Demosim

Demosim is a microsimulation model developed and maintained at Statistics Canada that is designed to produce population projections. Using the microdata file from the 2016 Canadian Census of Population as its starting point, Demosim produces dynamic population projections for the provinces, territories, census metropolitan areas and selected smaller geographies, based on a number of characteristics: age, sex, visible minority group, place of birth, generation status, Indigenous identity, registered Indian status, level of education, and labour force participation, among others. It does so by simulating events such as births, deaths, migrations and changes in level of education, according to various population growth scenarios. It can also produce projections of families and households on the basis of various characteristics.

Initially created in 2004 and still used today, the model has been used to generate projections of the Canadian population’s ethnocultural composition, the Indigenous population, and the Canadian labour force, and for various analytical studies. It is also used to produce custom tabulations for users and to meet certain data needs of other Statistics Canada programs.

Overview

An overview of the most up-to-date version of the Demosim model can be found in the methodological document Projections of the Indigenous populations and households in Canada, 2016 to 2041: Overview of data sources, methods, assumptions and scenarios. This document provides additional information about Demosim’s current content, including its base population, how it works and the data sources and methods used to model its components

Contact us

For more information about the Demosim model and population projections based on microsimulation, please contact the Centre for Demography Client Services at statcan.demography-demographie.statcan@statcan.gc.ca

Date modified:

Health Indicators

Archived information

Archived information is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.

Consultation objectives

From July 2011 to March 2012, Statistics Canada held consultations on the usability of the Health Indicators portion of the Health in Canada module on the Statistics Canada website.

The main objective of these consultations was to determine whether visitors to the Statistics Canada website were able to complete given tasks with ease when navigating the newly designed Health Indicators product.

Since this consultation was completed, the content and features of the Health in Canada module discussed in this consultation have been changed.

Consultation methodology

Frequent users of health data on the Statistics Canada website were asked to participate in the consultation. Participants were aged 18 and older, of both sexes, from different occupational backgrounds and with different levels of experience on the Statistics Canada website.

Participants were asked to complete tasks using paper and electronic prototypes. In Phase I of the consultation, each participant was first shown a prototype for task completion and then a second design. Upon completion of the task, they were asked to indicate their preferred prototype.

In Phase II, participants were asked to undertake tasks to measure the usability of the electronic prototype chosen in Phase I.

How to get involved

This consultation is now closed.

For more information, contact Statistics Canada through the Statistical Information Service.

Statistics Canada selects participants for each consultation to ensure feedback is sought from a representative sample of the target population for the study. Not all applicants will be asked to participate in a given consultation.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of consultation participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the Agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada's privacy policies, please consult the privacy notice.

Results

What worked

All participants responded positively to the new Health Indicators interface and were able to navigate quickly and easily through the listing of health indicator topics on the introductory page using either Version A or Version B. They liked the tab approach used in the prototype to display the key resources such as articles, fact sheets, survey information and maps about a particular health indicator topic. They also found most of the tab labels intuitive and liked seeing a data table immediately after selecting a topic.

What did not work

Participants did not immediately understand that the initial table displayed was only one of several tables available from the drop-down menu on the Data table tab.

Most participants found the information on the Survey Information tab confusing, as it included information on more than just the specific health indicator they were researching.

Recommendations

For the introductory pages of the Health Indicators module, Versions A and B tested equally well. All participants successfully completed their assigned task for this page using either version. Experienced users unanimously preferred Version A, whereas inexperienced users unanimously preferred Version B. If consideration is given to the primary user of this module, the experienced user, then Version A is recommended. From a heuristic perspective, the clean, clear design and lighter cognitive load of Version A further reinforces this recommendation.

The labels and functionality of the left-hand sidebar on the introductory page should be updated to meet the needs of the new prototype.

The Survey information tab should be modified to improve usability. Participants were confused by the change in focus from one health indicator, e.g., diabetes, to information on all health indicators. The page should be redesigned to better alert users to this change and minimize confusion.

