This document is confidential when completed.

Si vous préférez recevoir ce questionnaire en français, veuillez nous appeler au numéro sans frais suivant : 1-888-951-4550.

If necessary, please make address label corrections in the boxes below.

  • Legal name
  • Business name
  • Title of contact
  • First name of contact
  • Last name of contact
  • Address (number and street)
  • City
  • Province, Territory or State
  • Country
  • Postal code/Zip code
  • Language preference
    • English
    • French

This information is collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19.

Completion of this questionnaire is a legal requirement under this act.

Survey purpose

The data collected in this survey will be used to produce indexes that measure changes in the prices of the various services offered by the industry and will improve statistical estimates of the Architectural, Engineering, Surveying and Mapping Services Industry with respect to volume of activity and productivity.  Businesses can use these indexes to benchmark their performance with similar companies and to analyze their costs (in aggregate form only).  Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Confidentiality

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. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. Therefore, for example, the Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey records from Statistics Canada. Information from this survey will be used for statistical purposes only and will be published in aggregate form only.

Fax or other electronic transmission disclosure

Statistics Canada advises you that there could be a risk of disclosure during the facsimile or other electronic transmission.  However, upon receipt Statistics Canada will provide the guaranteed level of protection afforded to all information collected under the authority of the Statistics Act.

Your participation is important

Your participation is vital to ensuring that the information collected in this survey is accurate and comprehensive. 

Record linkages

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

Please return the questionnaire within 15 days.

Please mail the completed questionnaire in the enclosed envelope fax it to Statistics Canada at 1-613-951-3117 or email to sppi.engineering@statcan.gc.ca.

Lost the return envelope or need help?

Call us at 1-888-951-4550 or mail to:
Statistics Canada, Producer Prices Division,
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6 

Visit our website

A - Contract Selection

The purpose of this survey is to monitor changes in the prices of architectural, engineering, surveying and mapping services over time.  To do this, you will first select a contract that your company has completed in the recent past.  On a quarterly basis, you will be asked to estimate the fee that your company would charge if you were to bid again on the same contract during these particular quarters.

Instructions:

  • Please select a contract that was completed within two (2) years; from the business activity printed in Section B.
  • Contracts with foreign clients are not eligible.
  • Please select a contract whose fee was determined using one (or a combination) of the following methods:
    • Fixed Fee (lump-sum fee): An overall fee for the contract is proposed which may (or may not) be based on an internal estimate of the time and resources required to complete the contract.   
    • Time-Based Fees: The amount of time (i.e. hours or days) required to complete the contract and the associated professional fees are communicated to the client (typically on the project contract, invoice, or bill).
  • If your firm has not estimated fees using any of the above methods, please call 1-888-951-4550 for further instructions.
  • The contract that you select must be:
    • Representative: The contract specifies a typical project undertaken by your firm.
    • Relevant: The project described in the contract agreement with the client was completed within two (2) years.
    • Simple to re-estimate: You must be able to provide a new fee estimate for this contract in future quarters.   If you only have large complex contracts from which to select, please identify a discrete portion of one of these contracts, for example, a monthly invoice period or a period from one contract milestone to the next.

B - Contract Description

The purpose of this section is to report the specifications of the contract that you select to represent the business activity printed below. These specifications will be provided to you in subsequent questionnaires and should be referenced when re-estimating the fee.

Business Activity: (Prefilled)

If the selected contract is no longer representative of your business activities, please call 1-888-951-4550 for further instruction.

  • Contract Identifier. Provide a generic identifier for the selected contract ( ex. , project number, invoice number, etc ).
  • Type of Client. (Check one only)
    • New client
    • Repeat client
  • Client Sector. (Check one only)
    • Public sector
    • Private sector
  • Contract Agreement Date. Provide the date on which the fee of the selected contract was agreed upon with the client (yyyy, mm, dd)
  • Project Duration. Provide the dates on which you started and finished the work specified in the selected contract agreement.
    • Start (yyyy, mm, dd)
    • Finish (yyyy, mm, dd)
  • Project Description. Please provide a brief project description and outline the scope of services agreed with the client for the selected contract ( ex. , advisory, project management, detailed design, surveying and mapping, etc ).

C - Fee Estimation

The purpose of this section is to report the total fee for the contract selected and described in Section A and B.  On a quarterly basis, you will be asked to provide a new fee estimate as if you were to submit a new bid for the same contract on the date indicated in all tables labelled B. This new fee should reflect current labour costs, current profit margin expectation considering your company’s ability to take on additional work and the market demand for similar work.

Total fee is the sum of Direct Labour (C1), Overhead and Profit (C2) and Reimbursable Expenses (C3). Do not include sub-contractors in any of the cost estimates. All amounts are to be reported in Canadian Dollars ($CAD) excluding GST , PST or HST .

C1 - Direct Labour (excluding direct costs for sub-consultants)

If you are reporting for the first time, please complete Table 1A and 1B.  If you have reported previously, complete Table 1B.

In Table 1A, please list each level of direct labour (professional, technical and administrative staff), the corresponding direct labour rates OR charge-out rates and the hours spent in performing the selected contract. 

In Table 1B, please provide a new estimate for each level of direct labour that your company would charge for this contract. Assume that the client wishes work to start as of the date indicated.

Table 1A and table 1B
  Table 1A Table 1B
<Date> <Date>
Direct Labour Levels Hours Rate Total Hours Rate Total
Example: Principal Engineer or E-7 12 $ 150 $ 1,800 12 $ 155 $ 1,860
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
Total: Direct Labour $   $  

 

C2 - Overhead and Profit

Do the rates in Section C1 include overhead and profit?

  • Yes ? Go to Section C3
  • No ? Report overhead and profit in Section C2

If you are reporting for the first time, please complete Table 2A and 2B. If you have reported previously, complete Table 2B.

In Table 2A, please report for overhead and profit charged to the selected contract.

In Table 2B, please provide a new estimate for overhead and profit that your company would apply to this contract as of the date indicated.

When estimating profit and overhead in Table 2B, adjustments such as a premium or a discount should be made according to the current demand of other clients, current market conditions and your firm's current financial position.  

Table 2A and table 2B
  Table 2A Table 2B
<Date> <Date>
Total: Overhead $ $
Total: Profit $ $

 

C3 - Reimbursable Expenses (excluding direct expenses for sub-consultants)

If you are reporting for the first time, please complete Table 3A and 3B.  If you have reported previously, complete Table 3B.

In Table 3A, please report all reimbursable expenses for the selected contract. Examples of reimbursable expenses include: materials, transportation, subsistence, permits, equipment, etc .

In Table 3B, please provide a new estimate for reimbursable expenses that your company would charge as of the date indicated.

Table 3A and table 3B
  Table 3A Table 3B
Reimbursable Expenses <Date> <Date>
Example: Transportation and Subsistence $4,000 $4,120
     
     
     
     
     
Total: Reimbursable expenses $ $

 

C4 -Total Fee

In Tables 4A and 4B, please provide the total fee.

Total Fee: Direct Labour (C1) + Overhead and Profit (C2) + Reimbursable Expenses (C3)

Table 4A and table 4B
  Table 4A Table 4B
<Date> <Date>
Total Fee: Direct Labour (C1) + Overhead and Profit (C2) + Reimbursable Expenses (C3) $ $

 

D - Reason for Total Fee Change

Please indicate the reason(s) for total fee change if applicable.

  • Change in input costs
  • Change in regulatory requirements in the industry
  • Change in market demand
  • Change in productivity (Example: technological change, personnel mix and/or time required to complete work)
  • Change in competitive environment (Example: industrial concentration, more/less competition)
  • Change in total fee due to weather conditions
  • Other (please specify):                
  • Not Applicable - no change in the total fee

E - Comments

We welcome any suggestions that you may have for improving the Architectural, Engineering, Surveying and Mapping Services Price Report.

F - Certification

Name of person to contact for further information (please print)

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Title
  • E-mail Address
  • Telephone Number
  • Ext.
  • Fax No.

Time to complete questionnaire

How long did you spend collecting and reporting the information needed to complete this questionnaire?

  • Minutes

Pre-filled Questionnaire

Would you prefer to receive a pre-filled questionnaire, next quarter, containing the total fee data (rates and amounts) you provided on this Price Report? Please check

  • YES, send a pre-filled questionnaire
  • NO, do not send a pre-filled questionnaire

I certify that the information contained herein is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge.

  • Date (yyyy, mm, dd)
  • Signature :

Please make a copy of this completed questionnaire for your records.

Please mail the completed questionnaire in the enclosed envelope.

Thank you for completing this questionnaire.

2009 to 2011

Household Questionnaire

Explanatory notes for this document
Contact (CN)
Interviewer Introduction (II)
Initial Contact (IC)
Language of Preference (LP)
Survey Introduction (INT)
Dwelling Type (DW)
Collective Dwelling (COLL)
Tenure (TN)
Mortgage (MTGE)
Number of Bedrooms (BD)
Roster Introduction (RS)
Usual Roster (USU)
Temp Roster (TEM)
Other Roster 1 (OTH1)
Demographic Introduction (DM)
Age With Confirmation (AWC)
Sex (SEX)
Marital Status with Confirmation (MSWC)
Education (ED)
Canadian Forces (CAF)
Relationship With Confirmation (RWC)
Person Providing Demographics (PPD)
Person Providing Information (PPI)
General Health (GEN)
Pregnancy (PRS)
Sleep (SLP)
Height and weight (HWT)
Weight change (WTC)
Meat consumption (MFC)
Milk and dairy product consumption (MDC)
Grains, fruits and vegetables consumption (GFV)
Dietary fat consumption (DFC)
Water and soft drink consumption (WSD)
Salt consumption (SLT)
Physical activities (PAC)
Children's physical activity (CPA)
Sedentary activities (SAC)
Sun exposure (SEB)
Chronic conditions (CCC)
Phlegm (PLM)
Family medical history (FMH)
Hepatitis (HEP)
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)
Medication use (MED)
Health utility index (HUI)
Request for parent to leave (RPL)
Smoking (SMK)
Alcohol use (ALC)
Illicit drug use (IDU)
Sexual behaviour (SXB)
Pap Smear Questions (PAP)
Maternal breastfeeding (MBF)
Request for parent to return (RPR)
Request for child to leave (RCL)
Pregnancy information (PRG)
Birth information (BIR)
Breastfeeding information (BRI)
Strengths and difficulties (SDQ) © Robert Goodman
Request for child to return (RCR)
Exposure to second-hand smoke (ETS)
Housing characteristics (HSC)
Hobbies (HOB)
Labour force (LBF)
Socio-demographic characteristics (SDC)
Education (EDU)
Income (INC)
Administration information (ADM)

Explanatory notes for this document

  1. The “Contact (CN)” through “Person providing information (PPI)” entries in the Table of Contents represent the roster modules. The roster modules provide basic demographic information about the household and its occupants, and select the respondents for the health interview portion of the survey. The other entries in the Table of Contents, starting with “General health (GEN)”, represent the main health modules of the household interview component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).

  2. Question text in bold font is read to the respondent. Text in normal font is not read to the respondent. Interviewer instructions are prefaced by the word “Interviewer”, and are not read aloud.

  3. Question text in bold font enclosed by brackets () is read to the respondent at the discretion of the person asking the questions.

  4. In this text, the use of the masculine is generic and applies to both men and women. Please note that during the actual interview, the questions were personalized to be appropriate to the gender of the respondent.

  5. Question text enclosed in square brackets [ ] is dynamic and in most cases will vary depending on the age and sex of the respondent.

  6. The options “Don’t Know” (DK) and “Refusal” (RF) are allowed on every question unless otherwise stated. However, the response categories are shown in this document only when the flow from these responses is not to the next question.

  7. In this document, the flow direction from a given response is not provided when it is to the next immediate question.

Contact (CN)

CN_N01

  • Interviewer: Record method of interview.
    1. Telephone
    2. Personal
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

CN_N02

  • Interviewer: Have you made contact?
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to CN_END)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

CN_END

Interviewer Introduction (II)

II_R01
Hello, I’m from Statistics Canada. My name is …

  • Interviewer: Introduce yourself using both your given and last names.
  • Press <Enter> to continue.
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

II_END

Initial Contact (IC)

IC_R01
I’m calling regarding the Canadian Health Measures Survey. All information collected in this survey will be kept strictly confidential.

  • Interviewer: Press <Enter> to continue.
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

IC_END

Language of Preference (LP)

LP_Q01
Would you prefer to be interviewed in English or in French?

  1. English (Go to LP_END)
  2. French (Go to LP_END)
  3. Other
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

LP_N02

Interviewer: Select respondent’s preferred non-official language.

  • If necessary, ask: (What language would you prefer?)
    • 03 Chinese
      04 Italian
      05 Punjabi
      06 Spanish
      07 Portuguese
      08 Polish
      09 German
      10 Vietnamese
      11 Arabic
      12 Tagalog
      13 Greek
      14 Tamil
      15 Cree
      16 Afghan
      17 Cantonese
      18 Hindi
      19 Mandarin
      20 Persian (Farsi)
      21 Russian
      22 Ukrainian
      23 Urdu
      24 Inuktitut
      25 Hungarian
      26 Korean
      27 Serbo-Croatian
      28 Gujarati
      29 Dari
      90 Other – Specify
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    If LP_N02 does not equal 90 (Other – Specify), go to LP_END.

LP_S02 

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Note: Don’t Know, Refused and EMPTY are not allowed.

LP_END

Survey Introduction (INT)

INT_R01
The survey will collect information on Canadians’ health and health habits. The first part of the survey is this home interview, which includes questions on many health-related topics. The second part of the survey involves a visit to a clinic to collect direct physical measures such as blood pressure, height and weight, and fitness levels.

  • Interviewer: Press <Enter> to continue.
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed. 

INT_R02
Your answers will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. While participation is voluntary, your cooperation is important to ensure the information collected in this survey is as accurate and as comprehensive as possible. (Registration#: STC/HLT-084-75364)

  • Interviewer: Press <Enter> to continue.
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

INT_END

Dwelling Type (DW)

DW_N02

  • Interviewer: Select the dwelling type.
    1. Single detached
    2. Double
    3. Row or Terrace
    4. Duplex
    5. Low-rise apartment (fewer than 5 stories) or flat
    6. High-rise apartment (5 stories or more)
    7. Institution
    8. Hotel; rooming/lodging house; camp
    9. Mobile home
    10. Other - Specify
  • If DW_N02 does not equal 10 (Other –Specify), go to DW_END.

DW_S02

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Note: Don’t Know, Refused and EMPTY are not allowed.

DW__END

Collective Dwelling (COLL)

COLL_N01

  • Interviewer: Specify the type of collective dwelling (e.g., lodging/rooming house, hotel, motel, hostel, tourist home, hospital, staff residence, working camp, etc.)
  • If necessary, ask: (Please specify the type of dwelling.)
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Note: Don’t Know, Refused and EMPTY are not allowed.

COLL_Q02
What is the total number of people living here?

(insert respondent answer between 1 and 995)

COLL_END

Tenure (TN)

TN_Q01
Is this dwelling owned by a member of this household?

  1. Yes
  2. No

TN_END

Mortgage (MTGE)

MTGE_Q01
Is there a mortgage on this dwelling?

  1. Yes
  2. No

MTGE_END

Number of Bedrooms (BD)

BD_Q01
How many bedrooms are there in this dwelling?

  • Interviewer: Enter “0” if no separate, enclosed bedroom.
    (insert respondent answer between 0 and 20)

BD_END

Roster Introduction (RS)

RS_R01
The next few questions ask for important basic information about the people in your household.

  • Interviewer: Press <Enter> to continue.
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

RS_END

Usual Roster (USU)

USU_Q01
What are the names of all persons who usually live here?

  • First Name
  • Interviewer: Begin with adults who have responsibility for the care or support of the family.
  • Enter the first name.
  • Last Name
  • Interviewer: Begin with adults who have responsibility for the care or support of the family.
  • Enter the last name.

USU_END

Temp Roster (TEM)

RS_Q02
Is anyone staying here temporarily?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to TEM_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to TEM_END)

TEM_Q01
What are the names of all persons who are staying here temporarily?

  • First Name
  • Interviewer: Add a person only if he has no other usual residence elsewhere.
  • Enter the first name.
  • Last Name
  • Interviewer: Add a person only if he has no other usual residence elsewhere.
  • Enter the last name.

TEM_END

Other Roster 1 (OTH1)

RS_Q04
Are there any other persons who usually live here but are now away at school, in hospital, or somewhere else?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to OTH1_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to OTH1_END)

OTH1_Q01
What are the names of the other people who live or stay here?

  • First Name
  • Interviewer: Add a person only if he has no other usual residence elsewhere.
  • Enter the first name.
  • Last Name
  • Interviewer: Add a person only if he has no other usual residence elsewhere.
  • Enter the last name.

OTH1_END

Demographic Introduction (DM)

DM_N01

  • Interviewer: The following questions collect the demographic information for all household members.
  • For new household members collect all demographic information.
  • For other household members collect any missing demographic information, or update/correct existing demographic information as needed.
  • Press <Page Down> to go to the first unanswered demographic question, or to go to the next question series once all the demographic information has been collected.
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

DM_END

Age with Confirmation (AWC)

AWC_Q02
What is [Respondent Name]’s date of birth?

  • Day
    • Interviewer: Enter the day.
    • If necessary, ask: (What is the day?)
    • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 31)
  • Month
    • Interviewer: Select the month.
    • If necessary, ask: (What is the month?)
    • 01 January
    • 02 February
    • 03 March
    • 04 April
    • 05 May
    • 06 June
    • 07 July
    • 08 August
    • 09 September
    • 10 October
    • 11 November
    • 12 December
  • Year
    • Interviewer: Enter a four-digit year.
    • If necessary, ask: (What is the year?)
    • (insert respondent answer between 1900 and 2009)

AWC_Q03
So [Respondent Name]’s age on [Interview Date] was [Calculated Age].
Is that correct?

  • Interviewer: Date of birth is [Month of Birth, Day of Birth, and Year of Birth].
    1. Yes (Go to AWC_END)
    2. No, return and correct date of birth
    3. No, collect age
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

AWC_Q04
What is [Respondent Name]’s age?

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 130)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

AWC_END

Sex (SEX)

SEX_Q01

  • Interviewer: Enter [Respondent Name]’s sex.
  • If necessary, ask: (Is [Respondent Name] male or female?)
    1. Male
    2. Female
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

SEX_END

Marital Status with Confirmation (MSWC)

MSWC_Q02
What is [Respondent Name]’s marital status? Is he:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. … married?
    2. … living common-law?
    3. … widowed?
    4. … separated?
    5. … divorced?
    6. … single, never married?

MSWC_END

Education (ED)

ED_Q01
What is the highest grade of elementary or high school [Respondent Name] ever completed?

  1. Grade 8 or lower (Québec: Secondary II or lower) (Go to ED_Q03)
  2. Grade 9 - 10 (Québec: Secondary III or IV, Newfoundland and Labrador: 1st year of secondary) (Go to ED_Q03)
  3. Grade 11 - 13 (Québec: Secondary V, Newfoundland and Labrador: 2nd to 4th year of secondary)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ED_Q03)

ED_Q02
Did [Respondent Name] graduate from high school (secondary school)?

  1. Yes
  2. No

ED_Q03
Has [Respondent Name] received any other education that could be counted towards a degree, certificate or diploma from an educational institution?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to ED_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ED_END)

ED_Q04
What is the highest degree, certificate or diploma [Respondent Name] has obtained?

  1. No post-secondary degree, certificate or diploma
  2. Trade certificate or diploma from a vocational school or apprenticeship training
  3. Non-university certificate or diploma from a community college, CEGEP, school of nursing, etc.
  4. University certificate below bachelor’s level
  5. Bachelor’s degree
  6. University degree or certificate above bachelor’s degree

ED_END

Canadian Forces (CAF)

CAF_Q01
Is [Respondent Name] a full time member of the regular Canadian Armed Forces?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

CAF_END

Relationship with Confirmation (RWC)

RWC_Q2
What is the relationship

  • of:[Respondent Name1] (Age1, Sex1E)
    to: [Respondent Name2]? (Age2, Sex2E)
  • 01 Husband/Wife
    02 Common-law partner
    03 Father/Mother (Go to RWC_Q3A)
    04 Son/Daughter (Go to RWC_Q3B)
    05 Brother/Sister (Go to RWC_Q3C)
    06 Foster father/mother
    07 Foster son/daughter
    08 Grandfather/mother
    09 Grandson/daughter
    10 In-law (Go to RWC_Q3D)
    11 Other related (Go to RWC_Q3E)
    12 Unrelated

RWC_Q3A
What is the relationship

  • of: [Respondent Name1] (Age1, Sex1E)
    to: [Respondent Name2]? (Age2, Sex2E)

Is that a(n):

  1. … birth father/mother?
  2. … step father/mother?
  3. … adoptive father/mother? 

RWC_Q3B
What is the relationship

  • of: [RespondentName1] (Age1, Sex1E)
    to: [RespondentName2]? (Age2, Sex2E)

Is that a(n):

  1. … birth son/daughter?
  2. … step son/daughter?
  3. … adopted son/daughter?

RWC_Q3C
What is the relationship

  • of: [RespondentName1] (Age1, Sex1E)
    to: [RespondentName2]? (Age2, Sex2E)

Is that a(n):

  1. … full brother/sister?
  2. … half brother/sister?
  3. … step brother/sister?
  4. … adopted brother/sister?
  5. … foster brother/sister?

RWC_Q3D
What is the relationship

  • of: [RespondentName1] (Age1, Sex1E)
    to: [RespondentName2]? (Age2, Sex2E)

Is that a:

  1. … father/mother-in-law?
  2. … son/daughter-in-law?
  3. … brother/sister-in-law?
  4. … other in-law?

RWC_Q3E
What is the relationship

  • of: [RespondentName1] (Age1, Sex1E)
    to: [RespondentName2]? (Age2, Sex2E)

Is that a(n):

  1. … uncle/aunt?
  2. … cousin?
  3. … nephew/niece?
  4. … other relative?

RWC_END

Person Providing Demographics (PPD)

PPD_N01

  • Interviewer: Select the person who is providing the information. If the person is not on the list, select “Non-household member”.
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

PPD_END

Person Providing Information (PPI)

PPI_N01

  • Interviewer: Select the person who is providing the information. If the person is not on the list, select “Non-household member”.
  • Note: A list of household members over 12 years of age is available to choose from. It includes category “88” (Non-household member).
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • If non-proxy interview, go to PPI_END.

PPI_N02

  • Interviewer: Is the person providing the information a parent or guardian of [Respondent Name]?
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to PPI_END)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

PPI_N03

  • Interviewer: Is the person providing the information a birth or biological parent of [Respondent Name]?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

PPI_END

General Health (GEN)

GEN_R11
This survey deals with various aspects of your health. I’ll be asking about  such things as physical activity, nutrition, environment and health status. By health, we mean not only the absence of disease or injury but also physical, mental and social well-being.

GEN_Q11
To start, in general, would you say your health is:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...excellent?
    2. ...very good?
    3. ...good?
    4. ...fair?
    5. ...poor?
  • All respondents

GEN_Q12
Compared to one year ago, how would you say your health is now? Is it:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...much better now than 1 year ago?
    2. ...somewhat better now (than 1 year ago)?
    3. ...about the same as 1 year ago?
    4. ...somewhat worse now (than 1 year ago)?
    5. ...much worse now (than 1 year ago)?
  • All respondents
    If proxy interview, go to GEN_Q15 

GEN_Q13
How satisfied are you with your life in general?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Very satisfied
    2. Satisfied
    3. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
    4. Dissatisfied
    5. Very dissatisfied
  • Non-proxy respondents

GEN_Q14
In general, would you say your mental health is:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...excellent?
    2. ...very good?
    3. ...good?
    4. ...fair?
    5. ...poor?
  • Non-proxy respondents

GEN_Q15
If AGE is less than 15 and it is a proxy interview, go to GEN_Q20. 
Otherwise, if AGE is less than 15 and it is a non-proxy interview, go to GEN_Q18.

Thinking about the amount of stress in your life, would you say that most days are:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...not at all stressful?
    2. ...not very stressful?
    3. ...a bit stressful?
    4. ...quite a bit stressful?
    5. ...extremely stressful?
  • If proxy interview, go to GEN_Q20.
    Otherwise, if AGE is less than 15 or AGE is greater than 75, go to GEN_Q18.
  • Respondents aged 15 and over

GEN_Q16
Have you worked at a job or business at any time in the past 12 months?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to GEN_Q18)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to GEN_Q18)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 15 to 75

GEN_Q17
The next question is about your main job or business in the past 12 months.

  • Would you say that most days at work were:
    Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...not at all stressful?
    2. ...not very stressful?
    3. ...a bit stressful?
    4. ...quite a bit stressful?
    5. ...extremely stressful?
  • Non-proxy respondents aged 15 to 75

GEN_Q18
How would you describe your sense of belonging to your local community?  Would you say it is:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...very strong?
    2. ...somewhat strong?
    3. ...somewhat weak?
    4. ...very weak?
  • Non-proxy respondents

GEN_Q19
Would you rate your quality of life as:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...excellent?
    2. ...very good?
    3. ...good?
    4. ...fair?
    5. ...poor?
  • Non-proxy respondents

GEN_Q20
Do you have a regular medical doctor?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    All respondents

GEN_END

Pregnancy (PRS)

If SEX is male or AGE is less than 14 or greater than 59, go to PRS_END.

PRS_Q11
It is important to know when analyzing health whether or not the person is pregnant. Are you pregnant?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Female respondents aged 14 to 59

PRS_END

Sleep (SLP)

SLP_R11
Now a few questions about your sleep.

SLP_Q11
How many hours do you usually spend sleeping in a 24 hour period, excluding time spent resting?

  • Interviewer: Enter number of hours per 24 hour period. Record to the nearest  half hour.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0.5 and 24.0)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SLP_END)

All respondents

SLP_Q12
How often do you have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Never (Go to SLP_Q14)
    2. Rarely (Go to SLP_Q14)
    3. Sometimes (Go to SLP_Q14)
    4. Most of the time
    5. All of the time
      Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to SLP_Q14)

Respondents who indicated the number of hours they slept

SLP_Q13
How long have you had this trouble?

  1. Less than 2 weeks
  2. 2 weeks to less than 6 months
  3. 6 months to less than one year
  4. 1 year to less than 2 years
  5. 2 years or more

Respondents who have trouble sleeping most or all of the time

SLP_Q14
If AGE is less than 6, go to SLP_Q16.

How often do you find your sleep refreshing?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Never
    2. Rarely
    3. Sometimes (Go to SLP_Q16)
    4. Most of the time  (Go to SLP_Q16)
    5. All of the time (Go to SLP_Q16)
      Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to SLP_Q16)

Respondents aged 6 and over who indicated the number of hours they slept

SLP_Q15
How long has your sleep not been refreshing?

  1. Less than 2 weeks
  2. 2 weeks to less than 6 months
  3. 6 months to less than one year
  4. 1 year to less than 2 years
  5. 2 years or more

Respondents aged 6 and over who never or rarely find their sleep refreshing

SLP_Q16
How often do you find it difficult to stay awake during your normal waking hours when you want to?

Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.

  1. Never (Go to SLP_END)
  2. Rarely (Go to SLP_END)
  3. Sometimes  (Go to SLP_END)
  4. Most of the time
  5. All of the time
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SLP_END)

Respondents who indicated the number of hours they slept

SLP_Q17
How long have you had difficulty staying awake when you want to?

  1. Less than 2 weeks
  2. 2 weeks to less than 6 months
  3. 6 months to less than one year
  4. 1 year to less than 2 years
  5. 2 years or more

Respondents who find it difficult to stay awake most or all of the time

SLP_END

Height and weight (HWT)

HWT_Q1
The next questions are about height and weight. How tall are you without shoes on?

  • Interviewer: Is that in feet and inches or in centimetres?
    1. Feet and inches
    2. Centimetres  (Go to HWT_N1C)
      Don’t Know, Refused (Go to HWT_B3)

All respondents

HWT_N1A

Interviewer: Enter feet only.

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 7)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who provided height in feet and inches

HWT_N1B

  • Interviewer: Enter inches only, to the nearest quarter of an inch.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95.75)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who provided height in feet and inches

HWT_N1C

  • Interviewer: Record the height to the nearest half centimetre.
  • (insert respondent answer between 40.0 and 244.0)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who provided height in centimetres

HWT_B3
How much do you weigh?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 575)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to HWT_END)
    All respondents
    Interviewer: Was that in pounds or kilograms?
    1. Pounds
    2. Kilograms
      Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who provided weight

If Proxy interview, go to HWT_END.

HWT_Q4
Do you consider yourself:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...overweight?
    2. ...underweight?
    3. ...just about right?
  • Non-proxy respondents who provided weight

HWT_END

Weight change (WTC)

 If AGE is less than 18, go to WTC_END.

WTC_R11
The next questions are about changes over time in your weight. If you don’t remember your exact weight, please provide an estimate. If you were pregnant at the time, please think about your weight just before the pregnancy.

WTC_Q11
How much did you weigh a year ago?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 575)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WTC_Q21)
    Interviewer: Was that in pounds or kilograms?
    1. Pounds
    2. Kilograms
      Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
      Respondents aged 18 and over

WTC_Q12
If there was a change of at least 10 pounds/4 kilograms between current weight  and weight one year ago, go to WTC_Q12. Otherwise go to WTC_Q21.

Was the change between your current weight and your weight a year ago intentional?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 18 and over with a change of at least 10 pounds (4 kilograms) between their current weight and their weight one year ago

WTC_Q21
If AGE is less than 28, go to WTC_Q22.

How much did you weigh 10 years ago?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (Insert respondent answer between 1 and 575)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WTC_Q22)
    Interviewer: Was that in pounds or kilograms?
    1. Pounds
    2. Kilograms
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents aged 28 and over

WTC_Q22
If AGE is less than 27 or equal to 35, go to WTC_Q23.

How much did you weigh at age 25?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 575)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WTC_Q23)
    Interviewer: Was that in pounds or kilograms?
    1. Pounds
    2. Kilograms
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents aged 27 and over except respondents aged 35

WTC_Q23
What is the most you have ever weighed [excluding during pregnancy]?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 575)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WTC_Q24)
    Interviewer: Was that in pounds or kilograms?
    1. Pounds
    2. Kilograms
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents aged 18 and over

WTC_Q24
How old were you when you first weighed this amount?

  • Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to WTC_Q25)
  • Respondents aged 18 and over

WTC_Q25
If AGE is less than 19, go to WTC_END.

What is the least you have ever weighed since age 18?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 575)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WTC_Q26)
    Interviewer: Was that in pounds or kilograms?
    1. Pounds
    2. Kilograms
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents aged 19 and over

WTC_Q26
How old were you when you first weighed this amount?

  • Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 18 and 79)
  • Respondents aged 19 and over

WTC_R27
Now, I'm going to ask you about weight changes that you may have had since age 18. By "weight change" we mean a gain or a loss of at least 10 pounds or 4 kilograms in a single year. Please think about all the times this has happened to you since age 18. Please do not include weight gain during pregnancy.

If WTC_Q12 is equal to 1 or 2, go to WTC_Q28.

WTC_Q27
Since age 18, has your weight increased or decreased by 10 pounds or 4 kilograms or more in a single year?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to WTC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WTC_END)
    Respondents aged 19 and over who have not had a weight change of at least 10 pounds (4 kilograms) between their current weight and their weight one year ago

WTC_Q28
How many times has this happened (gaining or losing 10 pounds or 4 kilograms or more in a single year)?

  • Interviewer: Enter number of times.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 995)
  • Respondents aged 19 and over who have had a weight change of at least 10 pounds (4 kilograms) between their current weight and their weight one year ago

WTC_END

Meat consumption (MFC)

Note to users: Please note that the purpose of the headings is to facilitate the interview process for respondents, and not for estimating food group consumption. The foods listed in the questionnaire are in support of the nutrition biomarkers only.

MFC_R11
The next questions are about the foods you usually eat or drink. Think about all the foods you eat, both meals and snacks, at home and away from home.

MFC_B11
How often do you usually eat red meat, such as beef, hamburger, pork or lamb?  (For example: twice a day, three times a week, once a month)

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B12)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_B12
How often do you usually eat:
… liver (including all types of liver such as beef, veal, pork or chicken, but excluding liverwurst and liver pâté)?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B13)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_B13
How often do you usually eat:
… other organ meats such as kidneys, heart or giblets?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B14)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_B14
How often do you usually eat:
… beef or pork hot dogs?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B15)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_B15
How often do you usually eat:
… sausage or bacon (including all types of sausages such as breakfast, pepperoni and Kielbassa but excluding low-fat, light or turkey varieties)?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B19)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

MFC_B19
How often do you usually eat:
… eggs and egg dishes including the yolk (excluding all egg dishes made with only egg whites)?  Egg dishes could include such things as eggs, omelette, frittata or quiche.

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B20)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_B20
How often do you usually eat:
… cooked dried beans, such as refried beans, baked beans, pea soup or kidney beans, excluding green and yellow beans?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_B21)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_B21
How often do you usually eat:
… peanuts, walnuts, seeds, or other nuts, excluding nut butters such as peanut butter?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MFC_END)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MFC_END

Milk and dairy product consumption (MDC)

Note to users: Please note that the purpose of the headings is to facilitate the interview process for respondents, and not for estimating food group consumption. The foods listed in the questionnaire are in support of the nutrition biomarkers only.

MDC_R11
Now, some questions about your consumption of milk and other dairy products. Remember, think about all the foods you eat and drink, both meals and snacks, at home and away from home.

MDC_B11
How often do you drink milk or enriched milk substitutes or use them on cereal?  (For example: twice a day, three times a week, once a month)

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to MDC_B13)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

MDC_Q12
What kind of milk do you usually drink or use on cereal?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. 3.25% (Whole or homo)
    2. 2%
    3. 1%
    4. 0.5%
    5. Skim or Non-Fat (including powdered milk)
    6. Flavoured milk beverages (such as Chocolate milk and flavoured milks such as Oh Henry! ®)
    7. Rice (enriched)
    8. Soya (enriched)
    9. Other - Specify  (Go to MDC_S12)
  • Go to MDC_B13.
    Respondents who consume milk or enriched milk substitutes

MDC_S12

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents who consume milk or enriched milk substitutes and answered “other” for kind of milk they usually drink or use on cereal

MDC_B13
How often do you usually eat cottage cheese?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MDC_B14)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MDC_B14
How often do you usually eat:
… yogurt, excluding frozen yogurt?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MDC_B15)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

MDC_B15
How often do you usually eat:
… ice cream or frozen yogurt?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MDC_END)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

MDC_END

Grains, fruits and vegetables consumption (GFV)

Note to users: Please note that the purpose of the headings is to facilitate the interview process for respondents, and not for estimating food group consumption. The foods listed in the questionnaire are in support of the nutrition biomarkers only.

