Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP)

This guide is designed to provide additional information as you work through your questionnaire. If further assistance is required, please call us. A Statistics Canada employee will be happy to assist you.

Help Line: 1-800-858-7921

Table of contents

General information

What is the Annual Survey of Manufacturing Industries and why is it important?

The Annual Survey of Manufacturing Industries is conducted every year by Statistics Canada to obtain important information on the manufacturing sector (including logging operations) of the Canadian economy. Manufacturing establishments in Canada are required to provide information on such aspects of their operations as sales, costs/expenses, salaries and wages. Results from the Annual Survey of Manufacturing Industries help Statistics Canada in compiling key data on the Canadian economy, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The total value of sales is used along with inventories to calculate production statistics. Total sales of individual products, and external trade data, are used to estimate the size of the Canadian market for particular goods.

The data are also published and are used by the business community, trade associations, municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal governments, international organizations and private citizens.

Businesses and governments depend on official statistics to make vital economic decisions. For example:

  • the Bank of Canada relies on the GDP to make decisions that influence interest and exchange rates, which in turn affect the costs of doing business
  • businesses and associations use the survey results to:
    • track their performance against industry averages
    • evaluate expansion plans
    • prepare business plans for investors
    • adjust inflation-indexed contracts
    • plan marketing strategies.

Why was I chosen to receive the Annual Survey of Manufacturing Industries?

For most surveys, businesses are selected through random sampling to represent other businesses of the same type in their regions, with similar revenue or number of employees. Some businesses must be included every year as they contribute substantially to their particular industry or region. Smaller businesses must also be sampled if an industry only includes a limited number of businesses in a province or territory, to provide an accurate picture of an industry.

Whenever possible, Statistics Canada does use administrative data already filed with government, such as income tax returns or customs records. However, these sources do not contain all the information required to produce a complete industry profile. This is especially true for large businesses operating in a number of different industries, and in more than one province/territory. Tax records usually provide data for the legal entity but not for the different business units (establishments) that operate in different industries and/or provinces/territories. We need data from these specific business units to produce statistics by industry and by province/territory. Note: Although Statistics Canada can obtain records from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to create statistics, CRA cannot access any individual survey records from Statistics Canada.

To protect the confidentiality of data provided by respondents, only data in aggregate form are available for use.

Your assistance in completing the enclosed survey is vital to the production of timely and accurate manufacturing statistics. If you experience difficulties in completing this survey, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-858-7921.

Guidelines

General remarks

This guide provides details to help you complete the survey with more exact responses in the following sections.

  • introduction
  • revenue
  • expenses
  • sales of goods manufactured
  • purchases of raw materials and components to be used in manufacturing process
  • details on business locations
  • detailed information on energy and water costs or expenses

The data requested can generally be obtained from:

  • the accounting records and financial statements (for profit centers) for your business unit
  • your production and cost reports (for cost centers)
  • your employment and payroll records
  • other sources (e.g., your plant or production manager).

Introduction

Coverage

Please report the data for your establishment (referred to as a business unit) in this questionnaire. Each of the locations included in your business unit should be pre-printed in Details on this business's locations section. If you have acquired or disposed of a location, please indicate this change in the space provided.

Note: A business unit is the smallest operating unit in your business that can report the following items:

  • the value of sales
  • the cost of materials and supplies purchased
  • the cost of energy and water utility purchased
  • the opening and closing inventories
  • the number of employees and their salaries and wages.

Generally, a business unit corresponds to a plant, mill or factory. However, it may comprise more than one plant or location when your accounting records do not permit separate reporting of the items listed above. A business unit may also include ancillary or support units, such as sales offices or warehouses.

If your business has more than one business unit, a separate questionnaire should be completed for each unit. Each questionnaire should cover all the activities of the relevant business unit.

If your firm has a separate administrative unit or head office located in a municipality other than the one in which the plant is located, then you should also fill out a separate questionnaire for the Head Office Survey. The activities of ancillary or support units which serve more than one of your business units should also be reported on a head office questionnaire (even if there is no separate head office as such).

If you are in doubt about the best way to report, or you are not sure what questionnaires are being completed by other units of your firm, please call 1-800-858-7921 for assistance. Please quote the reference number on the front page of the questionnaire in all communications.

Reporting instructions

When precise figures are not available please provide your best estimates. Report all monetary values in Canadian funds, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars (e.g., $55,417.40 should be reported as 55). Percentages should be rounded (e.g., report 37.3% as 37 and 75.8% as 76).