Date modified:

Table 1 Data accuracy measures, Canada and Weighed response rates, Canada

Data accuracy measures, Canada
  2009 2010
Total operating revenue 1.1% 1.2%
CV from 0.01% to 4.99% is excellent
CV from 5.00% to 9.99% is very good
CV from 10.00% to 14.99% is good
CV from 15.00% to 24.99% is acceptable
CV from 25.00% to 34.99% should be used with caution
CV is 35.00% or higher is unreliable

 

Weighed response rates, Canada
  2009 2010
Total response rate 66% 63%
Total contribution rate 87% 98%

 

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-18.3 STC/UES-425-75418

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2011 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

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.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Spectator sports

Sports teams and clubs (professional, semi-professional and amateur teams and clubs presenting events before an audience)

This industry comprises professional, semi-professional, or amateur sports clubs primarily engaged in presenting sporting events before an audience. These establishments may or may not operate the facility for presenting these events.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • promoting sports events and operating sports facilities, but not operating a sports club;
  • promoting sports events but not operating a sports facility or sports club;
  • operating recreational sports and athletic clubs and leagues;
  • operating amateur or professional sports associations and leagues.

Horse race tracks

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating horse race tracks or stables, presenting horse racing events, or training race horses. Also includes harness drivers and jockeys.

Exclude:

  • operators of auto, dog or other race tracks.

Other spectator sports and independent sports professionals ( e.g. , independent athletes, sports trainers, scouts and other race tracks; include teams, owners and drivers) (please specify)

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating race tracks and presenting racing events, other than those related to horses. Independent athletes, such as golf professionals, professional boxers, tennis players, race car drivers, figure skaters, Olympic athletes and sports trainers.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • presenting racing events, but not operating a race track;
  • representing or managing the careers of sports figures.

Promoters (presenters) of performing arts, sports and similar events

With facilities

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in organizing and promoting performing arts productions, sports events and similar events, such as festivals. Establishments in this industry group may operate arenas, stadiums, theatres or other related facilities.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • producing live presentations that involve the performances of actors and actresses, singers, dancers, musical groups and artists, whether or not they operate their own facilities;
  • operating professional, semi-professional or amateur sports teams that present sporting events to the public, whether or not they operate their own facilities;
  • owning and leasing facilities, but not producing or promoting live events held in them;
  • organizing convention and trade shows.

Without facilities

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in organizing and promoting live performing arts productions, sports events, and similar events, such as festivals, in facilities operated by others.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • organizing convention and trade shows;
  • producing live theatre, dance, music, or other theatrical presentations in facilities operated by others;
  • operating sports teams that present their own events;
  • operating performing arts, sports, and mixed-use facilities and organizing and promoting events, such as festivals, held in these facilities.

Industries related to performing arts and spectator sports

Agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers and other public figures

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in representing or managing creative and performing artists, sports figures, entertainers, and celebrities. These establishments represent their clients in contract negotiations, manage or organize the client’s financial affairs, and generally promote the careers of their clients.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • recruiting and placing models for clients, known as model registries;
  • supplying models to clients.

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

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services ( e.g. , rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

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

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

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

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

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

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances ( e.g. , room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

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

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc. )

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance ( e.g. , property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.5-3600-18.3 Page 5 Reporting guide: Spectator Sports, Event Promoters, Artists and Related Industries.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc. )

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets ( e.g. , amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Please provide a breakdown of your sales and services revenue, where applicable.

Amounts should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax, and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations.

Exclude:

  • grants and subsidies;
  • donations and fundraising;
  • royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees;
  • investment income.

1. Admissions to live sports or racing events presented by your business and

2. Admissions to live performing arts performances, fairs and festivals presented by your business

Admissions are charges to individuals or groups for right of access to live sporting or racing events or live performing arts performances.

Include:

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

Exclude:

  • payments received for events and performances owned/produced/presented by other establishments using your facilities; please report these amounts, at question 3 below;
  • contract production; please report this amount, at question 5 below.

3. Facility rental revenue

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

5. Contract production

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

Exclude:

  • contract production of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, sound recordings and communication signals; please report these amounts at question 14 below;
  • licensing of copyrights relating to a live performance; please report these amounts at question 16 below;
  • technical (non-performance) services; please report this amount at question 8 below.