GFV_R11
Now, a few questions about grains, fruits and vegetables. Remember, think about all the foods you eat, both meals and snacks, at home and away from home.

GFV_B11
How often do you usually eat hot or cold cereal?  (For example: twice a day, three times a week, once a month)

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B12)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

GFV_B12
How often do you usually eat:
… brown bread, including bagels, rolls, pita bread or tortillas?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B13)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

GFV_B13
How often do you usually eat:
… white bread, including bagels, rolls, pita bread or tortillas?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B14)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B14
How often do you usually eat:
… any kind of pasta (including spaghetti, noodles, macaroni & cheese or pasta salad)?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B15)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B15
How often do you usually eat:
… any kind of rice?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused  
  • If GFV_B15 is equal to 0, go to GFV_B17.
    If GFV_B15 is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to GFV_B16.
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B16
How often do you usually eat:
… instant, seasoned or wild rice (such as Minute Rice®, Dainty®, Rice-a-Roni®)?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B17)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents who eat rice

GFV_B17
How often do you usually eat:
… fruit (fresh, frozen or canned)?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B18)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B18
How often do you usually eat:
… tomatoes or tomato sauce, including salsa, tomato soup and spaghetti sauce but excluding tomato paste, ketchup or pizza sauce?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B19)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B19
How often do you usually eat:
… lettuce or green leafy salad with or without other vegetables?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B20)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B20
How often do you usually eat:
… spinach, mustard greens or collards excluding kale?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B21)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents 

GFV_B21
How often do you usually eat:
… french fries, home fries, or hash brown potatoes?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B22)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B22
How often do you usually eat:
… other potatoes including baked, boiled, mashed or in potato salad, but excluding sweet potatoes?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_B23)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

GFV_B23
How often do you usually eat:
… all other types of vegetables, excluding those already mentioned?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to GFV_END)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

GFV_END

Dietary fat consumption (DFC)

Note to users: Please note that the purpose of the headings is to facilitate the interview process for respondents, and not for estimating food group consumption. The foods listed in the questionnaire are in support of the nutrition biomarkers only.

DFC_R11
Remember, think about all the foods you eat, both meals and snacks, at home and away from home.

DFC_B11
How often do you usually eat regular-fat salad dressing or mayonnaise (including on salads and sandwiches)?  (For example: twice a day, three times a week, once a month)

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to DFC_B12)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

DFC_B12
How often do you usually eat:
… regular-fat potato chips, tortilla chips or corn chips (excluding low fat chips and pretzels)?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to DFC_END)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

DFC_END

Water and soft drink consumption (WSD)

Note to users: Please note that the purpose of the headings is to facilitate the interview process for respondents, and not for estimating food group consumption. The foods listed in the questionnaire are in support of the nutrition biomarkers only.

WSD_R11
Next, some questions about your drink consumption. Think about all the things you drink, both at home and away from home.

WSD_B11
How often do you usually drink regular soft drinks?  (For example: twice a day, three times a week, once a month)

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_B12)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

WSD_B12
How often do you usually drink:
… diet soft drinks?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_B13)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

WSD_B13
How often do you usually drink:
… sport drinks, such as Gatorade® or Powerade®?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
    (Insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_R14)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • All respondents

WSD_R14
The next two questions are about the different kinds of juice or fruit flavoured drinks you usually drink. When we say fruit juice, we mean 100% pure fruit juices such as apple, orange or grapefruit juice, whether or not they are made from concentrate. When we say fruit flavoured drinks, we mean drinks such as Sunny Delight®, fruit punch or Kool-Aid®.

WSD_B14
How often do you usually drink fruit juices?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (Insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_B15)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

WSD_B15
How often do you usually drink:
… fruit flavoured drinks?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_B16)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

WSD_B16
How often do you usually drink:
… vegetable juices?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
     0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_B21)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

WSD_B21
How often do you usually drink:
… water?

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused
  • If WSD_B21 is equal to 0, go to WSD_ Q23.
    If WSD_B21 is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to WSD_Q22.
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    All respondents

WSD_Q22
When you drink water at home or away from home, what is your primary source of drinking water?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Tap water
    2. Bottled water
    3. Other – Specify  (Go to WSD_S22)
  • Go to WSD_Q23.
  • Respondents who drink water

WSD_S22

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents who drink water and answered “other” for primary source of drinking water

WSD_Q23
If two persons selected in the household and age of current respondent is greater than 11, go to WSD_END.

What is the source of the tap water in this home?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Municipally treated water
    2. Private well
    3. Surface source such as natural spring, lake, river, lagoon or dugout
    4. Other – Specify  (Go to WSD_S23)
      Don’t Know, Refused (Go to WSD_END)
      Go to WSD_Q24.
      One respondent per household

WSD_S23
Interviewer: Specify.

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    One respondent per household who answered “other” for source of tap water in this home

WSD_Q24
Is the water in this home treated using:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. … a filter, for example a Brita® filter?
    2. … a water softener?
    3. … an ultraviolet system?
    4. … reverse osmosis?
    5. … boiling?
    6. … distilling?
    7. Other – Specify  (Go to WSD_S24)
    8. No treatment
      go to WSD_END.
      One respondent per household

WSD_S24
Interviewer: Specify.

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    One respondent per household who answered “other” for the method of water treatment in this home

WSD_END

Salt consumption (SLT)

Note to users: Please note that the purpose of the headings is to facilitate the interview process for respondents, and not for estimating food group consumption. The foods listed in the questionnaire are in support of the nutrition biomarkers only.

SLT_Q11
How often do you usually add salt to your food, excluding during cooking?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Always
    2. Often
    3. Sometimes
    4. Rarely
    5. Never (Go to SLT_Q13)
  • Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to SLT_Q13)
    All respondents

SLT_Q12
What type of salt is usually used?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Ordinary table salt
    2. Sea, Kosher, seasoned, or other flavoured salt
    3. Light salt
    4. Salt substitute
    5. Other – Specify (Go to SLT _S12)
      Go to SLT_Q13.
  • Respondents who consume salt 

SLT_S12

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents who consume salt and who answered “other” for type of salt usually used

SLT_Q13
If two persons selected in the household and age of current respondent is greater than 11, go to SLT_END.

How often is ordinary table salt added during the cooking or preparation of foods in this household?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Always
    2. Often
    3. Sometimes
    4. Rarely
    5. Never
  • One respondent per household

SLT_END

Physical activities (PAC)

If AGE is less than 12, go to PAC_END.

PAC_R11
Now I’d like to ask you about some of your physical activities. To begin with, I’ll be dealing with physical activities not related to work, that is, leisure time activities.

PAC_Q11
Have you done any of the following in the past 3 months, that is, from [date three months ago] to yesterday?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. Walking for exercise
    2. Gardening or yard work
    3. Swimming
    4. Bicycling
    5. Popular or social dance
    6. Home exercises
    7. Ice hockey
    8. Ice skating
    9. In-line skating or rollerblading
    10. Jogging or running
    11. Golfing
    12. Exercise class or aerobics
    13. Downhill skiing or snowboarding
    14. Bowling
    15. Baseball or softball
    16. Tennis
    17. Weight-training
    18. Fishing
    19. Volleyball
    20. Basketball
    21. Soccer
    22. Any other (Go to PAC_S11V)
    23. No physical activity (Go to PAC_R21)
  • Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAC_END)
  • Go to PAC_Q12.
    Respondents aged 12 and over

PAC_S11V
What was this activity?

  • Interviewer: Enter one activity only.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAC_Q12)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who did at least one other physical activity

PAC_Q11X
In the past 3 months, did you do any other physical activity for leisure?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to PAC_Q12)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAC_Q12)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who did at least one other physical activity

PAC_S11X
What was this activity?

  • Interviewer: Enter one activity only.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAC_Q12)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who did two other physical activities

PAC_Q11Y
In the past 3 months, did you do any other physical activity for leisure?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to PAC_Q12)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAC_Q12)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who did two other physical activities

PAC_S11Y
What was this activity?

  • Interviewer: Enter one activity only.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAC_Q12)
  • For each activity identified in PAC_Q11, PAC_S11V, PAC_S11X and PAC_S11Y, ask PAC_Q12 and PAC_Q13.
    Respondents aged 12 and over who did three other physical activities

PAC_Q12
In the past 3 months, how many times did you [participate in identified activity]?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
    for each activity except the following:
    Walking: MAX = 270
    Bicycling: MAX = 200
    Other activities: MAX = 200
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to next activity)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who participated in physical activities

PAC_Q13
About how much time did you spend on each occasion?

  1. 1 to 15 minutes
  2. 16 to 30 minutes
  3. 31 to 60 minutes
  4. More than one hour
    Respondents aged 12 and over who participated in physical activities

PAC_R21
Next, some questions about the amount of time spent in the past 3 months on physical activity at work, while doing daily chores around the house, or doing errands, but not leisure time activity.

PAC_Q21
In a typical week in the past 3 months, how many hours did you usually spend walking to work or to school or while doing errands?

  1. None
  2. Less than 1 hour
  3. From 1 to 5 hours
  4. From 6 to 10 hours
  5. From 11 to 20 hours
  6. More than 20 hours
    Respondents aged 12 and over

PAC_Q22
(In a typical week in the past 3 months,) How many hours did you usually spend bicycling to work or to school or while doing errands?

  1. None
  2. Less than 1 hour
  3. From 1 to 5 hours
  4. From 6 to 10 hours
  5. From 11 to 20 hours
  6. More than 20 hours
    Respondents aged 12 and over

PAC_Q23
Thinking back over the past 3 months, which of the following best describes your usual daily activities or work habits?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Usually sit during the day and don’t walk around very much
    2. Stand or walk quite a lot during the day but don’t have to carry or lift things very often
    3. Usually lift or carry light loads, or have to climb stairs or hills often
    4. Do heavy work or carry very heavy loads
  • Respondents aged 12 and over

PAC_END

Children's physical activity (CPA)

If AGE is greater than 11, go to CPA_END.

CPA_R11A
Physical activity is any activity that increases your heart rate and makes you get out of breath some of the time. It can be done in sports, school activities, playing with friends, or walking to school.

CPA_R11B
Some examples of physical activity are running, brisk walking, dancing,  swimming, rollerblading, skateboarding, biking, soccer, basketball and football.

For these next two questions, add up all the time [your child] spent in physical activity each day.

CPA_Q11
Over the past 7 days, on how many days was he physically active for a total of at least 60 minutes per day?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. None (zero days)
    2. 1 day
    3. 2 to 3 days
    4. 4 days or more
  • Respondents aged 11 and under

CPA_Q12
Over a typical or usual week, on how many days is he physically active for a total of at least 60 minutes per day?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. None (zero days)
    2. 1 day
    3. 2 to 3 days
    4. 4 days or more
  • If AGE is less than 6, go to CPA_Q15.
    Respondents aged 11 and under

CPA_Q13
About how many hours a week does he usually take part in physical activity (that makes him out of breath or warmer than usual) in his free time at school (for example, at lunch)?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Never
    2. Less than 2 hours per week
    3. 2 to 3 hours per week
    4. 4 to 6 hours per week
    5. 7 or more hours per week
  • Respondents aged 6 to 11

CPA_Q14
About how many hours a week does he usually take part in physical activity (that makes him out of breath or warmer than usual) in his class time at school?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Never
    2. Less than 2 hours per week
    3. 2 to 3 hours per week
    4. 4 to 6 hours per week
    5. 7or more hours per week
  • Respondents aged 6 to 11

CPA_Q15
About how many hours a week does he usually take part in physical activity (that makes him out of breath or warmer than usual):
… outside of school while participating in lessons or league or team sports?

  1. Never
  2. Less than 2 hours per week
  3. 2 to 3 hours per week
  4. 4 to 6 hours per week
  5. 7 or more hours per week
    Respondents aged 11 and under

CPA_Q16
About how many hours a week does he usually take part in physical activity (that makes him out of breath or warmer than usual):
… outside of school while participating in unorganized activities, either on his own or with friends?

  1. Never
  2. Less than 2 hours per week
  3. 2 to 3 hours per week
  4. 4 to 6 hours per week
  5. 7 or more hours per week
    Respondents aged 11 and under

CPA_Q17
On average, about how many hours a day does he watch TV or videos or play video games?

  1. Doesn’t watch TV or videos or play video games
  2. Less than 1 hour a day
  3. 1 to 2 hours a day
  4. 3 to 4 hours a day
  5. 5 to 6 hours a day
  6. 7 or more hours a day
    Respondents aged 11 and under

CPA_Q18
On average, about how many hours a day does he spend on a computer (working, playing games, e-mailing, chatting, surfing the Internet, etc.)?

  1. Doesn’t use a computer
  2. Less than 1 hour a day
  3. 1 to 2 hours a day
  4. 3 to 4 hours a day
  5. 5 to 6 hours a day
  6. 7 or more hours a day
    Respondents aged 11 and under

CPA_END

Sedentary activities (SAC)

If AGE is less than 12, go to SAC_END.

SAC_R11
Now, a few additional questions about activities you do in your leisure time, that is, activities not at work or at school.

SAC_Q11
In a typical week in the past 3 months, how much time did you usually spend on a computer, including using the Internet, playing computer games, e-mailing or chatting on-line?

  • Interviewer: Do not include time spent at work or at school. Enter time in hours to the nearest half hour.
    (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95.5)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over

SAC_Q12
In a typical week in the past 3 months, how much time did you usually spend:

  • … playing video games, such as XBOX, Nintendo and Playstation?
    Interviewer: Enter time in hours to the nearest half hour.
    (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95.5) 
    Respondents aged 12 and over

SAC_Q13
In a typical week in the past 3 months, how much time did you usually spend:

  • … watching television, DVDs or videos?
    Interviewer: Enter time in hours to the nearest half hour.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95.5)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over

SAC_Q14
In a typical week in the past 3 months, how much time did you usually spend:

  • … reading, not counting at work or at school?
    Interviewer: Include books, magazines, newspapers, and homework. Enter time in hours to the nearest half hour.
    (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95.5)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over

SAC_END

Sun exposure (SEB)

SEB_R11
The next few questions are about your exposure to the sun.

SEB_R12
For the next questions, think about a typical weekend or day off from work or school in the summer months.

SEB_Q12
About how much time each day do you spend in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm?

  1. None (Go to SEB_END)
  2. Less than 30 minutes (Go to SEB_END)
  3. 30 to 59 minutes
  4. 1 hour to less than 2 hours
  5. 2 hours to less than 3 hours
  6. 3 hours to less than 4 hours
  7. 4 hours to less than 5 hours
  8. 5 hours
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SEB_END)
    All respondents

SEB_Q13
In the summer months, on a typical weekend or day off, when you are in the sun for 30 minutes or more, how often do you use sunscreen?

  1. Always
  2. Often
  3. Sometimes
  4. Rarely
  5. Never
    Respondents who spent 30 minutes or more in the sun on a typical weekend or day off

SEB_END

Chronic conditions (CCC)

CCC_R11
Now I’d like to ask about certain chronic health conditions which you may have. We are interested in "long-term conditions" which are expected to last or have already lasted 6 months or more and that have been diagnosed by a health professional.

CCC_Q11
Do you have asthma?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q21)
    Don’t Know (Go to CCC_Q21)
    Refused (Go to CCC_END)
    All respondents

CCC_Q12
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?

  • Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents who have asthma

CCC_Q13
Have you had any asthma symptoms or asthma attacks in the past 12  months?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents who have asthma

CCC_Q21
If AGE is less than 6, go to CCC_Q41. 
If AGE is between 6 and 11, go to CCC_Q31.

Do you have fibromyalgia?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q22
Do you have arthritis or rheumatism, excluding fibromyalgia?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q24)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q24)
    Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q23
What kind of arthritis do you have?

  1. Rheumatoid arthritis
  2. Osteoarthritis
  3. Rheumatism
  4. Other - Specify  (Go to CCC_S23)
    Go to CCC_Q24.
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have arthritis excluding fibromyalgia

CCC_S23

Interviewer: Specify.

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have arthritis excluding fibromyalgia

CCC_Q24
Do you have back problems, excluding fibromyalgia and arthritis?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    If AGE is between 12 and 39, go to CCC_Q31.
    Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q25
Do you have osteoporosis?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 40 and over

CCC_Q31
Remember, we’re interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.

Do you have high blood pressure?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over

CCC_Q32
In the past month have you taken any medicine for high blood pressure?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over

CCC_Q33
Have you ever had your blood cholesterol measured?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q41)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q41)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

CCC_Q34
Have you ever been told by a health professional that your blood cholesterol was high?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who have had their blood cholesterol measured

CCC_Q41
Remember, we’re interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.

Do you have chronic bronchitis?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q43)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q43)
    All respondents

CCC_Q42
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?
Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents who have chronic bronchitis

CCC_Q43
If AGE is less than 30, go to CCC_Q51.

Do you have emphysema?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q45)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q45)
    Respondents aged 30 and over

CCC_Q44
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?
Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents aged 30 and over who have emphysema

CCC_Q45
Do you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q51)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q51)
    Respondents aged 30 and over

CCC_Q46
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?
Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents aged 30 and over who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CCC_Q51
Remember, we’re interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.
Do you have diabetes?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q61)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q61)
    All respondents

CCC_Q52
Were you diagnosed with:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. … insulin dependent diabetes (Type 1)?
    2. … non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type 2)?
    3. … gestational diabetes?
  • If CCC_Q52 is equal to 3, go to CCC_Q61.
    Respondents who have diabetes

CCC_Q53
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?

  • Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes

CCC_Q61
Do you have heart disease?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q63)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q63)
    All respondents

CCC_Q62
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?

  • Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents who have heart disease

CCC_Q63
Have you ever been told by a health professional that you have had a heart attack?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    All respondents

CCC_Q71
Remember, we’re interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.

Do you have cancer?

  1. Yes (Go to CCC_Q73)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q81)
    All respondents

CCC_Q72
Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q81)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q81)
    Respondents who do not currently have cancer

CCC_Q73
How old were you when this was first diagnosed?

  • Interviewer: Maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • If SEX is male, go to CCC_Q75.
  • Respondents who have ever been diagnosed with cancer

CCC_Q74
What type of cancer do/did you have?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. Breast
    2. Colorectal
    3. Skin - Melanoma
    4. Skin - Non-melanoma
    5. Ovarian
    6. Cervical
    7. Uterine
    8. Other - Specify  (Go to CCC_S74)
  • Go to CCC_Q81.
    Female respondents who have ever been diagnosed with cancer

CCC_S74

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Go to CCC_Q81.
    Female respondents who have ever been diagnosed with cancer

CCC_Q75

What type of cancer do / did you have?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. Prostate
    2. Colorectal
    3. Skin - Melanoma
    4. Skin - Non-melanoma
      Other - Specify  (Go to CCC_S75)
      Go to CCC_Q81
  • Male respondents who have ever been diagnosed with cancer

CCC_S75

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Male respondents who have ever been diagnosed with cancer

CCC_Q81
If AGE is less than 12, go to CCC_Q83.
Remember, we’re interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.

  • Do you suffer from the effects of a stroke?
    1. Yes
    2. No
      Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q82
Do you have a thyroid condition?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q83
Do you have a mood disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia?

  • Interviewer: Include manic depression.
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • All respondents

CCC_Q84
Do you have a learning disability?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q91)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q91)
    All respondents

CCC_Q85

What kind of learning disability do you have?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. Attention Deficit Disorder, no hyperactivity (ADD)
    2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    3. Dyslexia
    4. Other - Specify  (Go to CCC_S85)
      Go to CCC_Q91.
  • Respondents who have a learning disability

CCC_S85

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who have a learning disability

CCC_Q91
AGE is less than 6, go to CCC_Q95.
Remember, we’re interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.
Do you have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over

CCC_Q92
If AGE is less than 12, go to CCC_Q95.
Do you suffer from kidney dysfunction or disease?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q93
Do you have liver disease or gallbladder problems?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q95)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q95)
    Respondents aged 12 and over

CCC_Q94
What kind of liver disease or gallbladder problem do you have?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply. If respondent says gall bladder was removed and no other response to this question is provided, return to CCC_Q93 and enter "No".
    1. Hepatitis A (Go to CCC_Q101)
    2. Hepatitis B (Go to CCC_Q101)
    3. Hepatitis C (Go to CCC_Q101)
    4. Jaundice
    5. Cirrhosis
    6. Gall Stones
    7. Other - Specify (Go to CCC_S94)
  • Go to CCC_Q95.
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have liver disease or gallbladder problems

CCC_S94

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have liver disease or gallbladder problems

CCC_Q95
Do you have hepatitis?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_Q101)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to CCC_Q101)
    All respondents

CCC_Q96
What type of hepatitis do you have?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. Hepatitis A
    2. Hepatitis B
    3. Hepatitis C
  • Respondents who have hepatitis

CCC_Q101
Do you have any other long-term physical or mental health condition that has been diagnosed by a health professional?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to CCC_END)
    All respondents

CCC_S101

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who have any other long-term physical or mental health condition

CCC_END

Phlegm (PLM)

PLM_R11
We asked you earlier about "long-term conditions" that have been diagnosed by a health professional. Now, a few questions about conditions that do not need to have been diagnosed by a health professional and that have lasted 3 months or more.

PLM_Q11
During the past year, that is, from [date one year ago] to yesterday, have you had a cough where you brought up phlegm that lasted 3 months or more?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to PLM_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PLM_END)
    All respondents

PLM_Q12
During the previous year, that is, from [date two years ago] to [date one year ago], did you have a cough where you brought up phlegm that lasted 3 months or more?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents who, in the past year, had a cough that lasted 3 months or more where it brought up phlegm

PLM_END

Family medical history (FMH)

If there is only one person selected for the household then go to FMH_R11. If there are two people selected for the household and age of current respondent is less than 12 or greater than 19 go to FMH_R11. If there are two people selected for the household and age of current respondent is 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are not birth siblings go to FMH_R11. Otherwise go to FMH_END.

FMH_R11
The next set of questions is about the medical history of your immediate family members. (It is important that we get this information from each individual that we interview, even those in the same family).

By immediate family, we mean only your birth parents, birth siblings and birth children - alive or deceased. We are only interested in conditions diagnosed by a health professional.

FMH_Q11
Has anyone in your immediate family ever been diagnosed with heart disease (including heart attack or angina)?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to FMH_Q13)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to FMH_Q13)
    All respondents, excluding where two household members are selected and the respondent is aged 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are birth siblings

FMH_Q12
What is the youngest age at which a member of your immediate family was first diagnosed with heart disease?

  • Interviewer: If diagnosed at death, then use age at death.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 130)
  • Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever been diagnosed with heart disease

FMH_Q13
Has anyone in your immediate family ever had a stroke?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to FMH_Q15)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to FMH_Q15)
    All respondents, excluding where two household members are selected and the respondent is aged 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are birth siblings

FMH_Q14
What is the youngest age at which a member of your immediate family had a stroke?

  • Interviewer: If diagnosed at death, then use age at death.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 130)
  • Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever had a stroke

FMH_Q15
Has anyone in your immediate family ever had high blood pressure, excluding during pregnancy?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to FMH_Q17)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to FMH_Q17)
    All respondents, excluding where two household members are selected and the respondent is aged 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are birth siblings

FMH_Q16
What is the youngest age at which a member of your immediate family was first diagnosed with high blood pressure?

  • Interviewer: If diagnosed at death, then use age at death.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 130)
  • Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever had high blood pressure (excluding during pregnancy)

FMH_Q17
Has anyone in your immediate family ever had arthritis?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to FMH_Q19)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to FMH_Q19)
    All respondents, excluding where two household members are selected and the respondent is aged 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are birth siblings

FMH_Q18
What is the youngest age at which a member of your immediate family was first diagnosed with arthritis?

  • Interviewer: If diagnosed at death, then use age at death.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 130) 
  • Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever had arthritis

FMH_Q19
Has anyone in your immediate family ever had diabetes, excluding during pregnancy?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to FMH_Q23)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to FMH_Q23)
    All respondents, excluding where two household members are selected and the respondent is aged 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are birth siblings

FMH_Q21
Was this:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. … insulin dependent diabetes (Type 1)?
    2. … non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type 2)?
    3. … both?
  • Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever had diabetes (excluding during pregnancy)

FMH_Q22
What is the youngest age at which a member of your immediate family was first diagnosed with diabetes?

  • Interviewer: If diagnosed at death, then use age at death.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 130) 
  • Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever had diabetes (excluding during pregnancy)

FMH_Q23
Has anyone in your immediate family ever had asthma?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to FMH_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to FMH_END)
    All respondents, excluding where two household members are selected and the respondent is aged 12 to 19 and the two selected respondents are birth siblings

FMH_Q24
Was it one of your parents that was diagnosed with asthma?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents who reported that a member of their immediate family has ever had asthma

FMH_END

Hepatitis (HEP)

HEP_R11
The next questions are about hepatitis.

HEP_Q12
Hepatitis B vaccinations usually come in a 2 or 3 dose series. Have you received a complete series of hepatitis B vaccines?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    If AGE is less than or equal to (Reference Year – 1990) go to HEP_END.
    All respondents

HEP_Q13B
Did you receive a blood transfusion in Canada before 1990?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 20 and over at the start of cycle 2 collection

HEP_END

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)

SEX is male or AGE is less than 9 or greater than 39, go to HPV_END.

HPV_R11
The next few questions are about the human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine.

If AGE is greater than 13, go to HPV_Q12.

HPV_R12
An HPV vaccine is offered to girls in many schools across Canada, as early as age 9.

HPV_Q12
Have you ever received the HPV vaccine?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HPV_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to HPV_END)
    Female respondents aged 9 to 39

HPV_Q13
HPV vaccinations usually come in a 3 dose series. How many doses have you received?

  1. 1 dose
  2. 2 doses
  3. 3 doses
    Female respondents aged 9 to 39 who have received the HPV vaccine

HPV_END

Medication use (MED)

MED_R100
Now I’d like to ask a few questions about your use of medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and herbal products and remedies. We will be collecting the names, drug identification numbers (DINs) and dosages of all the different kinds of medications you are currently taking. It would help us record this information more quickly if you would go and get all the bottles and containers for these products now.

MED_Q100A
In the past month, that is, from [date one month ago] to yesterday, did you take any prescription medications?  Prescribed medications could include such things as insulin, nicotine patches and birth control (pills, patches or injections).

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to MED_Q200A)
    Don’t Know (Go to MED_Q200A)
    Refused (Go to MED_END)
    All respondents

MED_Q100B
How many different prescribed medications did you take?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to MED_Q200A)
  • For the first 15 prescription medications identified in MED_Q100B, ask   MED_B101A through MED_B101F.
  • Respondents who took prescription medications during the past month

MED_B101A
Is a Drug Identification Number (DIN) available for the medication?

  • Interviewer: If necessary, help the respondent to find the DIN on the bottle, tube or box.
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to MED_B101D)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took prescription medications during the past month

MED_B101B
What is the DIN of the medication?

  • Interviewer: Record DIN from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert Drug Identification Number between 00000001 and 99999995)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took prescription medication during the past month
  • Use trigram search.

If DIN found in DIN_Database, set medication name from DIN_Database.
Otherwise go to MED_B101D.

MED_B101C

  • Interviewer: The name associated with DIN [number] is [name]. Please confirm.
    1. Yes (Go to MED_B101F)
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents who took prescription medications during the past month

MED_B101D
What is the exact name and dosage of the medication?

  • Interviewer: Record the exact name and dosage of the medication from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert medication information to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Respondents who took prescription medications during the past month
  • Use trigram search.
  • If an entry on the source file is found, save the DIN in MED_B101B.
  • MED_B101D is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to next medication.
  • If MED_B101D is equal to “Other – Specify”, go to MED_B101E. Otherwise, go to MED_B101F.

MED_B101E
Interviewer: Record the exact name and dosage of the medication from the bottle, tube or box.

  • (insert medication information to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took prescription medications during the past month

MED_B101F
When was the last time that you took that medication?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Today
    2. Yesterday
    3. Within the last week
    4. Within the last month
    5. More than one month ago
  • Respondents who took prescription medications during the past month

MED_Q200A
In the past month did you take any over-the-counter medications?  Over‑the-counter medications could include such things as pain killers, antacids, allergy pills and hydrocortisone creams.

  • Interviewer: Do not include vitamins and minerals here.
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • (Go to MED_Q300A)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to MED_Q300A)
    All respondents

MED_Q200B
How many different over-the-counter medications did you take?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to MED_Q300A)
  • For the first 15 over-the-counter medications identified in MED_Q200B, ask  MED_B201A through MED_B201F.
  • Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_B201A
Is a Drug Identification Number (DIN) available for the medication?

  • Interviewer: If necessary, help the respondent to find the DIN on the bottle, tube or box.
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to MED_B201D)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_B201B
What is the DIN of the medication?

  • Interviewer: Record DIN from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert Drug Identification Number between 00000001 and 99999995)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Use trigram search.
  • If DIN found in DIN_Database, set medication name from DIN_Database. Otherwise go to MED_B201D.
  • Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_B201C
Interviewer: The name associated with DIN [number] is [name]. Please confirm.

  1. Yes (Go to MED_B201F)
  2. No

Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_B201D
What is the exact name and dosage of the medication?

  • Interviewer: Record the exact name and dosage of the medication from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert medication information to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Use trigram search.
  • If an entry on the source file is found, save the DIN in MED_B201B.
  • If MED_B201D is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to next medication.
  • If MED_B201D is equal to “Other – specify”, go to MED_B201E. Otherwise, go to
    MED_B201F.
    Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_B201E

  • Interviewer: Record the exact name and dosage of the medication from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert medication information to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_B201F
When was the last time that you took that medication?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Today
    2. Yesterday
    3. Within the last week
    4. Within the last month
    5. More than one month ago
  • Respondents who took over-the-counter medications during the past month

MED_Q300A
There are also many health products and herbal remedies such as vitamins, minerals, fish oils and other oils, and botanical or homeopathic preparations which people use to prevent illness or to improve or maintain their health.
In the past month did you take any health products or herbal remedies?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to MED_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MED_END)
    All respondents

MED_Q300B
How many different health products or herbal remedies did you take?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to MED_END)
  • For the first 15 health products identified in MED_Q300B, ask MED_B301A  through MED_B301F.
  • Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_B301A
Is a Drug Identification Number (DIN) available for the health product or herbal remedy?

  • Interviewer: If necessary, help the respondent to find the DIN on the bottle, tube or box.
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to MED_B301D)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_B301B
What is the DIN of the health product or herbal remedy?

  • Interviewer: Record DIN from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert Drug Identification Number between 00000001 and 99999995)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Use trigram search.
  • If DIN found in DIN_Database, set medication name from DIN_Database. Otherwise go to MED_B301D.
  • Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_B301C

  • Interviewer: The name associated with DIN [number] is [name]. Please confirm.
    1. Yes (Go to MED_B301F)
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_B301D
What is the exact name and dosage of the health product or herbal remedy?

  • Interviewer: Record the exact name and dosage of the health product or herbal remedy from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert health product information to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Use trigram search.
  • If an entry on the source file is found, save the DIN in MED_B301B.
  • If MED_B301D is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to next medication.
  • If MED_B301D is equal to “Other – specify”, go to MED_B301E. Otherwise, go to MED_B301F.
  • Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_B301E

  • Interviewer: Record the exact name and dosage of the health product or herbal remedy from the bottle, tube or box.
  • (insert health product information to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_B301F
When was the last time that you took that health product or herbal remedy?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Today
    2. Yesterday
    3. Within the last week
    4. Within the last month
    5. More than one month ago
  • Respondents who took health products or herbal remedies during the past month

MED_END

Health utility index (HUI)

If AGE is less than 6, go to HUI_END.

HUI_R01
The next set of questions asks about your day-to-day health. The questions are not about illnesses like colds that affect people for short periods of time. They are concerned with a person’s usual abilities.

You may feel that some of these questions do not apply to you, but it is important that we ask the same questions of everyone.

HUI_Q01
Are you usually able to see (clearly, and without distortion, the words in a book/well enough to read ordinary newsprint) without glasses or contact lenses?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q04)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_END)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q02
Are you usually able to see (clearly, and without distortion, the words in a book/well enough to read ordinary newsprint) with glasses or contact lenses?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q04)
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to read without glasses or contact lenses

HUI_Q03
Are you able to see at all?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HUI_Q06)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q06)
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to read with glasses or contact lenses

HUI_Q04
Are you able to see well enough to recognize a friend on the other side of the street without glasses or contact lenses?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q06)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused   (Go to HUI_Q06)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q05
Are you usually able to see well enough to recognize a friend on the other side of the street with glasses or contact lenses?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to recognize a friend on the other side of the street without glasses or contact lenses

HUI_Q06
Are you usually able to hear what is said in a group conversation with at least 3 other people without a hearing aid?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q10)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q10)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q07
Are you usually able to hear what is said in a group conversation with at least 3 other people with a hearing aid?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q08)
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to hear what is said in a group conversation without a hearing aid

HUI_Q07A
Are you able to hear at all?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HUI_Q10)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q10)
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to hear what is said in a group   conversation with a hearing aid

HUI_Q08
Are you usually able to hear what is said in a conversation with one other person in a quiet room without a hearing aid?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q10)
  2. No
    Refused (Go to HUI_Q10)
    Respondents aged 6 and over with limited hearing

HUI_Q09
Are you usually able to hear what is said in a conversation with one other person in a quiet room with a hearing aid?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over with limited hearing who are not able to hear what is said in a conversation in a quiet room without a hearing aid

HUI_Q10
Are you usually able to be understood completely when speaking with strangers in your own language?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q14)
  2. No
    Refused (Go to HUI_Q14)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q11
Are you able to be understood partially when speaking with strangers?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to be understood completely when speaking with strangers

HUI_Q12
Are you able to be understood completely when speaking with those who know you well?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q14)
  2. No
    Refused (Go to HUI_Q14)
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to be understood completely when speaking with strangers

HUI_Q13
Are you able to be understood partially when speaking with those who know you well?

