Variance and bias

Variance and Bias Infographic
Description for graphic: Bias and Variance

To understand variance and bias, consider a statistical survey as a throw aimed at the centre of a target.

  1. The concept that the survey is trying to measure is represented by the centre bull's eye. For example, the number of unemployed people or voter intentions. The bull's eye is the true value that can only be determined if every person or business answers a questionnaire. A survey based on a random sample cannot determine this value with certainty.
    {Visual}: A bull's eye is shown with a mark on the second innermost ring
  2. In fact, if the survey chooses a different random sample, the throws (or estimates) land in different places. The reliability and validity of the survey depends on where the throws land.
    {Visual}: A bull's eye with 15 marks scattered across it is shown.
  3. The variance and bias determine the effectiveness of the survey.
  4. The challenge is to avoid bias and reduce the variance as much as possible. For example, a large sample will lower the variance but will not reduce bias.
  5. Variance measures whether the throws are at roughly the same location on the target.
    {Visual}: 'Low Variance' is represented by a bull's eye with seven marks bunched together in the top right hand corner. 'High Variance' is represented with a bull's eye with seven marks scattered evenly across it.
  6. Bias measures whether this location is centred around the bull's eye.
    {Visual}: 'High Bias' is represented by a bull's eye with seven marks bunched together in the top right hand corner. 'Low Bias' is represented by a bull's eye with seven marks located in the center.
  7. When the bias is negligible, the survey statistician can establish, using laws of probability, that 95% of the throws would be within a margin of error corresponding to the three outermost rings. This calculation leads to the statements commonly used in media "the survey result is within a certain margin of error 19 times out of 20, "where 19 divided by 20 is 95%. A well-designed and executed survey will produce the smallest variance or margin of error possible.
    {Visual}: A bull's eye is shown to have 19 marks scattered across the innermost rings and one mark outside and to the left of the bull's eye.

Statistics Canada produces data on numerous topics of interest to Canadians. For example, the census of population collects data on every individual to produce very accurate counts every five years. To produce accurate economic and social data on a more frequent and timely basis, Statistics Canada typically conducts surveys that collect data on a random sample of individuals or businesses.

For example, the Monthly Survey of Manufacturing (MSM) publishes the values (in Canadian dollars) of sales of goods manufactured, inventories and orders six weeks after the end of every month. On October 16, 2014, the MSM estimated that $52,100 million of goods manufactured were sold in Canada in August 2014. Statistics Canada produced this estimate on the basis of data collected from a random sample of 10,500 business establishments across Canada.

Like any other survey, the aim of the MSM is to produce the most accurate results possible. How can we determine whether the MSM estimate of $52,100 million in sales of goods manufactured is, in reality, close to the actual level of sales in August 2014 in Canada? To do this, we use two measures of precision—bias and variance.

Variance is relatively easy to measure in a survey, whereas bias is more difficult. That's why, in an effective survey, we do everything possible to eliminate bias, so that the accuracy of the survey results depends on variance only. The MSM is no exception to this: by using a well-tested questionnaire, a proven methodology, specialized interviewers and strict quality control, and by following up with businesses that do not initially respond to the survey, we are able to minimize bias in the MSM.

Once we have minimized bias, we can adequately represent the accuracy of the survey results by variance only. We can express variance in various ways. For example, the August 2014 result of $52,100 million in sales of goods manufactured had a standard error of $260 million. The standard error represented 0.5% of the goods sold—this percentage is called the coefficient of variation, and is commonly used by Statistics Canada to express variance. Another method commonly used by the media to express variance is margin of error, which is also based on the standard error. With this method, the result of the August 2014 MSM could be expressed in the following familiar format: "Based on the Monthly Survey of Manufacturing, Statistics Canada estimates that $52,100 million of goods manufactured were sold in August 2014, with a margin of error of $520 million, 19 times out of 20." In this statement, the margin of error is twice the standard error.

In conclusion, bias and variance are key measures of the accuracy of survey results. When we conduct a survey using sound quality assurance principles, we avoid bias. When we design a survey on a sound scientific basis, we can calculate and control variance. Regardless of how we report variance—as a measure of the precision of survey results—the interpretation is always the same: the smaller the variance and the associated standard error, coefficient of variation and margin of error, the more reliable the corresponding survey results are considered to be.

Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP)

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2013 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Your answers are confidential.

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 information from this survey for statistical purposes.

Table of contents

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Business activity
Reporting period information
Revenue
Expenses
Industry characteristics
Sales by type of client
International transactions
General information
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

Text begins

Business activity

The description on file for this business comes from the North American Industrial Classifications System (NAICS). This database contains a limited number of activity classifications. The classifications on file might be applicable for this business, even if it is not exactly how you would describe this business’s main activity.

By selecting "Yes, this is the main activity.", you indicate that the description is applicable, and it describes the main economic activity which typically generates the most revenue for this business.

By selecting "No, this is not the main activity.", you indicate that this description is not applicable as a main or a secondary activity of this business. You will be given a chance to describe this business’s main activity.

If none of the above activities describes your main source of revenue, please call 1-800 972 9692 for further instructions.

Reporting period information

Here are twelve common fiscal periods that fall within the targeted dates:

  • May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013
  • June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013
  • July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013
  • August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
  • September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2013
  • October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013
  • November 1, 2012 to October 31, 2013
  • December 1, 2012 to November 30, 2013
  • January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013
  • February 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014
  • March 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014
  • April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014

Here are other examples of fiscal periods that fall within the required dates:

  • September 18, 2012 to September 15, 2013 (e.g., floating year-end)
  • June 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (e.g., a newly opened business)

  1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., fees, commissions, services revenue)

Report net of returns and allowances.
Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include: Sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales); Transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm. Exclude: Transfers into inventory and consignment sales; Federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes; intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

  1. Rental and leasing revenue

Include: Rental or leasing of apartments, commercial buildings, land, office space, residential housing, investments in co-tenancies and co-ownerships, hotel or motel rooms, long and short term vehicle leasing, machinery or equipment, storage lockers, etc.