6. Professional fees and commissions for career management and representation services for artists, athletes, entertainers, and others

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

Include:

  • negotiating contracts and bookings for performances and public appearances.

7. Event management services

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

8. Technical artistic services

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

Include:

  • lighting, key grip and set placement and removal;
  • editing, visual effects, copying, captioning, adding music, and foreign language dubbing.

10. Advertising revenue

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

Include:

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

11. Sales of food and non-alcoholic beverages

Include:

  • prepared meals;
  • packaged food;
  • vending machine sales.

13. Sales of merchandise

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

Include:

  • recreational and sports equipment and accessories;
  • oil and gasoline;
  • clothing;
  • arts and crafts;
  • magazines;
  • books.

Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

16. Licensing of rights to use copyrighted works and trademarks

Licensing the rights to use copyrighted intellectual property and trademarks, such as logos.

Licenses authorize the licensee to exploit the copyrighted work, for example: to reproduce or perform a literary or musical piece of work by making a sound or video recording of the piece; to rent a computer program to make a recording of a particular performance. A license may authorize some or all of these rights.

Include licenses to use:

  • literary works such as book manuscripts and computer programs;
  • dramatic works such as films, videos, plays, screenplays and scripts;
  • musical works;
  • artistic works such as paintings and photographs;
  • actor’s or singer’s performances;
  • broadcast communication signals;
  • sound recordings.

17. Broadcast and other media rights

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

Attendance

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

20. and 22. Presented by your business

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

21. and 23. Presented by others using your facilities (such as rentals)

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

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

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

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions ( e.g. , hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

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

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which must keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon.

The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

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

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Record linkages

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

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

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

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-179.3 STC/UES-425-75389

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2011 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

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.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Permanent placement, executive search and contract staffing services

Establishments primarily engaged in listing employment vacancies and selecting, referring and placing applicants (including executives and contractors) in employment. The individuals placed are not employees of the placement agencies.

Temporary staffing services

Establishments primarily engaged in supplying workers for limited periods of time to supplement the workforce of the client. The individuals provided are salaried employees of the temporary staffing establishment. These business units do not provide direct supervision of their employees at the client’s work sites.

Co-employment staffing services provided by a professional employer organization (PEO)

Establishments primarily engaged in providing human resources and human resource management services to clients.

These business units operate in a co-employment relationship with client businesses or organizations and are specialized in performing a wide range of human resource and personnel management duties, such as payroll accounting, payroll tax return preparation, benefits administration, recruiting, and managing labour relations.

Professional employer organizations typically acquire and lease back some or all of the employees of their clients and serve as the employer of the leased employees for payroll, benefits and related purposes. Professional employer organizations exercise varying degrees of decision making relating to their human resource or personnel management role, but do not have management accountability for the work of their clients’ operations with regard to strategic planning, output or profitability.

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

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services ( e.g. , rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

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

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

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

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

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

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances ( e.g. , room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

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

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance ( e.g. , property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets ( e.g. , amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Please provide a breakdown of your sales.

1. Executive/retained search services

Specialized search and recruitment service limited to filling highly paid executive, senior manager, and professional positions, according to client specifications.

May include fees for services such as:

  • conducting detailed interviews with the client organization’s management team;
  • developing job profiles;
  • conducting original research and advertising to locate potential job candidates;
  • screening possible candidates;
  • preparing, presenting, and discussing a confidential list of highly qualified applicants with the client;
  • making interview arrangements;
  • negotiating compensation;
  • providing post-hire follow-up.

The search firm typically provides two assurances to the client firm:

  • repeat the search at no extra charge (out-of-pocket expenses only) should a placed candidate subsequently fail for reasons attributed to lack of due diligence by the search firm;
  • not to recruit from the client firm for a stated period of time.

The client makes the decision as to which candidate to hire. The search agency’s fee is charged whether or not the candidate is hired. This product is also known as retained search.

2. Permanent placement services (exclude executive/retained search services)

Service of recruiting, selecting and referring candidates to the client to fill positions on a permanent (indeterminate) basis.

The services may include testing, interviewing, reference checking, evaluation and counselling of prospective employees. The service provider acts as an employment intermediary. The candidate is selected and hired by the client. The placement firm is paid on a contingency basis, i.e. , only for successful placement of a candidate. This product includes permanent placement services for a complete range of occupations from low-level employees to management employees, including executives, domestic and international job placements.