  1. Yes
    No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to be understood completely when speaking with those who know them well

HUI_Q14
Are you usually able to walk around the neighbourhood without difficulty and without mechanical support such as braces, a cane or crutches?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q21)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q21)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q15
Are you able to walk at all?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HUI_Q18)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q18)
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to walk without difficulty or mechanical support

HUI_Q16
Do you require mechanical support such as braces, a cane or crutches to be able to walk around the neighbourhood?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who walk with difficulty

HUI_Q17
Do you require the help of another person to be able to walk?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who walk with difficulty

HUI_Q18
Do you require a wheelchair to get around?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HUI_Q21)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q21)
    Respondents aged 6 and over who walk with difficulty

HUI_Q19
How often do you use a wheelchair?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Always
    2. Often
    3. Sometimes
    4. Never
  • Respondents aged 6 and over who require a wheelchair to get around

HUI_Q20
Do you need the help of another person to get around in the wheelchair?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who require a wheelchair to get around

HUI_Q21
Are you usually able to grasp and handle small objects such as a pencil or scissors?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_Q25)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q25)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q22
Do you require the help of another person because of limitations in the use of hands or fingers?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HUI_Q24)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_Q24)
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to grasp and handle small objects

HUI_Q23
Do you require the help of another person with:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. … some tasks?
    2. … most tasks?
    3. … almost all tasks?
    4. … all tasks?
  • Respondents aged 6 and over who require the help of another person because of limitations in the use of hands or fingers

HUI_Q24
Do you require special equipment, for example, devices to assist in dressing, because of limitations in the use of hands or fingers?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 6 and over who are not able to grasp and handle small objects

HUI_Q25
Would you describe yourself as being usually:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. … happy and interested in life?
    2. … somewhat happy?
    3. … somewhat unhappy?
    4. … unhappy with little interest in life?
    5. … so unhappy that life is not worthwhile?
  • Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q26
How would you describe your usual ability to remember things?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Able to remember most things
    2. Somewhat forgetful
    3. Very forgetful
    4. Unable to remember anything at all
  • Respondents aged 6 and over   

HUI_Q27
How would you describe your usual ability to think and solve day-to-day problems?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Able to think clearly and solve problems
    2. Having a little difficulty
    3. Having some difficulty
    4. Having a great deal of difficulty
    5. Unable to think or solve problems
  • Respondents aged 6 and over  

HUI_Q28
Are you usually free of pain or discomfort?

  1. Yes (Go to HUI_END)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to HUI_END)
    Respondents aged 6 and over

HUI_Q29
How would you describe the usual intensity of your pain or discomfort?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Mild
    2. Moderate
    3. Severe
  • Respondents aged 6 and over who are not usually free of pain or discomfort

HUI_Q30
How many activities does your pain or discomfort prevent?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. None
    2. A few
    3. Some
    4. Most
  • Respondents aged 6 and over who are not usually free of pain or discomfort 

HUI_END

Request for parent to leave (RPL)

If AGE is less than 12 or greater than 19, go to RPL_END.

RPL_N11

  • Interviewer: Is the parent or guardian in the room with the youth?
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to RPL_END)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents aged 12 to 19 

RPL_R12
The next set of questions deal with some sensitive topics such as smoking, drug use and sexual behaviour. To obtain honest and accurate answers, it is best when these questions are answered in private.

RPL_Q13
Interviewer: Read to parent or guardian.
Would you please leave the room for a few minutes?  We will let you know when we have finished these questions and you will be welcome to return.

  • Interviewer: Is the selected respondent now alone?
    1. Yes
    2. No
    Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Parent or guardian of respondents aged 12 to 19  

RPL_END

Smoking (SMK)

If AGE is less than 12, go to SMK_END.

SMK_R11
Now, I am going to ask you about cigarette smoking. By cigarettes, we mean both ready-made cigarettes and ones you roll yourself, excluding cigars, cigarillos, marijuana or pipes.

SMK_Q11
In your lifetime, have you smoked a total of 100 or more cigarettes (about 4 packs)?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 12 and over

SMK_Q12
At the present time, do you smoke cigarettes daily, occasionally or not at all?

  1. Daily
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all
    Respondents aged 12 and over
    If SMK_Q11 is equal to 2 (No) and SMK_Q12 is equal to 3 (Not at all), go to SMK_Q60.
    If SMK_Q11 is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused” and SMK_Q12 is equal to “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to SMK_Q60

SMK_R21
The next questions are about your smoking history. To begin, a question
about when you started smoking. You may find it helpful to think back to  what you were doing or who you were with when you started smoking.

SMK_Q21
At what age did you smoke your first whole cigarette?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 5; maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 5 and 79)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime or are currently smoking

SMK_R22
Now I’d like to know about changes in your smoking pattern from the time you smoked your first whole cigarette until today.

SMK_Q22
How old were you when you started smoking at least 1 cigarette a month?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is age smoked first whole cigarette [SMK_Q21]; maximum is AGE. If the respondent never smoked at least one cigarette a month, enter "0".
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime or are currently smoking
  • If SMK_Q22 is equal to 0, “Don’t Know” or “Refused”, go to SMK_Q60.

SMK_Q23
When you started smoking, how many days in a typical month did you smoke at least one cigarette?

  • Interviewer: If the respondent smoked every day or daily, enter "31".
    If the respondent smoked 30 days in a month, ask if this means every day. If so, enter "31". If not, enter "30".
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 31) 
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime or are currently smoking

SMK_Q24
(When you started smoking,) how many cigarettes did you usually smoke each day?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime or are currently smoking
  • If SMK_Q12 is equal to 1 (Daily) or 2 (Occasionally), go to SMK_R25.
    Otherwise, go to SMK_Q31.

SMK_R25
Next, a question about cigarette brand names. By brand name I mean the name on the package of cigarettes, including size and strength, such as King Size, Regular, Mild or Extra Mild.

SMK_Q25
What brand of cigarettes do you currently smoke?

  • Interviewer: If necessary, probe for cigarette strength and size.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Use trigram search
    Respondents aged 12 and over who are currently smoking daily or occasionally
    If SMK_Q25 is equal to “Other”, go to SMK_S25.
    Otherwise, go to SMK_Q31.

SMK_S25

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who are currently smoking daily or occasionally

SMK_Q31
If SMK_Q12 does not equal 1 (Daily), go to SMK_Q41.

  • How many cigarettes do you smoke each day now?
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who currently smoke daily
    If SMK_Q31 does not equal "EMPTY", go to SMK_Q51.  If SMK_Q12 is equal to 2 (occasionally), go to SMK_Q41.  Otherwise, go to SMK_Q51.

SMK_Q41
On the days that you smoke, how many cigarettes do you usually smoke?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who currently smoke daily or occasionally

SMK_Q42
In the past month, on how many days have you smoked 1 or more
cigarettes?

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 31)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who currently smoke daily or occasionally

SMK_Q51
If SMK_Q12 is equal to 1 (daily) and SMK_Q23 is equal to 31 (number of days in a month), go to SMK_Q54.  Otherwise, if   SMK_Q12 is equal to 1 (daily) and SMK_Q23 is less than 31 (number of days in a month), go to SMK_Q52.

Have you ever smoked cigarettes daily?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to SMK_ Q60)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SMK_ Q60)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked a total of 100 or more cigarettes during their lifetime, or who are currently smoking occasionally

SMK_Q52
At what age did you begin to smoke (cigarettes) daily?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is SMK_Q22; maximum is AGE.
  • (insert respondent answer between 5 and 79) 
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked a total of 100 or more cigarettes during their lifetime or who are currently smoking occasionally

SMK_Q53
How many cigarettes did you usually smoke each day?

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95) 
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked a total of 100 or more cigarettes during their lifetime or who are currently smoking occasionally

SMK_Q54
If SMK_Q12 is equal to 1 (daily), go to SMK_Q60.

  • At what age did you stop smoking cigarettes completely / daily?
  • (insert respondent answer between 5 and 79) 
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have smoked a total of 100 or more cigarettes during their lifetime or who are currently smoking occasionally

SMK_Q60
In the past month, have you smoked cigars or a pipe or used snuff or chewing tobacco?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 12 and over

SMK_END

Alcohol use (ALC)

If AGE is less than 12, go to ALC_END.

ALC_R11
Now, some questions about your alcohol consumption.
When we use the word  "drink" it means:

  1. one bottle or can of beer or a glass of draft
  2. one glass of wine or a wine cooler
  3. one drink or cocktail with 1 and a 1/2 ounces of liquor.

ALC_Q11
During the past 12 months, that is, from [date one year ago] to yesterday, have you had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to ALC_Q17)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ALC_END)
    Respondents aged 12 and over

ALC_Q12
During the past 12 months, how often did you drink alcoholic beverages?

  1. Less than once a month
  2. Once a month
  3. 2 to 3 times a month
  4. Once a week
  5. 2 to 3 times a week
  6. 4 to 6 times a week
  7. Every day
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past 12 months

ALC_Q13
How often in the past 12 months have you had 5 or more drinks on one occasion?

  1. Never
  2. Less than once a month
  3. Once a month
  4. 2 to 3 times a month
  5. Once a week
  6. More than once a week
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past 12 months

ALC_Q14
Thinking back over the past week, that is, from [date one week ago] to yesterday,  did you have a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to ALC_Q19)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ALC_Q19)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past 12 months

ALC_Q15
Starting with yesterday, how many drinks did you have?

  1. Sunday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
  2. Monday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
  3. Tuesday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
  4. Wednesday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
  5. Thursday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
  6. Friday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
  7. Saturday? (insert respondent answer between 0 and 95)
    Note: Ask ALC_Q15 seven times, once for each day of the week, working backwards from yesterday (for example Monday, Sunday, etc.).
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past week
    If Refused on first day, go to ALC_Q19.

ALC_Q16
Is the amount you drank over the last week more, about the same, or less compared to most weeks?

  1. More
  2. About the same
  3. Less
    Go to ALC_Q19
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past week

ALC_Q17
Have you ever had a drink?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to ALC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ALC_END)
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have not had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past 12 months

ALC_Q18
Did you ever regularly drink more than 12 drinks a week?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 12 and over who have ever had a drink, but who have not had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage during the past 12 months

ALC_Q19
Not counting small sips, how old were you when you started drinking alcoholic beverages?

  • Interviewer: Drinking does not include having a few sips of wine for religious purposes.
  • (insert respondent answer between 5 and 79)
  • Respondents aged 12 and over who have ever had a drink of beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage

ALC_END

Illicit drug use (IDU)

If proxy interview or AGE is less than 14, go to IDU_END.

IDU_R11
Now I am going to ask you some questions about your use of drugs and other substances for recreational purposes. I would like to remind you that everything you say will remain strictly confidential.

IDU_Q11
Have you ever used or tried marijuana, cannabis or hashish?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Refused  (Go to IDU_END)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over

IDU_Q12
Have you ever used prescription drugs for recreational purposes?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over

IDU_Q13
Have you ever used or tried street drugs such as cocaine, speed, solvents or steroids?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to IDU_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to IDU_END)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over

IDU_Q14
Have you ever injected drugs?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to IDU_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to IDU_END)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever used or tried street drugs

IDU_Q15
Have you ever lent injection equipment to another person?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Refused (Go to IDU_END)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever used or tried street drugs, who have ever injected drugs

IDU_Q16
Have you ever borrowed injection equipment from another person (excluding needle exchange programs)?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever used or tried street drugs, who have ever injected drugs

IDU_END

Sexual behaviour (SXB)

If AGE is less than 14 or if proxy interview, go to SXB_END.

SXB_R11
I would like to ask you a few questions about sexual behaviour. We ask these questions because sexual behaviours can have very important and long-lasting effects on personal health. You can be assured that anything you say will remain confidential.

SXB_Q11
Have you ever had sexual intercourse?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to SXB_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SXB_END)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over

SXB_Q12
In the past 12 months, have you had sexual intercourse?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to SXB_Q21)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SXB_END)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever had sexual intercourse

SXB_Q13
With how many different partners?

  1. 1 partner
  2. 2 partners
  3. 3 partners
  4. 4 or more partners
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have had sexual intercourse during the past 12 months

SXB_Q21
Have you ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to SXB_Q23)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SXB_Q23)
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever had sexual intercourse

SXB_Q22
Which sexually transmitted disease(s) have you been diagnosed with?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
    2. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
    3. Chlamydia
    4. Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Type II)
    5. Syphilis
    6. Gonorrhoea
    7. Genital Warts (Human Papilloma Virus or HPV)
    8. Venereal disease
    9. Hepatitis B
    10. Other – Specify  (Go to SXB_S22)
  • Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease

Go to SXB_END.

SXB_S22

  • Interviewer: Specify
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease

SXB_Q23
If SXB_Q12 does not equal 1 or if MSWC_Q02 is equal to (1 (Married) or 2 (Common-law)) and SXB_Q13 is equal to 1 (one partner), go to SXB_END.

Did you or your partner use a condom the last time you had sexual intercourse?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months 

SXB_Q24
Do you or your partner usually use a condom when you have sexual intercourse?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Non-proxy respondents aged 14 and over who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months

SXB_END

Pap Smear Questions (PAP)

If proxy interview or SEX_Q01 is male or AGE is less than 14, go to PAP_END.

PAP_Q11
Now a few questions about PAP tests.

  • Have you ever had a PAP smear test?
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to PAP_Q13)
      Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAP_END)
      Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over

PAP_Q12
When was the last time?

  1. Less than 6 months ago (Go to PAP_END)
  2. 6 months to less than 1 year ago (Go to PAP_END)
  3. 1 year to less than 3 years ago  (Go to PAP_END)
  4. 3 years to less than 5 years ago
  5. 5 or more years ago
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PAP_END)
    Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who have ever had a pap smear test

PAP_Q13
What are the reasons that you have not had a PAP smear test in the past 3 years?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. Have not gotten around to it
    2. Respondent - did not think it was necessary
    3. Doctor - did not think it was necessary
    4. Personal or family responsibilities
    5. Not available - at time required
    6. Not available - at all in the area
    7. Waiting time was too long
    8. Transportation - problems
    9. Language - problem
    10. Cost
    11. Did not know where to go/uninformed
    12. Fear (e.g. painful, embarrassing, find something wrong)
    13. Have had a hysterectomy
    14. Hate/dislike having one done
    15. Unable to leave the house because of a health problem
    16. Other - Specify (Go to PAP_S13)
  • Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who have never had a pap smear test or who have not had a test in the past 3 years

Go to PAP_END

PAP_S13

  • Interviewer: Specify
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who have never had a pap smear test or who have not had a test in the past 3 years

PAP_END

Maternal breastfeeding (MBF)

If AGE is less than 14 or SEX is male or SXB_Q11 is equal to 2 (never had sexual intercourse) or proxy interview, go to MBF_END.

MBF_R11
Now some questions about giving birth and breastfeeding experiences.

MBF_Q11
Have you ever given birth?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to MBF_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MBF_END)
    Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who have had sexual intercourse

MBF_Q12
How many live births have you had (excluding stillborns and miscarriages)?

  • Interviewer: Enter number of births.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 15)
  • Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who have given birth
    If MBF_Q12 is equal to 0, “Don’t Know” or “Refused” go to MBF_END.
  • For each birth identified in MBF_Q12, ask MBF_Q21 and MBF_Q22.

MBF_Q21
Did you breastfeed your baby?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to MBF_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to MBF_END)
    Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who have had a live birth

MBF_Q22
For how long did you breastfeed your baby?

  1. Less than 1 week
  2. 1 to 2 weeks
  3. 3 to 4 weeks
  4. 5 to 8 weeks
  5. 9 weeks to less than 12 weeks
  6. 3 months (12 weeks to less than 16 weeks)
  7. 4 months (16 weeks to less than 20 weeks)
  8. 5 months (20 weeks to less than 24 weeks)
  9. 6 months (24 weeks to less than 28 weeks)
  10. 7 to 9 months
  11. 10 to 12 months
  12. More than 1 year
    Non-proxy female respondents aged 14 and over who breastfed their baby

MBF_END

Request for parent to return (RPR)

If AGE is less than 12 or greater than 19 or if RPL_Q13 is equal to 2 (respondent not alone), go to RPR_END.

RPR_R11
We have now finished the sensitive questions. If your parent or guardian is available, please ask him or her to rejoin us now.

RPR_N11

  • Interviewer: Is the parent or guardian in the room?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Respondents aged 12 to 19 whose parent or guardian is not in the room

RPR_END

Request for child to leave (RCL)

If AGE is greater than 17 or (RPL_N11 is equal to 1 and RPR_N11 is equal to 2), go to RCL_END.

RCL_N11

  • Interviewer: Is the child in the room?
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to RCL_END)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

RCL_R12

  • If proxy interview Interviewer: Read to parent or guardian.
  • It is best when this next set of questions is answered by an adult in private.
  • Else Interviewer: Read to respondent.
  • This next set of questions deals with topics that are best answered by your parent or guardian in private. Please ask your parent or guardian to come and answer these next questions.
    If AGE is less than 12, go to RCL_Q13.

RCL_N12

  • Interviewer: Is the parent or guardian available to answer the next questions?
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to RCL_END)
  • Respondents aged 12 to 17

RCL_Q13

If proxy interview

  • Could [Respondent name] please leave the room while we complete these questions?  We will let him  know when we have finished these questions and he may return.
  • Else
  • Would you please leave the room so that your parent or guardian may answer these questions in private?  We will let you know when we have finished these questions and at that time we would like you to return.
    Interviewer: Has the child left the room?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
    Parent or guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

RCL_END

Pregnancy information (PRG)

If AGE is greater than 11 or Person Providing Information is not a birth or biological parent, go to PRG_END.

PRG_R11
Next some question about your pregnancy with your child.

PRG_Q11
Did you smoke during your pregnancy with him?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to PRG_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to PRG_END)
    Birth or biological parent of child respondent less than 12 years of age

PRG_Q12
How many cigarettes per day did you smoke?

  • Interviewer: Enter number of cigarettes.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 95)
  • Birth or biological parent of child respondent less than 12 years of age whose biological mother smoked while pregnant with respondent

PRG_Q13
At what stage in your pregnancy did you smoke this amount?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. During the first three months
    2. During the second three months
    3. During the third three months
    4. Throughout
  • Birth or biological parent of child respondent less than 12 years of age whose biological mother smoked while pregnant with respondent

PRG_END

Birth information (BIR)

If AGE is greater than 11 or person providing information is not a parent or guardian of the respondent, go to BIR_END. 

BIR_R11
The following questions concern your child’s birth.

BIR_Q11
How much did he weigh at birth?

  • Interviewer: Record the reporting unit.
    1. Pounds and Ounces
    2. 2 Grams (Go to BIR_N14)
  • Don’t Know, Refused (Go to BIR_Q21)
  • Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age

BIR_N12

  • Interviewer: Enter pounds only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 20)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

BIR_N13

  • Interviewer: Enter ounces only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 15)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Go to BIR_Q21

BIR_N14

  • Interviewer: Enter grams.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 9995)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.

BIR_Q21
Was he born before, after or on the due date?

  1. 1 Before the due date
  2. After the due date
  3. On the due date  (Go to BIR_Q23)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to BIR_Q23)
    Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age

BIR_Q22
How many days before or after the due date was he born?

  • Interviewer: If less then one day, enter "0".
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 105)
  • Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age born before or after due date

BIR_Q23
Was this a single birth, or was it twins or triplets?

  1. Single birth
  2. Twins
  3. Triplets
  4. More than triplets
    Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age

BIR_Q24
Was he admitted to a special neonatal unit or an intensive care unit immediately following birth, before he left the hospital?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to BIR_Q26)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to BIR_Q26)
    Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age

BIR_Q25
For how many days, in total, was this care received?

  • Interviewer: If less than one day, enter "0".
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 995)
  • Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age whose child  was admitted to a special neonatal unit or an intensive care unit immediately following birth

BIR_Q26
How old were you when he was born?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 12; maximum is 59.
  • (insert respondent answer between 12 and 59)
  • Parent or guardian of child respondent less than 12 years of age

BIR_END

Breastfeeding information (BRI)

If AGE is greater than 11 or person providing the information is not a birth or biological parent of the respondent, go to BRI_END.

BRI_Q11
Did you breastfeed him as an infant, even if only for a short period of time?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to BRI_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to BRI_END)
    Birth or biological parent of child respondent less than 12 years of age

BRI_Q12
For how long did you breastfeed?

  1. Less than one week
  2. 1 to 2 weeks
  3. 3 to 4 weeks
  4. 5 to 8 weeks
  5. 9 to less than 12 weeks
  6. 3 to 6 months
  7. 7 to 9 months
  8. 10 to 12 months
  9. More than 1 year
    Birth or biological parent of child respondent less than 12 years of age whose child  was breastfed by his/her biological mother as an infant

BRI_Q13
For how long was he fed only breast milk?

  • Interviewer: Water, tea, juice or other liquids are not to be included.
    Medication and vitamins can be included.
    1. Less than one week
    2. 1 to 2 weeks
    3. 3 to 4 weeks
    4. 5 to 8 weeks
    5. 9 to less than 12 weeks
    6. 3 to 6 months
    7. More than 6 months
  • Birth or biological parent of child respondent less than 12 years of age whose child was breastfed by his/her biological mother as an infant

Strengths and difficulties (SDQ) © Robert Goodman

If AGE is between 6 and 11, or (if AGE is between 12 and 17 and (RCL_N11 is equal to 2 or RCL_N12 is equal to 1)), go to SDQ_R11. Otherwise, go to SDQ_END.

SDQ_R11
Now I’m going to read a series of statements. Please tell me if the statement is  "Not true", "Somewhat true" or "Certainly true". It would help us if you answered all of the questions as best you can even if you are not absolutely certain. Please give your answers on the basis of your child’s behaviour over the last six months.

SDQ_Q11
He is considerate of other people’s feelings.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Refused (Go to SDQ_END)
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q12
He is restless, overactive, cannot stay still for long.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q13
He often complains of headaches, stomach aches or sickness.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q14
He shares readily with other children/youth, for example toys, treats pencils / CD’s, games, food.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q15
He often loses his temper.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q16
He is rather solitary child, prefers to play alone. /He would rather be alone than with other youth.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q17
He is generally well behaved, usually does what adults request.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q18
He has many worries or often seems worried.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17
    He is helpful if someone is hurt, upset, or feeling ill.

SDQ_Q19        
He is helpful if someone is hurt, upset, or feeling ill.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q20
He is constantly fidgeting or squirming.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q21
He has at least one good friend.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q22
He often fights with other children/youth or bullies them.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q23
He is often unhappy, depressed or tearful.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q24
He is generally liked by other children/youth.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q25
He is easily distracted, his concentration wanders.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q26
He is nervous or clingy in new situations, easily loses confidence.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q27
He is kind to younger children.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q28
He often lies or cheats.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q29
He is picked on or bullied by other children/youth.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q30
He often offers to help others (parents, teachers, other children).

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q31
He thinks things out before acting.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q32
He steals from home, school or elsewhere.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q33
He gets along better with adults than with other children/youth.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q34
He has many fears, is easily scared.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_Q35
He has a good attention span, sees chores or homework through to the end.

  1. Not true
  2. Somewhat true
  3. Certainly true
    Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

SDQ_END

Request for child to return (RCR)

If AGE is less than 18 and RCL_N11 is equal to 1 and RCL_Q13 is equal to 1, go to RCR_R11. Otherwise, go to RCR_END.

RCR_R11
We have now finished this set of questions.

  • If AGE is less than 12:
  • He may return now if he wishes. He may help answer the remaining questions.
  • Else:
  • [Respondent name] should return now to answer the remaining questions in the survey. You may wish to remain in the room or close by to provide assistance to him if needed.

RCR_N11

  • Interviewer: Has the child returned to the room?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.Parent of guardian of child respondent aged 6 to 17

RCR_END

Exposure to second-hand smoke (ETS)

ETS_R11
The next questions are about exposure to second-hand smoke. Second‑hand smoke includes the smoke that smokers exhale and the smoke from burning cigarettes.

If two persons selected in the household and age of current respondent is greater than 11, go to ETS_Q13.

ETS_Q11
Including both household members and regular visitors, does anyone smoke inside this home, every day or almost every day?

  • Interviewer: Include cigarettes, cigars and pipes.
    1. Yes
    2. No (Go to ETS_Q14)
  • Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ETS_END)
    One respondent per household

ETS_Q12
How many people smoke inside this home every day or almost every day?

  • Interviewer: Include household members and regular visitors.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 15)
  • One respondent per household in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day

ETS_Q12B
Which of the following tobacco products are smoked inside this home?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. ...cigarettes
    2. ...cigarillos or little cigars
    3. ...all other types of cigars
    4. ...pipes
  • Don’t Know, Refused (Go to ETS_Q13)
    One respondent per household in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day

ETS_Q12C
If ETS_Q12B does not equal 1, go to ETS_Q12D.
On a typical day, how many cigarettes are smoked inside this home?

  • Interviewer: There are about 20 cigarettes in a pack
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 995)
  • One respondent per household in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day who indicated that cigarettes are smoked inside the home

ETS_Q12D
If ETS_Q12B does not equal 2, go to ETS_Q12E.
On a typical day, how many cigarillos or little cigars are smoked inside this  home?

  • Interviewer: There are about 20 cigarillos/little cigars in a pack.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 995)
  • One respondent per household in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day who indicated that cigarillos or little cigars are smoked inside the home

ETS_Q12E
If ETS_Q12B does not equal 3, go to ETS_Q12F.
On a typical day, how many cigars are smoked inside this home?

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 995)
  • One respondent per household in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day who indicated that cigars are smoked inside the home

ETS_Q12F
If ETS_Q12B does not equal 4, go to ETS_Q13.
On a typical day, what is the total period of time that at least one person is smoking a pipe inside this home?

  • Interviewer: Include the time only once even if more than one person is smoking a pipe at the same time.
    1. Less than 1 hour
    2. 1 to 2 hours
    3. 3 to 5 hours
    4. More than 5 hours
  • One respondent per household in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day who indicated that pipes are smoked inside the home

ETS_Q13
Overall, in the past month were you exposed to second-hand smoke inside  this home? If you are a smoker, do not consider your own smoke.

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. … every day?
    2. … almost every day?
    3. … at least once a week?
    4. … at least once in the past month?
    5. … never?
  • Respondents in a home where someone smokes every day or almost every day

ETS_Q14
In the past month, were you exposed to second-hand smoke, every day or almost every day, in a car or other private vehicle?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    All respondents

ETS_Q15
(In the past month,) were you exposed to second-hand smoke, every day or almost every day, in public places (such as bars, restaurants, shopping malls, arenas, bingo halls, bowling alleys)?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    All respondents
    If GEN_Q16 is equal to 1 (worked at a job or business during the past 12 months), go to ETS_Q16. Otherwise, go to ETS_Q17.

ETS_Q16
(In the past month,) were you exposed to second-hand smoke every day or almost every day at your place of work?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents who worked at a job or a business during the past 12 months

ETS_Q17
Overall, excluding inside your own home, in the past month were you  exposed to second-hand smoke? If you are a smoker, do not consider your  own smoke.

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. … every day?
    2. … almost every day?
    3. … at least once a week?
    4. … at least once in the past month?
    5. … never?
  • All respondents

ETS_END

Housing characteristics (HSC)

HSC_R11
Now I’m going to ask you some questions about this home.

If two persons selected in the household and age of current respondent is greater than 11 go to HSC_Q12.

HSC_Q11
How old is this home? Is it:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. If necessary state: (If you do not know the exact age, please provide an estimate)
    1. … less than 10 years old?
    2. … 10 years old to less than 20?
    3. … 20 years old to less than 30?
    4. … 30 years old to less than 40?
    5. … 40 years old to less than 50?
    6. … 50 or more years old?
  • Refused (Go to HSC_END)
    One respondent per household

HSC_Q12
How long have you lived in this home?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is AGE.
    If less than one year enter "0".
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 79)
  • If two persons selected in the household and age of current respondent is greater than 11 go to HSC_END.
  • All respondents

HSC_Q12B
Excluding the basement and garage, what is the approximate area of this home in square feet or square metres? Would you say it is...?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. 600 sq. ft (55 square metres) or less
    2. 601 to 1,000 sq. ft (56 to 95 square metres)
    3. 1,001 to 2,000 sq. ft (96 to 185 square metres)
    4. 2,001 to 3,000 sq. ft (186 to 280 square metres)
    5. 3,001 to 4,000 sq. ft (281 to 371 square metres)
    6. 4,001 sq. ft (372 square metres) or more
  • One respondent per household

HSC_Q13
What is the main source of heat in this home?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. Oil furnace
    2. Gas furnace
    3. Electric heat
    4. Wood-burning stove
    5. Wood-burning fireplace
    6. Gas fireplace
    7. Other - Specify (Go to HSC_S13)
  • Go to HSC_Q31.
  • One respondent per household

HSC_S13

  • Interviewer: Specify
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • One respondent per household

HSC_Q31
In the past month, that is from [date one month ago] to yesterday, were any chemicals used to treat this home to control roaches, ants or termites, or were any insecticides used on indoor house plants?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HSC_Q37)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to HSC_Q37)
    One respondent per household

HSC_Q33
In which area(s) of this home were these products used?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. Living room
    2. Family room
    3. Dining room
    4. Kitchen
    5. Bathroom(s)
    6. Bedroom(s)
    7. Other rooms (den, play room, rec room, etc.)
    8. Outside (foundation of building)
    9. Entire home
  • One respondent per household where chemicals were used to treat the home to control roaches, ants or termites, or where insecticides were used on indoor house plants

HSC_Q34
(In the past month,) When these chemical products were used to treat this home, how many times did someone living in this home personally apply these products?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 30.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 30)
  • One respondent per household where chemicals were used to treat the home to control roaches, ants or termites, or where insecticides were used on indoor house plants

HSC_Q35
(In the past month, when these chemical products were used to treat this home,) How many times did a professional exterminator apply these  products?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 30.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 30)
  • One respondent per household where chemicals were used to treat the home to control roaches, ants or termites, or where insecticides were used on indoor house plants

HSC_Q36
(In the past month, when these chemical products were used to treat this home,) How many times did someone other than a professional or   household member apply these products? (For example: a neighbour or  relative living outside this home)

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 30.
    (insert respondent answer between 0 and 30)
  • One respondent per household where chemicals were used to treat the home to control roaches, ants or termites, or where insecticides were used on indoor house plants

HSC_Q37
In the past month, were any chemicals used in this home to control head  lice on family members or fleas on pets?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    One respondent per household

HSC_Q41
(In the past month,) Did anyone treat the lawn or yard of this home, or the surrounding fields, woods or orchards with chemical products to kill  insects or weeds, or to control plant diseases?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to HSC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to HSC_END)
    One respondent per household

HSC_Q42
(In the past month,) When these chemical products were used to treat the area around this home, how many times did someone living in this home personally apply these products?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 30.
    (insert respondent answer between 0 and 30)
  • One respondent per household where the lawn, surrounding fields, woods or orchards were treated with chemical products to kill insects or weeds, or to control plant diseases

HSC_Q43
(In the past month, when these chemical products were used to treat the  area around this home,) How many times did a professional apply these  products?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 30.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 30)
  • One respondent per household where the lawn, surrounding fields, woods or orchards were treated with chemical products to kill insects or weeds, or to control plant diseases

HSC_Q44
(In the past month, when these chemical products were used to treat the area around this home,) How many times did someone other than a professional or household member apply these products? (For example: a  neighbour or relative living outside this home)

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 30.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 30)
  • One respondent per household where the lawn, surrounding fields, woods or orchards were treated with chemical products to kill insects or weeds, or to control plant diseases

HSC_END

Hobbies (HOB)

HOB_R11
Now some questions about activities you may have done recently.

HOB_Q11
If the respondent is less than 12:

In the past 3 months, that is from [date three months ago] to yesterday, have you done any of the following in your leisure time or at school?  For children this can include watching or helping a relative as well as participating themselves.

If the respondent is between 12 and 19:

  • In the past 3 months, that is from [date three months ago] to yesterday, have you done any of the following in your leisure time or at school?
  • Else:
  • In the past 3 months, that is from [date three months ago] to yesterday,
    have you done any of the following in your leisure time that is outside of
    work?
    Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. Arts using paints, glazes, finger paints, water colours, crayons
    2. Pottery and ceramics using a kiln
    3. Model making using glues, solders, paints or metals
    4. Making fishing sinkers or weights
    5. Welding or soldering
    6. Auto repairs
    7. Electronics assembly, repairs of components
    8. Plumbing
    9. Refinishing furniture
    10. Woodworking
    11. None (Go to HOB_END)
      Don’t Know, Refused (Go to HOB_END)
  • For each activity identified in HOB_Q11, ask HOB_B12 and HOB_Q12.
  • All respondents

HOB_B12
(In the past three months,) How often did you usually [identified activity]? (For example: twice a day, three times a week, once a month)

  • Interviewer: Enter amount only.
  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 500)
    0, Don’t Know, Refused (Go to next activity)
  • Interviewer: Select the reporting period.
    1. Per day
    2. Per week
    3. Per month
    4. Per year
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents who participated in an activity during the past 3 months

HOB_Q12
About how much time do you spend on each occasion?

  1. Less than 30 minutes
  2. 30 to 60 minutes
  3. 61 to 90 minutes
  4. More than an hour and a half
    Respondents who participated in an activity during the past 3 months

HOB_END

Labour force (LBF)

AGE is less than 15 or greater than 75, go to LBF_END.

LBF_R01
The next few questions concern your activities in the last 7 days. By the last 7 days, I mean beginning [date one week ago] and ending yesterday.

LBF_Q01
Last week, did you work at a job or a business? Please include part-time jobs, seasonal work, contract work, self-employment, baby-sitting and any other paid work, regardless of the number of hours worked.

  1. Yes (Go to LBF_Q03)
  2. No
  3. Permanently unable to work (Go to LBF_R21)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to LBF_END)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75

LBF_Q02
Last week, did you have a job or business from which you were absent?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to LBF_Q11)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to LBF_END)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who did not work at a job or business during the previous week

LBF_Q03
Did you have more than one job or business last week?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Go to LBF_R31
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week

LBF_Q11
In the past 4 weeks, did you do anything to find work?

  1. Yes (Go to LBF_R21)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to LBF_R21)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who did not work at a job or business during the previous week

LBF_Q13
What is the main reason that you are not currently working at a job or business?

  1. Own illness or disability
  2. Caring for - own children
  3. Caring for - elder relatives
  4. Pregnancy (females only)
  5. Other personal or family responsibilities
  6. Vacation
  7. School or educational leave
  8. Retired
  9. Believes no work available (in area or suited to skills)
  10. Other - Specify  (Go to LBF_S13)
    Go to LBF_Q14.
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who did not work at a job or business during the previous week and who did nothing to find work in the previous 4 weeks

LBF_S13

  • Interviewer: Specify
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who did not work at a job or business during the previous week and who did nothing to find work in the previous 4 weeks who stated “other” as the main reason they are not currently working at a job or business

LBF_Q14
If LBF_Q13 does not equal 1 (Own illness or disability), go to LBF_R21.