The contact person sections (one at the beginning of the questionnaire and one at the end) ask for the name of the designated business or organization contact as well as the person who was primarily responsible for completing this questionnaire. Sometimes this is not the same person. Please answer both questions accurately.

Business or organization and contact information

This section verifies or requests basic identifying information of the business or organization such as legal name, operating name (if applicable), contact information of the designated contact person, current operational status, and main activity(ies).

1. Legal name and Operating name

Legal Name
The legal name is one recognized by law, thus it is the name liable for pursuit or for debts incurred by the business or organization. In the case of a corporation, it is the legal name as fixed by its charter or the statute by which the corporation was created.

Modifications to the legal name should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

To indicate a legal name of another legal entity you should instead indicate it in question 3 by selecting 'Not currently operational' and then choosing the applicable reason and providing the legal name of this other entity along with any other requested information.

Operating Name
The operating name is a name the business or organization is commonly known as if different from its legal name. The operating name is synonymous with trade name.

2. Designated contact person

Verify or provide the requested contact information of the designated business or organization contact person. The designated contact person is the person who should receive this questionnaire. The designated contact person may not always be the one who actually completes the questionnaire. If different than the designated contact person, the contact information of the person completing the questionnaire can be indicated later in the questionnaire.

3. Current operational status

Verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name in question 1. If indicating the operational status of the business or organization is 'Not currently operational' then indicate an applicable reason and provide the requested information.

4. Main activity

This question verifies the business or organization's current main activity as classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Created against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies. NAICS is based on supply-side or production-oriented principles, to ensure that industrial data, classified to NAICS, are suitable for the analysis of production-related issues such as industrial performance.

The target entity for which NAICS is designed are businesses and other organizations engaged in the production of goods and services. They include farms, incorporated and unincorporated businesses and government business enterprises. They also include government institutions and agencies engaged in the production of marketed and non-marketed services, as well as organizations such as professional associations and unions and charitable or non-profit organizations and the employees of households.

The associated NAICS should reflect those activities conducted by the business or organizational unit(s) targeted by this questionnaire only, as identified in the 'Answering this questionnaire' section and which can be identified by the specified legal and operating name. The main activity is the activity which most defines the targeted business or organization's main purpose or reason for existence. For a business or organization that is for-profit, it is normally the activity that generates the majority of the revenue for the entity.

The NAICS classification contains a limited number of activity classifications; the associated classification might be applicable for this business or organization even if it is not exactly how you would describe this business or organization's main activity.

Please note that any modifications to the main activity through your response to this question might not necessarily be reflected prior to the transmitting of subsequent questionnaires and as a result they may not contain this updated information.

If the current NAICS associated with this business or organizations is not correct, please provide a brief description of the main activity and provide any additional information as requested.

Reporting period information

  • May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022
  • June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022
  • July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022
  • August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022
  • September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022
  • October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022
  • November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022
  • December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022
  • January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022
  • February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023
  • March 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023
  • April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023

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

  • September 18, 2021 to September 15, 2022 (e.g., floating year-end)
  • June 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (e.g., a newly opened business)

Revenue

1. Sales of goods and services

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.

For Manufacturing and Logging Industries

Report all sales (domestic and exports) of goods and services from Canadian locations at final selling price. Sales should be reported 'Free On Board' (FOB) factory gate: net of excise and provincial or territorial sales taxes, HST/GST, trade discounts, returns and allowances, and charges for outward transportation by common or contract carriers. (Note: FOB factory gate means truck gate if manufacturer is using own truck and driver).

Sales denominated in foreign currency should be converted into Canadian dollars at the exchange rate on the day of transaction.

Note: Goods reported as sold should not be included in inventory and goods held on consignment should be reported as inventory until actually sold.

Include:

  • sales of goods manufactured from own materials whether at this business unit or at any other subcontracted manufacturing plants located within Canada
  • sales out of warehouses at locations other than your business unit if storage warehouses are owned or rented by your business unit
  • sales of logs and wood residue, regardless of the source of these materials (for logging operations only)
  • sales of goods purchased for resale, as is (purchased from another company or another business unit of your firm not covered by this questionnaire)
  • amounts received from progress billings
  • revenue from repair work (labour costs only as materials and products are owned by client)
  • charges for installation of manufactured goods where installation is part of sales
  • book value of goods sold for rental
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm. Note that these should be reported at the value shown on your books of account (i.e. book transfer value).