Exclude:

  • permanent placement services for executives recruited through executive/retained search services (question 1).

3. Contract staffing services (temporary assignment of contractors — non T4 recipients)

Services of finding individual contractors to fill positions on the basis of written contracts that stipulate the deliverables for which the client has contracted, as well as specific terms and conditions of employment. Under the terms of this agreement, the service provider has legal rights and duties with respect to the individual contractors. As they are not employees of the employment placement agencies, the individual contractors are normally responsible for their own payroll deductions and government filings.

4. Temporary staffing services (temporary assignment of staffing firm employees — T4 recipients)

Supplying personnel for temporary work assignments, temporary staffing firms hire their own employees and assigns them to support or supplement the client’s workforce in work situations such as employee absences, temporary skill shortages, seasonal workloads, and special assignments and projects. The employees are on the payroll of the temporary staffing firm which is legally responsible for their actions, but when working they are under the direct supervision of the client. The temporary staffing firm specifies the pay, benefits, etc. ) of the employee.

5. Temporary staffing to permanent placement services

This is a temporary assignment of staffing firm employees — T4 recipients — with the expectation of permanent work at the end of the trial period with the client.

The employee remains on the payroll of the temporary help staffing firm until the hiring decision is made at which time he or she becomes an employee of the client or, if not, returns to the temporary help staffing firm. This service may include training, counselling, assessment, and resume upgrading.

6. Co-employment staffing and payrolling services

Co-employment staffing is provided by a professional employer organization; payrolling is long term staffing such as labour leasing, staff leasing, employee leasing and extended employee staffing.

A service in which a professional employer organization (PEO) co-employs a client’s workforce. The PEO and the client enter into a contractual agreement whereby the rights and responsibilities in respect of co-employees are shared or allocated, with the service provider assuming responsibility for certain activities as agreed with the client. These range from basic to full-service packages.

Payrolling is supplying personnel for extended work assignments. Under the terms of this arrangement, the client may recruit the person or persons hired by the staffing firm and assigned to their place of work, or transfer a portion of their existing workforce to the staffing firm. Long-term employees are placed on the payroll of the staffing firm, which is legally responsible for their actions, but when working they are supervised by the client. This service includes activities such as labour leasing, staff leasing, employee leasing, extended employee staffing and payrolling.

7. All other sales

Include the following goods and services:

On-site management of temporary help

Provision of personnel who, in the work area of the client, assign, co-ordinate, and monitor employees provided by the temporary help staffing firm. This service provides a single point of contact for the client. Activities include recruitment, testing, selection, training, reporting, and quality monitoring. Assignment of an on-site manager requires a request from the client.

On-line job listing services

Soliciting candidates and posting job openings to a website which may be known as a job board, job bank, recruiting site, directory, labour exchange or employment registry. Organizations that post job listings to these sites are usually charged a fee, whereas job seekers usually have free access. These websites may include newsletters, referrals based on matching profiles or keywords, and access to training and employment-related services and programs, search engines and other resources.

On-line resume listing services

Soliciting and posting resumes/vitae to a website which may be known as a job board, job bank, recruiting site, directory, labour exchange or employment registry. Individuals who post resumes or vitae to these sites are not usually charged a fee; exceptions are online casting and talent search services that may charge for posting a vita or headshot. These websites may include job referrals based on matching profiles or keywords, access to training and employment-related services and programs, search engines, newsletters, and other resources.

Sale of on-line job site advertising space

Sale of advertising space on Internet job sites by the owner or operator of the site. Advertising in this medium consists mainly of announcements, splash pages, and logo buttons directed to individuals seeking jobs.

On-line job site memberships

Sale of memberships in an online job bank, job board, recruiting site, directory, labour exchange or employment registry for a set period of time. The membership level varies but usually includes job posting, resume searching, use of job tracking software, and access to statistical databases.

On-line employment database search services

Enabling users to search resumes/vitae or job listings posted to a website. Searches can usually be conducted by function, industry, location, and date of resume posting using customized search engines.