  1. Commissions

Include: Commissions earned on the sale of products or services by businesses such as advertising agencies, brokers, insurance agents, lottery ticket sales, sales representatives, and travel agencies – (compensation could also be reported under this item (for example, compensation for collecting sales tax).

  1. Subsidies (including grants, donations and fundraising)

Include: Non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government; Revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

  1. Royalties rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted materials such as musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

Include: Dividend income; Dividends from Canadian sources; Dividends from foreign sources; Patronage dividends. Exclude: Equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

  1. Interest

Include: Investment revenue; Interest from foreign sources; Interest from Canadian bonds and debentures; Interest from Canadian mortgage loans; Interest from other Canadian sources. Exclude: Equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

  1. Other revenue (please specify)

Include: Amounts not included in questions (1) to (7). intracompany transfers

  1. Total revenue

(sum of questions 1 to 8)

Expenses

  1. Cost of goods sold

Many business units distinguish their costs of materials from their other business expenses (selling, general and administrative). This item is included to allow you to easily record your costs/expenses according to your normal accounting practices.

Include: Cost of raw materials and/or goods purchased for re-sale – net of discounts earned on purchases; Freight in and duty.

  1. opening inventories
  1. purchases

Include: raw material, goods purchased for resale and non-returnable containers
Exclude: change in inventories

  1. closing inventories
  1. cost of goods sold

(opening inventories plus purchases minus closing inventories)

  1. Employment costs and expenses

(for all employees who were issued a T4):

  1. Salaries, wages and commissions

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include: Vacation pay; Bonuses (including profit sharing); Employee commissions; Taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays); Severance pay.
Exclude: All payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers (report these amounts at sub-question (3) - Sub-contracts).

  1. Employee benefits

Include contributions to: Health plans; Insurance plans; Employment insurance; Pension plans; Workers’ compensation; Association dues; Contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment  benefit (SUB) plans; Contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

  1. Sub-contracts

Sub-contract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include: Hired casual labour and outside contract workers; Custom work and contract work; Sub-contract and outside labour; Hired labour.

  1. Research and development

Expenses from activities conducted with the intention of making a discovery that could either lead to the development of new products or procedures, or to the improvement of existing products or procedures.

  1. Professional and business fees 

Include: Legal services; Accounting and auditing fees; Consulting fees; Education and training fees; Appraisal fees; Management and administration fees; Property management fees; Information technology (IT) consulting and service fees (purchased); Architectural fees; Engineering fees; Scientific and technical service fees; Other consulting fees (management, technical and scientific); Veterinary fees; Fees for human health services; Payroll preparation fees; All other professional and business service fees.
Exclude: Service fees paid to Head Office (report at sub-question (21) - All other expenses).

  1. Utilities 

Utility expenses related to operating your business unit such as water, electricity, gas, heating and hydro.

Include: Diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane; Sewage. 
Exclude: Energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts; Telephone, Internet and other telecommunications; Vehicle fuel (report at sub-question (21) - All other expenses).

  1. Office and computer related expenses

Include: Office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines; Postage and courier (used in the day to day office business activity); Diskettes and computer upgrade expenses; Data processing.
Exclude: Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication expenses. (report this amount at sub-question (8) - Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication expenses).

  1. Telephone, Internet and other telecommunications

Include: Internet; Telephone and telecommunications; Cellular telephone; Fax machine; Pager.

  1. Business taxes, licenses and permits

Include: Property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes; Vehicle license fees; Beverage taxes and business taxes; Trade license fees; Membership fees and professional license fees; Provincial capital tax.

  1. Royalties, franchise fees and memberships

Include: Amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks; Gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs; Resident and non-resident royalty expenses; Franchise fees.
Exclude: Crown royalties

  1. Crown charges

Federal or Provincial royalty, tax, lease or rental payments made in relation to the acquisition, development or ownership of Canadian resource properties.  

Include: Crown royalties; Crown leases and rentals; Oil sand leases; Stumpage fees.

  1. Rental and leasing

Include: Lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses; Motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses; Studio lighting and scaffolding; Machinery and equipment rental expenses; Storage expenses; Road and construction equipment rental; Fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

  1. Repair and maintenance

Include: Buildings and structures; Machinery and equipment; Security equipment; Vehicles; Costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses; Janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

  1. Amortization and depreciation

Include: Direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements; Amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, patents, franchises, copyrights, trademarks, deferred charges, organizational costs).

  1. Insurance

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

Include: Professional and other liability insurance; Motor vehicle and property insurance; Executive life insurance; Bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

  1. Advertising, marketing, promotion, meals and entertainment

Include: Newspaper advertising and media expenses; Catalogues, presentations and displays; Tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion; Fundraising expenses; Meals, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

  1. Travel, meetings and conventions

Include: Travel expenses; Meeting and convention expenses, seminars; Passenger transportation (e.g., airfare, bus, train, etc.); Accommodations; Travel allowance and meals while travelling; Other travel expenses.

  1. Financial services 

Include: Explicit service charges for financial services; Credit and debit card commissions and charges; Collection expenses and transfer fees; Registrar and transfer agent fees; Security and exchange commission fees; Other financial service fees.
Exclude: Interest expenses (report at sub-question (19) - Interest expense).