Is this due to your physical health, to your emotional or mental health, to your use of alcohol or drugs, or to another reason?

  1. Physical health
  2. Emotional or mental health (including stress)
  3. Use of alcohol or drugs
  4. Another reason
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who did not work at a job or business during the previous week and who did nothing to find work in the previous 4 weeks and stated the main reason as own illness or disability

LBF_R21
Now some questions about jobs or employment which you have hadduring the past 12 months, that is, from [date one year ago] to yesterday.

LBF_Q21
Did you work at a job or a business at any time in the past 12 months?
Please include part-time jobs, seasonal work, contract work, self-employment, baby-sitting and any other paid work, regardless of the number of hours worked.

  1. Yes (Go to LBF_Q23)
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who were permanently unable to work or who did not work at a job or business during the previous week

LBF_Q22
If LBF_Q11 is equal to 1, go to LBF_Q71.

During the past 12 months, did you do anything to find work?

  1. Yes (Go to LBF_Q71)
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who did not work at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months and who did not try to find work during the previous 4 weeks

Go to LBF_END

LBF_Q23
During that 12 months, did you work at more than one job or business at the same time?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who were permanently unable to work, or who did not work at a job or business during the previous week, but were employed at some point during the previous 12 months

LBF_R31
The next questions are about your [current job or business/most recent job or business].

  • If the respondent currently holds more than one job or if the last time he worked it was at more than one job:
  • Interviewer: Report on the job for which the number of hours worked per week is the greatest.

LBF_Q31
[Are/Were] you an employee or self-employed?

  1. Employee  (Go to LBF_Q33)
  2. Self-employed
  3. Working in a family business without pay (Go to LBF_Q33)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to LBF_Q33)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business any time during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q31A
[Do/Did] you have any employees?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who were self employed during the previous week or who were self employed at any time during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q32
What [is/was] the name of your business?

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 50 characters)
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who were self employed during the previous week or who were self employed at any time during the previous 12 months

Go to LBF_Q34

LBF_Q33
For whom [do/did] you work? (For example: name of business, government department or agency, or person)

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 50 characters)
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months who were an employee or working in a family business without pay

LBF_Q34
What kind of business, industry or service [is/was] this? (For example: cardboard box manufacturing, road maintenance, retail shoe store, secondary school, dairy farm, municipal government)

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 50 characters)
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months  

LBF_Q35
What kind of work [are/were] you doing? (For example: babysitting in own home, factory worker, forestry technician)

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Use trigram search, source file is SOC_Database
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months
    If LBF_Q35 is equal to “Other”, go to LBF_S35.  Otherwise, go to LBF_Q36.

LBF_S35

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed.
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months who stated “other” as the kind of work they are/were doing

LBF_Q36
What [are/were] your most important activities or duties? (For example: caring for children, stamp press machine operator, forest examiner)

  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 50 characters)
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q36A
[Is/Was] your [job/business] permanent, or [is/was] there some way that it [is/was] not permanent? (For example: seasonal, temporary, term, casual)

  1. Permanent  (Go to LBF_Q37)
  2. Not permanent
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to LBF_Q37)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q36B
In what way [is/was] your [job/business] not permanent?

  1. Seasonal
  2. Temporary, term or contract
  3. Casual job
  4. Work done through a temporary help agency
  5. Other
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months whose job/business was not permanent

LBF_Q37
At your place of work, what [are/were] the restrictions on smoking?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. Restricted completely
    2. Allowed in designated areas
    3. Restricted only in certain places
    4. Not restricted at all
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months
  • If LBF_Q02 does not equal 1, go to LBF_Q42.

LBF_Q41
What was the main reason you were absent from work last week?

  1. Own illness or disability
  2. Caring for - own children
  3. Caring for - elder relatives
  4. Maternity leave (Females only)
  5. Other personal or family responsibilities
  6. Vacation
  7. Labour dispute (strike or lockout)
  8. Temporary layoff due to business conditions (Employees only)
  9. Seasonal layoff (Employees only)
  10. Casual job, no work available (Employees only)
  11. Work schedule (e.g., shift work) (Employees only)
  12. Self-employed, no work available (Self-employed only)
  13. Seasonal business (Excluding employees)
  14. School or educational leave
  15. Other – Specify
    (Go to LBF_S41)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week from which they were absent

LBF_S41

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week from which they were absent who stated “other” as the main reason for being absent

LBF_Q41A

If LBF_Q41 does not equal 1 (Own illness or disability), go to LBF_Q42.

Was that due to your physical health, to your emotional or mental health, to your use of alcohol or drugs, or to another reason?

  1. Physical health
  2. Emotional or mental health (including stress)
  3. Use of alcohol or drugs
  4. Another reason
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week from which they were absent due to their own illness or disability

LBF_Q42
About how many hours a week [do/did] you usually work at your [job/business]? If you usually [work/worked] extra hours, paid or unpaid, please include these hours.

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 168)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q44
Which of the following best describes the hours you usually [work/worked]at your [job/business]?

Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.

  1. Regular - daytime schedule or shift (Go to LBF_Q46)
  2. Regular - evening shift
  3. Regular - night shift
  4. Rotating shift (change from days to evenings to nights)
  5. Split shift
  6. On call
  7. Irregular schedule
  8. Other - Specify (Go to LBF_S44)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to LBF_Q46)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months

Go to LBF_Q45.

LBF_S44

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months who stated “other” to best describe hours worked

LBF_Q45
What is the main reason that you [work/worked] this schedule?

  1. Requirement of job / no choice
  2. Going to school
  3. Caring for - own children
  4. Caring for - other relatives
  5. To earn more money
  6. Likes to work this schedule
  7. Other - Specify (Go to LBF_S45)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months who did not work a regular day time schedule or shift

Go to LBF_Q46.

LBF_S45

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months who stated “other” as the main reason they did not work a regular daytime schedule of shift

LBF_Q46
[Do/Did] you usually work on weekends at this [job/business]?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months
    If LBF_Q03 is equal to 1 or if LBF_Q23 is equal to 1, go to LBF_Q51.                       
    Otherwise, go to LBF_Q61.

LBF_Q51
You indicated that you [have/had] more than one job. For how many weeks in a row [have/did] you [worked/work] at more than one job (in the past 12 months)?

  • Interviewer: Obtain best estimate.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 52)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who indicated they worked more than 1 job during the previous week or that they worked more than 1 job during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q52
What is the main reason that you [work/worked] at more than one job?

  1. To meet regular household expenses
  2. To pay off debts
  3. To buy something special
  4. To save for the future
  5. To gain experience
  6. To build up a business
  7. Enjoys the work of the second job
  8. Other – Specify  (Go to LBF_S52)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who indicated they worked more than 1 job during the previous week or that they worked more than 1 job during the previous 12 months
    Go to LBF_Q53.

LBF_S52

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know And Refused Are Not Allowed
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who indicated they worked more than 1 job during the previous week or that they worked more than 1 job during the previous 12 months who stated “other” as the main reason they worked at more than 1 job

LBF_Q53
About how many hours a week [do/did] you usually work at your other job(s)? If you usually [work/worked] extra hours, paid or unpaid, please include these hours.

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 1; maximum is 168.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 168)
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who indicated they worked more than 1 job during the previous week or that they worked more than 1 job during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q54
[Do/Did] you usually work on weekends at your other job(s)?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who indicated they worked more than 1 job during the previous week or that they worked more than 1 job during the previous 12 months

LBF_Q61
During the past 52 weeks, how many weeks did you do any work at a job or a business? (Include paid vacation leave, paid maternity leave, and paid sick leave.)

  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 52)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months
  • If LBF_Q61 is equal to 52, go to LBF_END.
    If LBF_Q61 is equal to 51, go to LBF_Q71A.                       
    Otherwise, go to LBF_Q71.

LBF_Q71
During the past 52 weeks, how many weeks were you looking for work?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is 0; maximum is 52.
  • (insert respondent answer between 1 and 52)
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business for less than 51 weeks during the previous 52 weeks, or who tried to find work during the previous 12 months, or who did not work at a job or business during the previous 12 months and tried to find work during the previous 4 weeks
    Go to LBF_Q72.

LBF_Q71A
That leaves 1 week. During that week, did you look for work?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or worked at a job or business at any time during the previous 12 months who worked 51 of the previous 52 weeks

LBF_Q72
If LBF_Q61 is equal to NONRESPONSE or if LBF_Q71 is equal to NONRESPONSE, go to LBF_END.
           
If LBF_Q61 and LBF_Q71 are equal to 52, go to LBF_END.

That leaves some week(s) during which you were neither working nor looking for work. Is that correct?

  1. Yes
  2. No
    Respondents 15 to 75 years of age who, during the last 52 weeks, have a certain number of weeks during which they were neither working nor looking for work
    If LBF_Q01, LBF_Q02 or LBF_Q11 are equal to 1, go to LBF_Q73.
    Otherwise, go to LBF_END.

LBF_Q73
What is the main reason that you were not looking for work?

  • Interviewer: If more than one reason, choose the one that explains the most number of weeks.
    1. Own illness or disability  (Go to LBF_Q74)
    2. Caring for - own children
    3. Caring for - elder relatives
    4. Pregnancy (Females only)
    5. Other personal or family responsibilities
    6. Vacation
    7. Labour dispute (strike or lockout)
    8. Temporary layoff due to business conditions
    9. Seasonal layoff
    10. Casual job, no work available
    11. Work schedule (e.g., shift work)
    12. School or educational leave
    13. Retired
    14. Believes no work available (in area or suited to skills)
    15. Other – Specify (Go to LBF_S73)
      Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who tried to find work during the previous 4 weeks, or who were neither working nor looking for work during the time period they were not working 

Go to LBF_END.

LBF_S73

  • Interviewer: Specify.
  • (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents aged 15 to 75 who worked at a job or business during the previous week or who tried to find work during the previous 4 weeks, or who were neither working nor looking for work during the time period they were not working

LBF_Q74
Was that due to your physical health, to your emotional or mental health, to your use of alcohol or drugs, or to another reason?

  1. Physical health
  2. Emotional or mental health (including stress)
  3. Use of alcohol or drugs
  4. Another reason
    Respondents aged 15 to 75 who were not looking for work because of their ownillness or disability

LBF_END

Socio-demographic characteristics (SDC)

SDC_R11
Now some general background questions which will help us compare the health of people in Canada. It is important that we get this information from each individual that we interview, even those in the same family.

SDC_Q11
In what country were you born?

  1. Canada (Go to SDC_Q21)
  2. China
  3. France
  4. Germany
  5. Greece
  6. Guyana
  7. Hong Kong
  8. Hungary
  9. India
  10. Italy
  11. Jamaica
  12. Netherlands / Holland
  13. Philippines
  14. Poland
  15. Portugal
  16. United Kingdom
  17. United States
  18. Vietnam
  19. Sri Lanka
  20. Other - Specify (Go to SDC_S11)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SDC_Q21)
    All respondents
    Go to SDC_Q12

SDC_S11

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents who selected “other” as their country of birth

SDC_Q12
Were you born a Canadian citizen?

  1. Yes (Go to SDC_Q21)
  2. No
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SDC_Q21)
    Respondents born outside Canada

SDC_Q13
In what year did you first come to Canada to live?

  • Interviewer: Minimum is year of birth; maximum is current year.
  • (insert respondent answer between year of birth and current year)
  • Respondents born outside Canada who were not born a Canadian citizen

SDC_Q21
To which ethnic or cultural groups did your ancestors belong? (For example: French, Scottish, Chinese, East Indian)

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
  • If "Canadian" is the only response, probe. If the respondent hesitates, do not suggest Canadian. If the respondent answers “Eskimo”, enter “20”.
    1. Canadian
    2. French
    3. English
    4. German
    5. Scottish
    6. Irish
    7. Italian
    8. Ukrainian
    9. Dutch (Netherlands)
    10. Chinese
    11. Jewish
    12. Polish
    13. Portuguese
    14. South Asian (e.g. East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)
    15. Norwegian
    16. Welsh
    17. Swedish
    18. North American Indian
    19. Métis
    20. Inuit
    21. Other - Specify
  • All respondents
    Go to SDC_Q22

SDC_S21

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents who selected “other” for the ethnic or cultural groups to which their ancestors belonged

SDC_Q22
Are you an Aboriginal person, that is, North American Indian, Métis or Inuit?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to SDC_Q24)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to SDC_Q31)
    All respondents

SDC_Q23
Are you:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
     If respondent answers "Eskimo", enter "3".
    1. … North American Indian?
    2. … Métis?
    3. … Inuit?
  • Respondents who are Aboriginal persons
    Go to SDC_Q31.

SDC_Q24
People living in Canada come from many different cultural and racial backgrounds. Are you:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. … White?
    2. … Chinese?
    3. … South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)?
    4. … Black?
    5. … Filipino?
    6. … Latin American?
    7. … Southeast Asian (e.g., Cambodian, Indonesian, Laotian, Vietnamese)?
    8. … Arab?
    9. … West Asian (e.g., Afghan, Iranian)?
    10. … Japanese?
    11. … Korean?
    12. Other - Specify (Go to SDC_S24)
  • Respondents who are not Aboriginal persons
  • Go to SDC_Q31

SDC_S24

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents who are not Aboriginal persons and who selected “other” for their cultural and racial background

SDC_Q31
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    1. English
    2. French
    3. Arabic
    4. Chinese
    5. Cree
    6. German
    7. Greek
    8. Hungarian
    9. Italian
    10. Korean
    11. Persian (Farsi)
    12. Polish
    13. Portuguese
    14. Punjabi
    15. Spanish
    16. Tagalog (Filipino)
    17. Ukrainian
    18. Vietnamese
    19. Dutch
    20. Hindi
    21. Russian
    22. Tamil
    23. Other - Specify (Go to SDC_S31)
  • All respondents
    Go to SDC_Q32

SDC_S31

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents who selected “other” for a language in which they are able to conduct a conversation

SDC_Q32
What language do you speak most often at home?

  1. English
  2. French
  3. Arabic
  4. Chinese
  5. Cree
  6. German
  7. Greek
  8. Hungarian
  9. Italian
  10. Korean
  11. Persian (Farsi)
  12. Polish
  13. Portuguese
  14. Punjabi
  15. Spanish
  16. Tagalog (Filipino)
  17. Ukrainian
  18. Vietnamese
  19. Dutch
  20. Hindi
  21. Russian
  22. Tamil
  23. Other - Specify (Go to SDC_S32)
    All respondents Go to SDC_Q33

SDC_S32

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents who selected “other” for the language they speak most often at home

SDC_Q33
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?

  • Interviewer: Mark all that apply.
    If person can no longer understand the first language learned, mark the second.
    1. English
    2. French
    3. Arabic
    4. Chinese
    5. Cree
    6. German
    7. Greek
    8. Hungarian
    9. Italian
    10. Korean
    11. Persian (Farsi)
    12. Polish
    13. Portuguese
    14. Punjabi
    15. Spanish
    16. Tagalog (Filipino)
    17. Ukrainian
    18. Vietnamese
    19. Dutch
    20. Hindi
    21. Russian
    22. Tamil
    23. Other - Specify (Go to SDC_S33)
  • All respondents
    Go to SDC_END

SDC_S33

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
  • Respondents who selected “other” for the language that they first learned at home in childhood and can still understand

SDC_END

Education (EDU)

If AGE is less than 15, go to EDU_END.

EDU_R01
Next, education.

EDU_Q01
Are you currently attending a school, college or university?

  1. Yes
  2. No (Go to EDU_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to EDU_END)
    Respondents aged 15 and over

EDU_Q02
Are you enrolled as a full-time student or as a part-time student?

  1. Full-time
  2. Part-time
    Respondents aged 15 and over who are currently attending a school, college, or university

EDU_END

Income (INC)

If two respondents have been selected and the Income block has already been completed by the first respondent and the first respondent is more than 19 years old, then go to INC_Q31. Otherwise go to INC_R11.

If two respondents have been selected and the Income block has not been completed for either respondent and the first respondent is greater than 15 and less than 19 years old, then go to INC_Q31. Otherwise go to INC_R11.

INC_R11
Although many health expenses are covered by [provincial/territorial] health insurance, there is still a relationship between health and income. Please be assured that, like all other information you have provided, these answers will be kept strictly confidential. 

INC_Q11
Thinking about the total income for all household members, from which of the following sources did your household receive any income in the past 12 months?

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
    1. Wages and salaries
    2. Income from self-employment
    3. Dividends and interest (e.g., on bonds, savings)
    4. Employment insurance
    5. Worker’s compensation
    6. Benefits from Canada or Quebec Pension Plan
    7. Retirement pensions, superannuation and annuities
    8. Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement
    9. Child Tax Benefit
    10. Provincial or municipal social assistance or welfare
    11. Child support
    12. Alimony
    13. Other (e.g., rental income, scholarships)
    14. None (Go to INC_Q21)
      Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_END)
  • One adult respondent per household
    If more than one source of income is indicated, go to INC_Q12. Otherwise, go to INC_Q21.

INC_Q12
What was the main source of income?

  1. Wages and salaries
  2. Income from self-employment
  3. Dividends and interest (e.g., on bonds, savings)
  4. Employment insurance
  5. Worker’s compensation
  6. Benefits from Canada or Quebec Pension Plan
  7. Retirement pensions, superannuation and annuities
  8. Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement
  9. Child Tax Benefit
  10. Provincial or municipal social assistance or welfare
  11. Child support
  12. Alimony
  13. Other (e.g., rental income, scholarships)
    One adult respondent per household who has reported more than one source of household income

INC_Q21
What is your best estimate of the total income, before taxes and deductions, of  all household members from all sources in the past 12 months?

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 999995) (Go to INC_Q31)
    0 (Go to INC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to INC_Q22)
    One adult respondent per household who has reported a household income

INC_Q22
Can you estimate in which of the following groups your household income falls? Was the total household income less than $20,000 or $20,000 or more?

  1. Less than $20,000
  2. $20,000 or more (Go to INC_Q26)
  3. No income  (Go to INC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_END)
    One adult respondent per household who has reported a household income where the amount was unspecified

INC_Q23
Was the total household income from all sources less than $10,000 or $10,000 or more?

  1. Less than $10,000
  2. $10,000 or more (Go to INC_Q25)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_Q31)
    One respondent per household who has reported an unspecified household income amount of less than $20,000

INC_Q24
Was the total household income from all sources less than $5,000 or $5,000 or more?

  1. Less than $5,000
  2. $5,000 or more
    One respondent per household who has reported an unspecified household income amount of less than $10,000
    Go to INC_Q31

INC_Q25
Was the total household income from all sources less than $15,000 or $15,000 or more?

  1. Less than $15,000
  2. $15,000 or more
    One adult respondent per household who has reported an unspecified household income amount greater than $10,000 and less than $20,000
  3. Go to INC_Q31

INC_Q26
Was the total household income from all sources less than $40,000 or $40,000 or more?

  1. Less than $40,000
  2. $40,000 or more (Go to INC_Q28)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_Q31)
    One adult respondent per household who has reported an unspecified household income amount greater than $20,000

INC_Q27
Was the total household income from all sources less than $30,000 or $30,000 or more?

  1. Less than $30,000
  2. $30,000 or more
    One adult respondent per household who has reported an unspecified household income amount greater than $20,000 and less than $40,000
    Go to INC_Q31

INC_Q28
Was the total household income from all sources:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...less than $50,000?
    2. ...$50,000 to less than $60,000?
    3. ...$60,000 to less than $80,000?
    4. ...$80,000 to less than $100,000?
    5. ...$100,000 or more?
  • One adult respondent per household who has reported an unspecified household income amount greater than $40,000

INC_Q31
If AGE of current respondent is less than 15, go to INC_END.

What is your best estimate of your total personal income, before taxes and other deductions, from all sources in the past 12 months?

  • (insert respondent answer between 0 and 999995) (Go to INC_END)
    0  (Go to INC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused  (Go to INC_Q32)
  • Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported a household income

INC_Q32
Can you estimate in which of the following groups yourpersonal income falls? Was your total personal income less than $20,000 or $20,000 or more?

  1. Less than $20,000
  2. $20,000 or more (Go to INC_Q36)
  3. No income  (Go to INC_END)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_END)
    Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified amount for personal income

INC_Q33
Was your total personal income less than $10,000 or $10,000 or more?

  1. Less than $10,000
  2. $10,000 or more (Go to INC_Q35)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_END)
    Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified personal income amount less than $20,000

INC_Q34
Was your total personal income less than $5,000 or $5,000 or more?

  1. Less than $5,000
  2. $5,000 or more
    Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified personal income amount less than $10,000
    Go to INC_END

INC_Q35
Was your total personal income less than $15,000 or $15,000 or more?

  1. Less than $15,000
  2. $15,000 or more
    Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified personal income amount greater than $10,000
    Go to INC_END

INC_Q36
Was your total personal income less than $40,000 or $40,000 or more?

  1. Less than $40,000
  2. $40,000 or more (Go to INC_Q38)
    Don’t Know, Refused (Go to INC_END)
    Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified personal income amount greater than $20,000

INC_Q37
Was your total personal income less than $30,000 or $30,000 or more?

  1. Less than $30,000
  2. $30,000 or more
    Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified personal income amount less than $40,000
    Go to INC_END

INC_Q38
Was your total personal income:

  • Interviewer: Read categories to respondent.
    1. ...less than $50,000?
    2. ...$50,000 to less than $60,000?
    3. ...$60,000 to less than $80,000?
    4. ...$80,000 to less than $100,000?
    5. ...$100,000 or more?
  • Respondents aged 15 and over who have reported an unspecified personal income amount greater than $40,000

INC_END

Administration information (ADM)

ADM_N31

  • Interviewer: Is this a fictitious name for the respondent?
    1. Yes
    2. No  (Go to ADM_N35)
      Don’t Know (Go to ADM_N35)
      Note: Refused is not allowed.
      All respondents

ADM_N32

  • Interviewer: Remind respondent about the importance of getting correct names.
  • Do you want to make corrections to:
    1. … first name only?
    2. … last name only? (Go to ADM_N34)
    3. … both names?
    4. … no corrections? (Go to ADM_N35)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents who used a fictitious name during the interview

ADM_N33

  • Interviewer: Enter the first name only.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 25 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents who used fictitious first name, or first and last name, during the interview
    If ADM_N32 does not equal 3 (both names), go to ADM_N35.

ADM_N34

  • Interviewer: Enter the last name only.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 25 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents who used a fictitious last name, or first and last name, during the interview

ADM_N35

  • Interviewer: Was this interview conducted on the telephone or in person?
    1. On telephone
    2. In person
    3. Both
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    All respondents
    If proxy interview, go to ADM_N38.

ADM_N36

  • Interviewer: Was the respondent alone when you asked the health component questions?
    1. Yes (Go to ADM_N38)
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents aged 12 and over

ADM_N37

  • Interviewer: Do you think that the answers of the respondent were affected by someone else being there?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents aged 12 and over who were not alone when asked the health component questions

ADM_N38

  • Interviewer: Select the language of interview.
    01 English
    02 French
    03 Chinese
    04 Italian
    05 Punjabi
    06 Spanish
    07 Portuguese
    08 Polish
    09 German
    10 Vietnamese
    11 Arabic
    12 Tagalog
    13 Greek
    14 Tamil
    15 Cree
    16 Afghan
    17 Cantonese
    18 Hindi
    19 Mandarin
    20 Persian (Farsi)
    21 Russian
    22 Ukrainian
    23 Urdu
    24 Inuktitut
    25 Hungarian
    26 Korean
    27 Serbo-Croatian
    28 Gujarati
    29 Dari
    90 Other - Specify (Go to ADM_S38)
    (Don’t Know, Refused are not allowed)
    All respondents
    Go to ADM_END

ADM_S38

  • Interviewer: Specify.
    (insert respondent answer to a maximum of 80 characters)
  • Note: Don’t Know and Refused are not allowed
    Respondents who selected “other” for the language of the interview

ADM_END

Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)

Financial Information of Universities and Colleges – 2011/2012

General information

  • Name of University (or College)
  • Address
    • Street
    • City
    • Province
    • Postal Code
  • Fiscal year ending: Day Month Year
  • Name and title of respondent
  • Telephone
    • Area code
    • Number
    • Local
  • Fax
    • Area code
    • Number
  • E-mail address
  • Name of Senior Administrative Officer (if different from above)

Instructions

  1. Please read carefully the accompanying Guidelines.
  2. All amounts should be expressed in thousands of dollars ($000's).
  3. In the "Observations and Comments" section, please explain financial data that may not be comparable with the prior year.
  4. Please do not fill in shaded areas. All non-shaded cells should be completed.
    A nil entry should be indicated with a zero.
  5. Please complete and return the Transmittal Letter.

Reserved for Statistics Canada

  • Full-time equivalent
  • Report Status
  • Institution Code: cbeYYIII
  • Comments

 

Table 1.  Income by fund
Types of income Funds
  General operating Special purpose and trust Sponsored research Ancillary Capital Endowment Total funds
      Entities consolidated Entities not consolidated Sub-total        
  thousands of dollars
Government departments and agencies - grants and contracts                  
Federal                  
1. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council                  
2. Health Canada                  
3. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council                  
4. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)                  
5. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)                  
6. Canada Research Chairs                  
7. Other federal (see Table 6)                  
Other                  
8. Provincial (see Table 7)                  
9. Municipal                  
10. Other provinces                  
11. Foreign                  
Tuition and other fees                  
  12. Credit course tuition                  
  13. Non-credit tuition                  
  14. Other fees                  
Donations, including bequests                  
  15. Individuals                  
  16. Business enterprises                  
  17. Not-for-profit organizations                  
Non-government
grants and contracts		                  
  18. Individuals                  
  19. Business enterprises                  
  20. Not-for-profit organizations                  
Investment                  
  21. Endowment                  
  22. Other investment                  
Other                  
  23. Sale of services and products                  
  24. Miscellaneous                  
25. Total1                  
1.  The total for Sponsored research – Entities not consolidated must agree with the total for Sponsored research – Entities not consolidated in Table 2.

  Observations and comments

  • Description (Fund and type of income)
  • Comments

 

Table 2.  Expenditures by fund
Types of expenditures Funds
  General operating Special purpose and trust Sponsored research Ancillary Capital Endowment Total funds
      Entities consolidated Entities not consolidated Sub-total        
  thousands of dollars
Academic salaries                  
1. Academic ranks                  
2. Other instruction and research                  
3. Other salaries and wages                  
4. Benefits                  
5. Travel                  
6. Library acquisitions                  
7. Printing and duplicating                  
8. Materials and supplies                  
9. Communications                  
10. Other operational expenditures                  
11. Utilities                  
12. Renovations and alterations                  
13. Scholarships, bursaries and prizes                  
14. Externally contracted services                  
15. Professional fees                  
16. Cost of goods sold                  
17. Interest                  
18. Furniture and equipment purchase                  
19. Equipment rental and maintenance                  
20. Internal sales and cost recoveries                  
21. Sub-total                  
22. Buildings, land and land improvements                  
23. Lump sum payments                  
24. Total1                  
1.  The total for Sponsored research – Entities not consolidated must agree with the total for Sponsored research – Entities not consolidated in Table 1.

Observations and comments

  • Description (Fund and type of expenditure)
  • Comments

 

Table 3.  Statement of changes in net assets by fund
Objects Funds
  General operating Special purpose and trust Sponsored research Ancillary Capital Endowment Total funds
      Entities consolidated Entities not consolidated Sub-total        
  thousands of dollars
1. Net asset balances, beginning of year                  
2. Income (Table 1, line Total)                  
3. Expenditures (Table 2, line Total)                  
4. Prior year adjustments                  
5. Interfund transfers1                  
6. Add: borrowings                  
7. Deduct: principal portion of debt repayments                  
8. Interfund reallocations1                  
9. Add: capital expenditures                  
10. Deduct: amortization                  
11. Add or deduct: deferred income                  
12. Add or deduct: pension costs and vacation pay accrual                  
13. Add or deduct: future cost of employee benefits                  
14. Add or deduct: related or affilitated entities                  
15. Add or deduct: other (provide details in space below)                  
16. Net asset balances, end of year2

Net asset balances are comprised of:		                  
17. Unrestricted net assets                  
18. Investment in capital assets                  
19. Internally restricted net assets                  
20. Externally restricted net assets                  
21. Net asset balances, end of year2                  
1.  Total interfund transfers and interfund reallocations in column Total funds must net to zero for lines Interfund transfers and Interfund reallocations.
2.  The total for each column on Net asset balances, end of year (line 21) must agree with the total for each column on Net asset balances, end of year (line 16).

Observations and comments

  • Description (Fund and object)
  • Comments

 

Table 4.  General operating expenditures by function
Types of expenditures Functions
  Instruction and non-sponsored research Non-credit instruction Library Computing and communications Administration and general Student services Physical plant External Relations Total functions1
  thousands of dollars
Academic salaries                  
1. Academic ranks                  
2. Other instruction and research                  
3. Other salaries and wages                  
4. Benefits                  
5. Travel                  
6. Library acquisitions                  
7. Printing and duplicating                  
8. Materials and supplies                  
9. Communications                  
10. Other operational expenditures                  
11. Utilities                  
12. Renovations and alterations                  
13. Scholarships, bursaries and prizes                  
14. Externally contracted services                  
15. Professional fees                  
16. Cost of goods sold                  
17. Interest                  
18. Furniture and equipment purchase                  
19. Equipment rental and maintenance                  
20. Internal sales and cost recoveries                  
21. Sub-total                  
22. Buildings, land and land improvements                  
23. Lump sum payments                  
24. Total                  
1.  The amounts in column Total functions should agree with the amounts in column General operating in Table 2.

Observations and comments

  • Description (Function and type of expenditure)
  • Comments

 

Table 5.  Affiliation report
Code Legal Name of Affiliated Institution Category of Affiliation
  Health Research Institute Other Research Institute Affiliated Hospital Other Affiliated Institution Associated Hospital Other Associated Institution Federated Institution Basis of Reporting  Amount Included in Annual Return ($000's)
                Included Excluded  
  For columns 1 to 9, indicate with an "x" in the appropriate column. Columns 1 to 9 are in order: Health Research Institute; Other Research Institute; Affiliated Hospital; Other Affiliated Institution; Associated Hospital; Other Associated Institution; Federated Institution; Basis of Reporting–Including; and finally Basis of Reporting–Excluding
Part I:  Separate legal entities consolidated
1.                    
2.                    
3.                    
4.                    
5.                    
6.                    
7.                    
8.                    
9.                    
10.                    
  For columns 1 to 7, indicate with an "x" in the appropriate column.Columns 1 to 7 are in order: Health Research Institute; Other Research Institute; Affiliated Hospital; Other Affiliated Institution; Associated Hospital; Other Associated Institution; and finally Federated Institution.
Part II:  Separate legal entities not consolidated
List each separate legal entity over $100,000
11.                    
12.                    
13.                    
14.                    
15.                    
16.                    
17.                    
18.                    
19. Total of all other legal entities under $100,000                    
20. Total1                    
1.  The total for Amount Included in Annual Return must agree with the total amount reported for Sponsored research – Entities not consolidated in Table 1, as well as the total amount reported for Sponsored research – Entities not consolidated in Table 2.

Observations and comments

  • Description (Function and type of expenditure)
  • Comments

 

Table 6.  Other federal government departments and agencies – Grants and contracts
Source of grant/contract Funds
  General operating Special purpose and trust Sponsored research Ancillary Capital Endowment Total funds
      Entities consolidated Entities not consolidated Sub-total        
  thousands of dollars
1. A. Indirect costs of research                  
B. Separately list each department and agency over $100,000:
2.                  
3.                  
4.                  
5.                  
6.                  
7.                  
8.                  
9.                  
10.                  
11.                  
12.                  
13.                  
14.                  
15.                  
16.                  
17.                  
18.                  
19.                  
20.                  
21.                  
22.                  
23.                  
24.                  
25. C. Total of all departments and agencies under $100,000                  
26. Total1                  
1.  The total of each column must agree with the appropriate column for Government departments and agencies - grants and contracts, Other federal in Table 1.

Observations and comments

  • Description
  • Comments

 

Table 7.  Provincial government departments and agencies – Grants and contracts
Source of grant/contract Funds
  General operating Special purpose and trust Sponsored research Ancillary Capital Endowment Total funds
      Entities consolidated Entities not consolidated Sub-total        
  thousands of dollars
A. Ministry responsible (total grants and contracts):
1.                  
2. CFI matching funds                  
B. Other (list each department and agency over $100,000):
3.                  
4.                  
5.                  
6.                  
7.                  
8.                  
9.                  
10.                  
11.                  
12.                  
13.                  
14.                  
15.                  
16.                  
17.                  
18.                  
19.                  
20.                  
21.                  
22.                  
23.                  
24. C. Total of all departments and agencies under $100,000                  
25. Total1                  
1.  The total of each column must agree with the appropriate column for Government departments and agencies - grants and contracts, Provincial in Table 1.

Observations and comments

  • Description
  • Comments

Guidelines Financial Information of Universities and Colleges Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) 2011/2012

I. Preamble

A. General
B. Limitations

II. General Information

A. Financial Reporting by Institutions
B. Users of the Annual Return
C. Prescribed Reporting Practices
D. Reconciliation to Audited Financial Statements
E. Uniform Reporting Practices
1. Basis of Consolidation
2. Funds
3. Accrual Concept
4. Funds Flow Approach
5. Guidance on Use of the Correct Fund
6. Capital Assets
7. Vacation Pay, Pension Costs and Future Benefits
8. Sales and Cost Recoveries
9. Interfund Transfers
10. Gifts-In-Kind
11. Internally Restricted Net Assets
12. Borrowing and Principal Repayment
13. Full Costing of Ancillary Services
14. Use of Estimates
15. Double Counting

III. Detailed Instructions for Institutions Reporting Financial Data

A. Comparable Financial Data
B. Annual Return
C. Definitions, Explanations and Examples
1. Funds
2. Income by Fund (Table 1)
3. Expenditures by Fund (Table 2)
4. Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (Table 3)
5. General Operating Expenditures by Function (Table 4)
6. Affiliation Report (Table 5)
7. Other Federal Government Departments and Agencies – Grants and Contracts (Table 6)
8. Provincial Government Departments and Agencies – Grants and Contracts (Table 7)

I. Preamble

Financial Information of Universities and Colleges is an annual publication prepared by Statistics Canada for the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO). CAUBO obtains the financial data for the publication by undertaking an annual survey of its degree granting member institutions. Users have indicated that the publication is a comprehensive reference source for the financial data of universities and colleges in Canada.