Sale of employment-related software

Sale of software designed for employment/job search. Includes software for interactive Internet recruiting, applicant tracking and applicant evaluation.

Managed services

Managing and/or operating an area or task for a client organization on an on-going basis, with or without the provision of operating staff. This service may include shipping and receiving, mail services, accounts payable, purchasing, food services, maintenance of facilities, records management, and other operations that support a client’s business. Managed services are also known as outsourcing, office management, facilities support, facilities management, or project management services.

Human resource consulting services

Providing advice and assistance concerning policies and procedures relating to staffing and development, performance measurement, pay and benefits, internal communications, regulatory compliance, due diligence, labour relations, and other human resource issues, with reference to the strategic and operational objectives of the client.

Consulting services, not elsewhere classified

Consulting services not directly related to human resource operations. Examples are information technology (IT) consulting, management consulting, and employment market consulting.

Employee evaluation services

Screening and appraisal of the technical and psychometric skills of individuals considered for hiring, promotion and/or advancement by the client. This service is most frequently used as part of the hiring process. This service also includes fee-based computer software certification tests.

Outplacement and career counselling

Assisting clients to deal with employee terminations in a fair, safe, and lawful manner and assisting client employees in making job and career changes. Employee assistance includes counselling, job search support, workshops, seminars and resume upgrading.

Payroll services

Payroll processing, withholding deductions, remitting deductions and employer’s contributions to government-mandated and other plans, and filing reports.

Training services

Instruction related to employment in such areas as computer-based skills, certification programs, skills upgrading, safety training and tutorials. This service is adjusted to the needs identified by the client.

Personal background checks

Investigation of the personal, academic, financial, and work history of candidates to be considered for hiring, promotion and/or advancement or those already employed by the client. This service is normally included as part of the hiring process. This product may be sold separately.

Medical exams for employment

Evaluation of the health of the candidate. Includes medical history, laboratory tests, and physical examinations. This product may be sold separately.

8. Total sales

The sum of the dollar amounts reported at questions 1 to 7.

Labour costs

Questions 9 and 10

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

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employment commissions;
  • taxable allowances ( e.g. , room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

Exclude:

  • All payments made to outside contract workers temporarily assigned and to casual labourers to whom no T4 — Statement of Remuneration Paid was issued.

9. Salaries, wages and benefits paid to internal employees — T4 recipients

Internal employees are the staffing firm employees who are responsible for the day to day activities of the staffing firm. These internal employees are not assigned to client firms and their work is mainly carried out within the office(s) of the staffing firm.

Include:

  • administrative personnel;
  • recruitment consultants.

10. Salaries, wages and benefits paid to employees temporarily assigned — T4 recipients

Employees from the staffing firm sent temporarily to client firms on short-term or extended work assignments. The staffing firm is responsible for paying all salaries, wages and benefits of the assigned employees. The work of employees assigned to client firms is carried out under supervision provided by the client firm.

11. Amounts paid to contractors temporarily assigned — non T4 recipients

Amounts paid by the staffing firm to contractors assigned to client firms to fill positions on the basis of written contracts that stipulate the deliverables for which the client has contracted, as well as specific terms and conditions of employment. Under the terms of this agreement, the employment service provider has legal rights and duties with respect to individual contractors.

Not being employees of the staffing firm, the individual contractors are normally responsible for their own payroll deductions and government filings. The contractors are not issued a T4 — Statement of Remuneration Paid — by either the staffing firm nor the client firm.

Number of internal employees

12. Number of internal employees — T4 recipients

Please see the definition of internal employees — T4 recipients provided at question 9 above.

Please provide your best estimate if this number is not readily available.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at
    question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

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

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions ( e.g. , hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

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

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data-sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which must keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon.

The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

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

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Record linkages

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

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

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

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-136.3 STC/UES-425-75386

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2011 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

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.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Geophysical surveying and mapping services

Business units primarily engaged in gathering, interpreting and mapping geophysical data. These business units often specialize in locating and measuring the extent of subsurface resources such as oil, gas and minerals, but they may also conduct surveys for engineering purposes.

Exclude business units primarily engaged in geophysical surveying activities in combination with other exploration activities.