  1. Interest expense

Report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include: Interest; Bank charges; Finance charges; Interest payments on capital leases; Amortization of bond discounts; Interest on short-term and long-term debt, mortgages, bonds and debentures.

  1. Other non-production-related costs and expenses

Include: Charitable donations and political contributions; Bad Debt expense; Loan losses; Provisions for loan losses (minus Bad debt recoveries); Inventory adjustments

  1. All other costs and expenses (including intracompany expenses)

Include:
Production costs; Pipeline operations, drilling, site restoration; Gross overriding royalty; Other producing property rentals; Well operating, fuel and equipment; Other lease rentals; Other direct costs; Equipment hire and operation; Log yard expense, forestry costs, logging road costs; Freight in and duty; Overhead expenses allocated to costs of sales; Other expenses; Cash over/short (negative expense); Reimbursement of parent company expense; Warranty expense; Recruiting expenses; General and administrative expenses; Interdivisional expenses; Interfund transfer (minus expense recoveries); Exploration and Development (including prospect/geological, well abandonment & dry holes, exploration expenses, development expenses); Amounts not included in sub-questions (1) to (20) above.

  1. Total expenses

(sum of lines 1 to 21)

Industry characteristics

Please provide a breakdown of your sales and services revenue, where applicable.
Amounts should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:
• Sales from Canadian locations.

Exclude:
• Grants and subsidies;
• Donations and fundraising;
• Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees;
• Investment income.

  1. Admissions to live performances and events presented by your business

Include:
• Admissions through sale of general public tickets and seasonal subscriptions;
• Bundled admission packages that include food and beverage service, backstage passes, etc.;
• Personal seat licenses and box leases;
• Admissions to live performances in which the admission takes the form of a cover charge;
• Membership fees paid primarily for the right of admission to performances.

Exclude:
• Payments received for events and performances owned/produced/presented by other establishments using your facilities; please report these amounts in this section, at question 2;
• Contract production; please report this amount in this section, at question 4.

  1. Facility rental revenue

Please report your share of box office receipts for events or performances that were owned/produced/ presented by others using or renting your facilities.

  1. Rental revenue from traveller accommodations?
  1. Contract production

Fees earned by individuals, companies or teams for the production of live performances, sports or racing events under contract to promoters, venue owners or others. The contracts will specify the type of payment received by the performers, artists, companies, athletes or teams, for example a flat rate and/or a percentage of admission revenues. Contracts may also specify the disposition of any intellectual property rights arising from the performance.

Exclude:
• Contract production of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, sound recordings and communication signals; please report these amounts in this section, at question 15;
• Licensing of copyrights relating to a live performance; please report these amounts in this section, at question 15;
• Technical (non-performance) services; please report this amount in this section, at question 7.

  1. Professional fees and commission for career management and presentation services for artists, athletes, entertainers and others   

Acting on behalf of artists, athletes, entertainers and other public figures in a wide range of activities that enhance the client's career.           

Include:
• Negotiating contracts and bookings performances and public appearances.

  1. Event management services

Planning, organizing, marketing and managing a live sports or performing arts event on behalf of others including venue owners, performers, etc.

  1. Technical artistic services

Providing artistic technical support services, such as backstage services and post-production services.

Include:
• Lighting, key grip and set placement and removal;
• Editing, visual effects, copying, captioning, adding music and foreign language dubbing.

  1. Receipts from gambling

(e.g., wagering, gambling machines, lottery tickets, pari-mutuel, Internet gambling and bookmaking)

  1. Advertising revenue

Revenue obtained by providing services that attract attention to a product, business, cause, etc.

Include:
• The provision of display space on various surfaces such as billboards;
• Agent services involved in buying and selling space or time for advertising messages;
• The sale of venue naming rights, sponsorship rights, endorsement services and exclusivity rights.

  1. Sales of food and non-alcoholic beverages

Include:
• Prepared meals;
• Packaged food;
• Vending machine sales.

  1. Sales of alcoholic beverages
  1. Sales of merchandise

Revenue obtained from parts and materials charged in repair work as well as from the sales of all items other than food or beverages.

Include:
• Recreational and sports equipment and accessories;
• Oil and gasoline;
• Clothing;
• Arts and crafts;
• Magazines.

  1. Other revenue from sales and services – please specify:
  1. Total sales of goods and services

(sum of questions 1 to 13)

Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

  1. Licensing of rights to use copyrighted works and trademarks

Licensing the rights to use copyrighted intellectual property and trademarks, such as logos.
Licenses authorize the licensee to exploit the copyrighted work, for example: to reproduce or perform a literary or musical piece of work by making a sound or video recording of the piece, to rent a computer program to make a recording of a particular performance. A license may authorize some or all of these rights.
Include licenses to use:
• Literary works such as book manuscripts and computer programs;
• Dramatic works such as films, videos, plays, screenplays and scripts;
• Musical works;
• Artistic works such as paintings and photographs;
• Actor’s or singer’s performances;
• Broadcast communication signals;
• Sound recordings.

  1. Broadcast and other media rights

Granting the right of access (on a fee, royalty, or other basis) to a sporting event, facility or activity for the purpose of commercially exploiting sounds, images and other information of the event, facility or activity. The contracts define the type of exploitation permitted and may specify the ownership of intellectual property rights relating to the sounds, images and other information.

  1. Other royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees – please specify:
  1. Total royalties, rights, licenses and franchise fees

(sum of questions 15 to 17)

Attendance

Live sports and racing events and Live performing, arts performances, festivals and fairs

  1. Presented by your business

Please report attendance numbers for presentations that are produced/owned by your establishment.