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes, and excise duties and taxes
  • shipping charges by common carrier or contract carriers
  • discounts and returns.

2. Rental and leasing

Rental and leasing revenue from assets owned by your business unit should be reported here. This revenue should be reported before deduction of expenses such as property taxes and repairs and maintenance excluding the goods and services tax (GST). Rental expenses should not be subtracted from rental revenues.

Include:

  • revenue from rental or leasing of manufactured products made by your business unit
  • revenue from long and short term rental or leasing of vehicles, machinery and equipment owned by your business unit (including operating leases)
  • revenue from rental or leasing of apartments, commercial buildings, land, office space, residential housing, investments in co-tenancies and co-ownerships.

Exclude:

  • finance charges from financing and sales leases
  • revenue from intellectual property (e.g., patents, trademarks, copyrights).

3. Commissions

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

4. Subsidies (including grants, donations and fundraising)

Include:

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

5. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent. Royalties paid by your business unit should not be subtracted from royalty revenues.

Include:

  • revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted materials such as musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals. Examples are: motion pictures, computer programs, etc
  • revenues from franchise fees
  • revenues from licensing agreements.

6. Dividends

Dividend expenses should not be subtracted from dividend revenues.

Include:

  • dividend income
  • dividends from Canadian sources
  • dividends from foreign sources
  • patronage dividends.

Exclude:

  • dividend from capital investment from affiliates

7. Interest

Interest expenses should not be subtracted from interest revenues.

Include:

  • investment revenue
  • interest from foreign sources
  • interest from Canadian bonds and debentures
  • interest from Canadian mortgage loans
  • interest from other Canadian sources.

Exclude equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

8. Other revenue (please specify)

Include all amounts not included in questions 1 to 7 above such as:

  • revenue from warranties
  • placement fees for displaying items on websites, store windows, catalogues
  • revenue from shipping and handling charges that are not included in the price of the merchandise
  • deposit service income, credit service income and card service income
  • lodging and boarding revenue in the logging industry
  • revenue from secondary activities (e.g. cafeterias and lunch counters
  • revenue from outside installation or construction work not related to your own products.

9. Total Revenue

(sum of lines 1 to 8)

Expenses

1. Purchases

Please report the laid-down cost FOB, plant gate, but excluding HST/GST, for purchases / cost of materials.

Include:

  • purchases of raw materials and components for manufacturing
  • purchases of non-returnable containers and other shipping and packaging materials (boxes, cartons, barrels, kegs, bottles, pallets)
  • purchases of goods purchased for resale in the same condition as purchased (without further manufacturing or processing)
  • shipping charges by common carrier or contract carriers
  • freight in and duty
  • fuel purchased to be used as an input into the manufacturing process as a feedstock or processing material (e.g., crude oil processed into gasoline).

Exclude:

  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes, and excise duties and taxes
  • change in inventories

2. Employment costs and expenses

a. salaries, wages and commissions

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) for this reporting period. Amounts reported should be gross, before any deductions at source.

Include:

  • indirect labour costs (e.g., food service staff, repair staff)
  • overtime payments
  • vacation pay
  • payments to casual labour
  • directors' pay
  • bonuses (including profit sharing)
  • commissions paid to regular employees such as your manufacturer's agents
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, gifts such as air tickets for holidays)
  • retroactive wage payments
  • stock options awarded to employees (the amount for which you have entered a "code 38" on the employees' T4 and which is included in box 14 – value according to CRA rules)
  • any other allowance forming part of the employee's earnings
  • payments to individuals working on their own premises using equipment and materials provided by your business unit since such persons should be treated as employees
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • deferred stock options awarded to employees that meet relevant CRA rules (the amount for which you have entered a "code 53" on the employee's T4 and which is excluded from box 14)
  • amounts paid out to other business units for employment costs only
  • monies withdrawn by working owners and partners of unincorporated business units
  • director's fees or distribution of profits to shareholders of incorporated business units
  • cost/expenses for outside subcontracted employees (report the amount at question 3 - Subcontracts)
  • cost/expenses for temporary workers paid through an agency, as well as charges for personnel search services (report these amounts at question 21 - All other costs and expenses)

b. employee benefits

Report expenses related to the employer portion of employee benefits.