Surveying and mapping (except geophysical) services

Business units primarily engaged in providing surveying and mapping services of the surface of the earth, including the sea floor. These services may include surveying and mapping of areas above or below the surface of the earth, such as the creation of view easements or segregating rights in parcels of land by creating underground utility easements.

Examples of activities in the industry are:

  • cadastral and topographic surveying and mapping services;
  • control surveying services, such as geodesy and global positioning system (GPS) surveying;
  • cartographic surveying services, including photogrammetric mapping;
  • geographic information system (GIS) base mapping and quality control services;
  • geospatial mapping services.

Exclude business units primarily engaged in:

  • publishing atlases and maps;
  • developing or publishing GIS software;
  • providing geophysical surveying and mapping services.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services ( e.g. , rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

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

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

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

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

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

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances ( e.g. , room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

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

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance ( e.g. , property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets ( e.g. , amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Geophysical surveying or mapping services

If a breakdown cannot be provided for questions 1 to 4 (geophysical data acquisition, processing and interpreting), please report the combined amount at question 5, Integrated geophysical services and geophysical borehole logging surveys.

1. Geophysical data acquisition by seismic methods

The collection of geophysical data by seismic methods for the purpose of characterizing subsurface conditions.

Exclude the collection of borehole geophysical data.

2. Geophysical data acquisition by non-seismic methods

The collection of geophysical data by non-seismic methods for the purpose of characterizing subsurface conditions.

Exclude the collection of borehole geophysical data.

3. Processing geophysical data acquired by seismic or non-seismic methods

The processing of geophysical data in order to facilitate interpretation. The service may include reprocessing data or the integration of other sets of data collected by the same method.

Exclude processing of borehole geophysical data.

4. Interpreting geophysical data acquired by seismic or non-seismic methods

Analysis of geophysical data acquired by seismic or non-seismic methods that are processed to generate models and predictions about the properties and structures of the subsurface. May include integration of geophysical data collected by other methods, or additional data including non-geophysical data.

Exclude analysis of borehole geophysical data.

5. Integrated geophysical services and geophysical borehole logging surveys

Services which include two or more phases (collection, processing and analysis) of the process used to carry out geophysical surveys.

Include borehole geophysical surveys.

6. Geophysical data sales

The sale of geophysical data and the brokerage of data. May include data that are available on a licence basis.

Non-geophysical surveying and mapping services

Geospatial photo and image acquisition and processing, and geospatial data interpretation

7. Geospatial (airborne and spaceborne) photo and image acquisition

Information about the earth’s surface acquired from aircraft or spaceborne platforms, in which aerial cameras, radar, infra-red detectors, GPS receivers or other equipment aboard are the primary means of data collection. Products may be geospatially referenced, and in the case of aerial photography, there may have been additional processing.

8. Geospatial photo and image processing ( e.g. , orthophoto and image processing, elevation and terrain modeling, aerotriangulation, photomosaics and photogrammetric mosaics)

  • Orthophoto and image processing is the processing of aerial photographs or satellite imagery to remove distortions due to tilt, terrain relief and perspective. The result is an orthorectified photo or image.
  • Elevation and terrain modeling is the production of models describing the elevation of the earth’s surface over a defined area. The models may take the form of a data array, a randomly distributed set of points, or an image produced using the digital elevation data. The elevations may have been corrected for the height of trees, vegetation, and buildings. The result is either a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or a Digital Terrain Model (DTM).
  • Aerotriangulation is the determination of horizontal or vertical co-ordinates of points on the ground from precise measurements on a photograph or image to create a control network sufficiently dense to provide a positionally accurate framework.
  • Photomosaics is the process by which individual photographs obtained directly from the negative are combined to form a photographic image of a larger area. This process is intended to lead to less distortion of scale by making adjustments and cuts of the original photographs. These are not rectified photographs.
  • Photogrammetric mosaics is the process for combining rectified aerial photographs so that the borders coincide and form a continuous photographic representation of part of the earth’s surface.
  • Photogrammetric restitution is the process of converting information obtained from aerial photographs or satellite imagery into conventional symbols.

9. Geospatial data interpretation

Analysis of the nature of objects whose images appear on a photograph or other imagery and the description of those objects; the characterization of the earth’s surface, natural or man-made features covering the earth’s surface.

