerPoint Live and built-in survey function in MS Teams. Participants were asked ahead of time if this function created accessibility barriers.

The findings and responses helped guide the agency on future communication activities related to both the Accessibility Plan and the development of support for the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport.

Persons with Disability Committee

The Persons with Disability Committee (PwDC) is an active employee committee and a key partner in the implementation of the agency's action plan. This committee's creation predates 1989. It has a very long history of identifying priorities, providing constructive advice and suggestions action-oriented solutions to StatCan management.

The Accessibility Secretariat was a regular participant in committee meetings, presenting and gathering input on:

• Progress on the Engaging (Dis)ability Innovation
• Findings from the external consultation report by BDO
• Resources for the "Accessibility at StatCan" ICN page
• The publication of the accessibility plan in accessible formats
• Employee events in support of advancement of accessibility confidence
• The feedback processes
• The measurement framework
• The GC Workplace Accessibility Passport
• Organizational progress on accessibility
• Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Department delivered and received feedback on:
• Return to work safety measures
• Updates on ergonomic assessment
• Fire drill dates and procedures
• Ergonomic lending libraries at Tunney's Pasture
• KN95 masks availability and masks procedures
• Dates and procedures for lockdown exercises
• Office noise level measurements (results: 38-54 decibels)

The Facilities and Future of Work Project presented and received feedback on construction updates, constructions sites, and building closures.

The R/Python User Group presented their user group and prompted committee members to participate.

External Consultations by the Engagement and Data Services Division

There were two projects where persons with disabilities or to organizations that represented persons with disabilities:

• Statistics Canada is seeking input on the Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Statistics (GDIS) Hub and
• Website modernization initiative: Text-to-speech feature were consulted.

For these consultation sessions, participants were given the opportunity to express any of the accommodations needs.

Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Statistics (GDIS) Hub

The Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Statistics (GDIS) hub monitors and reports on indicators included in many publications on subjects related to diversity and inclusion.

The long-term goal is for the GDIS Hub to become a "one stop shop" that offers meaningful data and products and creates a more user-friendly experience.

To inform this goal, 50 disability organizations were contacted as part of the process. Two organizations responded and a participant from each organization was consulted.

The format for this consultation activity was one-on-one usability testing sessions done via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. The participant was provided the link to and asked to open the prototype of the Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Statistics Hub. They then shared their screens as they explored the page and followed some use cases.

This format was selected at because it was the best fit for the client's request. We used either Microsoft Teams or Zoom to accommodate the participant. By having the participant open and explore the prototype themselves, it allowed them to change the font size, zoom in on the page, use a screen reader or change the colour contrast as needed.

While there were several recommendations, one key recommendation was to "ensure accessibility of text and hover-over boxes (e.g. text contrast, size, machine readability)".

Text to Speech Project

Consultations were held to support the Text to Speech Project with a focus on a few of the pilot features that on certain pages of the Statistics Canada website. The feedback gathered during this session would provide insight for future considerations.

19 disability organizations and an additional 57 government working groups pertaining to accessibility or persons with disabilities we contacted. In total, there were 32 participants in this study.

We had two formats for this consultative engagement activity: a group discussion (with no more than four per session) or a one-on-one usability testing session done via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. The format was selected based on participant preference. Each participant was provided the links to various pages to review the tool ahead of time along with the questions to keep in mind when reviewing.

During the session they shared their screen as they explored the various pages with the tools as we went through the questions. Many participants had their observations ready to share. When it was a group setting, the moderating team shared their screen and explained the features of each tool both visually and verbally to accommodate all participants. Zoom was used most often as this was the preferred teleconferencing application.

Among the specific recommendations, one key takeaway was that most participants saw the value in a text-to-speech feature for a variety of audiences except for those that are fully visually impaired as they have their own tools such as screen readers. Additionally, this text to speech feature should not be seen as an "accessibility fix".

Feedback

At Statistics Canada, a Feedback page accessible to those internal and external to the agency was developed and published alongside the action plan per the ACA requirements. This page includes all relevant information to submit feedback, including the ACA definition for "barriers." Throughout the year, the feedback process was promoted in presentations across StatCan. Additionally, leads from across the agency were provided with their roles and responsibilities related to the feedback process.