Include:

  • payments for employee life and extended health care insurance plans (e.g., medical, dental, drug and vision care plans)
  • employer portion of Canada Pension Plan/Québec Pension Plan contributions
  • employer pension contributions
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes (applicable to your business unit)
  • workers' compensation (provincial or territorial) applicable to your business unit
  • employer portion of EI premiums
  • association dues paid by the employer
  • all other employee benefits such as childcare and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans.

Exclude employee portions of employee benefits (i.e., deductions from pay).

3. Subcontracts

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house. In such cases, business units provide materials to other business units or individuals for the production of outputs on a so-called "custom basis". Subcontract expense only refers to work hired out for production towards the company's outputs.

Include:

  • commissions paid to non-employees
  • any amount you pay to any other business units, firms, or individuals for work done on materials you own
  • custom work and contract work
  • subcontract and outside labour
  • hired labour.

Exclude:

  • research and development subcontracts (report these amounts at question 4 - Research and development fees)
  • salaries and wages paid to employees
  • payments to individuals working on their own premises using machinery, equipment and materials provided by your firm (such persons should be treated as employees)
  • cost of materials
  • cost/expenses for temporary workers paid through an agency, as well as charges for personnel search services (report these amounts at question 21 – All other costs and expenses)
  • repairs and maintenance services (report these amounts at question 13 - Repair and maintenance).

4. Research and development fees

Paid activities (purchased or subcontracted) conducted with the intention of making a discovery that could either lead to the development of new products or procedures, or to the improvement of existing products or procedures.

Exclude own labour costs (included at line 2. a. - Salaries, wages and commissions)

5. Professional and business fees

Please report only the total cost of purchased professional or business service fees here (a detailed breakdown may be required in a subsequent section).

Include:

  • legal services
  • accounting and auditing fees
  • education and training fees
  • appraisal fees
  • management and administration fees
  • property management fees
  • information technology (IT) consulting and service fees (purchased)
  • data processing services fees
  • architectural fees
  • engineering fees
  • scientific and technical service fees
  • other consulting fees (management, technical and scientific)
  • veterinary fees
  • fees for human health services
  • payroll preparation fees
  • all other professional and business service fees.

Exclude:

  • service fees paid to Head Office and other business units not included in this questionnaire (report these at question 21 - All other costs and expenses)
  • the cost of in-house activities undertaken by your own staff.

6. Energy and water expenses

Report the cost/expense of purchased utilities attributed to operations in the current reporting period such as water, electricity, gas and heating.

Include:

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

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications
  • vehicle fuel (report these at question 21 - All other costs and expenses)
  • raw materials i.e. any fuel purchased as input to the manufacturing process as a feed stock or processing material (e.g. crude oil to be refined into gasoline) or for any other non-energy purpose (report these at question 1 - Purchases).

7. Office and computer related expenses

Please report all office supplies purchased and used by your business unit for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing operations.

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines
  • postage and courier fees (used in the day-to-day office business activity)
  • memory storage devices and computer upgrade expenses
  • data processing expense (equipment, software and software licenses).

Exclude telephone, Internet and other telecommunication expenses (report this amount at question 8 - Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication).

8. Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication

Include:

  • telephone, fax, cellular phone, or pager services for transmission of voice, data or image
  • internet access charges
  • purchased cable and satellite transmission of television, radio and music programs
  • wired telecommunication services
  • wireless telecommunication services
  • satellite telecommunication services
  • large bandwidth services to send/receive digital works
  • online access services
  • online information provision services.

9. Business taxes, licenses and permits

This item comprises the cost of various licenses and permits, and some indirect taxes (taxes levied on your business unit that are not corporate income or logging taxes, sales or excise taxes, or insurance premium taxes).

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and land transfer taxes
  • business taxes
  • vehicle license and/or registration fees
  • beverage license fees
  • trade license fees
  • professional license fees
  • all other license fees
  • lot levies
  • building permits and development charges
  • other property/business licenses or permits not specified above.

Exclude:

  • property taxes covered in your rental and leasing expenses
  • corporate income taxes
  • stumpage fees (report these amounts at question 11 – Crown charges).

10. Royalties, franchise fees and memberships

Include:

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

Exclude stumpage fees (report these amounts at question 11 – Crown charges).

11. Crown charges (for logging, mining and energy industries only)

Include:

  • Crown royalties, Crown leases and rentals, oil sand leases and stumpage fees
  • federal or provincial royalty, tax, lease or rental payments made in relation to the acquisition, development or ownership of Canadian resource properties.