  1. Presented by others using your facilities (such as rentals)

Please report attendance numbers for presentations that are produced/owned by another establishment.

Live performing arts performances, festivals and fairs

  1. Presented by your business
  1. Presented by others using your facilities

(such as rentals)

Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.
Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.
Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

  1. Clients in Canada

(a) Individuals and households
Please report the percentage of sales to individuals and households who do not represent the business or government sector.

(b) Businesses
Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.
Include:
• Sales to Crown corporations.

(c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)
Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.
Include:
• Sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

  1. Clients outside Canada

Please report the percentage of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.
Include:
• Sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

International transactions

  1. This section is intended to measure the value of international transactions on goods, services, royalties and licenses fees. It covers imported services and goods purchased outside Canada as well as the value of exported services and goods to clients/customers outside Canada. Please report also royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees paid to and/or received from outside Canada. Services cover a variety of industrial, professional, trade and business services.

General information

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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

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.

Record linkages

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.

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Please visit our website at www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm or call us at 1-800-972-9692 for more information about these data-sharing agreements.

Thank you!

 

North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2012 Version 1.2

Introduction

NAPCS Canada 2012 Version 1.2 updates NAPCS Canada 2012 Version 1.1. Some categories were split, and others were merged. New categories were incorporated, and some were deleted, for a net decrease of 79 product categories at different levels, providing better relevancy to statistical programs and users. Most of the changes, however, were editorial. They relate to editing of category titles adding precision to their formulations. The detailed list of changes can be obtained from Standards Division at standards-normes@statcan.gc.ca.

Standard classification structure

The standard classification structure of NAPCS Canada 2012 comprises four levels: group, class, subclass, and detail. The table below outlines the nomenclature and provides the number of categories within each level of NAPCS Canada 2012 versions 1.2 and 1.1.

Standard classification structure of NAPCS Canada 2012
Level Coding Number of categories NAPCS 2012 Version 1.2 Number of categories NAPCS 2012 Version 1.1
Group 3-digit codes 156 158
Class 5-digit codes 506 511
Subclass 6-digit codes 1,389 1,402
Detail 7-digit codes 2,635 2,694
Total   4,686 4,765
Table source: Statistics Canada, NAPCS.
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What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?

Catalogue number: Catalogue number: 11-629-x

Issue number: 2015034

September 2015

What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? - Transcript

Description of visuals

Gross Domestic Product – GDP for short – can be thought of as an overall grade on the economic report card of a country or region.

(A school report card is shown.)

It's one way to measure of the size and growth of the economy. For example, if the year-to-year GDP is up 3%, this means that the economy has grown by 3% over the last year.

(Under the "remarks" section of the report card, the text "Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is increasing" is shown. The word "increasing" is underlined, and the line is drawn across the page to form a line chart. The line chart indicates a 3% increase.)

In order to determine the GDP, economists at Statistics Canada compile a massive amount of data including information from hundreds of surveys that are completed by Canadian businesses, the government and Canadian households.

(The line from the line chart becomes an "X" that is drawn into a check box on a survey. The top of the survey reads "Hundreds of Statistics Canada Surveys filled out by Canadian Businesses, Government, and Canadian Households.")

Several methods are used to determine the GDP. One of the most direct methods is called the "value-added approach." To explain it, let's start with our standard definition of GDP, which is "the value of output less intermediate consumption plus any taxes less subsidies on products not already included in the value of output."

(The survey crumples up into a paper airplane and flies into a classroom. Inside the classroom, a chalkboard is shown with the definition of GDP written on it.)

You might find that definition a little hard to follow. So let's break it down with an example. For this example, let's also assume that the "taxes less subsidies on products not already included in the value of output" is equal to zero.

(A line is drawn through this section of the definition.)

Alright - let's say you have an automobile assembly plant. Every year, the plant produces all sorts of cars. The total worth of all the cars produced annually in the factory is $1,000,000.

(A conveyor belt is shown, with a car being assembled by robotic arms. The conveyor belt has the text "$1,000,000 worth of cars.")

That $1,000,000 in the production of cars is considered to be the output.

(The chalkboard shows the text "output = $1,000,000 worth of cars" )

Let's return to the definition. GDP is the value of output, in this case the value of the cars, less intermediate consumption.

(The definition is again shown on the chalkboard.)

So, what is intermediate consumption?

(The car that was just assembled drives down the road and then drops into a machine labeled "$700,000 worth of car parts." The machine then produces boxes labeled "car parts.")

Well, let's say the automobile assembly plant needs to purchase $700,000 worth of car parts from the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry before it can fabricate the $1,000,000 worth of cars. The $700,000 worth of car parts is considered to be intermediate consumption. To return to the definition again, GDP in this case is the output of $1,000,000 worth of cars, less the intermediate consumption, which is $700,000 for the car parts.

So, in our example, $300,000 is considered to be the GDP of the car assembly plant.

(The chalkboard shows the equation of output ($1,000,000 worth of cars) minus intermediate consumption ($700,000 worth of car parts) equals output ($300,000).)

But the story doesn't end there. Let's look at the motor vehicle parts manufacturer that produced the parts for the assembly plant. In order to produce the parts, it first had to purchase steel from the steel mill. Before that, the steel mill had to purchase the iron ore from a mine, and so on.

(Images of a welding in a steel mill and an iron ore mine are drawn on the chalkboard.)

Each of these industries involved in the process, harvesting the ore, making the steel, making the car parts etc. has its own output and intermediate consumption, which also means that each industry has its own GDP.