Summary of the Feedback Process

This year, feedback was received only through the Accessibility Feedback Form and via email. When the Accessibility Secretariat receives feedback by email, an email acknowledgement is sent notifying the sender that the process to explore and resolve the barrier has begun. The feedback is anonymized, if necessary, and sent to area leads for evaluation and response.

If a follow-up is requested or necessary, area leads are responsible to respond (using the same medium in which the feedback is received) and are provided with support from the Accessibility Secretariat. The Accessibility Secretariat stores all communications related to the feedback in a confidential manner for the next seven years as mandated by the Accessible Canada Act.

From December 23, 2022, to September 1, 2023, we received 15 feedback:

• two came from the anonymous Accessibility Feedback Form and
• 13 were submitted to the Accessibility Secretariat via email.

The key themes of the feedback related:

• Alternate format: request for a printed copy of the report
• Communication: inaccessible documents (such as PowerPoint Presentations and PDFs) or programs (such as GCDocs)
• Workplace Accommodations:
  • Delays in receiving proper accommodations
  • Accessibility of the workspace

Lessons learned and a look ahead to Year 2

The first year of the implementation of the agency's Accessibility Action Plan continues to offer opportunities to learn and grow. As we move into the next year, we will continue to progress on the 2023-2025 Accessibility Action Plan commitments to remove and prevent barriers. We take with us one more year of experience, insight and lessons learned. While there is pride in the accomplishments listed in earlier in this report, we acquired lessons in the areas of funding, governance, measurement, and reporting.

Funding

Sound fiscal management comes with a high threshold and specific criteria to obtain funding. For a new program like accessibility, extra efforts were required to ensure stakeholders and the investment board understood the importance of this work. Setting the groundwork on this enterprise-wide file, translated to the agency prioritizing accessibility and allocating investment funding. With the experience gained by all contributors on the initial submission for funding, complemented by the proven accomplishments from this first year, the program is poised to continue receiving the required funding to advance on accessibility commitments.

Governance

The agency established an Accessibility Leadership Taskforce (ALT) comprising of:

• Director-level area leads representing the eight ACA and StatCan priority areas,
• the Director General of the Workforce and Workplace Branch (WWB),
• the Persons with Disabilities Champion, and
• the Assistant Chief Statistician for Corporate Strategy and Management Field.

ALT is the governing body responsible for overseeing the implementation and operational accessibility requirements. Collaboration and commitment from across the agency have been key drivers to attaining our goals. We have learned that within certain areas, the ability to implement actions is facilitated by their inherent mandates (i.e.: IT and User Experience), and therefore the transition of leadership made sense to facilitate progress. Additionally, we have observed that the Employment area lead scope was far too large- covering the actions related to the employee journey from onboarding through to separation. Therefore, to ensure that each milestone in the employee journey received the focus on accessibility that it deserved, accountability was divided and shared amongst all of the WWB directors.

Measurement

StatCan was one of the organizations to publish indicators for measurement. However, as the accessibility landscape continues to evolve across the public service (i.e.: Common hybrid work model and impacts on duty to accommodate) and in implementing the planned actions, we continued to revisit the plan content including the indicators. In the coming year, we will be updating our publication of the 2023-25 Accessibility Action Plan to account for updated indicators that will align with those soon-to-be released by the Office of Public Service Accessibility, coupled with changes that will better set the agency up with a baseline from which to demonstrate success or signal areas of further attention.

Reporting

To ensure a continued momentum and accountability for the implementation of the action plan, monthly financial dashboards, quarterly accomplishment reports and the annual progress report were instituted. The monthly dashboards communicate progress, challenges, and resolutions to the investment board and senior management. The quarterly reports provide updates to the ALT and allow for enhanced collaboration and opportunities for recalibration between priority areas as needed. Lastly, the annual progress report compiles the quarterly accomplishments complimented by additional actions carried out throughout the agency organically. This document truly showcases all StatCan answering the call to help remove barriers and taking on the commitment to being inclusive by design and accessible by default.

Give feedback on this progress report

Provide feedback by filling out the Accessibility Feedback Form.

Accessibility progress reports developed by other institutions

List of accessibility progress reports developed by other institutions