12. Rental and leasing (land, buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease/rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses
  • only operating leases (as opposed to leases that can be capitalized)
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses (without driver)
  • furniture and fixtures
  • computer, machinery and equipment rental expenses (without operator)
  • storage expense
  • studio lighting and scaffolding
  • road and construction equipment rental
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

Exclude rental and leasing of vehicles (with driver), machinery and equipment (with driver or operator) (report these costs at question 21 - All other costs and expenses).

13. Repair and maintenance

This item comprises repair and maintenance costs related to the replacement of parts or other restoration of plant and machinery to keep your properties in efficient working condition.

Include:

  • waste removal services, hazardous and non-hazardous
  • janitorial and cleaning services
  • sweeping and snow removal services
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with the following expenses: buildings and structures, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, security equipment and other goods (except fabricated metal products or furniture repair services).

Exclude:

  • salaries (report at question 2 – Employment costs and expenses
  • property management fees (report these at question 5 – Professional and business fees)
  • repair and maintenance expenses that are included in any payment to a head office.

14. Amortization and depreciation

Report the amortization/depreciation (the systematic allocation of the cost of assets to current operations over their useful life) related only to the current reporting period.

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements
  • amortization of rental equipment (for operating leases: by lessor; for capital leases: by lessee)
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, patents, franchises, copyrights, trademarks, deferred charges, deferred gains and losses on investments, organizational costs).

15. Insurance

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

Include:

  • accident and health insurance services
  • life insurance and individual pension services
  • asset insurance services, including property and motor vehicle
  • general liability insurance services
  • executive life insurance
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance
  • all other insurance services not elsewhere specified.

Exclude:

  • payments on behalf of employees which are considered to be taxable benefits (report these at question 2(b) – Employee benefits)
  • premiums paid directly to your head office (report these at question 21).

16. Advertising, marketing, promotion, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • advertising planning and creating services
  • newspaper advertising and media expenses
  • catalogues, presentations and displays
  • trade fairs and exhibition organization services
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion
  • fundraising expenses
  • meals, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients
  • other advertising services.

17. Travel, meetings and conventions

Include:

  • travel expenses
  • rental services of passenger cars, buses and coaches with operator
  • meeting and convention expenses, seminars
  • passenger transportation (airfare, bus, train, etc.)
  • accommodations (hotel and motel lodging)
  • travel allowance and meals while travelling
  • travel agency services
  • taxi services
  • meal and beverage services for consumption on the premises
  • other travel expenses.

18. Financial services (bank charges, transaction fees, etc.)

Include:

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

Exclude interest expenses (report these at question 19 - Interest expense).

19. Interest expense

Please report the cost of servicing your company's debt such as interest and bank charges, finance charges, interest payments on capital leases, amortization of bond discounts.

Include (interest on):

  • short-term and long-term debt
  • bonds and debentures
  • mortgages.

Exclude:

  • dividends paid to term and retractable preferred shares
  • debt issue expenses, including their amortization.

20. Bad debt, loan losses, donations, political contributions and inventory writedown

Include:

  • charitable donations and political contributions
  • bad debt expense
  • loan losses
  • provisions for loan losses (minus bad debt recoveries)
  • inventory adjustments.

21. All other expenses - (please specify)

Include intracompany expenses.

Include:

  • log yard expense, forestry costs, logging road costs
  • production costs
  • vehicle fuel expenses
  • pipeline operations, drilling, site restoration costs
  • gross overriding royalty
  • other producing property rental costs
  • well operating, fuel and equipment costs
  • other lease rental costs
  • other direct costs
  • equipment hire and operation costs
  • overhead expenses allocated to costs of sales
  • cash over/short (negative expense)
  • reimbursement of parent company expenses
  • warranty expenses
  • recruiting expenses
  • general and administrative expenses
  • interdivisional expenses
  • interfund transfers (minus expense recoveries)
  • exploration and development costs (include: geological prospecting, well abandonment and dry holes, exploration expenses, development expenses)
  • safety supplies
  • cafeteria supplies
  • materials, components and supplies for installation and construction that is not related to own product
  • all other supplies, material and components not elsewhere specified
  • variance
  • all other expenses not reported elsewhere.

Exclude items related to expenditures in prior periods.

22. Total expenses

(sum of lines 1 to 21)

Industry Characteristics

Sales

1. Cost Center

A cost center is a department or section of a company where managers are directly responsible for costs. For example, consider a company that has a manufacturing department, a research and development department, and a payroll department. Each department could be a cost center. Cost centers do not directly report revenues as these are reported by another part of the company such as a head office.