(Images to represent each industry appear on the chalkboard. Numbers appear in front of them to reflect their respective GDP amounts. The steel mill and the iron ore mine each have a GDP of $200,000, while the car parts manufacturer and the car assembly plant each have a GDP of $300,000.)

The GDP values of each of these industries must all be added together to reflect the total GDP of the economy. So, although the GDP of the automobile assembly plant is only $300,000, the GDP attributed to the entire economy would be much higher. In fact, it could actually be closer to, well, $1,000,000.

(A plus sign is drawn between each number on the chalkboard, they are then combined to make $1,000,000.)

To summarize, in the example that was just illustrated, we identified 4 industries that were included in our little economy. Those industries were the automobile assembly industry, the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry, the steel manufacturing industry, and the iron ore mining industry. The sum of the value added of each industry gave us the total GDP for the economy.

(Each of the four aforementioned industries are shown again, with their respective GDP measures. They are added again to make $1,000,000.)

Gross Domestic Product is the metre stick of the economy. Broadly, when it's increasing, the economy is said to be growing. If GDP is slowing down or negative, it can be an early sign of recession. That's why we take great care to provide Canadians with access to accurate, up-to-date GDP data. You can learn more about GDP at www.statcan.gc.ca.

(As the camera retracts from its close-up on the chalkboard, the website URL is shown. The website address fades to black, and the Canada wordmark fades in.)

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Getting started with the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE)

Record linkage proposals involve a significant amount of initial analysis and discussion to develop a formal project contract. Information is provided to Statistics Canada so that project feasibility can be assessed before the formal record linkage application for approval can begin. To facilitate the experience through all project steps, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements for approval, understand their data sources and what is needed for record linkage, as well as giving thought early on about desired outputs and data access protocols.

Here are some questions to consider before starting a record linkage project at Statistics Canada:

For approval

  1. Do you have a clear research question?
  2. Do you have a research protocol? Do you have an ethics approval?
  3. Does your study meet the expected results from Statistics Canada's Directive on Microdata Linkage? Can you clearly demonstrate how the public interest is served by your project and why a record linkage is the best means to achieve this public benefit? Are you sure that the data you expect from linkage are not otherwise available?

Feasibility of linkage

  1. Have you examined the available source data file documentation to ensure that the variables of interest will serve your needs and that the sample (if applicable) is adequate for your study?
  2. If applicable, does your microdata file have personal identifiers that would enable record linkage?
  3. If your project requires an external microdata file, have you received permission from the data owner to provide it to Statistics Canada?

Final deliverables and access

  1. Have you thought about the structure of your final linked analysis file? Are derived variables needed? Will you need to person-orient records? How will different reference periods be treated? Will you be using longitudinal data?
  2. What are your plans to identify and address the data quality issues associated with record linkage and with the specific sources that you have in mind?
  3. How do you intend to access the linked microdata? Have you considered access through the Research Data Centres (RDC) Program?

See Record Linkage Application Process if you would like to prepare a record linkage project proposal.