The financial data in the publication is based on an annual return completed and submitted by each member institution. The hard copy of the publication reports the financial data individually, by institution, and in aggregate, by province, region and nationally.

A. General

These Guidelines are intended to assist both users and preparers of the financial data reported in the annual return; specifically, these Guidelines will assist

  • Users –
    • to understand the limitations of the financial data;
    • to understand the different and distinct purposes between an institution’s audited financial statements, its internal management reports and its annual return; and,
    • to understand, in general terms, the prescribed reporting practices underlying the financial data in the annual return.
  • Preparers –
    • to understand, in general terms, the users of the annual return and their information requirements;
    • to appreciate the differences between accounting principles for audited financial statements, internal management reports and prescribed reporting practices; and,
    • to appreciate that the financial data in the annual return must be consistent from one year to the next, and comparable between institutions.

The Guidelines are organized as follows:

Section II provides general information for both users and preparers of the annual return. This section discusses financial reporting by institutions and identifies the users of the annual return and their needs, as well as the relationship of generally accepted accounting principles to the financial data and the prescribed reporting practices underlying that data.

This section will assist users and preparers of the annual return to appreciate the differences between accounting principles for audited financial statements and prescribed reporting practices for the annual return. In addition, by understanding the information requirements of the users of the annual return, preparers should be better able to complete the annual return form in a manner that encourages consistency in reported data for each institution over time and, in accordance with the Guidelines, facilitates comparability between institutions.

Section III provides detailed instructions for institutions reporting financial data. This is the “how-to” section for preparers to refer to when completing the annual return, and will be of interest to users who seek additional information on specific terms or particular line items used in the annual return.

B. Limitations

While users require financial data that are consistent from one year to the next and comparable between institutions, users must also appreciate that notwithstanding the use of detailed Guidelines to assist preparers, there are limitations in the comparability of the data. The data is most useful when aggregated and used for trend analysis. As users move from aggregated data to data that directly compares institutions, either individually or even between provinces or regions, the comparability of the data has limitations.

Limitations in the comparability of the data can result because of differences in the underlying accounting practices followed by institutions. Even the most stringent of reporting guidelines cannot eliminate differences resulting from different underlying accounting practices. Limitations can also result from other inherent differences. Institutional comparisons are subject to interpretation and clarification because of differences such as size, academic programs, structure, physical environment, management philosophy, and budgetary and accounting procedures. Interregional comparisons must also recognize differences such as various sources of funding, fiscal year-end dates varying from March 31st to June 30th, and variations in provincial policies and provincial funding responsibilities.

Specific examples where differences between institutions result in limitations in the comparability of financial data include:

  • Definition of research – The definition of research used by an institution will determine the income and expenditures that are reported in the Sponsored research fund. For example, clinical trials may or may not be defined as research and therefore may or may not be reported as sponsored research expenditures.
  • Hospitals and hospital based medical research – The amount and level of detail reported by institutions for hospitals and for hospital based medical research varies depending upon the corporate relationship between the institution and the hospital.
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – Provincial matching grants – while an institution separately reports certain specific provincial government grants that are earmarked as CFI matching grants, not all provincial CFI matching grants are separately reported because not all are specific and earmarked.
  • Internal sales and cost recoveries – Depending upon particular management information systems and business practices, an institution may report amounts by reducing offsetting expenditures or as internal cost recoveries.
  • Computing and communication costs – The amount reported by institutions for computing and for communication costs will vary depending upon whether an institution has a centralized or decentralized structure for computing and for communications.

In addition, comparisons of financial data over multiple years should be done with caution because of changes in generally accepted accounting principles that could alter the underlying data and changes in the Guidelines that govern the reporting of the data.

II. General Information

This section provides general information for both users and preparers of the annual return. It discusses financial reporting by institutions and identifies the users of the annual return and their needs, as well as the relationship of generally accepted accounting principles to the financial data and the prescribed reporting practices underlying that data.

This section will assist users and preparers of the annual return to appreciate the differences between accounting principles for audited financial statements and prescribed reporting practices for the annual return. In addition, by understanding the information requirements of the users of the annual return, preparers should be better able to complete the annual return in a manner that encourages consistency in reported data for each institution over time and, in accordance with the Guidelines, facilitates comparability between institutions.

A. Financial Reporting by Institutions

As previously stated, the CAUBO annual return is a comprehensive reference source for the financial data of universities and colleges in Canada. The annual return, however, is not the only source for financial information for individual institutions. An institution’s primary financial report is its annual financial statements.

An institution’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are subject to audit by external auditors. The financial statements are a public document and represent an accounting by the institution’s Board of its financial stewardship of the institution as a whole.

An institution’s annual return is prepared in accordance with prescribed reporting practices. An institution’s annual return is not subject to audit, but is reconciled to its audited financial statements. The annual return is also available to the public, but rather than representing an accounting of financial stewardship, the annual return provides financial data for statistical comparisons among institutions and for trend analysis.

These two reports serve different and distinct purposes. Using audited financial statements, detailed comparisons of financial data between institutions are difficult, if not impossible. For statistical comparisons between institutions and for trend analysis, users of the financial data should refer to the CAUBO annual return. While the CAUBO annual return reports financial data that is more comparable between institutions and lends itself to validation, users should be aware of the limitations in the comparability of the data (see Section I.B).

B. Users of the Annual Return

Participating institutions submit the completed annual return to CAUBO for data verification and compilation by Statistics Canada. Once compiled and published, comparative statistics can be calculated and analyzed either for all institutions combined or for a group of institutions based on one or more characteristics common to the group. Examples of common characteristics include size, location, graduate programs and medicine.

The financial data is used for many and varied purposes. For example, at the aggregate level, the annual return is the principal source of financial data for the estimates of higher education research and development expenditures that are reported in Canada, and reported internationally, for Canada. At the institutional level, the financial data is used to establish the eligibility levels for funding under programs such as the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

The financial data is available to many and varied users. Common users include Statistics Canada and clients of Statistics Canada, associations such as AUCC (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada), granting councils, other Federal and Provincial government departments and agencies, university analysts and other internal university constituencies, and the external research community.

By identifying users of the annual return and understanding their information requirements, reporting practices that best meet user needs can be determined. A point that cannot be overemphasized, however, is that the financial data reported by each institution will only be useful to users of the annual return when the data has been prepared consistently over time and has been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines to facilitate comparability between institutions.

C. Prescribed Reporting Practices

The audited financial statements of reporting institutions are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). For individual institutions, adherence to GAAP results in consistency of reported financial results from one year to the next.

In certain situations, however, GAAP permits individual institutions to choose between equally acceptable alternatives. To the extent institutions make different choices, the financial data, while consistent for one institution from one year to the next, may not be comparable between institutions. As an example, institutions can choose either the deferral or restricted fund method of revenue recognition, and reporting nuances of each method may make comparisons between institutions difficult.

In addition to the differences that exist between the financial data of institutions when they choose different practices from equally acceptable alternatives, the users of the annual return may require, in certain situations, financial data based on an accounting practice that deviates from GAAP. For example, users of capital expenditure data generally require line item reporting of income and expenditures based on the flow of funds, rather than on capitalized and amortized amounts.

By way of highlights, users and preparers of the financial data should note the following points that apply to the annual return, even though they may represent differences from the practices normally followed by individual institutions in reporting financial information:

  • Restricted funds include both external and internal restrictions, rather than external only.
  • Certain restricted income not expended in the year, such as income in the Sponsored research fund, is reported on the funds flow approach, rather than deferred (see Section II.E.4).
  • Capital expenditures are reported on the funds flow approach, rather than capitalized and amortized (see Section II.E.6).
  • Certain expenditures, such as vacation pay, pension costs and future benefits, are reported on the cash basis, rather than accrued (see Section II.E.7).
  • Institutions are encouraged to minimize interfund transfers by reporting income and the corresponding expenditures in the same fund (see Section II.E.9).
  • Users require income and expenditure data, only; therefore, a complete set of financial statements is not reported.

These Guidelines are not intended to conform an institution’s annual return to its financial statements or its internal management reports. The prescribed practices, including the uniform reporting practices that follow, may or may not be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These Guidelines are intended to promote comparability of financial data between institutions, while maintaining consistency.

D. Reconciliation to Audited Financial Statements

By following prescribed reporting practices, each institution will have one or more differences between its annual return and its audited financial statements. To ensure credibility of the financial data reported by an institution, each is required to reconcile the data in its annual return to its audited financial statements.

The reconciliation is reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (Section III.C.4). While the types of items causing the differences between the two reports may vary among institutions, the number of such items is relatively few. The common reconciling items have been identified and can be reported on specified lines in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund.

E. Uniform Reporting Practices

For comparability of financial data between institutions, while maintaining consistency, reporting institutions and the preparers of the annual return within those institutions must comply with the Guidelines in general, and specifically with the uniform reporting practices. The uniform reporting practices, and the detailed instructions that follow in Section III, have been developed recognizing that balance is required between the information requirements of the users of the annual return and the response burden that is placed on the preparers. The uniform reporting practices are as follows:

1. Basis of Consolidation

For related and affiliated entities and except for certain research activities as noted below, each institution is to report financial data in the annual return on the same basis as that used for its consolidated financial statements. If the financial data for the entity is only reported in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, then the financial data is not reported in the annual return. To allow users to better understand the contents of the annual return and its limitations, each reporting institution is required to complete an affiliation report providing information for each legal entity that is consolidated with the annual return (see Section III.C.6 – Part I).

Sponsored research data are sometimes used for allocation purposes and users often look to the sponsored research reported by institutions as the main source of data for total funding of research activities of academic staff in Canada. As a result, institutions may wish to report separately certain additional research activities of their academic staff.  Therefore, as an exception to the above practice whereby financial data in the annual return is reported on the same basis as that used for the consolidated financial statements, institutions are permitted, under certain conditions, to report separately sponsored research that is granted to academic staff of the reporting institution, but conducted in entities that are not consolidated (see Section III.C.1 – Sponsored research). Institutions that report sponsored research data that is conducted in entities that are not consolidated are required to complete an affiliation report identifying each non-consolidated entity and the amount included in the annual return (see Section III.C.6 – Part II).

Given the different relationships existing across Canada between institutions and their affiliated hospitals, for example, this exception will also increase the comparability of research data across institutions.

For clarity, the financial data for a Charitable Foundation will only be included in the annual return if the Charitable Foundation is consolidated in the financial statements of the institution.

2. Funds

The financial data will be reported following a form of fund accounting. Fund accounting classifies resources for accounting and reporting purposes in accordance with activities or objectives as specified by donors, in accordance with regulations, restrictions, or limitations imposed by sources outside the institution, or in accordance with directions issued by the governing body of the institution.

A fund is an accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts for recording assets, liabilities, a fund balance, and changes in the fund balance. Funds have been identified as either unrestricted or restricted. Restricted funds, other than Endowment, account for resources that may be used for current purposes, but with some limitations imposed by external or internal sources.

For accounting and reporting purposes, institutions combine the funds with similar characteristics into distinct fund groups. The fund groups reported in the annual return, with a brief explanation of each, are as follows:

General operating is an unrestricted fund that accounts for the institution’s primary operating activities of instruction and research, other than sponsored research.

Special purpose and trust is a restricted fund. The funds, including donations, may be restricted by external sources, or internally restricted by the institution’s governing body, for purposes other than sponsored research (Sponsored research fund), or capital (Capital fund).

Sponsored research is a restricted fund that accounts for income and expenditures for all sponsored research. Amounts are separately reported for entities consolidated and entities not consolidated (see Section II.E.1).

Ancillary is an unrestricted fund that separately accounts for all “sales-producing” operations or “selfsupporting” activities that are supplementary to the institution’s primary operating activities of instruction and research.

Capital is a restricted fund that accounts for resources provided to the institution for capital purposes and not reported in any other fund.

Endowment is a restricted fund that accounts for the capitalization of externally or internally restricted amounts, primarily donations, which cannot be spent.

Section III.C.1 provides additional information and explanatory comments on each of the above funds.

3. Accrual Concept

As a general reporting practice, institutions follow the accrual, rather than the cash basis of accounting. The accrual concept refers to the method of recording transactions where income is reported in the period in which the income is considered to have been earned, rather than received; and expenditures, in the period in which the expenditures are considered to have been incurred, rather than disbursed. An example of the application of this concept to an income item is the accrual for interest earned, but not received; and, to an expenditure item, is the accrual for retroactive salary costs earned, but not paid.

Exceptions in the annual return to the accrual concept include –

  • the funds flow approach for reporting income in the Special purpose and trust, and Sponsored research funds (see Section II.E.4),
  • the funds flow approach for reporting income and expenditures for capital asset transactions (see Section II.E.4), and
  • the cash basis for reporting vacation pay, pension costs and future benefits (see Section II.E.7).

4. Funds Flow Approach

For specific types of activities, income will be reported in the annual return following a funds flow approach; that is, for both Special purpose and trust, and Sponsored research (see Section III.C.1), the funds are reported as income in the period in which the funds are received or receivable. The corresponding expenditures, on the other hand, are reported consistent with the accrual concept; that is, in the period in which the expenditures are incurred. For example, when an institution is awarded a research contract, the income is reported when the funds are received or receivable under the terms of the contract.

For CAUBO reporting purposes, income and the corresponding expenditures are to be reported in the same fund (see Section II.E.9).

Where an institution defers the income noted above in its audited financial statements, the difference between the funds flow approach and the deferral method must be a reconciling item in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund between the institution’s annual return and its audited financial statements (see Section III.C.4 – line 11).

5. Guidance on Use of the Correct Fund

For all funds the matching principle applies; that is the revenue and related expenditure should be recorded in the same fund. it is not as straightforward to decide whether the revenue or expenditure source should dictate the fund where they are recorded. Depending upon the fund, there is not one method that says that expenditures should be recorded in the same fund as the revenue (expenditures follow revenues) or vice versa (revenues follow expenditures). Other reporting considerations have taken precedence over this consideration. However, while the applicable method may not be consistent across all funds, it is consistent within a given fund. The following shows the method to follow for each fund:

Operating Fund – expenditures follow revenues; Special Purpose & Trust Fund – expenditures follow revenues; Sponsored Research Fund – expenditures follow revenues; Ancillary Fund – expenditures follow revenues; Endowment Fund – revenues follow expenditures; Capital Fund – expenditures follow revenues.

6. Capital Assets

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

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

The difference between the funds flow approach and capitalized and amortized expenditures must be a reconciling item in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund between the institution’s annual return and its audited financial statements (see Section III.C.4 – lines 9 and 10).

7. Vacation Pay, Pension Costs and Future Benefits

Vacation pay, pension costs and future benefits, including benefits arising as a result of early retirement, are to be reported on the cash basis. The cash basis refers to the method of recording transactions where expenditures are reported in the period in which cash is disbursed.

Where an institution accrues the expenditures noted above in its audited financial statements, the difference between the cash basis and the accrual basis must be a reconciling item in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund between the institution’s annual return and its audited financial statements (see Section III.C.4 – lines 12 and 13).

8. Sales and Cost Recoveries

The practices followed by institutions in reporting sales and cost recoveries in their financial records vary significantly and, for the most part, are dependent upon the particular management information systems and business practices of the respective institutions.

For the annual return, as a general practice, sales and cost recovery amounts are to be reported at “gross”, rather than “net”. “Gross” means that the sales and the corresponding cost are reported as separate items. “Net” means that the sales and corresponding cost are combined, and the difference is reported as a separate item. Reporting amounts at “gross” provides users of the financial data with better information than reporting at “net”.

Sales and cost recovery transactions can generally be classified as external sales, internal sales, external cost recoveries and internal cost recoveries.

  • (a) External sales and external cost recoveries – “third party” transactions, where the price to the external party is determined based on either the commercial value of the services or product, or the cost of the services or product. The price may or may not include a profit component.
  • (b) Internal sales – transactions between funds or functions, where the price to the internal party is determined based on either the commercial value of the services or product, or the cost of the services or product. The price includes a profit component. Internal sales exclude transactions based specifically on indirect or overhead costs. For the purposes of the annual return, internal sales will be categorized by those sales originating from ancillary services (see Section III.C.1 – Ancillary) and those sales originating from other funds or functions.
  • (c) Internal cost recoveries – the recovery, allocation, charge-out or transfer of costs between funds or functions. Internal cost recoveries refers specifically to indirect or overhead costs.

External sales, external cost recoveries and internal sales originating from ancillary services are to be reported as sale of services and products (see Section III.C.2 – line 25).

As an exception to reporting amounts at “gross”, and also to avoid double counting of income and expenditures, the preferred method of reporting internal sales, other than those originating from ancillary services, is to report the amounts at “net”. To report at “net”, income in the fund or function selling the services or product is netted against the expenditures in that same fund or function. The fund or function purchasing the services or product reports the expenditure. Alternatively, where “netting” is not possible or feasible within a fund or function, the internal sales can be reported separately under an expenditure line item (a recovery) in both the fund or function selling the services or product and the fund or function purchasing the services or product (see Section III.C.3 – line 20).

Internal cost recoveries are also to be reported in such a manner as to avoid double counting of expenditures. The preferred method is direct allocation – that is, by reducing the expenditure types in the fund or function from which the costs are allocated, offset with a corresponding increase in the same expenditure types in the fund or function to which the costs are allocated. This approach provides users with better functional comparisons of individual expenditure line items. Alternatively, where direct allocation is not possible or feasible, the internal cost recoveries can be reported separately under an expenditure line item (a recovery) in the fund or function from and to which the costs are allocated (see Section III.C.3 –line 20).

9. Interfund Transfers

Situations arise where in the normal course of operations, an institution reports income in one fund, but reports the corresponding expenditure in another fund. In such situations, the institution records a transfer from the fund in which the income was received, to the fund in which it is expended. This transfer is referred to as an interfund transfer.

These Guidelines encourage institutions to report, to the extent possible, income and the corresponding expenditure in the same fund. For example, capital expenditures are to be reported in the same fund as the corresponding income and investment income earned on trust and endowment funds is to be reported in the same fund as the corresponding expenditures. This approach provides users with better financial data to calculate statistics such as the relationship between income and expenditures, by fund.

The transfer of an operating surplus from the Ancillary fund to the General operating fund is an example of an interfund transfer. Other examples include interfund transfers approved by the institution’s governing body. Interfund transfers are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4 – lines 5 and 8).

10. Gifts-In-Kind

Gifts-in-kind that are recorded in an institution’s audited financial statements will be reported in the annual return as both an income and expenditure item. As an income and expenditure item, gifts-in-kind must be reported consistent with the CAUBO uniform reporting practices.

11. Internally Restricted Net Assets

Internally restricted net assets or fund balances are commonly referred to as appropriations or reserves. Changes in fund balances reported in an institution’s financial statements occur in part as a result of approved transfers or the appropriation of funds for specific future purposes. For the annual return, an increase or transfer to appropriations should not be recorded as an expenditure, nor should a decrease or transfer from appropriations be recorded as income (see Section III.C.4 – line 19).

12. Borrowing and Principal Repayment

The borrowing and repayment of principal will not be reported as income or expenditure. Any such amounts, however, will be separately reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4 – lines 6 and 7). However, interest payments will be reported as expenditures in the appropriate fund.

13. Full Costing of Ancillary Services

Ancillary services (see Section III.C.1 – Ancillary) should include all direct expenditures and cost allocations related to ancillary operations. Cost allocations, for example, should include a reasonable allocation for utility (unless the utility is an ancillary service) and plant maintenance, and for the institution’s management and administrative support. Cost allocations to ancillary services are internal cost recoveries (see Section II.E.8) in the fund or function from which the costs are allocated.

14. Use of Estimates

To complete the annual return in accordance with these uniform reporting practices, costs may have to be allocated among funds and functions. Where cost allocations are required, the allocations can be based on best estimates.

15. Double Counting

In certain situations, an institution receives funds and subsequently disburses or transfers all or part of the funds to one or more related or affiliated entities that are included in the annual return. These entities could be included in the annual return for either reason noted in the uniform reporting practice on “Basis of Consolidation” (see Section II.E.1). In such situations, the institution submitting the annual return must ensure that total income and total expenditures are only reported once. The types of income to be reported should correspond to the original source of the funds. The types of expenditures to be reported should correspond to the final use of the funds. The intervening disbursements or transfers of funds between related or affiliated entities should not be reported. Furthermore, the institution must ensure that the income and expenditures are reported in the same fund (see Section II.E.9).

Also, care should be exercised in situations where a reporting institution receives funds and subsequently disburses or transfers all or part of the funds to other reporting member institutions of CAUBO. This is particularly important in the case of large research grants such as Networks of Centres of Excellence, where one institution, the administrative centre, is responsible for disbursing funds to other participating institutions. In such situations, the reporting institution should report the funds received “net” of the funds disbursed or transferred. This practice avoids double counting of income and expenditures when annual return data is aggregated for provincial, regional and national totals.

III. Detailed Instructions for Institutions Reporting Financial Data

This section provides detailed instructions for institutions reporting financial data. This is the “how-to” section for preparers to refer to when completing the annual return, and will be of interest to users who seek additional information on specific terms or particular line items used in the annual return. Preparers of the financial data should review the previous sections of the Guidelines before proceeding.

A. Comparable Financial Data

Normally, the criteria for placement of a particular income or expenditure item within a fund or function in the annual return is the same as that used by an institution in its financial statements or internal management reports. However, where the Guidelines specifically designate the placement of an item, the item must be shown under the designated heading regardless of the institution’s practice. Consequently, the classification of activities or items of income and expenditure in the annual return may differ from the classification used by an institution in its financial statements or internal management reports. For example, health services and athletics are to be reported in the Student services function in the annual return (see Section III.C.5 – Student services) although they may be reported as ancillary services in the institution’s financial statements or internal management reports.

The financial data reported by each institution will only be useful to users of the annual return when the data has been prepared consistently over time and is comparable to other institutions. In order to satisfy user information needs, preparers must comply with these Guidelines.

B. Annual Return

The detailed financial data requested in the annual return is reported in Tables 1 to 7. The contents of the annual return are as follows:

  • General Information and Instructions
  • Table 1. Income by Fund
  • Table 2. Expenditures by Fund
  • Table 3. Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund
  • Table 4. General Operating Expenditures by Function
  • Table 5. Affiliation Report
    • Part I: Separate Legal Entities Consolidated
    • Part II: Separate Legal Entities not Consolidated
  • Table 6. Other Federal Government Departments and Agencies – Grants and Contracts
  • Table 7. Provincial Government Departments and Agencies – Grants and Contracts

In certain situations, an institution may determine that while it has complied with the Guidelines, it has provided financial data that may not be comparable to other institutions. In such situations, the institution can provide either accompanying notes of explanation, or observations and comments in the space provided at the bottom of each Table. This additional information would be useful for Statistics Canada in its review of the annual return for reasonableness. Examples could be any “material” extraordinary or non-recurring income or expenditure item included in a fund and/or functional area.

An institution may also use the space provided at the bottom of each Table for any observations and comments that the institution wishes to make regarding items not covered in the annual return.

Preparers should recognize that users of the annual return are prepared to accept reasonable allocations where exact numbers are not available (see Section II.E.14).

C. Definitions, Explanations and Examples

The funds are discussed first to assist the preparer to segregate the various income and expenditure items for reporting purposes. The financial data should be reported by fund in Tables 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 of the annual return. Following the discussion of funds, the financial data to be reported on the applicable lines in each Table is discussed.

1. Funds

Fund accounting (see Section II.E.2) classifies resources for accounting and reporting purposes in accordance with activities or objectives as specified by donors, in accordance with regulations, restrictions, or limitations imposed by sources outside the institution (external restrictions) or in accordance with directions issued by the governing body (internal restrictions). Funds have been identified as either unrestricted or restricted. Restricted funds, other than Endowment, account for resources that may be used for current purposes, but with some limitations imposed by external or internal sources.

For accounting and reporting purposes, institutions combine the funds with similar characteristics into distinct fund groups. For the annual return, the fund groups are General operating, Special purpose and trust, Sponsored research, Ancillary, Capital, and  Endowment.

Preparers should note the following:

  • restricted funds include both external and internal restrictions,
  • income and expenditure within Sponsored research is separately reported for entities consolidated and entities not consolidated (see Section II.E.1),
  • interfund transfers should be minimized by reporting income and the corresponding expenditure in the same fund (see Section II.E.9),
  • differences resulting from compliance with the uniform reporting practices in these Guidelines (see Section II.E) and the principles followed in the institution’s financial statements will be reconciling items in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4).

General operating is an unrestricted fund that accounts for the institution’s primary operating activities of instruction and research, other than sponsored research. The general operating fund includes the costs of privately funded and non-credit programs.

Fund income includes provincial government grants (including research other than sponsored research), student tuition and other fees (for credit and noncredit courses), and income from private and other unrestricted sources. Fund income also includes investment income, if the corresponding expenditures are reported in the General operating fund.

Fund expenditures are for the general operating costs of the institution including instruction and research (other than sponsored research), academic support services, library, student services, administrative services, plant maintenance, external relations and other operating expenditures of the institution. Fund expenditures also include the purchase of capital assets, if the corresponding income is reported in the General operating fund.

Special purpose and trust is a restricted fund. The funds, including donations, may be restricted by external sources, or internally restricted by the institution’s governing body, for purposes other than sponsored research (Sponsored research fund), or capital (Capital fund). Income is to be reported following the funds flow approach (see Section II.E.4).

Fund income includes designated gifts, benefactions and grants. Fund income also includes investment income, if the corresponding expenditures are reported in the Special purpose and trust fund.

Fund expenditures include the purchase of capital assets, if the corresponding income is reported in the Special purpose and trust fund.

Sponsored research is a restricted fund that accounts for income and expenditures for all sponsored research. Amounts are separately reported for entities consolidated and entities not consolidated (see Section II.E.1). Income is to be reported following the funds flow approach (see Section II.E.4).

Fund income includes funds to support research paid either in the form of a grant or by means of a contract from a source external to the institution. Income sources include government, private industry and donors. The federal grant allocation for Indirect Costs of Research would be included here. The corresponding expenditures should be reported as an internal cost recovery between the Operating and Sponsored Research Funds, similar to the treatment of overheads. Fund income also includes investment income, if the corresponding expenditures are reported in the Sponsored research fund.

Fund expenditures include activity funded from Sponsored research income and exclude activity funded from the General operating fund. Fund expenditures include the purchase of capital assets, if the corresponding income is reported in the Sponsored research fund. Fund expenditures also include internal cost recoveries (see Section II.E.8).

Funds from Canada Foundation for Innovation, along with applicable matching funds, are to be reported as Sponsored research income. The corresponding expenditures, including the purchase of capital assets, are to be reported as Sponsored research expenditures.

Funding related to Canada Research Chairs are to be reported as Sponsored Research income. The corresponding expenditures, including the purchase of capital assets, are to be reported as Sponsored Research expenditures.

Within the Sponsored research fund, the first column in the applicable Tables is used to report income and expenditures for entities consolidated, and the second column, for entities not consolidated. Both columns combined represent the total Sponsored research reported by the institution. For the first column, “Entities Consolidated”, reported amounts are based on the financial data of entities included in the consolidated financial statements of the institution.

For the second column, “Entities not Consolidated”, institutions are permitted to separately report sponsored research, including hospital based medical research funding, that is granted to academic staff of the reporting institution, but conducted in entities that are not consolidated. Reporting of the sponsored research is permitted if all the following four conditions are met:

  • the entity not consolidated must be an affiliated institution as established by an affiliation agreement with the reporting institution. The term affiliated institution refers to all federated, affiliated and associated entities (see Section III.C.6).
  • academic staff from the reporting institution lead the sponsored research project and conduct the research at the non-consolidated affiliated institution,
  • the financial data (income and expenditure) for the sponsored research are reported in the financial statements of the non-consolidated affiliated institution, and
  • the sponsored research would be reported in the Sponsored research fund had the research been conducted at the reporting institution, rather than at the affiliated institution.

In addition, for “Entities not Consolidated”, the amounts reported as income (Table 1, line 27, column 4) must equal the amounts reported as expenditures (Table 2, line 24, column 4).

To provide financial data that is consistent and comparable, the income and expenditure items for sponsored research for entities not consolidated are to be reported in accordance with these Guidelines. Although this financial data has not been subject to audit by the reporting institution, there is an expectation that the data has adequately documented support.

Institutions that report sponsored research for such entities are required to

  • acknowledge and represent in the Transmittal Letter that the four conditions above have been met, and
  • complete Part II of Table 5 identifying each entity and the amounts reported in the annual return (see Section III.C.6).

Ancillary is an unrestricted fund that separately accounts for all “sales-producing” operations or “selfsupporting” activities that are supplementary to the institution’s primary operating activities of instruction and research. Ancillary services exist to provide goods and services to students, faculty, staff, and others. Ancillary services charge a fee directly related to, although not necessarily equal to, the cost of the goods or services.

Ancillary services typically include bookstores, food services (dining hall, cafeterias, vending machines), residences and housing, parking, university press, publishing, laundry services, property rentals, university facility rentals, theaters, and conference centers.

All sales, external and internal, from ancillary services are reported as income (see Section II.E.8).

To report expenditures, full costing of ancillary services is required (see Section II.E.13). The preferred method of reporting internal cost recoveries or cost allocations is direct allocation, but where direct allocation is not possible or feasible, the internal cost recoveries can be reported under a separate expenditure line item (see Section II.E.8). Any capital items purchased directly from Ancillary income are to be reported in the Ancillary fund on the appropriate expenditure line.

Capital is a restricted fund that accounts for resources provided to the institution for capital purposes and not reported in any other fund. Income and expenditures are to be reported following the funds flow approach for capital assets (see Section II.E.6).

Fund income includes grants and related investment income, donations, and other resources made available to the institution by external funding sources, such as government and donors, specifically for capital purposes.

Fund expenditures include building programs, acquisitions of major equipment and furniture, major renovations and alterations, space rental and buildings, land and land improvements.

Because capital expenditures are to be reported in the same fund as the corresponding income, not all capital expenditures will be reported in the Capital fund. For example, funds from Canada Foundation for Innovation, along with applicable matching funds, are to be reported as Sponsored research income. The corresponding expenditures, including the purchase of capital assets, are to be reported as Sponsored research expenditures.

Endowment is a restricted fund that accounts for the capitalization of externally or internally restricted amounts, primarily donations, which cannot be spent.

Investment income generated by endowments may be used for various purposes, with these purposes often restricted by donors. Investment income should be reported in the same fund as the corresponding expenditures. Expenditures, excluding those incurred to earn investment income, are to be reported in an appropriate fund other than the Endowment fund.

Expenditures incurred to earn investment income are to be reported “net” of the investment income. Investment income that is used to preserve the capital value of the Endowment fund is reported as income in the Endowment fund.

2. Income by Fund (Table 1)

The funds described in Section III.C.1 are reported in columns 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in Table 1, with the total of the funds reported in column 9. Column 5 reports the sub-total for the Sponsored research fund. Within Sponsored research, column 3 reports “Entities Consolidated” and column 4 reports “Entities not Consolidated”.

The types of income to be reported in Table 1 are identified on the left-hand side of the Table. If there is uncertainty as to which line to use to report a type of income, report the income on the line best describing the activity. For example, government funds to pay tuition fees for participants in a non-credit program should be reported on line 13 (Non-credit tuition), rather than under government grants and contracts. Furthermore, where the designation of a particular type of income in this Table differs from that used by an institution in its financial statements or its internal management reports, the type of income must be shown per the Guideline instructions regardless of the institution’s practice.

As a general reporting practice, institutions follow the accrual, rather than the cash basis of accounting (see Section II.E.3). For reporting income, exceptions to the accrual concept in the annual return include the funds flow approach for reporting funds received to acquire capital assets (see Section II.E.6) and for reporting income in the Special purpose and trust, and Sponsored research funds (see Section II.E.4).

Income includes gifts-in-kind that are recorded in an institution’s audited financial statements (see Section II.E.10).

Borrowings will not be reported as income (see Section II.E.12). Any such amounts, however, will be separately reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4 – line 6).

The six major categories of income are –

  • government departments and agencies – grants and contracts,
  • tuition and other fees,
  • donations, including bequests
  • non-government grants and contracts,
  • investment, and
  • other (including sale of services and products, and miscellaneous).

(i)  Government departments and agencies – grants and contracts

Lines 1 to 11 include grants from, and contracts with, federal government departments and agencies, provincial government departments and agencies, and municipal governments. Grants and contracts from other provincial governments and from foreign governments are also reported in this category.

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

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

To avoid double counting of government grants and contracts, income must only be reported once. In other words, where an institution receives funds and subsequently disburses or transfers all or part of the funds to one or more related or affiliated entities that are included in the annual return, the transfers must be eliminated (see Section II.E.15).

Furthermore, and again to avoid double counting, where a reporting institution receives funds and subsequently disburses or transfers all or part of the funds to other reporting institutions of CAUBO, the funds received should be reported “net” of the funds disbursed or transferred (see Section II.E.15).

Federal

Lines 1 to 7 include all research grants, research contracts, grants and contributions from the Government of Canada and its departments and agencies, including the federal portion of capital and other grants that flow through a provincial government. Income received from the six major federal government agencies is reported on lines 1 to 6, as applicable.

The line items under “federal” are as follows:

Line 1 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Line 2 Health Canada

  • Income from Health Canada not reported under line 4 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – should be reported in this line.

Line 3 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

Line 4 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Line 5 Canada Foundation for Innovation ( CFI )

  • CFI income is reported under the Sponsored Research fund.

Line 6 Canada Research Chairs

  • Funding for Canada Research Chairs is reported under the Sponsored Research Fund.

Line 7 Other federal (see Table 6)

  • Income from all other federal government departments and agencies is reported on this line with the details provided in Table 6 (see Section III.C.7). This would include grant allocations for the Indirect Costs of Research. A separate line is provided in Table 6 for Indirect Costs of Research.

Other

Lines 8 to 11 include all grants from, and contracts with, the province and its departments and agencies, municipal governments, other provinces, and foreign governments.

The line items under “other” are as follows:

Line 8 Provincial (see Table 7)

  • Income from provincial government departments and agencies, including provincial CFI matching grants, is reported on this line with the details provided in Table 7 (see Section III.C.8).
  • Provincial CFI matching income from the Ministry responsible for the institution is reported under the Sponsored research fund.

Line 9 Municipal

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

Line 10 Other provinces

  • This line includes grants from, and contracts with, provinces other than the province with jurisdiction.

Line 11 Foreign

  • Examples of income to be reported on this line include grants from the National Endowment for Humanities, National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation.