Other non-geophysical surveying and mapping services

10. Topographic and planimetric surveying and mapping services

Surveying for the purpose of determining the shape (relief) of the surface of the land or the location of natural and man-made features on the surface and the preparation or revision of a map indicating the elevation of the surface (relative to a datum point) and slope.

11. Hydrographic and bathymetric surveying and mapping services

Surveying for the purpose of determining the geometric and dynamic characteristics of bodies of water, including:

  • the depth, temperature, or salinity of water;
  • the configuration of the bottom;
  • the velocities of currents;
  • the heights and times of tides and water stages;
  • the location of fixed objects used in navigation;
  • the preparation or revision of maps showing this information.

12. Boundary, property line and cadastral surveying and mapping services

Surveying for the purpose of establishing or re-establishing a boundary or property line on the ground, or for preparation of a map or plan showing a boundary or property line(s), including surveying for legal or cadastral purposes.

13. Subdivision layout and design

Dividing a piece of land into smaller pieces such as:

  • lots, streets, and rights of way;
  • marking or monumenting all necessary corners or dividing lines;
  • preparing maps or plans showing all information regarding adjoining land affecting the boundaries;
  • may include layout of roadway, and storm water/sanitary systems.

14. Construction surveying

Surveying prior to and during construction to control elevation, horizontal location and dimensions, and configuration; to determine if the construction was adequately completed; and to obtain dimensions essential for calculating quantities used in paying for construction.

15. Geodetic surveying and ground control support

Surveying for the purpose of determining the precise horizontal or vertical position of points or monumented locations to provide a reference framework for further surveys.

Include ground control support.

16. Thematic and orthophoto mapping and aeronautical and nautical charting

  • Thematic mapping is the preparation and revision of specialized map and data products designed to portray specific data themes (natural resource, demographic, economic, biological, etc.) .
  • Orthophoto mapping is the preparation and revision of orthophoto maps.
  • Aeronautical charting is the preparation and revision of charts designed primarily for use in aeronautical navigation. The aeronautical chart provides important information about flight paths, airport approaches and facilities, as well as landmark features.
  • Nautical charting is the preparation and revision of charts designed primarily for use in nautical navigation. Features usually shown are: bathymetric contours, navigational hazards, aids to navigation, port facilities, water depths and type of shoreline.

Other services

17. Geographic information system (GIS) development and customization

Design, development, modification and customization of a geospatially-referenced information system.

18. Other sales

Include:

  • geophysical software and equipment;
  • geographic information system (GIS) software;
  • satellite images;
  • maps;
  • geophysical data management services;
  • geospatial data conversion and digitizing services;
  • consulting services;
  • expert witness services;
  • training.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

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

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions ( e.g. , hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

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

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which must keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon.

The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

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

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Record linkages

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

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

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

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-85.3 STC/UES-425-75385

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2011 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

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.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services ( e.g. , rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

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

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

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

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

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

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances ( e.g. , room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

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

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance ( e.g. , property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets ( e.g. , amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

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

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions ( e.g. , hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

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

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which must keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon.

The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

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

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Record linkages

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

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

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

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-170.3 STC/UES-425-75382

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2011 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

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.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

North American Industry Classification System Description of the Real Estate Brokers

The categories to select from on the questionnaire use a coding system called the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS system was developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement. It is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies.

In order to help you choose the category that best describes the activity of your business, here is a short description of each category.

Real estate broker or real estate brokerage firm

Business units or individuals that are licenced or registered as real estate brokers where the primary activity (main source of revenue) is renting, buying and selling real estate for others on a fee or commission basis. Brokers may also assist vendors by advertising and listing properties, conducting open houses for prospective buyers, assist prospective buyers by selecting, visiting and making purchase offers. Secondary broker activities can include the rental or leasing of client owned properties, referrals, franchise operations, real estate advisory/consulting services and property appraisals.

Exclude brokers acting in the capacity of independent real estate sales persons.