Derived Record Depository (DRD) linkage status

Linkages to the Derived Record Depository (DRD)Table Note 1 as of June 2024
Table summary
This table displays the files linked to the Derived Record Depository (DRD). The information is shown by Source (appearing as row headers) and by Years/Cycles (appearing as column headers).
Source Years/Cycles
Contributors (files that add individuals to the DRD)
T1 Personal Master File 1981 to 2022
Canadian Child Tax Benefits (CCTB) files 2010-2011 to 2022-2023
Landing File 1980 to 2016
Vital Statistics – Birth database 1974 to 2023
Social Insurance Registry 1964 to April 2024
Vital Statistics – Death database 1926 to 2022
Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) 1952 to 2022
Updaters (files that update information of individuals in the DRD)
Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) 1992 to 2021
Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) 1994-1995 to 2022-2023
National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) 2002-2003 to 2021-2022
Ontario Mental Health Reporting System (OMHRS) 2006-2007 to 2022-2023
Hospital Morbidity Database / Health Person-Oriented Information (HMDB/HPOI) 1994-1995 to 2005-2006
National Cancer Incidence Reporting System (NCIRS) 1969 to 1991
Linkers (files that are linked to the DRD for analytical purposes)
Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) Longitudinal cohorts
Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID) Panel 3, 1999 to 2004
National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) Longitudinal cohort
Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC) Longitudinal cohort
National Population Health Survey: Household Component, Longitudinal (NPHS) Longitudinal cohort
Montreal Longitudinal-Experimental Study 1983-1984 to 2014-2015
Québec Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Children 1986-1987 to 2014-2015
Québec Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Children - Parents 1986-1987 to 2014-2015
British Columbia Performance Indicator Reporting System Data 2007-2008 to 2013-2014
2001 Census Tax Mortality Cohort 2001
Canadian Forces Cancer and Mortality Study (CFCAMS) II 1972 to 2019
Long-term Community Adjustment of Canadian Federal Offenders Cohort 1999 to 2001
Re-contact with the Saskatchewan justice system 2009 to 2012
Future to Discover Project 2004 to 2011
Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Cycle 1 to cycle 4 (2007 to 2014)
Pathways to Education 2000 to 2008
Canadian Coroner and Medical Examiner Database (CCMED) 2006 to 2020
Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) - Annual and focus content cycles 2000-2023
Census of Population 2006 2006
Census of Population 2011 2011
National Household Survey 2011
Census of Population 2016 2016
Census of Population 2021 2021
Saskatchewan Legal Aid Client Registry 2011-2012 to 2015-2016
Life After Service Cohort 1998 to 2019
Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2007 to July 2023
Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS) 2008 to 2021
Registered Apprenticeship Information System (RAIS) 2008 to 2022
Ontario Adult Correctional Services (OTIS) 1992 to 2016
Ontario Adult Criminal Courts (ICON) 1991 to 2016
Ontario Bail and Remand (eJIRO) 2014 to 2016
Ontario Policing Records 2006 to 2017
Employment Insurance Status Vector (EISV) 1997 to July 2022
Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), Cycle 5 2016 to 2017
Survey of Maintenance Enforcement Programs (SMEP) 2011 to 2016
Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) 2005 to 2016
Re-contact with the Nova Scotia Justice System 2009 to 2016
British Columbia Coroner's File 2007 to 2017
Surrey RCMP Overdose Victim Records 2016
General Social Survey - Social Identity (GSS 27) 2013
General Social Survey - Family (GSS 31) February 2017 to November 2017
General Social Survey - Caregiving and Care Receiving (GSS 32) 2018
General Social Survey - Giving, Volunteering and Participating (GSS 33) 2018
General Social Survey - Victimization (GSS34) 2019
British Columbia Elementary - Secondary Students 1991 to 2020
National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Scholarship Programs 1998 to 2018
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Scholarship programs 2000-2001 to 2018
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Scholarship Programs 1998 to 2018
British Columbia Ministry of Health Client File January 2014 to July 2017
British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Data January 2014 to July 2017
Ontario Adult Criminal Courts 2006 to 2016
Longitudinal Administratve Database (LAD) 1982 to 2018
British Columbia Generations Project 2009 to 2018
Ontario Health Study 2009 to 2017
Canada Education Savings Program 1998 to 2021
National Dose Registry 1942 to 2019
Canadian Patents 1999 to 2017
Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces 2018
National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trial Cohort 2018
Library and Archives Canada Military Personnel Records 1800 to 2000
Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow's Health Study 2012 to 2018
Citizenship 2004 to 2021
Dependant Registry 2017 to 2019
Visitors 2004 to 2022
Ontario Student Data File from grade 9 to 12 2009 to 2017
Canada Apprenticeship Grant File 2007 to 2023
Canada Apprenticeship Loan File 2007 to 2023
Drivers' Licence File February 2018 to November 2023
Toronto District School Board file 2000 to 2012
Survey of Household Spending 2010-2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
Canadian Housing Survey 2018-2019, 2020-2021, 2022-2023
Imperial Oil Limited 1964 to 2007
Integrated Criminal Court Survey 2005 to 2022
Canadian Fluoroscopy Cohort Study 1930 to 1952
Corporations Returns Act (CRA) 2006 to 2020
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 2020
Ontario Policing and Paramedics – Simcoe-Muskoka 2006 to 2017
Canadian Forces Superannuation Act 1938 to 2016
Vehicle Registration Files (Ontario and British Columbia) 2016 to 2019
Alberta Lottery 2004 to 2019
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario Social Assistance)(MCSS) 2003 to 2015
Tri-Agency 2000 to 2015
Edmonton Policing Records 2007 to 2020
National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY2) Cycle 4 to cycle 8 
Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey November 2020 to April 2021
Records of Employment File January 1965 to 2020
Veterans Affairs Canada 1982 to 2024
Longitudinal and International Study of Adults (LISA) 82 to 2017 and 2021
Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) 2011-2021
Canadian Social Survey Wave 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 2021-2024
Canadian Internet Use Survey 2021
Alberta Bankruptcy File 2006 to 2014
General Social Survey - Social Identity (GSS 35)  2020
Canadian Correctional Services Survey 2015 to 2021
Home Care Reporting System (HCRS) 2007 to 2021
Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS) 1921 to 2021
Vital Statistics – Birth Database - mother 1974-2017
Agriculture Social File 2016-2020
Canadian Health Survey on Seniors (CHSS) 2019
Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey - Cycle 2 April to August 2022
Canada Student Financial Assistance Program 2009 to 2021
Rio Tinto 1950 to 2019
Table Note 1

Derived Record Depository (DRD) is a national longitudinal data base of individuals derived from a number of Statistics Canada data files and containing only basic personal identifiers. Note that there may be limitations on the use of the sources listed.  

Return to table note 1 referrer

Overview of the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE)

On this page

The purpose of the SDLE program is to facilitate pan-Canadian social and economic statistical research. It is a record linkage environment that:

  • increases the relevance of existing Statistics Canada surveys without collecting new data (including maintaining the relevance of completed longitudinal surveys);
  • substantially increases the use of administrative data;
  • generates new information without additional data collection;
  • maintains the highest privacy and data security standards; and
  • promotes a standardized approach to record linkage processes and methods.

Benefits and public good

Fill data gaps: Studies conducted through the SDLE have the potential to address important information gaps related to the financial, social, economic and general activities and conditions of Canadians.

Reduce response burden: Through record linkage, important data needs in the analysis of social data can be met without incurring the cost or response burden of collecting new data.

Reduce record linkage costs: The SDLE process surrounding the preparation and management of files for record linkage is more efficient and timely through the use of a processing system and the retention of cumulative linkage results.

How it works

The SDLE is a highly secure environment that facilitates the creation of linked population data files for social analysis. It is not a large integrated data base.

At the core of the SDLE is a Derived Record Depository (DRD), essentially a national dynamic relational data base containing only basic personal identifiers. The DRD is created by linking selected Statistics Canada source index filesDefintion 4 for the purpose of producing a list of unique individuals. These files are brought into the environment, processed and linked only once to the DRD. Each individual in the DRD is assigned an SDLE identifier. Some of the source index files used to build the DRD include tax records, vital statistics registration records (births and deaths), and immigrant data. Updates to these data files are linked to the DRD on an ongoing basis.