(ii) Tuition and other fees

The types of revenue (Lines 12 to 14) include credit course tuition, non-credit tuition and other fees.

Line 12 Credit course tuition

  • Credit courses are courses of instruction or programmed learning that are offered within a degree program; or, that may be granted status equivalent to a credit course within a degree program.
  • Credit courses are offered during the fall and winter sessions of a semester type operation, all three terms of a trimester operation and the year round operation of graduate schools and include intersession, spring session and summer session credit courses and credit extension.
  • Credit course tuition includes tuition and other mandatory fees related to the instruction of the courses, such as computer and laboratory fees.
  • Credit course tuition also includes fees for “make-up” or special courses that are related to the credit offerings of the institution, and fees forauditing in credit courses.
  • Credit course tuition should be reported on this line whether the cost of the credit course is subsidized or fully recoverable.

Line 13 Non-credit tuition

  • Non-credit programs are courses of instruction or programmed learning that are not credit courses (see line 12).
  • Non-credit tuition includes fees for lectures, courses and similar activities that are not recognized by the institution for the purpose of granting credit. Non-credit programs are usually offered through continuing education units.
  • Government funds to pay tuition for participants in a non-credit program should be reported as non-credit tuition, rather than as government grants and contracts.

Line 14 Other fees

  • Other fees include all compulsory and noncompulsory fees charged to students such as health services, athletics, library, applications, late registrations, lockers and transcripts. These fees would be reported under the General operating fund.
  • Other fees exclude fees collected by the institution acting in an agency capacity. An example would be student fees collected on behalf of student controlled and administered activities such as student councils or federations.

(iii) Donations, including bequests

Donations are a voluntary transfer of cash or negotiable instruments made without expectation of return or benefits of any kind to the donor. Bequests flow from wills. Donations, including bequests, are considered to be gifts for tax purposes. Amounts received that are eligible to be receipted as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes are to be reported on lines 15 to 17, as applicable.

Lines 15 to 17 categorize “donations, including bequests” by individuals, business enterprises, foundations and not-for-profit organizations.

In addition, donations designated for specific purposes and donations that cannot be spent are reported in the Endowment fund (see Section III.C.1 – Endowment). Donations also include gifts-in-kind that are recorded in an institution’s audited financial statements (see Section II.E.10).

With the exception of circumstances outlined in the preceding paragraph, donations are to be reported in the same fund as the corresponding expenditures (see Section II.E.9).

Line 15 Individuals

  • This line includes families.

Line 16 Business enterprises

  • Business enterprises include unincorporated businesses as well as privately or publicly incorporated companies that are operated for profit and derive revenue mainly from the sale of goods and services. The common forms of unincorporated businesses are sole proprietorships and partnerships, and examples include farmers and professional practitioners.

Line 17 Not-for-profit organizations

This includes foundations and other not-for-profit organizations.

  • A foundation is an entity that can either be a corporation or a trust constituted and operated exclusively for charitable purposes. Funds contributed to an institution by a non-consolidated charitable foundation would be reported here.
  • Not-for-profit organizations include associations or societies, and examples include religious organizations, labour unions, professional organizations and fraternal societies.

(iv) Non-government grants and contracts

Non-government grants and contracts provide financial support under certain specific stipulations and conditions, including the provision of a deliverable product, such as a piece of equipment, a service, or a report. The amounts received by an institution are not considered as charitable donations for tax purposes and therefore are ineligible to be receipted as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

Lines 18 to 20 categorize “non-government grants and contracts” by individuals, business enterprises, foundations and not-for-profit organizations.

Line 18 Individuals

  • This line includes families.

Line 19 Business enterprises

  • Business enterprises include unincorporated businesses as well as privately or publicly incorporated companies that are operated for profit and derive revenue mainly from the sale of goods and services. The common forms of unincorporated businesses are sole proprietorships and partnerships, and examples include farmers and professional practitioners.

Line 20 Not-for-profit organizations

This includes foundations and other not-for-profit organizations.

  • A foundation is an entity that can either be a corporation or a trust constituted and operated exclusively for charitable purposes.
  • Not-for-profit organizations include associations or societies, and examples include religious organizations, labour unions, professional organizations and fraternal societies.

(v) Investment income

Investment income includes income from dividends, bonds, mortgages, short-term notes and bank interest. Bond interest would include an accrual for stripped bonds (see Section II.E.3). Investment income also includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment transactions, if the gains and losses are reported in the audited financial statements, regardless of how investments have been designated by the institution (held for trading or not).

Investment income excludes income from a nonconsolidated charitable foundation. Income from a non-consolidated charitable foundation should be reported on line 17 (Not-for-profit organizations).

Included in this section are endowment and other investment income (Lines 21 and 22).

Line 21 Endowment

  • Investment income earned on endowment funds is reported on this line under the same fund as the corresponding expenditures.
  • Investment income earned on endowment funds and used to preserve the capital value of the Endowment fund is reported on this line under the Endowment fund.
  • Expenditures incurred to earn investment income, such as the cost of an investment manager(s) to manage the endowment funds, are to be reported “net” of the investment income.

Line 22 Other investment

  • Investment income earned on all funds other than endowment funds is reported on this line under the same fund as the corresponding expenditures.
  • Other investment income also includes charges for deferred or installment payments and for unpaid student tuition and other fees.
  • Any significant non-recurring items should be explained by way of accompanying notes or in the observations and comments section at the bottom of Table 1.

(vi) Other

  • Other income (Lines 23 and 24) includes sale of services and products, and miscellaneous.

Line 23 Sale of services and products

  • This line includes external sales and external cost recoveries (see Section II.E.8).
  • External sales and external cost recoveries include sales to outside organizations, such as those for laboratory tests, space rental, utilities and incidental income (including athletic gate receipts, parking fees, conferences and various medical clinics).
  • This line also includes rental income from residences and parking.
  • Payments received from non-consolidated federated or affiliated entities for the provision of instructional, administrative or other services are reported as sale of services and products.
  • For ancillary services (see Section III.C.1 – Ancillary), this line includes both external and internal sales (see Section II.E.8).
  • Internal sales, other than those originating from ancillary services, and internal cost recoveries are not reported as income.

Line 24 Miscellaneous

  • Miscellaneous income includes commissions, royalties and fees from the use of institution owned rights or properties, or fees for services rendered. Miscellaneous also includes library and other similar fines, rentals, net gain or loss on sale of fixed assets and any type of income not identified in the other categories of income.
  • Payments received from non-consolidated federated or affiliated entities for the provision of instructional, administrative or other services are reported as sale of services and products (line 23).

3. Expenditures by Fund (Table 2)

The funds described in Section III.C.1 are reported in columns 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in Table 2, with the total of the funds reported in column 9. Column 5 reports the sub-total for the Sponsored research fund. Within Sponsored research, column 3 reports “Entities Consolidated” and column 4 reports “Entities not Consolidated”.

The types of expenditures to be reported in Table 2 are identified on the left-hand side of the Table. Where the designation of a particular expenditure in this Table differs from that used by an institution in its financial statements or its internal management reports, the expenditure must be shown under the designated Table heading regardless of the institution’s practice.

As a general reporting practice, institutions follow the accrual, rather than the cash basis of accounting (see Section II.E.3). For reporting expenditures, exceptions to the accrual concept in the annual return include the funds flow approach for reporting funds used to acquire capital assets (see Section II.E.6) and the cash basis for reporting vacation pay, pension costs and future benefits (see Section II.E.7).

Expenditures include gifts-in-kind that are recorded in an institution’s audited financial statements (see Section II.E.10).

The repayment of principal will not be reported as an expenditure (see Section II.E.12). Any such amounts, however, will be separately reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4 – line 7).

Lines 1 to 20 report expenditures that are generally recurring, with a sub-total for lines 1 to 20 reported on line 21. Lines 22 and 23 report significant periodic expenditures such as those for buildings, land and land improvements (line 22) and unusual or nonrecurring expenditures, referred to as lump sum payments (line 23), such as those for special assisted early retirement programs. The total of all expenditures is reported on line 24.

The types of expenditures to be reported in Table 2, by line, are as follows:

Salaries and wages

Salaries and wages are categorized as academic salaries (lines 1 and 2) and other salaries and wages (line 3). Academic salaries are reported by academic ranks (line 1) and by other instruction and research (line 2).

The following types of payments are to be reported as salary and wage expenditures:

  • compensation payments, such as payments for salary continuance during sick leave or maternity leave,
  • severance payments as a result of terminations in the normal course of business, and
  • vacation pay (see Section II.E.7).

Certain lump sum payments for current and future fiscal periods to employees who have terminated employment with the institution are reported on an accrual basis as lump sum payments (line 23).

With the exception of vacation pay, the amounts to be reported as salaries and wages in the annual return are to be calculated following the same practices as those used by the institution for its audited financial statements.

Academic salaries

Academic salaries are reported by academic ranks and by other instruction and research.

Line 1 Academic ranks

  • This line includes payments to both full and part time staff members who hold an academic rank at the reporting institution and are engaged in instruction and research activities.
  • The academic ranks include deans, professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers.
  • Academic salaries also include payments to staff members in the academic ranks for various types of leave such as administrative, academic or sabbatical.

Line 2 Other instruction and research

  • This line includes payments to both full and part time staff and non-staff members without academic rank at the reporting institution, but who are engaged in instruction and research activities.
  • The staff and non-staff members include instructors, tutors, markers, laboratory demonstrators, teaching assistants, research assistants, invigilators, clinical assistants, post-doctoral fellows, and others.
  • Other instruction and research salaries also include payments made to graduate and undergraduate students undertaking instruction and research activities.

Line 3 Other salaries and wages

  • This line includes salaries and wages not reported on lines 1 and 2. Specifically, other salaries and wages includes payments to all full and part time non-instructional (support) staff including among others, technicians, teaching and research laboratory technicians, clerical and secretarial, professional and managerial, janitorial, trades and maintenance.
  • Other salaries and wages also includes payments to individuals who may hold an academic rank, or equivalent thereto, but are engaged in activities other than instruction and research. Examples of such individuals include the president, vicepresidents, certain professional librarians and computing center personnel.

Line 4 Benefits

  • Pension costs and future benefits, including benefits arising as a result of early retirement, are to be reported on the cash basis (see Section II.E.7). Otherwise, the amounts to be reported as benefits in the annual return are to be calculated following the same practices as those used by the institution for its audited financial statements.
  • Benefits include the cost of an institution’s contributions (with respect to salaries) for pensions (including payments for actuarial deficiencies and past service liability), group life insurance, salary continuance insurance, dental plans, workers’ compensation, health taxes, tuition remission, employment insurance and other costs of an employee benefit programs.
  • Benefits also include the cost of benefits paid during early retirement periods, as well as the cost of post retirement benefits.
  • Whenever an institution pays a premium or sets aside a negotiated amount for an employee, these amounts should be included as Benefits.
  • Memberships or other perquisites of employment are not reported as Benefits.

Line 5 Travel

  • Travel includes expenditures on recruitment, travel, moving and relocation of staff, field trips and all other types of travel necessary for the operation of the institution.

Line 6 Library acquisitions

  • Library acquisitions include all purchases of, and access to (including electronic access), books, periodicals and other reference materials for the institution’s main branch and faculty or departmental libraries.
  • Cost of binding may also be included if normally considered part of the acquisition cost.

Line 7 Printing and duplicating

  • This line includes expenditures that would normally be consumed in the fiscal year such as printing, duplicating, photocopying, reproductions, illustrations, publishing and the related supplies.

Line 8 Materials and supplies

  • Materials and supplies include expenditures that would normally be consumed in the fiscal year such as sports supplies, stationery, computer and other office supplies.
  • Also included are material and supplies for teaching and laboratories. Laboratory supplies include chemicals, instruments, animals, feed and seed.
  • Small dollar value equipment and computer software items should be reported under furniture and equipment purchase (line 18).

Line 9 Communications

  • Communications includes telephone, data communications, mailing and courier, but excludes expenditures reported as equipment rental and maintenance (line 19).
  • Telephone includes watts lines, line services, long distance and other charges.

Line 10 Other operational expenditures

  • This line includes space rental, property taxes, institutional membership fees, insurance, meals, advertising and promotion, and doubtful accounts.
  • Space rental includes the cost of renting space and land on a long-term basis.
  • Property taxes include all taxes paid directly to municipalities by the institution, whether assessed on property values or based on student population.
  • Institutional membership fees include fees paid by the institution to organizations such as AUCC and CAUBO.
  • This line includes all other expenditures that are not reported elsewhere.

Line 11 Utilities

  • Utilities include expenditures for items such as electricity, water, natural gas, fuel and sewer.
  • Utilities also include the generating costs for electricity, steam, water, and natural gas.

Line 12 Renovations and alterations

  • This line includes expenditures for renovations and alterations to the existing space of the institution, whether the expenditures are internally performed or external contracted.

Line 13 Scholarships, bursaries and prizes

  • This line includes payments to students (except those for which the student is required to perform service for the payment) such as those for fee remission, prizes and awards.
  • Payments for which the student is required to perform service for the payment are reported as other instruction and research (line 2), and include payments to graduate and undergraduate students who are instructors, tutors, markers, laboratory demonstrators, teaching assistants, research assistants, invigilators, clinical assistants, postdoctoral fellows, and others.

Line 14 Externally contracted services

  • This line includes all expenditures for services contracted to external agencies except for renovations and alterations (line 12), professional fees (line 15), equipment rental and maintenance (line 19), and buildings, land and land improvements (line 22).
  • Examples of expenditures to be included are cleaning contracts, security services, snow removal and similar time and material contracts, and food services.
  • Where food services are contracted, the contract amount in total should be shown on this line and not as cost of goods sold (line 16) or any other expenditure types, even though the contractor may provide a breakdown of costs.

Line 15 Professional fees

  • Professional fees include all fees paid to legal counselors (including retainers for the negotiations of collective agreements), auditors, and computer, human resource and other consultants.
  • This line excludes consulting fees for renovations and alterations (line 12), equipment rental and maintenance (line 19), and buildings, land and land improvements (line 22).

Line 16 Cost of goods sold

  • Cost of goods sold is to be used where an inventory method of accounting is normally employed, (e.g. bookstore, food services) and should include the laid down cost of goods purchased for resale only. The remaining costs of operating the service, such as salaries and supplies, are to be shown in their respective expenditure types.
  • Where a service is externally contracted, particularly for ancillary services, the total costs of the contract should be included in externally contracted services (line 14). For example, contracted food services are to be reported on line 14, under the Ancillary fund.
  • The cost of goods sold is to be reported under the same fund as the income from the sale of the product (see Section III.C.2 – line 25).

Line 17 Interest

  • This line includes all interest expenditures to service debts of the institution. Examples include bank interest, mortgage or debenture interest and related charges, and the interest component of installment or lease payments.
  • Repayments of principal such as principal reductions on loans, mortgages, debentures or repayable grants are not reported as expenditures (see Section II.E.12).

Line 18 Furniture and equipment purchase

  • This line includes laboratory equipment (other than consumables), computing equipment and computer software packages, administrative equipment and furnishings (including carpets and drapery), copying and duplicating equipment, and maintenance equipment. Installation expenditures for the above items are to be included as part of their cost.
  • This line also includes installment payments and payments under lease purchase contracts, where the lease is a capital lease for accounting purposes. The interest component of any such payments should be reported on line 17.
  • This line includes small dollar equipment and computer software items that would normally be expensed in the accounting records of the institution.
  • Furniture and equipment purchases are reported under the same fund as the corresponding income (see Section II.E.6). For example, purchases made from CFI grants are reported under Sponsored research (see Section III.C.1 – Sponsored research). Purchases made or to be made from current or future ancillary services income are to be reported under Ancillary (see Section III.C.1 – Ancillary).
  • Amortization is not reported as an expenditure, but is included as a reconciling item in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4 – line 10).
  • Provisions for the replacement of furniture and equipment are considered to be transfers to appropriation or reserve accounts; consequently, such provisions are not to be reported as expenditures (see Section II.E.11).

Line 19 Equipment rental and maintenance

  • This line includes all rental and maintenance expenditures for furniture and equipment including laboratory equipment (other than consumables), administrative equipment and furnishings (including carpets and drapery), copying and duplicating equipment, computing equipment, maintenance equipment and telephone equipment.
  • This line also includes lease purchase contracts, where the lease is an operating lease for accounting purposes.
  • This line also includes expenditures for equipment repairs and maintenance contracted to external agencies.

Line 20 Internal sales and cost recoveries

  • The preferred method of reporting internal sales, other than those originating from ancillary services, is to report the amounts at “net” (see Section II.E.8). The preferred method of reporting internal cost recoveries is direct allocation (see Section II.E.8). Where the preferred method is not possible or feasible, this expenditure type can be used, but when it is used, the internal sales and cost recoveries for all funds, when added together, must equal zero.
  • This line includes internal sales, other than those originating from ancillary services, and internal cost recoveries (see Section II.E.8).
  • Internal sales originating from ancillary services are to be reported as sale of services and product (see Section III.C.2 – line 25).
  • Common examples of internal cost recoveries include the overhead recovery of administrative costs and the indirect costs of research between the General Operating fund and the Ancillary and Sponsored research funds, and the overhead recovery of utility (unless the utility is an ancillary service) and maintenance costs between the General operating fund and the Ancillary fund.
  • To provide better functional comparisons of types of expenditures, institutions are asked to minimize the use of this line to the extent possible.

Line 21 Sub-total

  • This line is the sub-total of all expenditures reported on lines 1 to 20.

Line 22 Buildings, land and land improvements

  • Buildings include all expenditures that are normally considered part of the construction cost as well as costs incurred during the construction period such as utilities. Land and land improvements include acquisition costs and site preparation such as landscaping, sewers, tunnels and roads. All fees and planning costs related to buildings, land and land improvements are also included.
  • Furniture and equipment purchases are reported on line 18.
  • The expenditures for buildings, land and land improvements are reported under the same fund as the corresponding income (see Section II.E.6). For example, purchases made from CFI grants are reported under Sponsored research (see Section III.C.1 – Sponsored research). Purchases made or to be made from current or future ancillary services income are to be reported under Ancillary (see Section III.C.1 – Ancillary).
  • Amortization is not reported as an expenditure, but is included as a reconciling item in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (see Section III.C.4 – line 10).
  • Provisions for the replacement of buildings are considered to be transfers to appropriation or reserve accounts; consequently, such provisions are not to be reported as expenditures (see Section II.E.11).

Line 23 Lump sum payments

  • This line includes certain lump sum payments for current and future fiscal periods to employees who have terminated employment with the institution. The characteristics of the payments are such that similar transactions or events are not expected to occur frequently over several years, or do not typify normal business activities of the institution.
  • Lump sum payments are reported on an accrual basis.
  • Examples of lump sum payments include payments under downsizing or special assisted early retirement programs.
  • Severance payments as a result of terminations in the normal course of business are reported as salary and wage expenditures (lines 1 to 3).

4. Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund (Table 3)

The Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund identifies, for each fund in the annual return, the changes between the net asset balances at the beginning of the year and the net asset balances at the end of the year. The changes between the beginning and ending net asset balances are more than the difference between total income (Table 1, line 27) and total expenditures (Table 2, line 24). The changes also result from the addition and deduction of transactions that are neither income nor expenditures. These transactions are reported on lines 4 to 7 and include prior year adjustments, interfund transfers, borrowings, and the principal portion of debt repayments.

In addition, the statement identifies the uniform reporting practices that cause differences between the institution’s annual return and its audited financial statements (see Section II.D). While the specific types of items causing the differences may vary among institutions, the number of such items is relatively few. These items are reported on lines 8 to 15. The uniform reporting practices that cause the differences include funds flow (see Section II.E.4), capital assets (see Section II.E.6), and vacation pay, pension costs and future benefits (see Section II.E.7).

The Statement of Changes in Net Assets by Fund, then, reconciles the net asset balances at the beginning of the year with the net asset balances at the end of the year. As more clearly indicated in the details for lines 16 to 21, both the beginning and ending net asset balances are based on information reported in the institution’s audited financial statements.

The details of each line in the statement are as follows:

Line 1 Net asset balances, beginning of year

  • The net asset balances, by fund, at the beginning of the year must equal line 16 of the prior year’s return.

Line 2 Income (Table 1, line 27)

  • This line must equal the total reported in Table 1 (Income by Fund), line 27.

Line 3 Expenditures (Table 2, line 24)

  • This line must equal the total reported in Table 2 (Expenditures by Fund), line 24.

Line 4 Prior year adjustments

  • This line should be used infrequently and generally only when the net asset balances reported in the audited financial statements at the end of the prior year have been subsequently adjusted.
  • An example of a prior year adjustment includes a retroactive change in accounting policies.

Line 5 Interfund transfers

  • Institutions have been encouraged to minimize interfund transfers in the annual return by reporting income and the corresponding expenditures under the same fund (see Section II.E.9). For example, capital expenditures are to be reported under the same fund as the corresponding income. Investment income earned on trust and endowment funds is to be reported under the same fund as the corresponding expenditures.
  • Where the amount of an interfund transfer is not material to an institution’s reported financial data, the amount should be restated to an appropriate fund.
  • After following the above guidelines, any remaining interfund transfers would be reported on this line. An example would be the transfer of an operating surplus from the Ancillary fund to the General operating fund. Other examples include transfers approved by the institution’s governing body.
  • The total in column 9 on line 5 must equal 0.

Line 6 Add: borrowings

  • This line reports debt borrowings (see Section II.E.12).

Line 7 Deduct: principal portion of debt repayments

  • This line reports repayment of principal (see Section II.E.12).
  • Repayments of principal include principal reductions on loans, mortgages, debentures or repayable grants.
  • Interest to service debts of the institution is reported as an expenditure (see Section III.C.3 – line 17).

Line 8 Interfund reallocations

  • Normally, the criteria for placement of a particular income or expenditure item within a fund in the annual return is the same as that used by an institution in its financial statements or internal management reports. However, where the Guidelines specifically designate the placement of an item, the item must be shown under the designated heading regardless of the institution’s practice. Consequently, items may be classified under one fund for the purposes of an institution’s annual return, but a different fund in its audited financial statements or internal management reports (see Section III.A).
  • In addition, institutions have been encouraged to minimize interfund transfers in the annual return by reporting income and the corresponding expenditures under the same fund (see Section II.E.9). For example, capital expenditures are to be reported under the same fund as the corresponding income. Investment income earned on trust and endowment funds is to be reported under the same fund as the corresponding expenditures. To the extent interfund transfers have been minimized, items may be classified under one fund for the purposes of the institution’s annual return, but a different fund in its audited financial statements.
  • Differences in ending net asset balances, by fund, between the annual return and audited financial statements resulting from the above guidelines, can be adjusted on line 8. Column 9, the total for all interfund reallocations reported on line 8, must equal 0.

Line 9 Add: capital expenditures

  • Funds used to acquire capital assets have been reported as expenditures in the annual return based on the funds flow approach (see Section II.E.6). This line reports the difference between capital asset expenditures as reported in the annual return and the same amounts that have been capitalized during the year in the audited financial statements.
  • This line also includes differences that result from installment payments and payments under lease purchase contracts where the lease is a capital lease for accounting purposes (see Section III.C.3 – line 18).
  • The differences that result from amortizing capital assets are reported on line 10.

Line 10 Deduct: amortization

  • Funds used to acquire capital assets have been capitalized in the audited financial statements and amortized on an annual basis (see Section II.E.6). This line reports the amortization expense that has been recorded in the audited financial statements.
  • The differences that result upon the acquisition of capital assets are reported on line 9.

Line 11 Add or deduct: deferred income

  • Certain restricted income not expended in the year is reported in the annual return following a funds flow approach (see Section II.E.4). This line reports the difference between amounts that have been reported as income in the annual return following a funds flow approach and the same amounts that have been reported as income in the audited financial statements following the deferral method.

Line 12 Add or deduct: pension costs and vacation pay accrual

  • Vacation pay and pension costs are reported in the annual return on a cash basis (see Section II.E.7). This line reports the difference between amounts that have been reported as expenditures in the annual return on a cash basis and the same amounts that have been reported as expenditures in the audited financial statements on an accrual basis.

Line 13 Add or deduct: future cost of employee benefits

  • Future cost of employee benefits are reported on this line and represent employee benefit costs not already reported in the annual return on a cash basis. An example would be the cost of future benefits on early retirement programs.

Line 14 Add or deduct: related or affiliated entities

  • In certain situations, the reporting institution may report financial data for a related or affiliated entity in its audited financial statements, but not report the same data in its annual return (see Section III.C.6 – Part I). In such situations, the change in the net asset balances of the related or affiliated entity between the beginning of the year and the end of the year should be reported on this line.

Line 15 Add or deduct: other

  • This line reports any other amounts such as the net book value of asset disposals where there are differences between the institution’s annual return and its audited financial statements.
  • For amounts reported on this line, provide details in the “Observations and Comments” space at the bottom of the Table.

Line 16 Net asset balances, end of year

  • For a number of institutions, the audited financial statements may not specifically disclose net asset balances, by fund, in a format similar to the annual return. As a minimum, total net asset balances reported in column 9 should equal the total net assets reported in the institution’s audited financial statements.
  • In certain situations, the reporting institution will report sponsored research in Column 4 that is attributable to the institution, but conducted through entities that are not consolidated. In such situations, the amount reported for column 4, on line 16, must equal 0 (see Section III.C.1 – Sponsored research).
  • The net asset balances, by fund, reported on this line, should equal the net asset balances, by fund, reported on line 21.
  • The net asset balances, by fund, reported on this line, should also equal the net asset balances, by fund, at the beginning of the next year; that is, line 16 of the current year’s annual return must equal line 1 of next year’s annual return.

Net asset balances are comprised of:

The net asset balances reported on lines 17, 18, 19 and 20 agree with certain net asset balances in the institutions audited financial statements.

Line 17 Unrestricted net assets

  • The net asset balance in column 9 should equal the accumulated surplus or deficit reported in the institution’s audited financial statements.

Line 18 Investment in capital assets

  • investment in capital assets represents the funds expended to acquire capital assets, less accumulated amounts amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related capital assts. The funds expended are reduced by amounts financed by long term debt and, where applicable, deferred capital contributions. These funds are not available for other purposes since they have been invested in capital assets.
  • The net asset balance in column 9 should equal the investment in capital assets reported in the institution’s audited financial statements.

Line 19 Internally restricted net assets

  • An increase or transfer to appropriations should not be recorded as an expenditure, nor should a decrease or transfer from appropriations be recorded as income (see Section II.E.11).
  • The net asset balance in column 9 should equal the internally restricted appropriations, including internal endowments, reported in the institution’s audited financial statements.

Line 20 Externally restricted net assets

  • The net asset balance in column 9 should equal the externally restricted funds, including external endowments, reported in the institution’s audited financial statements.

Line 21 Net asset balances, end of year

  • The net asset balances, by fund, reported on this line, should equal the net asset balances, by fund, reported on line 16.

5. General Operating Expenditures by Function (Table 4)

Expenditures by Fund (see Section III.C.3) and this section of the Guidelines are very similar in that types of expenditures are identified on the left-hand side of both Tables. Table 2, however, is organized by fund, and Table 4 is organized by operational or functional areas, within the General operating fund, that represent the major areas of institutional activity. The functions are Instruction and non-sponsored research, Non-credit instruction, Library, Computing and communications, Administration and general, Student services, Physical plant and External relations. These functions are reported in columns 1 to 7, with the total of the functions reported in column 8. The amounts in Column 8 should be identical to the amounts in Table 2, Column 1 (General operating).

This section provides details to assist preparers to segregate, by function, the various activities and types of expenditures under the General operating fund. Unless otherwise indicated, the definitions, explanations and examples presented in Section III.C.3 for types of expenditures also apply to this section. In addition, as noted previously, where the designation of a particular expenditure in this Table differs from that used by an institution in its financial statements or its internal management reports, the expenditure must be shown under the designated Table heading regardless of the institution’s practice. For example, health services and intramural and intercollegiate athletics are to be reported under the Student services function although they may be reported as ancillary services in the institution’s financial statements or its internal management reports.

In reporting General operating fund expenditures by function, preparers should be familiar with the uniform reporting practices (see Section II.E). In particular, preparers should be familiar with the practices on internal and external cost recoveries (see Section II.E.8) and use of estimates (see Section II.E.14).

The functions in the General operating fund are as follows:

(i) Instruction and non-sponsored research

The Instruction and non-sponsored research function in the General operating fund includes all direct costs of faculties, academic departments (including salaries of academic deans and their offices), graduate school, summer school, credit extension, and other academic functions and expenditures attributable to this function.

(ii) Non-credit instruction

The Non-credit instruction function in the General operating fund includes lectures, courses and similar activities that are not recognized by the institution for the purpose of granting credit. Non-credit programs are usually offered through continuing education units. Normally where there is non-credit tuition income reported on line 13 under the General operating fund in Table 1, the corresponding expenditures (not necessarily equal to the income) will be reported under this function.

(iii) Library

The Library function in the General operating fund includes the institution’s Archives and other activities related to the institution’s main branch and faculty or departmental libraries. The expenditures include the salary and wage costs of providing the library services as well as the cost of books and periodicals.

(iv) Computing and communications

The Computing and communications function in the General operating fund includes only the activities of centralized computing and communication facilities. A centralized computing facility refers to computerrelated activities and resources that have been organized under the management of a central administration. The computing facility is usually seen as an institutional resource that is available on an institution-wide basis and is the most effective way of providing certain services supportive of the institution’s research and administrative activities. Such a facility usually results from factors including economies of scale, a large number of users who require a wide variety of services, and a high degree of technical expertise required in computer operations.

This function does not include the activities of local or decentralized stand-alone computer installations that are under the management of, and were established for the main purpose of providing services to, a single division or department. The expenditures for decentralized computing facilities are to be included under the related functions and funds, as appropriate.

A centralized communications facility includes the costs of telephone equipment rental, service, acquisition and switchboard, including related personnel and other costs. The expenditures for decentralized communications facilities are to be included in the related functions and funds, as appropriate.

If an institution employs a charge-out system for central computing time or communications equipment usage, expenditures should be combined and reported under this function.

Any sales to, or recoveries from, other functional areas or funds, or outside users, are considered to be either an internal or external cost recovery and are to be reported according to the uniform reporting practice for internal and external cost recoveries (see Section II.E.8).

(v) Administration and general

The Administration and general function in the general operating fund covers expenditures in the two broad areas of academic support and other support services. Other support services include administration. These areas are combined and reported in Table 4 under Administration and general.

The academic support area of the Administration and general function includes all activities provided by an institution in direct support of Instruction and nonsponsored research. This area includes the following types of activities:

  • the positions of vice-president academic and research (or their equivalents) and their offices
  • faculty and instructional support services
  • research administration (including grants and contracts administration)
  • registrar’s and graduate students office (including calendars, admissions, student records and related reporting)
  • convocation and ceremonies
  • co-op program administration
  • central animal services
  • central shops for instruction and research (machine shop, glass blowing, electronics shop)
  • distance education support
  • instructional technology and audio visual services
  • academic class scheduling

The administration area of the Administration and general function includes the following activities:

  • administration, planning and information costs and activities associated with the positions of president and vice-president (or their equivalents) and their offices, except for the positions of vice-president academic and research (or their equivalents) and their offices, which are included in the academic support area. Administrative costs for activities such as fundraising, development, alumni and external communications are included in the external relations area.
  • finance, including investment management, internal audit and accounting
  • human resources (personnel)
  • institutional research
  • board and senate secretariat
  • printing and duplicating services

Specific types of expenditures in the administration area include the following:

  • professional fees including legal, audit, human resource and other consulting fees that are not specifically attributable to another function. Computer consulting fees are included if the computing facilities are decentralized.
  • general university memberships including AUCC and CAUBO
  • liability and E & O insurance (fire, boiler and pressure vessel, and property insurance are reported under the Physical plant function).

The appropriate reporting for computing, communications, purchasing, receiving and stores will depend upon whether the institution operates with centralized or decentralized facilities. If the institution has centralized facilities for computing and communications, the activities should be reported under the Computing and communications function. If the institution has centralized facilities for purchasing, receiving and stores, the activities should be included in the administration area of the Administration and general function. If any of computing, communications, purchasing, receiving or stores is decentralized, then these activities should be included under the related functions and funds, as appropriate.

(vi) Student services

The Student services function in the General operating fund includes the cost of services (other than direct teaching, research and administrative services) provided to students by the institution. Generally, these services will include:

  • the dean of students and the dean’s office
  • counseling and chaplaincy services
  • career guidance and placement services
  • intramural and intercollegiate athletics (not physical education)
  • student health services
  • student accommodation services (not residences)
  • student transportation services
  • student financial aid administration
  • bursaries, scholarships and prizes
  • grants to student organizations, including the student union
  • student programs, including music, drama and student center
  • student day care center
  • any other student services, social or cultural activities funded by the institution

These services may be provided from General operating fund income in whole, or in part by a specific fee included in the student incidental fee structure. Where an institution acts in an agency capacity, however, and collects student fees on behalf of student controlled and administered activities such as student councils or federations, the fees collected by the institution are to be excluded from income of the institution. The amount turned over to the benefit of the student council or federation is to be excluded from expenditures of the institution.

(vii) Physical plant

The Physical plant function in the General operating fund includes expenditures related to the physical facilities of the institution. The expenditures include the physical plant office, space planning, maintenance of buildings and grounds, custodial services, utilities, vehicle operations, security and traffic, repairs and furnishings, renovations and alterations, mail delivery services, long-term space and property rental, and municipal taxes (including those for which compensatory grants are received from government).

Physical plant also includes fire, boiler and pressure vessel, and property insurance. All other insurance is reported in the administration area of the Administration and general function.

(viii) External relations

The external relations area includes all activities provided by an institution in support of ongoing external relations. These activities include fundraising, development, alumni, public relations and public information or external communications. The related administrative costs from the office of the vice-president(s), or equivalent, responsible for one or more of these activities should be included in this area.

6. Affiliation Report (Table 5)

For each reporting institution, there could be one or more separate legal entities that are related or affiliated to the reporting institution and for which financial data is included in the annual return (see Section II.E.1).

To allow users to better understand the contents of the annual return and its limitations, each reporting institution is required to identify and provide additional information in Table 5 for each such entity.

Depending upon an institution’s circumstances, two parts of the affiliation report may be required. The first part is for entities consolidated in the institution’s audited financial statements; the second is for entities not consolidated in the institution’s audited financial statements, but for which some data is nevertheless included in the annual return.

(i) Part I: Separate Legal Entities Consolidated

Normally, an institution will report financial data in the annual return on the same basis as that used for its consolidated financial statements. This means that the financial data for a separate legal entity that is consolidated in the audited financial statements will be included in the annual return.