Independent real estate sales persons

Business units or individuals that are licenced to participate in the activities of buying and selling real estate, who are obligated by contract to represent real estate brokers and are not considered to be regular employees. Independents can be identified by various names such as real estate agents, sales representatives, sales associates and associate brokers. This category also includes brokers that are acting in the capacity of independent real estate sales persons. If you are an independent real estate sales person please indicate this by completing the section “describe the nature of your business”.

Other activities

If you have selected “independent real estate salespersons” or “other activities”, please complete question 1 so that we may properly classify your business unit(s) according to the primary source of revenue.

Once this is done, we request that you complete Section L and return the questionnaire.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services ( e.g. , rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

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

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

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

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

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

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances ( e.g. , room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

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

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance ( e.g. , property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets ( e.g. , amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Please exclude any federal, provincial or territorial sales tax collected for remittance to a government agency.

Brokerage services

1. Commissions earned from real estate and lots

Include commissions and fees earned for the sale or re-sale of homes, buildings, businesses, lands and properties (include in trust amounts).

a) Sales of residential real estate and lots

Assisting buyers and sellers of residential real estate, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission. Includes residential real estate auction services.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 4).

b) Rental of residential and real estate lots

Assisting owners of residential real estate to rent it, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 4);
  • handling rentals for an owner as part of an ongoing property management service (provide in question 4).

c) Sales of commercial real estate and lots

Assisting buyers and sellers of non-residential real estate, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission. Includes non-residential real estate auction services.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 4).

d) Rental of commercial real estate lots

Assisting owners of non-residential real estate to rent it, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 4);
  • handling rentals for an owner as part of an ongoing property management service (provide in question 4).

2. Revenue received from independent real estate associates

Include commissions, fees and other revenues that are paid by independent real estate sales persons to this surveyed business. Some examples of these are desk fees, deal fees, charges for office space/use, publicity and advertising.

3. Revenue from rental or leasing of property directly owned by the business unit

Include the revenue received from the rental or leasing of property owned by this business unit only if it is earned as part of the normal real estate broker operations of the business unit.

Exclude income generated from the rental or leasing of properties that are owned or partially owned by the business as investment properties or other types of operations that are not related to the real estate broker operations.

4. Real estate consulting services

Providing advice and guidance to clients regarding real estate. Includes advice on real estate-related accountancy, financing and similar matters that are provided to the client independently of the actual provision of accountancy, financial and similar services.

Include:

  • expert witness services related to real estate;
  • commercial and industrial location finding services.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, while acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 2).

5. Real estate appraisal services

Providing assessments of the value of real estate, in order to assist clients in buying, selling, or financing the purchase of real estate, or in dealing with tax matters. Includes general real estate appraisals, reviews of others’ appraisals and appraisals for taxation purposes.

Exclude:

  • providing advice about real estate and property matters, not associated with providing an appraisal (provide in question 3).

6. Real estate listing services

Providing a register of real estate offered for sale in an area, in a printed directory, electronic database or other format.

7. Other sales

Include the sales of all other goods, services and revenues not previously identified such as referrals or bad debt recoveries.

8. Total sales

Sum of questions 1 to 7.

Commissions information

9. Proportion of commissions and fees earned from real estate sales (as reported in question 1)

Selected expenditure information

10. Commissions and fees paid to independent real estate salespersons

Include all commissions and fees paid to independent real estate sales persons if they are by some means contracted to you.

Exclude commissions paid to your employees. These should be reported in salaries and wages, in Section E, question 1.

11. Commissions and fees paid to other real estate brokers

Include all commissions and fees paid to other real estate brokers for their actions in assisting in real estate transactions.

12. Total commissions

Sum of questions 10 and 11.

Personnel information

13. Number of paid employees

Include those employees who work full-time (those employees who work a standard workweek as defined by the business unit) or part-time (those employees who work fewer hours than a regular workweek or only work for a limited duration, such as seasonal, short term or employees hired for special projects).

14. Number of independent real estate salespersons

Include persons that are licensed to sell or trade in real estate and are contracted to work for your enterprise; these independents may themselves be licensed or registered as brokers but if they are contracted to work as an independent salesperson, they are treated as such.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

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

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions ( e.g. , hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

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

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which must keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon.

The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

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

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Record linkages

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

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

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

Thank you!