Only basic personal identifiers are stored in the DRD. Examples of personal identifiers stored in the DRD include surnames, given names, date of birth, sex, insurance numbers, parents' names, marital status, addresses (including postal codes), telephone numbers, immigration date, emigration date and date of death.

The paired SDLE identifiers and source index file record IDs resulting from the record linkage are stored in a Key RegistryDefintion 2. All source index files are linked to the DRD either probabilistically using a generalized software tool (G-Link) or deterministically using SAS scripts.

Deterministic record linkage involves matching records based on unique identifiers shared by both files. On the other hand, probabilistic record linkage works with non-unique identifiers (e.g. names, sex, date of birth and postal code) and estimates the likelihood that records are referring to the same entity.

Once a study requiring linked data has been defined and approved, the associated record IDs (extracted from the Key Registry) are used to find the individual records in the source data filesDefintion 3. Selected variables from these sources can then be integrated into a linked analysis file. This approach provides a virtual linkage environment that eliminates the need to build a large integrated data base.

Figure 1. Social Data Linkage Environment overview diagram

Figure 1. Social Data Linkage Environment overview diagram
Description for Figure 1: Social Data Linkage Environment overview diagram

This figures is a visual model that serves as a summary of the text of this overview page.

  • Within the secure data environment at Statistics Canada, source files are separated into Source Data Files (record IDs and analysis variables without personal identifiers) and Source Index Files (record IDs and personal identifiers without analysis variables).
  • The Source Index Files are accessed within the record linkage production environment and linked to the Derived Record Depository (national longitudinal file of personal identifiers). The linked SDLE and record IDs are stored in the Key Registry (record IDs used as keys to find only those records needed for study).
  • The Source Data Files are accessed within the linked analysis file production environment that uses keys from the Key Registry to create analysis files for approved studies only and with no personal identifiers.
  • The SDLE program is governed by the Statistics Canada senior management. The Chief Statistician reviews and approves each record linkage proposal, and if the study is approved by the Chief Statistician, an analysis file is created.
  • The output of this process is an Analytical Product (non-confidential aggregate data).

Data sources

The Derived record depository (DRD)Defintion 1 contains only record IDs and identifiers without analysis data. The principal source index filesDefintion 4 that contribute to build (i.e. add individual records) and update (i.e. provide additional information to existing records) the DRD include:

  • T1 Personal Master Files (tax);
  • Canadian Child Tax Benefits (CCTB) files;
  • Canadian Vital Statistics – Birth database;
  • Landing File; and
  • Canadian Vital Statistics – Death database.

Other sources will be used to create linked analysis files for approved projects (some of which may also be used to update the DRD). See DRD linkage status.

In the future, additional files could be linked to the DRD. These could be data already residing in Statistics Canada or external files brought in for specific approved research projects.

Statistics Canada has responsibility for securely storing and processing data. Because SDLE research projects involve the use of linked micro-records, approval by the Chief Statistician of Canada on a study-by-study basis is required in accordance with the Directive on Microdata Linkage. Summaries of approved record linkages are published on the Statistics Canada website.

Linked analysis files

When a research project requiring linked data from the SDLE has been approved and linked in the SDLE production environment, the record IDs for the specified cohort and the associated record IDs of the file(s) to be linked to the cohort are drawn from the Key RegistryDefintion 2. These record IDs are used to bring selected variables from the separate source data files together to create a linked analysis file.

Depending on the complexity of the source data file(s), decisions about how to structure the linked analysis file may be needed (e.g. working with multiple reference periods or with event-based files, etc.). Furthermore, the quality of the linked data must be assessed. Data that are linked in the SDLE will go through two kinds of validation:

  • Assessment of the record linkage: What is the match rate (%) with the DRDDefintion 1? Are the links valid? (False positive links? Missed links?)
  • Assessment of linked analysis file: Do the linked data appear to make sense from a subject-matter point of view? Any bias caused by the linkage process? Do they adequately represent the study population of interest?

These file structuring decisions and data quality measures will be documented and need to be taken into account in the final analysis.

Services

In addition to maintaining the SDLE and conducting new record linkages, the SDLE team provides support to clients as required including:

  • assessing project feasibility;
  • advising on data sources, analytical limitations, and validation;
  • liaising with subject-matter experts;
  • assistance with approval steps;
  • building custom linked analysis files; and
  • providing training and outreach.

Statistics Canada makes custom services, such as the SDLE, available to Canadian organizations on a cost-recovery basis. Cost-recovery means that clients pay for the direct and indirect cost of doing the work. Custom services are not funded by the budget that Parliament allocates to Statistics Canada. Costs reflect the requirements of each client and range depending on the complexity of the proposal.

For more information, contact us by email at STATCAN.SDLE-ECDS.STATCAN@canada.ca.

Confidentiality and privacy

Linked analysis files are deemed sensitive statistical information and subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act. To reduce the risk of privacy intrusiveness and to minimize the risk of disclosure, source files in SDLE are separated into source index files and source data files. As well, the record linkage production environment that uses the source index files is separated from the data integration and analysis environment that uses the source data files. That is, Statistics Canada employees performing the record linkages in SDLE have access to only the basic personal identifiers needed for linkage. Employees who build the analytical files for research have access only to the data stripped of personal identifiers. Anonymous keys are used to integrate the data from the various sources into a linked analysis data file. Further, only Statistics Canada employees who have an approved need to access the data for their analytical work are allowed access to the linked analysis file. The privacy impact assessment conducted by Statistics Canada found these processes acceptable to reduce the risk of privacy intrusiveness and to minimize the risk of disclosure.