As an exception, there could be financial data for an affiliated entity that is included in the institution’s consolidated financial statements, but not reported in the annual return. This exception could arise where an affiliated entity is also submitting an annual return as a member institution of CAUBO.

Information to be provided in the affiliation report for “entities consolidated” is based on the separate legal entities consolidated in the institution’s financial statements and includes –

  • Legal name of affiliated institution
  • Category of affiliation – columns 1 to 7. Indicate the category of affiliation with an “x” in the appropriate column. For further information see the section below on Categories of Affiliation.
  • Basis of reporting – columns 8 and 9. Indicate with an “x” in the appropriate column whether the separate legal entity is included (I) in the annual return (the norm) or excluded (E) from the annual return (the exception).

(ii) Part II: Separate Legal Entities not Consolidated

Under certain conditions, institutions are permitted to report separately sponsored research that is granted to academic staff of the reporting institution, but conducted in entities that are not consolidated (see Section III.C.1 – Sponsored research). This sponsored research data must be reported under column 4 (Entities not Consolidated) in the applicable Tables in the annual return. Part II of the affiliation report requests additional information on this data.

For clarity, financial data for a Charitable Foundation is only included in the annual return if the Charitable Foundation is consolidated in the financial statements of the institution.

Separate legal “entities not consolidated” are individually identified on lines 11 to 18 in the affiliation report when the amount reported in the annual return is over $100,000. For the entities individually identified, information to be provided includes –

  • Legal name of affiliated institution
  • Category of affiliation – columns 1 to 7. Indicate the category of affiliation with an “x” in the appropriate column. For further information see the section below on Categories of Affiliation.
  • Amount included in annual return – column 10. The amount for the separate legal entity must be over $100,000.

All other separate legal entities with amounts under $100,000 are to combined and reported on line 19.

The total amount reported on line 20 in column 10 must agree with the amount reported in Table 1, line 27, column 4 and with the amount reported in Table 2, line 24, column 4.

(iii) Categories of Affiliation

For the purposes of the affiliation report in Table 5, a parent institution is defined as a university with federated, affiliated or associated institutions, research institutes or hospitals. In the Guidelines and the affiliation report, the term affiliates and affiliated institutions are used to simplify the text and refer to all federated, affiliated and associated entities. For the same reason, the term institution may refer to universities, university-colleges, colleges, institutes and hospitals.

An affiliated institution is responsible for its own administration but does not have the power to grant degrees. An associated institution is a public or private education, health, or research oriented, legal entity that is neither federated nor affiliated with the parent institution, yet has academic, research, or administrative ties to that parent institution. A federated institution is responsible for its own administration and has the power to grant degrees, but during the term of federation agreement it suspends some or all of its degree-granting powers.

Please note that in the cases of affiliated and federated institutions, the parent institution supervises instruction in the programs covered by the federation or affiliation agreement, and grants degrees to the students who successfully complete those programs.

7. Other Federal Government Departments and Agencies – Grants and Contracts (Table 6)

Table 6 reports grants and contracts by federal government departments and agencies, other than the grants and contracts reported on lines 1 to 6 in Table 1. In section A in Table 6, a separate line is provided for reporting the federal government allocation for the Indirect Costs of Research. The column totals in Table 6 must agree with the amounts reported on line 7 (Other federal) in Table 1.

In section B in Table 6, where the aggregate grants and contracts provided by a separate federal government department or agency is in excess of $100,000, identify the department or agency and report the amount, by fund.

On line C in Table 6, where the aggregate grants and contracts provided by a separate federal government department or agency is less than $100,000, combine the departments and agencies and report the total amount, by fund.

Please note that double counting of government grants and contracts is to be avoided and in certain situations grants or contracts received should be reported “net” of the funds disbursed or transferred (see Section II.E.15).

For additional information on the funds and on federal government grants and contracts, preparers should refer to Section III.C.1 (Funds) and Section III.C.2 (Income by Fund), with particular emphasis in Section III.C.2 on the details in the government departments and agencies – grants and contracts category.

8. Provincial Government Departments and Agencies – Grants and Contracts (Table 7)

Table 7 reports grants and contracts, including certain specific and earmarked provincial CFI matching grants, by provincial government departments and agencies. The column totals in Table 7 must agree with the amounts reported on line 8 in Table 1.

Grants and contracts from provincial government departments and agencies only include those from the province with jurisdiction. Grants and contracts from other provinces are reported on line 10 (Other provinces) in Table 1.

In section A (Ministry responsible) in Table 7, please report the following information on lines 1 and 2:

  • Line 1: identify the primary provincial government department or agency responsible for the institution and report, by fund, the total of the grants and contracts received from that department or agency, excluding the CFI matching funds reported on line 2. The types of grants might include funding formula operating grants.
  • Line 2: under column 3 or 4, as appropriate, for sponsored research, report the total of the specific grants received, if any, from the “Ministry responsible” that are earmarked as CFI matching funds.

In section B (Other) in Table 7, where the aggregate grants and contracts provided by a separate provincial government department or agency is in excess of $100,000, identify the department or agency and report the amount, by fund.

On line C in Table 7, where the aggregate grants and contracts provided by a separate provincial government department or agency is less than $100,000, combine the departments and agencies and report the total amount, by fund. These types of departments and agencies are primarily funded by the provincial government and include Councils, Grants Commissions, and commissions and boards that perform various functions delegated to them by public authorities.

Please note that double counting of government grants and contracts is to be avoided and in certain situations grants or contracts received should be reported “net” of the funds disbursed or transferred (see Section II.E.15).

For additional information on the funds and on provincial government grants and contracts, preparers should refer to Section III.C.1 (Funds) and Section III.C.2 (Income by Fund), with particular emphasis in Section III.C.2 on the details in the government departments and agencies – grants and contracts category.

Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada (SLCDC) – Erratum

Date: June 2010

To: Data Users of the Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada 2009 data, arthritis and hypertension

Subject: Incorrect variable labels

Product(s) affected: Share files

Year(s) affected: 2009

Description of the problem(s):
The labels attached to certain variables are incorrect in the share files and in their respective data dictionary. The table below gives the variable names along with their new labels.

Hypertension
Variable Code Labels in the files and codebooks Must be replaced by:
BMHXGTS 1 Files LESS THAN 100
BMHXGTS 2 Files BETWEEN 100/109
BMHX_07 2 Files PROV. A RANGE
MEHXGMED 4 Files TAKES 3+ MED/HYP
MEHX_06 2 Files ONCE A DAY
Arthritis
Variable Code Labels in the files and codebooks Must be replaced by:
DHAX_03D Label Files Type of arthritis - gout
DHAXGJYR 1 Files JOINT S. < 1 YR
DHAXGJYR 2 Files J. S. 1 TO 2YRS
DHAXGJYR 3 Files J. S. 3 TO 5YRS
DHAXGJYR 4 Files J. S. 6 TO 9YRS
DHAXGJYR 5 Files J. S. >= 10 YRS
RAAXDACT 1 Files LIMIT IN 1+ ACT.
RAAXDACT 1 Codebook LIMITATIONS IN AT LEAST ONE ACTIVITY
RAAXDACT 2 Files NO LIMIT
RWAXDCWA 2 Files NO CHANGE./W./ACT.

Suggested correction(s):Rename the variables with the correct names.

NOTE: Suggested corrections to the French files and data dictionary can be found in the French erratum.

Correction steps: N/A

Contact us:

We regret any inconvenience this may have caused you or your organization and thank you in advance for your understanding.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Data Access and Information Services
Health Statistics Division
613–951–1746
Electronic mail: hd–ds@statcan.gc.ca

National Population Health Survey (NPHS) Content Summary - Cycles 1 to 9

Theme Subject Variable Universe (Age) Non-Proxy Proxy 1994/1995 (Cycle 1) 1996/1997 (Cycle 2) 1998/1999 (Cycle 3) 2000/2001 (Cycle 4) 2002/2003 (Cycle 5) 2004/2005 (Cycle 6) 2006/2007 (Cycle 7) 2008/2009 (Cycle 8) 2010/2011 (Cycle 9)
Administration Administration AM All respondents • • C 18 C 24 and 118 C 26 and 79 C 86 C 96 C 92 C 91 C 94 C 133
Alcohol Attitudes towards AL Cycle 2: ≥12 Alberta RDD excluded. Cycle 5: ≥12 •     HPS 75     F 63        
Consumption during pregnancy AL Cycle 1: Females and birth mother in last 5 years. Cycle 2: 15 to 49 years old Alberta only •   HPS 22 PBI 74              
Dependence AD ≥12 •     F 76     F 64        
Use AL ≥12 • • C 22 C 72 C 65 C 60 C 61 C 64 C 64 C 67 C 98
Attitudes Towards parents AP 12 to 17 in Alberta •     PBI 90              
Breast-feeding Breast-feeding BF GH Cycle 1: Birth mother in the last five year. Cycle 2: HPS: Females ≥15 and ≤49 and have given birth since last interview; PBI: Alberta •   HPS 19 HPS 35, PBI 35              
Child's Health Child's Health IJ DG <12   •   C 103              
Chronic conditions Acne requiring prescription medication CC <30 • • C 9                
Alzheimer's disease or other dementia CC ≥18 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 29 C 33 C 33 C 35 C 33 C 60
Arthritis or rheumatism CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C F 17 C 24 C 25 C 26 C 24 C 37
Asthma CC Cycle 1: ≥12. Cycle 2-8: All respondents. Cycle 2 - AS: All respondents ≥12 who declared having asthma diagnosed by a health professional in the core survey. • • C 9 C 11, AS C 11 C 16 C 22 C 22 C 24 C 22 C 31
Back problem CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 19 C 26 C 26 C 28 C 26 C 41
Bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or colitis CC ≥12 • •   C 11 C 11 C 29 C 33 C 33 C 35 C 33 C 60
Bronchitis, emphysema CC Cycle 1, 5 to 8: ≥12, Cycle 2-4: all respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 21 C 28 C 28 C 30 C 28 C 47
Cancer CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 27 C 31 C 31 C 33 C 31 C 54
Cataracts CC ≥18 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 29 C 33 C 34 C 35 C 33 C 60
Child CC ≤3   • K 60 K 105 K 11            
Diabetes CC Cycle 1-4: ≥12, Cycle 5-8: all respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C F 21 C 28 C 29 C 30 C 28 C 48
Effects of stroke CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 28 C 32 C 32 C 34 C 32 C 57
Epilepsy CC Cycle 1: ≥12, Cycle 2-8: all respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 24 C 30 C 30 C 32 C 30 C 51
Fibromyalgia CC ≥12 • •       C 17 C 23 C 23 C 25 C 23 C 34
Food allergies CC Cycle 1: ≥12. Cycle 2-8: All respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 16 C 22 C 22 C 24 C 22 C 31
Glaucoma CC ≥18 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 30 C 33 C 34 C 35 C 33 C 61
Heart Disease CC Cycle 1: ≥12, Cycle 2-8: all respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C F 25 C 30 C 31 C 32 C 30 C 53
High blood pressure CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 19 C 26 C 26 C 28 C 26 C 41
Migraine, headache CC Cycle 1-4: ≥12, Cycle 5-8: all respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 20 C 27 C 27 C 29 C 27 C 44
Other allergies CC Cycle 1: ≥12. Cycle 2-8: All respondents • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 16 C 22 C 22 C 24 C 22 C 31
Sinusitis CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11            
Stomach or intestinal ulcers CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 27 C 31 C 31 C 33 C 31 C 54
Thyroid condition CC ≥12 • •   C 11 C 11 C 30 C 34 C 34 C 36 C 34 C 61
Urinary incontinence CC ≥12 • • C 9 C 11 C 11 C 28 C 33 C 33 C 35 C 33 C 60
Depression Personal and family history FH ≥18 •             F 73      
Drug / medication use Drug / medication use DG ≥12 • • C 43 C 62 and 114 C 56 C 51 C 53 C 55 C 54 C 58 C 85
Education Education ED ≥12 • • C 12 C 16 C 18 C 74 C 84 C 79 C 78 C 81 C 116
Electronic Collection Electronic Collection Interest EC ≥12 • •                 F 136
Family medical history Family medical history FH ≥18 •       F 34            
Food insecurity Food insecurity IN FI Cycle 2: all respondents. Cycle 3: All respondents who were identified as food unsecured in the Household NPHS supplemental screening questions. Cycle 7 and 8: all respondents. • •   HPS 23 FIS 25       F 89 F 93 F 133
General health status Self-evaluation GH All respondents • • C 19 and 59 C 25 and 103 C 27 C 4 C 3 C 3 C 3 C 3 C 3
Health care Emergency services ES ≥12 •     F 44              
Utilization SV HC Core: All respondents. HPS: ≥20. PBI: ≥12 Alberta C: •, HPS and PBI: • C: • C 5 and 60, HPS 27 C 5 , PBI 104 and 115 C 5 C 10 C 14 C 15 C 16 C 14 C 20
Home care HC ≥18 • • C 7 C 5 C 5 C 10 C 17 C 18 C 19 C 18 C 25
Health information Health information A HI HPS: ≥12, PBI: Alberta 12 to 17 •   HPS 27 PBI 46 and 92              
Health status Dexterity / Hands and fingers HS ≥4 • • C 41 and 64 C 53 and 110 C 45 C 34 C 38 C 37 C 39 C 37 C 65
Feelings HS ≥4 • • C 41 and 65 C 53 and 111 C 46 C 35 C 38 C 38 C 40 C 38 C 65
Hearing HS ≥4 • • C 38 and 62 C 51 and 108 C 43 C 32 C 35 C 35 C 37 C 35 C 62
Memory HS ≥4 • • C 41 and 65 C 54 and 112 C 46 C 35 C 38 C 38 C 40 C 38 C 66
Mobility / Getting around HS ≥4 • • C 40 and 64 C 52 and 109 C 44 C 33 C 37 C 37 C 39 C 36 C 64
Pain and Discomfort HS ≥4 • • C 42 and 66 C 54 and 112 C 47 C 35 C 39 C 39 C 41 C 38 C 66
Speech HS ≥4 • • C 39 and 63 C 51 and 109 C 44 C 33 C 36 C 36 C 38 C 36 C 63
Thinking HS ≥4 • • C 42 and 65 C 54 and 112 C 46 C 35 C 39 C 38 C 40 C 38 C 66
Vision HS ≥4 • • C 38 and 62 C 50 and 107 C 42 C 31 C 35 C 35 C 36 C 34 C 62
Height and weight Height and weight HW All respondents • • C 20 C 27 C 27 C 5 C 5 C 5 C 5 C 5 C 5
Body Image HW ≥12 •   HPS 8 HPS 28     F 7 C 8 C 8 C 7 C 10
Income Income IN All respondents • • C 16 C 22 C 23 C 81 C 91 C 87 C 86 C 89 C 129
Injuries Injuries IJ All respondents • • C 25 and 66 C 60 and 112 C 54 C 39 C 44 C 43 C 45 C 42 C 72
Injury prevention INJ ≥12 •   HPS 16                
Insurance Insurance DV EX DG IS Cycle 2: ≥12. Cycle 3-5: All respondents • •   F 44 C 34 C 31 C 34        
Labour force Labour force LF LS Cycle 1: ≥15. Cycle 2-8: 15 to 75 • • C 13 C 18 C 19 C 75 C 85 C 81 C 80 C 83 C 118
Absence / hours LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 78 C 88 C 84 C 83 C 85 C 123
Job attachment LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 75 C 85 C 81 C 80 C 83 C 119
Job description LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 77 C 87 C 82 C 81 C 84 C 121
Job search - Last 4 weeks LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 76 C 86 C 81 C 80 C 83 C 120
Looking for work LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 80 C 90 C 86 C 85 C 88 C 127
Other job LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 79 C 89 C 85 C 84 C 87 C 125
Past job attachment LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 76 C 86 C 82 C 81 C 84 C 120
Weeks worked LS Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 • •       C 80 C 90 C 86 C 85 C 88 C 126
Language Language SD All respondents • • C 11 C 15 C 16 C 73 C 83 C 78 C 77 C 80 C 115
Mental health Mental health MH ≥12 •   C 44 C 78 C 67 C 62 C 66 C 66 C 66 C 69 C 101
Nutrition Eating habits HW ≥12 •   HPS 5 HPS 28              
Food choice NU Cycle 1- 2: ≥12. Cycle 3, 5 and 7: ≥15 •   HPS 5   F 39   F 8   F 8    
Fruit & vegetable consumption FV Cycle 5: ≥15, Cycle 6 to 8: ≥12 •           F 10 F 9 F 10 F 9 F 11
Milk consumption MK ≥12 •             F 12 F 13 F 11 F 15
Self-perceived eating habits GH All respondents • •         C 4 C 3 C 3 C 4 C 4
Soft drink consumption SK ≥12 •             F 11 F 12 F 11  
Supplement use NU Cycle 3 and 5 ≥15, Cycle 6 to 8: ≥12 •       F 42   F 9 F 8 F 10 F 8  
Physical activities Physical activities PA ≥12 •   C 24 C 55 C 51 C 36 C 40 C 39 C 41 C 39 C 67
Preventive health Blood pressure check BP PH ≥12 •   C 20 C 29 C 28 C 7 C 12 C 12 C 14 C 12 C 16
Breast examination WH PH Females ≥18 •     C 33              
Breast self-examination WH PH Females ≥18 •     HPS 35              
Dental visits DV ≥12 •     F 41              
Eye examinations EX ≥12 •     F 42              
Flu shots FS ≥12 •     F 39              
Health improvement practices GH A ≥12 •   HPS 16 HPS 26              
HIV SH HV Cycle 1: 15 to 45. Cycle 2: ≥18 •   HPS 26 HPS 45              
Hysterectomy WH PH Females ≥18 •       C 30 C 9 C 14 C 14 C 16 C 14 C 19
Mammography WH PH Females ≥35 •   C 20 C 32 C 29 C 8 C 12 C 13 C 15 C 13 C 17
PAP smear test WH PH Females ≥18 •   C 20 C 30 C 29 C 8 C 12 C 13 C 14 C 12 C 17
Physical check-ups PC ≥12 •     F 37              
Pregnancy HW PH Females: 15 to 49 •   C 19 HPS 35 C 30 C 9 C 12 C 14 C 15 C 14 C 18
Repetitive strain Repetitive strain RP ≥12 • •   C 59 C 53 C 38 C 43 C 42 C 44 C 41 C 71
Residential history Residential history RH MB ≥12 •           OBI 76        
Restriction of activities Restriction of activities RA Cycle 1-2: ≥12. Cycle 3-8: All respondents • • C 7 C 8 C 8 C 13 C 19 C 19 C 20 C 19 C 27
Road safety - Driving under influence Road safety - Driving under influence RS ≥12 •     HPS 98              
Self-care Self-care SC ≥18 •       F 31            
Sexual health Sexual health SH Cycle 1: 15-45. Cycle 2: 15-59. PBI: Alberta •   HPS 25 HPS 93, PBI 96              
Sleep Sleep SL ≥12 •           F 4 C 4 C 4 C 4 C 4
Smoking Attitudes SM ≥12 •     HPS 69              
Awareness, attitudes, quitting SM ≥12 •   HPS 8                
During pregnancy SM Cycle 2: Female 15 to 49 •     HPS 68              
Smoking SM GH ≥12 • • C 21 C 65, HPS 68 C 59 and 63 C 55 C 57 C 59 C 59 C 62 C 91
Tobacco alternatives TA ≥12 •       HPS 64            
Social support Social support SS ≥12. Cycle 2-PBI: Alberta •   C 50 C 85, HPS 88, PBI 89 C 73 C 69 C 73 C 74 C 74 C 76 C 111
Socio-demographic characteristics Country of birth SD All respondents • • C 10 C 14 C 15            
Ethnicity SD All respondents • • C 10 C 15 C 15 C 72          
Race SD All respondents • • C 11 C 16 C 16 C 73          
Year of immigration SD All respondents • • C 10 C 14 C 15            
Stress Childhood and adult stressors (traumas) ST Cycle 1: ≥18. Cycle 4: Respondents <18 in Cycle 1 and ≥ 18 in Cycle 4. Cycle 7 and 8 ≥18. •   F 32     F 46     F 50 F 48  
Coping CO Cycle 1 and 6: ≥18 Non-Proxy Manitoba and Alberta only. Cycle 2: Alberta ≥18 •   PBI 57 PBI 102       F 52      
Mastery PY ST ≥12 •   F 34     F 50 F 51 C 51 C 54 C 52 C 83
Ongoing problems ST Cycle 1and 4: ≥18. Cycle 5 to 8: ≥12 •   F 28     F 42 F 47 C 46 C 48 C 45 C 77
Rationality RT ≥ 18 •   BPI 54                
Recent life events ST ≥18 •   F 30     F 44          
Self-esteem PY ST ≥12 •   F 34     F 49       F 51  
Self-perceived GH Cycle 4: ≥18. Cycle 5-7: ≥12 •         C 4 C 3 C 3 C 3 C 3 C 4
Sense of coherence PY ST ≥18 •   F 34   F 47         F 53  
Work stress ST Cycle 1: ≥15. Cycle 4-8: 15 to 75 •   F 33     F 47 F 49 C 48 C 51 C 49 C 80
Two week disability Two week disability TW All respondents • • C 4 C 4 C 4            
UV exposure and tanning UV exposure and tanning TU ≥12. Cycle 2 - PBI: Alberta •     PBI 57   C 38 C 42 C 42 C 43 C 41 C 70
Violence and personal safety (AB) Violence and personal safety (AB) VS ≥12 Alberta •     PBI 100              
Please note that the master LONG.txt file only contains the Core and the Focus contents.
Number denotes the page in the questionnaire (pdf).
C: Core, F: Focus, HPS: Health Promotion Survey, AS: Asthma Supplement, FIS: Food Insecurity Supplement, PBI: Provincial Buy-in, K: Kids' questions, OBI: Other Buy-ins.
Note: • denotes selected.

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Reporting Guide: Consulting Services Price Report

Is this guide for you?

This guide will help you complete the Consulting Services Price Report.

The various sections of the survey questionnaire are printed in this guide for your reference, along with definitions of the corresponding terms and concepts. In each section, an encircled number indicates that the associated term or concept is explained in more detail. Simply look-up the appropriate number in the list of terms provided below the caption.

An example of how terms and concepts are referenced is as follows:

Image of Section A: Contract Selections - Business Activity

1 - Business Activity

This is the business activity for which you are to select a consulting contract to report. Statistics Canada has identified this business activity based on information your company has provided to either Statistics Canada and/or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the past.

Lost the return envelope or need help?

Call us at 1-888-951-4550, email us at sppi.consulting@statcan.gc.ca, or fax to 1-613-951-3117.

La version française de cette publication est intitulée Guide de déclaration : Rapport sur les prix des services de conseils.

Survey Purpose

The data collected in this survey will be used to produce price indexes that measure changes in the prices of the various services offered by the industry and will improve statistical estimates of the consulting services industry with respect to volume of activity and productivity. Businesses can use these indexes to benchmark their performance with similar companies and to analyze their costs (in aggregate form only). Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical research purposes.

Industry Overview

The consulting services industry in Canada is a vital part of the Canadian economy. According to Statistics Canada's Annual Survey of Services Industries, operating revenue increased by 1.6% in 2010 to $12.8 billion, up from $12.6 billion in 2009. The management consulting services industry accounted for 68.1% of the consulting services industry revenue in 2010, where environmental and other scientific and technical consulting services made up the remaining 31.9%.

General Information

Before You Start

Do you have to complete this report?

The completion of this report is a legal requirement under the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19.

What is the return date for this report?

Generally, this report must be completed and returned to Statistics Canada within 15 days of its receipt. Please return the completed questionnaire using the postage-paid return envelope. You may also fax the completed questionnaire to Statistics Canada at 1-613-951-3117 or e-mail it to sppi.consulting@statcan.gc.ca.

How were firms selected to participate in this survey?

Firms were selected randomly into the survey sample from a list of all Canadian businesses that offer consulting services. Statistics Canada also considered the geographical make-up of the businesses in the selection of the survey sample.

Can I complete and submit this report on-line?

This report will be available to complete on-line in the near future. Until then, you can return the completed questionnaire using the postage-paid return envelope, fax the completed questionnaire to Statistics Canada at 1-613-951-3117 or e-mail it to sppi.consulting@statcan.gc.ca.

Getting Started

Please review the contact information printed on the questionnaire label. If you need to make changes to this information, please use the form located in the upper right-hand corner of the questionnaire's front page.

Before mailing the survey questionnaire for the first time, Statistics Canada will conduct a short telephone interview with the respondent in order to confirm the mailing address and contact information of the respondent. Statistics Canada will also confirm during this interview that the selected business provides consulting services, and it will allow the respondent to ask any questions he/she may have concerning the survey.

The first time you complete this report, you will select a consulting contract that your company has completed in the recent past (i.e. within the past twelve months). You will provide some basic details about this contract, as well as its price information, using the enclosed survey questionnaire.

How will my information be used?

Statistics Canada will use your information to compile and publish price indexes for the consulting services industry. The purpose of these indexes is to measure the long-term price movements of consulting services.

Ordinarily, price indexes are compiled by following the prices of a fixed basket of goods/services over time (i.e. following price movements by holding the quality of the underlying goods and/or services constant over time). Of course, due to the highly specialized and customized nature of consulting work, firms within this industry rarely offer the same services repeatedly over time. In order to address this problem, businesses reporting for this survey will select a consulting contract or project that they have completed in the recent past and that is representative or typical of the work they do. On a quarterly basis, firms in the survey sample will report the price that would be estimated, or quoted, if they were to provide a price quote for the selected contract in the current quarter.

What type of contract should I select to represent my firm's activities?

It is important that you select a contract that is representative of typical contracts offered by your firm. By selecting a contract that is representative, the price movements that you will report over time for the selected contract will be an accurate and comprehensive measure of the overall price movements and pricing dynamics of your business. If you need help to select an appropriate contract, please call 1-888-951-4550 or e-mail sppi.consulting@statcan.gc.ca.

It is also important to select a contract that you will be able to re-price over time. Choose a contract for which you will be able to easily provide a price estimate, or price quote, in future quarters.

According to the 2011 Canadian Management Consulting Industry: Trends and Outlook study, 80% of consulting firms use fixed fee and/or hourly/daily rate pricing sometimes/most of the time. Please select a contract that was priced using either fixed fee or hourly/daily rate pricing. Through the focus-group testing that was performed for this survey questionnaire, Statistics Canada found that contracts utilizing this fee model are the simplest to re-price over time.

According to the same industry publication, 29% of large firms (100+ full-time consultants) use outcome-based fees at least sometimes, up from just 10% two years ago.

Despite the increased use of this fee model, we ask that you do not choose a contract that was priced using outcome-based fees or contingency fees. Because such a contract would need to be carried out each quarter in order for a price to be reported, we ask that you do not select a contract that was priced using outcome-based or contingency fees.

What about Information Technology (IT) Consulting Services?

Price indexes produced by Statistics Canada follow the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which does not include IT/Computer consulting services in its definition of the management, scientific and technical consulting services industry. In other words, Statistics Canada does not consider IT/Computer consulting to be covered by this survey. Of course, due to the fact that management and IT consulting services are inextricably linked in practice, it is likely that the contract you choose to represent your company's activities has an IT component. Such contracts are permissible, as long as the contract is not predominately IT-based.

What if the selected contract becomes unrepresentative over time?

Due to the dynamic and changing nature of consulting services, consulting contracts may lose their relevance over time. If this happens, the resulting price index will lose its relevance over time. If you feel that the selected contract no longer accurately represents your company's business, you can replace it with a new contract. Please call 1-888-951-4550 if you would like to substitute your current contract for a newer, more relevant contract.

What size of contract should I select?

The important thing is that you choose a contract that is representative of your company's business activity. That being said, larger, more complex, contacts will be more difficult to re-price over time. Try to choose a contract that is simple enough that it can be re-priced over time without imposing undue burden on the respondent.

Glossary of Terms and Definitions

Front Page

Image of the front page: Consulting service price report

1 - Reference Period 
This is the time period for which you will report prices.

2 - Legal Name 
Please make corrections here if the legal name of the company to which the questionnaire was addressed is printed incorrectly on the label.

3 - Business Name 
Please make corrections here if the business name of the company to which the questionnaire was addressed is printed incorrectly on the label.

4 - Title of Contact 
Please make corrections here if the title of the contact that is to receive this questionnaire is printed incorrectly on the label.

5 - First Name of Contact
Please make corrections here if the first name of the person who is to receive this questionnaire is printed incorrectly on the adjacent label.

6 - Last Name of Contact 
Please make corrections here if the last name of the person who is to receive this questionnaire is printed incorrectly on the label.

7 - Address (number and street) 
Please make corrections here if the address of the person who is to receive this questionnaire is printed incorrectly on the label.

8 - City 
Please make corrections here if the city of the person who is to receive this questionnaire is printed incorrectly on the label

9 - Province or Territory 
Please make corrections here if the province or territory of the entity to which the questionnaire was addressed is printed incorrectly on the label.

10 - Country 
Please make corrections here if the country of the entity to which the questionnaire was addressed is printed incorrectly on the adjacent label.

11 - Postal Code/Zip Code 
Please make corrections here if the postal code/zip code of the entity to which the questionnaire is addressed is printed incorrectly on the label.

12 - Language Preference 
Please check the appropriate box if you would like to change the language in which you receive the questionnaire and other correspondence from Statistics Canada ■

Page 2 of 5

Image of section A: Contract Selections - Business Activity Image of section B: Contract Description

1 - Business Activity
This is the business activity for which you are to select a consulting contract to report. Statistics Canada has identified this business activity based on information your company has provided to either Statistics Canada and/or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the past. Detailed definitions of the business activities can be found on page 14 of this guide.

2 - Contract Identifier
This is the identifier that your business uses to identify the selected contract. You may use as an identifier any name and/or number that uniquely identifies the selected contract. It is important that you provide an identifier in case you need to review the details of the selected contract at a later date.

3 - Type of Client
Select new client if your company had not done business with the client prior to having worked on the selected contract. Select repeat client if your company has done business with the client prior to having worked on the selected contract.

4 - Client Sector
Does the client belong to the public or the private sector?

Examples of public sector clients include: federal government, provincial and territorial governments (including health care), municipal governments, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), crown corporations, post-secondary institutions, etc.

Private sector clients include businesses in the following industries: financial services, energy (resources), utilities, technology, telecoms and media, consumer products, retail distribution, and manufacturing and other.

5 - Contract Agreement Date
This is the date on which the terms and prices of the selected contract were agreed upon with the client.

6 - Project Duration – Start
This cell refers to the date on which your business started work on the selected contract.

7 - Project Duration – Finish
This cell refers to the date on which your business finished work on the selected contract.

It is important that you select a contract that has been completed in the recent past (i.e. within one year). This will ensure that the selected contract is representative of your company's current business activity.

Although it is preferable to select a contract that has been completed for the client, please leave this cell blank if the work associated with the selected contract is not yet complete.

8 - Project Description
Provide a brief description of the selected contract. This section is for your reference only. Statistics Canada will send this questionnaire back to you in future quarters with this information pre-filled ■

Page 3 of 5

Image of section C1: Professional fees

1 - Professional Level
Some businesses include in their invoicing the full range of professional levels whose time was charged to the project, as well as the associated professional fees. If the contract that you select was invoiced in this manner, please report the professional levels that were charged to the client according to the project invoice. Some of the professional levels indicated in the 2011 Canadian Management Consulting Industry: Trends and Outlook study include: principals, senior partners, c-suite executives, newer partners, VPs, experienced professionals, professionals with several years of experience, and entry-level new associates.

In some instances, a company might negotiate the price with the client based on an internal estimate of the number of days that will be spent working on the project as well as the daily rates that the consultant has established for him/herself. If the contract that you select was invoiced in this manner, please report the professional level(s) that were used in this internal calculation. For smaller firms that do not have the full range of professional levels, you could list the names or position of the consultants whose time was charged to the selected contract.

2 - Days
If you are reporting for the selected contract, report the number of days that were charged for each level of professional whose time was charged to the selected contract.
If you are reporting for the current period, report the number of days that would be billed if you were to provide a (price) estimate to the same client for the selected contract in the current quarter (i.e. what would you charge if you were to negotiate the price of the selected contract with the same client now).
If hours were used in the invoicing of the selected contract, please convert to days using the following conversion: 1day = 7.5hours.

3 – Rate
If you are reporting for the selected contract, report the daily rates that were charged for each level of professional whose time was charged to the selected contract.
If you are reporting for the current period, report the daily rates that would be billed if you were to provide a (price) estimate to the same client for the selected contract in the current quarter (i.e. what would you charge if you were to negotiate the price of the selected contract with the same client now).
If hours were used in the invoicing of the selected contract, please convert the hourly rates to daily rates using the following conversion: 1day = 7.5hours.

4 - Total
The total is equal to the number of days multiplied by the daily rate:
Total = Days x Rate

5 – Table 1
When you complete this report for the first time, Table 5 will be labelled Selected Contract. In this case, report the consulting days, the associated daily/per-diem rates, and the total professional fees that were charged to the selected contract. The selected contract covers a consulting project that was provided to an actual client, preferably within the last year. In most cases, you will need to refer back to the contract that was signed with the client in order to report this information.
In future quarters, Table 5 will be used by Statistics Canada to print the data that you reported for the previous quarter. We provide the respondent with the previous quarters' data so that it is easier for you to report data for the current quarter.

6 – Table 2
Use Table 2 to provide the number of consulting days and the associated daily rates that would apply if you were to provide an estimate or quote for the selected contract on the date indicated. In Table 2 you are reporting data for the current quarter. In other words, the days and daily/per-diem rates that would apply if you were to provide a price quote for the selected contact in the current quarter. The reference date is typically chosen to be the middle Wednesday of the reference quarter. The reason why Statistics Canada uses a reference date is so that all businesses in the survey sample report prices applicable to the same period.

When completing Table 2, you are welcome to cross out professional levels that you have reported in the past but that no longer apply. Similarly, you can add professional levels if your firm has made changes/additions to its roster of professional levels. Changes and/or additions of professional levels could occur, for example, if over time your firm adopts a new workforce pyramid, staff profile, or reorganizes its personnel such that certain specializations or positions are no longer applicable ■

Page 4 of 5

Image of section C3: Charges Other Than Professional Fees

1 - Charges Other Than Professional Fees
Expenses other than professional fees may be either included in the fee as overhead expenses or charged directly to the client.