Definitions

Definition 1

Derived Record Depository (DRD) is a national longitudinal data base of individuals derived from a number of Statistics Canada data files and containing only basic personal identifiers.

Return to the first definition 1 referrer

Definition 2

Key Registry stores the paired SDLE identifiers and source index file record IDs identified through record linkage.

Return to the first definition 2 referrer

Definition 3

Source data files contain analysis variables without personal identifiers.

Return to the first definition 3 referrer

Definition 4

Source index files contain personal identifiers without analysis variables.

Return to the first definition 4 referrer

Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE)

Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE) information

Overview

Overview of the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE)

Derived Record Depository (DRD) linkage status

List of files linked in the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE)

Getting started

What to consider before starting a record linkage project at Statistics Canada

Record Linkage Application Process

Record linkage application process: steps to follow

Expanding data potential

The Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE) at Statistics Canada promotes the innovative use of existing administrative and survey data to address important research questions and inform socio-economic policy through record linkage.

The SDLE expands the potential of data integration across multiple domains, such as health, justice, education and income, through the creation of linked analytical data files without the need to collect additional data from Canadians.

Protecting personal information

Statistics Canada takes your confidentiality very seriously. Under the Statistics Act, all information provided to Statistics Canada is kept confidential, and used only for statistical purposes.

Statistics Canada ensures the privacy and confidentiality and data security of all our programs. In addition to consulting with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Statistics Canada conducted a privacy impact assessment to address any potential issues relating to confidentiality or security with the work being undertaken through the SDLE.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of using SDLE?

The SDLE environment offers a highly secure data infrastructure for record linkage activities. It increases efficiency through the use of a processing system, thus offering more timely results and lower costs. SDLE enables linkage across multiple data sets in the social domain which fills important data gaps and can contribute to new research and a better understanding of Canadian society. SDLE also aims to standardize processes, improve methods and enhance data quality.

What services are available?

Our services and supports include: assessing the feasibility of record linkage projects, offering advice on data sources, liaising with subject-matter experts, assisting with approval steps, conducting the record linkage, building custom linked analysis files according to client specifications, advising on analytical limitations and validation, and providing training and outreach.

What kind of linkages can be done in SDLE?

Any linkage of persons can be done in SDLE.

How does SDLE maintain privacy and confidentiality?

Linked analysis files are deemed sensitive statistical information and subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act. To reduce the risk of privacy intrusiveness and to minimize the risk of disclosure, source files in SDLE are separated into source index files and source data files. As well, the record linkage production environment that uses the source index files is separated from the data integration and analysis environment that uses the source data files. That is, Statistics Canada employees performing the record linkages in SDLE have access to only the basic personal identifiers needed for linkage. Employees who build the analytical files for research have access only to the data stripped of personal identifiers. Anonymous keys are used to integrate the data from the various sources into a linked analysis data file. Further, only Statistics Canada employees who have an approved need to access the data for their analytical work are allowed access to the linked analysis file. The privacy impact assessment conducted by Statistics Canada found these processes acceptable to reduce the risk of privacy intrusiveness and to minimize the risk of disclosure.

Is there a cost to use SDLE services?

Statistics Canada makes custom services, such as the SDLE, available to Canadian organizations on a cost-recovery basis. Cost-recovery means that clients pay for the direct and indirect cost of doing the work. Custom services are not funded by the budget that Parliament allocates to Statistics Canada. Costs vary depending on the complexity and the requirements of the proposal.

How much does it cost?

The SDLE is a cost-recovery program. Every project is unique and a range of outputs are available. Costs reflect the requirements of each client and range depending on the complexity of the proposal.

How can I get more information on SDLE?

For more information, email us at statcan.sdle-ecds.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

More information

If you have questions or a potential project for SDLE, please contact us by email at statcan.sdle-ecds.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

External researchers can access linked analysis files in Statistics Canada's Research Data Centres (RDC). To learn more about the RDC program, please refer to the Research Data Centres program or send an email to statcan.mad-damdam-mad.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Permanent Resident Landing File

Description

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) permanent resident landing file contains approximately 2.75 million records corresponding to all individuals who landed in Canada during the 2003 – 2013 time frame. The information in the data file is derived from the information included on each individual’s landing record and has not been updated since the time of landing. The variables available may be described using the subjects list below. There are many more variables on the data file because grouped variables have been derived from the landing record data values. For example, age in years is reported on the landing record. An additional two variables corresponding to 5 and 15 year age groups have also been added to the data file. Another example is that the country of birth is reported on the landing record, while an additional two variables which categorize that country into a region of the world and an area of the world have been added to the data file.

Reference period

2003 – 2013

Subjects

  • Age in years, plus 5 year age groups and 15 year age groups
  • Marital Status
  • Gender
  • Mother Tongue
  • Official Languages Spoken
  • Date of Landing: year-month-day
  • Education Level- none, secondary or less, …, doctorate
  • Years Of Schooling
  • Country of Birth, plus grouped categories region & area of the world
  • Country of Citizenship, plus grouped categories region & area of the world
  • intended destination –CMA, census division & province (or if not available, the last known address)
  • Immigration category – provided in first, second, third and fourth level groupings of the immigration category hierarchy
  • Occupation title as listed on the landing record (approximately 9900 categories)
  • Skill levels (two different hierarchies used) corresponding to occupation title as listed on the landing record
  • NOC Code (2006 and 2011) derived from occupation title as listed on the landing record

Target population

A person is included in the database only if he or she obtained landed immigrant or permanent resident status in Canada since 2003 and 2013.

Sampling

Data are collected for all units of the target population, therefore no sampling is done.

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