Typical billable or reimbursable expenses are travel, board and lodging expenses (e.g. testing, computing, printing, purchase of special equipment), long-distance communication and document delivery.

In this section you will report those charges that are billed to the client over and above the professional fees that you reported on the previous page.

Report: those charges that are applied or estimated 'up-front', or when the initial agreement with the client is established. For example, some firms include a surcharge (i.e. as a percentage of the professional fees) in the overall price of the contract in order to account for expected incidentals or overhead expenses.

Do not report: those charges that are recorded while the business carries out the project and that are reimbursed by the client at a later date.

2 – Table 5
When you complete this report for the first time, Table 5 will be labelled Selected Contract. In this case, report the value of those charges that are applied or estimated 'up-front' for the selected contract. The selected contract covers a consulting project that was provided to an actual client, preferably within the last year. In most cases, you will need to refer back to the contract that was signed with the client in order to report this information.

In future quarters, Table 5 will be used by Statistics Canada to print the data that you report for the previous quarter. We provide the respondent with the previous quarters' data so that it is easier for you to report data for the current quarter.

3 – Table 6
Use Table 6 to report the value of those charges that are applied or estimated 'up-front' that would apply if you were to provide an estimate or quote for the selected contract on the date indicated. In Table 6 you are reporting data for the current quarter.

In other words, the charges (other than professional fees) that would apply if you were to provide a price quote for the selected contract in the current quarter. The reference date is typically chosen to be the middle Wednesday of the reference quarter. The reason why Statistics Canada uses a reference date is so that all businesses in the survey sample report prices applicable to the same period ■

Image of section C4: Total price

1 – Table 7
When you complete this report for the first time, Table 7 will be labelled Selected Contract. In this case, report the total price of the selected contract. This amount should be equal to the sum of the total of sections C1 through C3. Exclude any sales tax or any other tax that is collected for remittance to a government agency.

In future quarters, Table 7 will be used by Statistics Canada to print the data that you reported for the previous quarter. We provide the respondent with the previous quarters' data so that it is easier for you to report data for the current quarter.

2 – Table 8
Use Table 8 to report the total price that would be charged if you were to provide an estimate or quote for the selected contract on the date indicated. This amount should be equal to the sum of the totals of sections C1 through C3. Please exclude any sales tax or any other tax that is collected for remittance to a government agency ■

Image of section D: Reason for price change

If the price that you reported for the current quarter is different than what was reported for the previous quarter, please indicate the reasons for this change in price ■

Business Activities

Statistics Canada has selected your company to report for a particular business activity. This business activity is printed in Section B of the survey questionnaire. The business activity that Statistics Canada has selected for your company is based either on survey information you have previously reported to Statistics Canada or on business profile information your company has reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This section of the Guide gives more detailed definitions of the different business activities covered by this survey, including example activities.

Administrative and General Management Consulting Services

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance to other organizations on administrative management issues, such as financial planning and budgeting; equity and asset management; records management; office planning; strategic and organizational planning; site selection; new business start-up; and business process improvement. This Canadian industry also includes general management consultants that provide a full range of administrative; human resource; marketing; process, physical distribution and logistics; or other management consulting services to clients.

Example Activities:

  • Administrative management consultants
  • Business start-up consulting services
  • Financial management consulting services (except investment advice)
  • General management consulting services
  • Records management consulting services
  • Reorganization consulting service
  • Site selection consulting services
  • Strategic planning consulting services
  • Customer service management consulting services
  • Customs consulting services
  • Efficiency experts
  • Freight rate consulting services
  • Inventory planning and control management consulting services
  • Logistics management consulting services
  • Manufacturing operations improvement consulting services
  • Materials management consulting services
  • New product development consulting services
  • Operations research consulting services
  • Physical distribution consulting services
  • Production planning and control consulting services
  • Productivity improvement consulting services
  • Sales management consulting services
  • Tariff management consulting services
  • Telecommunications management consulting services

Exclusion(s): Firms primarily engaged in:

  • providing office or general administrative services on a day-to-day basis.

Human Resources Consulting Services

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance to other organizations on human resource management issues, such as human resource and personnel policies, practices and procedures; employee benefits planning, communication, and administration; compensation systems planning; wage and salary administration; and executive search and recruitment.

Example Activities:

  • Actuarial consulting services
  • Benefit consulting services
  • Compensation services, labour relations
  • Consulting services, personnel management
  • Employee assessment consulting services
  • Employee compensation consulting services
  • Human resource consulting services
  • Labour relations consulting services
  • Organization development consulting services
  • Personnel management consulting services

Exclusion(s): Firms primarily engaged in:

  • Executive search consultants
  • Providing professional and management development training

Environmental Consulting Services

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance to other organizations on environmental issues, such as the control of environmental contamination from pollutants, toxic substances and hazardous materials. These establishments identify problems, measure and evaluate risks, and recommend solutions. They employ a multi-disciplined staff of scientists, engineers and other technicians, with expertise in areas such as air and water quality, asbestos contamination, remediation and environmental law. xamples of establishments in this industry are environmental consultants, sanitation consultants and site remediation consultants.

Example Activities:

  • Environmental consulting services
  • Sanitation consulting services
  • Site remediation consulting services

Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

This Canadian industry comprises establishments, not classified to any other industry, primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance to other organizations on scientific and technical issues.

Example Activities:

  • Agricultural consulting (technical) services
  • Agrology consulting services
  • Agronomy consulting services
  • Economic consulting services
  • Energy consulting services
  • Hydrology consulting services
  • Livestock breeding consulting services
  • Motion picture consulting services
  • Nuclear energy consulting services
  • Occupational health and safety consulting services
  • Physics consulting services
  • Safety consulting services ■

Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MRTS) Data Quality Statement

Objectives, uses and users
Concepts, variables and classifications
Coverage and frames
Sampling
Questionnaire design
Response and nonresponse
Data collection and capture operations
Editing
Imputation
Estimation
Revisions and seasonal adjustment
Data quality evaluation
Disclosure control

1. Objectives, uses and users

1.1. Objective

The Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MRTS) provides information on the performance of the retail trade sector on a monthly basis, and when combined with other statistics, represents an important indicator of the state of the Canadian economy.

1.2. Uses

The estimates provide a measure of the health and performance of the retail trade sector. Information collected is used to estimate level and monthly trend for retail sales. At the end of each year, the estimates provide a preliminary look at annual retail sales and performance.

1.3. Users

A variety of organizations, sector associations, and levels of government make use of the information. Retailers rely on the survey results to compare their performance against similar types of businesses, as well as for marketing purposes. Retail associations are able to monitor industry performance and promote their retail industries. Investors can monitor industry growth, which can result in better access to investment capital by retailers. Governments are able to understand the role of retailers in the economy, which aids in the development of policies and tax incentives. As an important industry in the Canadian economy, governments are able to better determine the overall health of the economy through the use of the estimates in the calculation of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

2. Concepts, variables and classifications

2.1. Concepts

The retail trade sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise.

The retailing process is the final step in the distribution of merchandise; retailers are therefore organized to sell merchandise in small quantities to the general public. This sector comprises two main types of retailers, that is, store and non-store retailers. The MRTS covers only store retailers. Their main characteristics are described below. Store retailers operate fixed point-of-sale locations, located and designed to attract a high volume of walk-in customers. In general, retail stores have extensive displays of merchandise and use mass-media advertising to attract customers. They typically sell merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption, but some also serve business and institutional clients. These include establishments such as office supplies stores, computer and software stores, gasoline stations, building material dealers, plumbing supplies stores and electrical supplies stores.

In addition to selling merchandise, some types of store retailers are also engaged in the provision of after-sales services, such as repair and installation. For example, new automobile dealers, electronic and appliance stores and musical instrument and supplies stores often provide repair services, while floor covering stores and window treatment stores often provide installation services. As a general rule, establishments engaged in retailing merchandise and providing after sales services are classified in this sector. Catalogue sales showrooms, gasoline service stations, and mobile home dealers are treated as store retailers.

2.2. Variables

Sales are defined as the sales of all goods purchased for resale, net of returns and discounts. This includes commission revenue and fees earned from selling goods and services on account of others, such as selling lottery tickets, bus tickets, and phone cards. It also includes parts and labour revenue from repair and maintenance; revenue from rental and leasing of goods and equipment; revenues from services, including food services; sales of goods manufactured as a secondary activity; and the proprietor’s withdrawals, at retail, of goods for personal use. Other revenue from rental of real estate, placement fees, operating subsidies, grants, royalties and franchise fees are excluded.

Trading Location is the physical location(s) in which business activity is conducted in each province and territory, and for which sales are credited or recognized in the financial records of the company. For retailers, this would normally be a store.

Constant Dollars: The value of retail trade is measured in two ways; including the effects of price change on sales and net of the effects of price change. The first measure is referred to as retail trade in current dollars and the latter as retail trade in constant dollars. The method of calculating the current dollar estimate is to aggregate the weighted value of sales for all retail outlets. The method of calculating the constant dollar estimate is to first adjust the sales values to a base year, using the Consumer Price Index, and then sum up the resulting values.

2.3. Classification

The Monthly Retail Trade Survey is based on the definition of retail trade under the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System). NAICS is the agreed upon common framework for the production of comparable statistics by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. The agreement defines the boundaries of twenty sectors. NAICS is based on a production-oriented, or supply based conceptual framework in that establishments are groups into industries according to similarity in production processes used to produce goods and services.

Estimates appear for 21 industries based on special aggregations of the 2007 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industries. The 21 industries are further aggregated to 11 sub-sectors.

Geographically, sales estimates are produced for Canada and each province and territory.

3. Coverage and frames

Statistics Canada’s Business Register ( BR) provides the frame for the Monthly Retail Trade Survey. The BR is a structured list of businesses engaged in the production of goods and services in Canada. It is a centrally maintained database containing detailed descriptions of most business entities operating within Canada. The BR includes all incorporated businesses, with or without employees. For unincorporated businesses, the BR includes all employers with businesses, and businesses with no employees with annual sales that have a Goods and Services Tax (GST) or annual revenue that declares individual taxes.  annual sales greater than $30,000 that have a Goods and Services Tax (GST) account (the BR does not include unincorporated businesses with no employees and with annual sales less than $30,000).

The businesses on the BR are represented by a hierarchical structure with four levels, with the statistical enterprise at the top, followed by the statistical company, the statistical establishment and the statistical location. An enterprise can be linked to one or more statistical companies, a statistical company can be linked to one or more statistical establishments, and a statistical establishment to one or more statistical locations.

The target population for the MRTS consists of all statistical establishments on the BR that are classified to the retail sector using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (approximately 200,000 establishments). The NAICS code range for the retail sector is 441100 to 453999. A statistical establishment is the production entity or the smallest grouping of production entities which: produces a homogeneous set of goods or services; does not cross provincial boundaries; and provides data on the value of output, together with the cost of principal intermediate inputs used, along with the cost and quantity of labour used to produce the output. The production entity is the physical unit where the business operations are carried out. It must have a civic address and dedicated labour.

The exclusions to the target population are ancillary establishments (producers of services in support of the activity of producing goods and services for the market of more than one establishment within the enterprise, and serves as a cost centre or a discretionary expense centre for which data on all its costs including labour and depreciation can be reported by the business), future establishments, establishments with a missing or a zero gross business income (GBI) value on the BR and establishments in the following non-covered NAICS:

  • 4541 (electronic shopping and mail-order houses)
  • 4542 (vending machine operators)
  • 45431 (fuel dealers)
  • 45439 (other direct selling establishments)

4. Sampling

The MRTS sample consists of 10,000 groups of establishments (clusters) classified to the Retail Trade sector selected from the Statistics Canada Business Register. A cluster of establishments is defined as all establishments belonging to a statistical enterprise that are in the same industrial group and geographical region. The MRTS uses a stratified design with simple random sample selection in each stratum. The stratification is done by industry groups (the mainly, but not only four digit level NAICS), and the geographical regions consisting of the provinces and territories, as well as three provincial sub-regions. We further stratify the population by size.

The size measure is created using a combination of independent survey data and three administrative variables: the annual profiled revenue, the GST sales expressed on an annual basis, and the declared tax revenue (T1 or T2). The size strata consist of one take-all (census), at most, two take-some (partially sampled) strata, and one take-none (non-sampled) stratum. Take-none strata serve to reduce respondent burden by excluding the smaller businesses from the surveyed population. These businesses should represent at most ten percent of total sales. Instead of sending questionnaires to these businesses, the estimates are produced through the use of administrative data.

The sample was allocated optimally in order to reach target coefficients of variation at the national, provincial/territorial, industrial, and industrial groups by province/territory levels. The sample was also inflated to compensate for dead, non-responding, and misclassified units.

MRTS is a repeated survey with maximisation of monthly sample overlap. The sample is kept month after month, and every month new units are added (births) to the sample.  MRTS births, i.e., new clusters of establishment(s), are identified every month via the BR’s latest universe. They are stratified according to the same criteria as the initial population. A sample of these births is selected according to the sampling fraction of the stratum to which they belong and is added to the monthly sample. Deaths occur on a monthly basis. A death can be a cluster of establishment(s) that have ceased their activities (out-of-business) or whose major activities are no longer in retail trade (out-of-scope). The status of these businesses is updated on the BR using administrative sources and survey feedback, including feedback from the MRTS. Methods to treat dead units and misclassified units are part of the sample and population update procedures.

5. Questionnaire design

The Monthly Retail Trade Survey incorporates the following sub-surveys:

Monthly Retail Trade Survey - R8

Monthly Retail Trade Survey (with inventories) – R8

Survey of Sales and Inventories of Alcoholic Beverages

The questionnaires collect monthly data on retail sales and the number of trading locations by province or territory and inventories of goods owned and intended for resale from a sample of retailers. The items on the questionnaires have remained unchanged for several years. For the 2004 redesign, the general questionnaires were subject to cosmetic changes only. The questionnaire for Sales and Inventories of Alcoholic Beverages underwent more extensive changes. The modifications were discussed with stakeholders and the respondents were given an opportunity to comment before the new questionnaire was finalized. If further changes are needed to any of the questionnaires, proposed changes would go through a review committee and a field test with respondents and data users to ensure its relevancy.

6. Response and nonresponse

6.1. Response and non-response

Despite the best efforts of survey managers and operations staff to maximize response in the MRTS, some non-response will occur. For statistical establishments to be classified as responding, the degree of partial response (where an accurate response is obtained for only some of the questions asked a respondent) must meet a minimum threshold level below which the response would be rejected and considered a unit nonresponse.  In such an instance, the business is classified as not having responded at all.

Non-response has two effects on data: first it introduces bias in estimates when nonrespondents differ from respondents in the characteristics measured; and second, it contributes to an increase in the sampling variance of estimates because the effective sample size is reduced from that originally sought.

The degree to which efforts are made to get a response from a non-respondent is based on budget and time constraints, its impact on the overall quality and the risk of nonresponse bias.

The main method to reduce the impact of non-response at sampling is to inflate the sample size through the use of over-sampling rates that have been determined from similar surveys.

Besides the methods to reduce the impact of non-response at sampling and collection, the non-responses to the survey that do occur are treated through imputation. In order to measure the amount of non-response that occurs each month, various response rates are calculated. For a given reference month, the estimation process is run at least twice (a preliminary and a revised run). Between each run, respondent data can be identified as unusable and imputed values can be corrected through respondent data. As a consequence, response rates are computed following each run of the estimation process.

For the MRTS, two types of rates are calculated (un-weighted and weighted). In order to assess the efficiency of the collection process, un-weighted response rates are calculated. Weighted rates, using the estimation weight and the value for the variable of interest, assess the quality of estimation. Within each of these types of rates, there are distinct rates for units that are surveyed and for units that are only modeled from administrative data that has been extracted from GST files.

To get a better picture of the success of the collection process, two un-weighted rates called the ‘collection results rate’ and the ‘extraction results rate’ are computed. They are computed by dividing the number of respondents by the number of units that we tried to contact or tried to receive extracted data for them. Non-monthly reporters (respondents with special reporting arrangements where they do not report every month but for whom actual data is available in subsequent revisions) are excluded from both the numerator and denominator for the months where no contact is performed.

In summary, the various response rates are calculated as follows:

Weighted rates:

Survey Response rate (estimation) =
Sum of weighted sales of units with response status i / Sum of survey weighted sales

where i = units that have either reported data that will be used in estimation or are converted refusals, or have reported data that has not yet been resolved for estimation.

Admin Response rate (estimation) =
Sum of weighted sales of units with response status ii / Sum of administrative weighted sales

where ii = units that have data that was extracted from administrative files and are usable for estimation.

Total Response rate (estimation) =
Sum of weighted sales of units with response status i or response status ii / Sum of all weighted sales

Un-weighted rates:

Survey Response rate (collection) =
Number of questionnaires with response status iii/ Number of questionnaires with response status iv

where iii = units that have either reported data (unresolved, used or not used for estimation) or are converted refusals.

where iv = all of the above plus units that have refused to respond, units that were not contacted and other types of non-respondent units.

Admin Response rate (extraction) =
Number of questionnaires with response status vi/ Number of questionnaires with response status vii

where vi = in-scope units that have data (either usable or non-usable) that was extracted from administrative files

where vii = all of the above plus units that have refused to report to the administrative data source, units that were not contacted and other types of non-respondent units.

(% of questionnaire collected over all in-scope questionnaires)

Collection Results Rate =
Number of questionnaires with response status iii / Number of questionnaires with response status viii

where iii = same as iii defined above

where viii = same as iv except for the exclusion of units that were contacted because their response is unavailable for a particular month since they are non-monthly reporters.

Extraction Results Rate =
Number of questionnaires with response status ix / Number of questionnaires with response status vii

where ix = same as vi with the addition of extracted units that have been imputed or were out of scope

where vii = same as vii defined above

(% of questionnaires collected over all questionnaire in-scope we tried to collect)

All the above weighted and un-weighted rates are provided at the industrial group, geography and size group level or for any combination of these levels.

Use of Administrative Data

Managing response burden is an ongoing challenge for Statistics Canada. In an attempt to alleviate response burden and survey costs, especially for smaller businesses, the MRTS has reduced the number of simple establishments in the sample that are surveyed directly and instead derives sales data for these establishments from Goods and Service Tax (GST) files using a statistical model. The model accounts for differences between sales and revenue (reported for GST purposes) as well as for the time lag between the survey reference period and the reference period of the GST file.

For more information on the methodology used for modeling sales from administrative data sources, refer to ‘Monthly Retail Trade Survey: Use of Administrative Data’ under ‘Documentation’ of the IMDB.

Table 1 contains the weighted response rates for all industry groups as well as for total retail trade for each province and territory. For more detailed weighted response rates, please contact the Marketing and Dissemination Section at (613) 951-3549, toll free: 1-877-421-3067 or by e-mail at retailinfo@statcan.

6.2. Methods used to reduce non-response at collection

Significant effort is spent trying to minimize non-response during collection. Methods used, among others, are interviewer techniques such as probing and persuasion, repeated re-scheduling and call-backs to obtain the information, and procedures dealing with how to handle non-compliant (refusal) respondents.

If data are unavailable at the time of collection, a respondent's best estimates are also accepted, and are subsequently revised once the actual data become available.

To minimize total non-response for all variables, partial responses are accepted. In addition, questionnaires are customized for the collection of certain variables, such as inventory, so that collection is timed for those months when the data are available.

Finally, to build trust and rapport between the interviewers and respondents, cases are generally assigned to the same interviewer each month. This action establishes a personal relationship between interviewer and respondent, and builds respondent trust.

7. Data collection and capture operations

Collection of the data is performed by Statistics Canada’s Regional Offices.

Table 1
Weighted response rates by NAICS, for all provinces/territories: May 2012
  Weighted Response Rates
Total Survey Administrative
NAICS - Canada
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers 90.5 91 69.4
Automobile Dealers 92.4 92.5 65.7
New Car Dealers1 93.6 93.6  
Used Car Dealers 71.8 72.4 65.7
Other Motor Vehicle Dealers 74.7 74.6 76.1
Automotive Parts, Accessories and Tire Stores 86 89 64
Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores 84.6 87.6 54.6
Furniture Stores 87.2 88.8 54.6
Home Furnishings Stores 80 85.2 54.6
Electronics and Appliance Stores 87.5 89.2 31.4
Building Material and Garden Equipment Dealers 86 88.9 51.3
Food and Beverage Stores 83.4 89.9 11.1
Grocery Stores 85 92.6 6.8
Grocery (except Convenience) Stores 87.5 95.1 4.1
Convenience Stores 52.8 57.7 25.4
Specialty Food Stores 68.7 76.9 35.4
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores 80.7 82.1 26.3
Health and Personal Care Stores 88.1 89.8 66
Gasoline Stations 80.1 81.1 62.3
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores 89.1 90.6 48
Clothing Stores 90.3 91.6 51.9
Shoe Stores 91.2 92.1 24.9
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores 78.5 81.3 38.3
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores 85.2 91.2 28.9
General Merchandise Stores 98.8 99.5 22.8
Department Stores 100 100  
Other general merchadise stores 97.9 99.1 22.8
Miscellaneous Store Retailers 82.6 89.3 28.4
Total 87.8 90.3 39
Regions
Newfoundland and Labrador 89.5 90.6 32.2
Prince Edward Island 89.8 90.7  
Nova Scotia 91.6 93.2 49.3
New Brunswick 86.8 89.1 52.7
Québec 87.1 91 32.7
Ontario 87.9 90.5 36.8
Manitoba 86.2 86.6 64.7
Saskatchewan 89.2 90.3 62.6
Alberta 87.4 89 52.1
British Columbia 88.3 90.9 34.7
Yukon Territory 87.4 87.4  
Northwest Territories 83.7 83.7  
Nunavut 72.1 72.1  
1 There are no administrative records used in new car dealers

Weighted Response Rates

Respondents are sent a questionnaire or are contacted by telephone to obtain their sales and inventory values, as well as to confirm the opening or closing of business trading locations. Collection of the data begins approximately 7 working days after the end of the reference month and continues for the duration of that month.

New entrants to the survey are introduced to the survey via an introductory letter that informs the respondent that a representative of Statistics Canada will be calling. This call is to introduce the respondent to the survey, confirm the respondent's business activity, establish and begin data collection, as well as to answer any questions that the respondent may have.

8. Editing

Data editing is the application of checks to detect missing, invalid or inconsistent entries or to point to data records that are potentially in error. In the survey process for the MRTS, data editing is done at two different time periods.

First of all, editing is done during data collection. Once data are collected via the telephone, or via the receipt of completed mail-in questionnaires, the data are captured using customized data capture applications. All data are subjected to data editing. Edits during data collection are referred to as field edits and generally consist of validity and some simple consistency edits. They are used to detect mistakes made during the interview by the respondent or the interviewer and to identify missing information during collection in order to reduce the need for follow-up later on. Another purpose of the field edits is to clean up responses. In the MRTS, the current month’s responses are edited against the respondent’s previous month’s responses and/or the previous year’s responses for the current month. Field edits are also used to identify problems with data collection procedures and the design of the questionnaire, as well as the need for more interviewer training.

Follow-up with respondents occurs to validate potential erroneous data following any failed preliminary edit check of the data. Once validated, the collected data is regularly transmitted to the head office in Ottawa.

Secondly, editing known as statistical editing is also done after data collection and this is more empirical in nature. Statistical editing is run prior to imputation in order to identify the data that will be used as a basis to impute non-respondents. Large outliers that could disrupt a monthly trend are excluded from trend calculations by the statistical edits. It should be noted that adjustments are not made at this stage to correct the reported outliers.

The first step in the statistical editing is to identify which responses will be subjected to the statistical edit rules. Reported data for the current reference month will go through various edit checks.

The first set of edit checks is based on the Hidiriglou-Berthelot method whereby a ratio of the respondent’s current month data over historical (last month, same month last year) or auxiliary data is analyzed. When the respondent’s ratio differs significantly from ratios of respondents who are similar in terms of industry and/or geography group, the response is deemed an outlier.

The second set of edits consists of an edit known as the share of market edit. With this method, one is able to edit all respondents, even those where historical and auxiliary data is unavailable. The method relies on current month data only. Therefore, within a group of respondents, that are similar in terms of industrial group and/or geography, if the weighted contribution of a respondent to the group’s total is too large, it will be flagged as an outlier.

For edit checks based on the Hidiriglou-Berthelot method, data that are flagged as an outlier will not be included in the imputation models (those based on ratios). Also, data that are flagged as outliers in the share of market edit will not be included in the imputation models where means and medians are calculated to impute for responses that have no historical responses.

In conjunction with the statistical editing after data collection of reported data, there is also error detection done on the extracted GST data. Modeled data based on the GST are also subject to an extensive series of processing steps which thoroughly verify each record that is the basis for the model as well as the record being modeled. Edits are performed at a more aggregate level (industry by geography level) to detect records which deviate from the expected range, either by exhibiting large month-to-month change, or differing significantly from the remaining units. All data which fail these edits are subject to manual inspection and possible corrective action.

9. Imputation

Imputation in the MRTS is the process used to assign replacement values for missing data. This is done by assigning values when they are missing on the record being edited to ensure that estimates are of high quality and that a plausible, internal consistency is created. Due to concerns of response burden, cost and timeliness, it is generally impossible to do all follow-ups with the respondents in order to resolve missing responses. Since it is desirable to produce a complete and consistent microdata file, imputation is used to handle the remaining missing cases.

In the MRTS, imputation is based on historical data or administrative data (GST sales). The appropriate method is selected according to a strategy that is based on whether historical data is available, auxiliary data is available and/or which reference month is being processed.

There are three types of historical imputation methods. The first type is a general trend that uses one historical data source (previous month, data from next month or data from same month previous year). The second type is a regression model where data from previous month and same month previous year are used simultaneously. The third type uses the historical data as a direct replacement value for a non-respondent. Depending upon the particular reference month, there is an order of preference that exists so that top quality imputation can result. The historical imputation method that was labelled as the third type above is always the last option in the order for each reference month.

The imputation methods using administrative data are automatically selected when historical information is unavailable for a non-respondent. The administrative data source (annual GST sales) is the basis of these methods. The annual GST sales are used for two types of methods. One is a general trend that will be used for simple structure, e.g. enterprises with only one establishment, and a second type is called median-average that is used for units with a more complex structure.

10. Estimation

Estimation is a process that approximates unknown population parameters using only part of the population that is included in a sample. Inferences about these unknown parameters are then made, using the sample data and associated survey design. This stage uses Statistics Canada's Generalized Estimation System (GES).

For retail sales, the population is divided into a survey portion (take-all and take-some strata) and a non-survey portion (take-none stratum). From the sample that is drawn from the survey portion, an estimate for the population is determined through the use of a Horvitz-Thompson estimator where responses for sales are weighted by using the inverses of the inclusion probabilities of the sampled units. Such weights (called sampling weights) can be interpreted as the number of times that each sampled unit should be replicated to represent the entire population. The calculated weighted sales values are summed by domain, to produce the total sales estimates by each industrial group / geographic area combination. A domain is defined as the most recent classification values available from the BR for the unit and the survey reference period. These domains may differ from the original sampling strata because units may have changed size, industry or location. Changes in classification are reflected immediately in the estimates and do not accumulate over time. For the non-survey portion, the sales are estimated with statistical models using monthly GST sales.

For more information on the methodology for modeling sales from administrative data sources which also contributes to the estimates of the survey portion, refer to ‘Monthly Retail Survey: Use of Administrative Data’ under ‘Documentation’ of the IMDB.

The measure of precision used for the MRTS to evaluate the quality of a population parameter estimate and to obtain valid inferences is the variance. The variance from the survey portion is derived directly from a stratified simple random sample without replacement.

Sample estimates may differ from the expected value of the estimates. However, since the estimate is based on a probability sample, the variability of the sample estimate with respect to its expected value can be measured. The variance of an estimate is a measure of the precision of the sample estimate and is defined as the average, over all possible samples, of the squared difference of the estimate from its expected value.

11. Revisions and seasonal adjustment

Revisions in the raw data are required to correct known non-sampling errors. These normally include replacing imputed data with reported data, corrections to previously reported data, and estimates for new births that were not known at the time of the original estimates. Raw data are revised, on a monthly basis, for the month immediately prior to the current reference month being published. That is, when data for December are being published for the first time, there will also be revisions, if necessary, to the raw data for November. In addition, revisions are made once a year, with the initial release of the February data, for all months in the previous year. The purpose is to correct any significant problems that have been found that apply for an extended period. The actual period of revision depends on the nature of the problem identified, but rarely exceeds three years. Time series contain the elements essential to the description, explanation and forecasting of the behaviour of an economic phenomenon: "They are statistical records of the evolution of economic processes through time."1 Economic time series such as the Monthly Retail Trade Survey can be broken down into five main components: the trend-cycle, seasonality, the trading-day effect, the Easter holiday effect and the irregular component.

The trend represents the long-term change in the series, whereas the cycle represents a smooth, quasi-periodical movement about the trend, showing a succession of growth and decline phases (e.g., the business cycle). These two components—the trend and the cycle—are estimated together, and the trend-cycle reflects the fundamental evolution of the series. The other components reflect short-term transient movements.

The seasonal component represents sub-annual, monthly or quarterly fluctuations that recur more or less regularly from one year to the next. Seasonal variations are caused by the direct and indirect effects of the climatic seasons and institutional factors (attributable to social conventions or administrative rules; e.g., Christmas).

The trading-day component originates from the fact that the relative importance of the days varies systematically within the week and that the number of each day of the week in a given month varies from year to year. This effect is present when activity varies with the day of the week. For instance, Sunday is typically less active than the other days, and the number of Sundays, Mondays, etc., in a given month changes from year to year.

The Easter holiday effect is the variation due to the shift of part of April’s activity to March when Easter falls in March rather than April.

Lastly, the irregular component includes all other more or less erratic fluctuations not taken into account in the preceding components. It is a residual that includes errors of measurement on the 1. A Note on the Seasonal adjustment of Economic Time Series», Canadian Statistical Review, August 1974.  A variable itself as well as unusual events (e.g., strikes, drought, floods, major power blackout or other unexpected events causing variations in respondents’ activities).

Thus, the latter four components—seasonal, irregular, trading-day and Easter holiday effect—all conceal the fundamental trend-cycle component of the series. Seasonal adjustment (correction of seasonal variation) consists in removing the seasonal, trading-day and Easter holiday effect components from the series, and it thus helps reveal the trend-cycle. While seasonal adjustment permits a better understanding of the underlying trend-cycle of a series, the seasonally adjusted series still contains an irregular component. Slight month-to-month variations in the seasonally adjusted series may be simple irregular movements. To get a better idea of the underlying trend, users should examine several months of the seasonally adjusted series.

Since April 2008, Monthly Retail Trade Survey data are seasonally adjusted using the X-12- ARIMA2 software. The technique that is used essentially consists of first correcting the initial series for all sorts of undesirable effects, such as the trading-day and the Easter holiday effects, by a module called regARIMA. These effects are estimated using regression models with ARIMA errors (auto-regressive integrated moving average models). The series can also be extrapolated for at least one year by using the model. Subsequently, the raw series—pre-adjusted and extrapolated if applicable— is seasonally adjusted by the X-11 method.

The X-11 method is used for analysing monthly and quarterly series. It is based on an iterative principle applied in estimating the different components, with estimation being done at each stage using adequate moving averages3. The moving averages used to estimate the main components—the trend and seasonality—are primarily smoothing tools designed to eliminate an undesirable component from the series. Since moving averages react poorly to the presence of atypical values, the X-11 method includes a tool for detecting and correcting atypical points. This tool is used to clean up the series during the seasonal adjustment. Outlying data points can also be detected and corrected in advance, within the regARIMA module.

Lastly, the annual totals of the seasonally adjusted series are forced to the annual totals of the original series.

Unfortunately, seasonal adjustment removes the sub-annual additivity of a system of series; small discrepancies can be observed between the sum of seasonally adjusted series and the direct seasonal adjustment of their total. To insure or restore additivity in a system of series, a reconciliation process is applied or indirect seasonal adjustment is used, i.e. the seasonal adjustment of a total is derived by the summation of the individually seasonally adjusted series.

12. Data quality evaluation

The methodology of this survey has been designed to control errors and to reduce their potential effects on estimates. However, the survey results remain subject to errors, of which sampling error is only one component of the total survey error. Sampling error results when observations are made only on a sample and not on the entire population. All other errors arising from the various phases of a survey are referred to as nonsampling errors. For example, these types of errors can occur when a respondent provides incorrect information or does not answer certain questions; when a unit in the target population is omitted or covered more than once; when GST data for records being modeled for a particular month are not representative of the actual record for various reasons; when a unit that is out of scope for the survey is included by mistake or when errors occur in data processing, such as coding or capture errors.

Prior to publication, combined survey results are analyzed for comparability; in general, this includes a detailed review of individual responses (especially for large businesses), general economic conditions and historical trends.

A common measure of data quality for surveys is the coefficient of variation (CV). The coefficient of variation, defined as the standard error divided by the sample estimate, is a measure of precision in relative terms. Since the coefficient of variation is calculated from responses of individual units, it also measures some non-sampling errors.

The formula used to calculate coefficients of variation (CV) as percentages is:

CV (X) = S(X) * 100% / X
where X denotes the estimate and S(X) denotes the standard error of X.

Confidence intervals can be constructed around the estimates using the estimate and the CV. Thus, for our sample, it is possible to state with a given level of confidence that the expected value will fall within the confidence interval constructed around the estimate. For example, if an estimate of $12,000,000 has a CV of 2%, the standard error will be $240,000 (the estimate multiplied by the CV). It can be stated with 68% confidence that the expected values will fall within the interval whose length equals the standard deviation about the estimate, i.e. between $11,760,000 and $12,240,000.

Alternatively, it can be stated with 95% confidence that the expected value will fall within the interval whose length equals two standard deviations about the estimate, i.e. between $11,520,000 and $12,480,000.

Finally, due to the small contribution of the non-survey portion to the total estimates, bias in the non-survey portion has a negligible impact on the CVs. Therefore, the CV from the survey portion is used for the total estimate that is the summation of estimates from the surveyed and non-surveyed portions.

13. Disclosure control

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any data which would divulge information obtained under the Statistics Act that relates to any identifiable person, business or organization without the prior knowledge or the consent in writing of that person, business or organization. Various confidentiality rules are applied to all data that are released or published to prevent the publication or disclosure of any information deemed confidential. If necessary, data are suppressed to prevent direct or residual disclosure of identifiable data.

Confidentiality analysis includes the detection of possible "direct disclosure", which occurs when the value in a tabulation cell is composed of a few respondents or when the cell is dominated by a few companies.

 

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