2. Valuation of sales

Please indicate whether you will report at final selling price or any alternate valuation.

  • if you are a single business unit firm, sales must be reported at your final selling price.
  • if you are part of a multi-business unit firm:
    a) sales to your firm's non-logging or non-manufacturing business units must be reported at your final selling price.
    b) sales to your firm's logging or manufacturing business units, sales branches, selling warehouses or head offices should be reported at the value shown on your books of account (i.e., book transfer value)

Report all sales (domestic and exports) goods and services from Canadian locations at final selling price. Sales should be reported FOB factory gate: net of excise and provincial or territorial sales taxes, HST/GST, trade discounts, returns and allowances, and charges for outward transportation by common or contract carriers. (Note: FOB factory gate means truck gate if manufacturer is using own truck and driver).

Sales denominated in foreign currency should be converted into Canadian dollars at the exchange rate on the day of transaction.

Note: Goods reported as sold should not be included in inventory and goods held on consignment should be reported as inventory until actually sold.

Please note that the questionnaires for the manufacturing industries and the logging industries are slightly different. Depending on which one you have received, the questions might be worded slightly differently and some categories of revenue might not be part of your questionnaire.

Sales for selected items

3. a. Sales of goods manufactured

Include:

  • sales of goods manufactured from own materials whether at this business unit or at any other subcontracted manufacturing plants located within Canada
  • sales out of warehouses at locations other than your business unit if storage warehouses are owned or rented by your business unit
  • amounts received from progress billings
  • charges for installation of manufactured goods where installation is part of sales
  • book value of goods sold for rental
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm. Note that these should be reported at the value shown on your books of account (i.e., book transfer value).

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales
  • shipping charges by common or contract carriers
  • discounts and returns
  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes
  • sales of goods purchased for resale, as is
  • revenue from repair work
  • revenue from manufacturing and logging service fees and/or custom work.

b. sales of goods purchased for resale, as is

Report sales of goods that have not been processed or altered in your business unit and that have been purchased and resold in the same condition.

Include sales of products transferred to you from other business units of your firm and sold in the same condition as transferred.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales
  • shipping charges by common or contract carriers
  • discounts and returns
  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes.

c. revenue from repair work

Repair work comprises fixing/repairing products that have already been installed or delivered to a client (or other business unit). This work could be done at the client's facilities or at your business unit (where the products were uninstalled and shipped for repair). Repair work also includes warranty repairs where your business unit charges a fee to either an external business or another business unit within your firm. In all of these cases, your business unit has only provided labour to a client but this client owns the product(s) and materials involved.

Exclude:

  • shipping charges by common or contract carriers
  • discounts
  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes.

d. revenue from manufacturing service fees or and/or custom work

Custom work, manufacturing service, comprise manufacturing work undertaken to the specifications of a client (or other business unit of your firm) prior to installation or initial delivery. Your business unit has only provided labour to a client but this client owns the product(s) and materials involved.

Exclude:

  • shipping charges by common or contract carriers
  • discounts
  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes.

f. other sales - specify:

Include sales of goods and services not specified elsewhere.

Exclude:

  • revenue from rental and leasing
  • commissions
  • revenue from royalties, franchise and licensing fees
  • revenue from interest and dividends
  • subsidies /grants.

Total sales of goods and services

(sum of lines a. to f.)

Selected expense information

Please note that the questionnaires for the manufacturing industries and the logging industries are slightly different. Depending on which one you have received, the questions might be worded slightly differently and some categories of expense might not be part of your questionnaire.

4. a. purchases of raw materials and components

Report the laid-down cost 'Free On Board' (FOB) factory gate, but excluding HST/GST for all raw materials and components purchased for your manufacturing or logging process.

Include:

  • shipping charges by common carrier or contract carriers
  • freight in and duty
  • fuel purchased to be used as an input into the manufacturing process as a feedstock or processing material (e.g., crude oil processed into gasoline).

Exclude:

  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes
  • purchases of goods purchased for resale in the same condition as purchased (without further manufacturing or processing)
  • purchases of non-returnable containers and other shipping and packaging materials (boxes, cartons, barrels, kegs, bottles, pallets, etc.)
  • change in inventories.

b. purchases of non-returnable containers and other shipping and packaging materials

Report the laid-down cost for all shipping and packaging materials purchased ('Free On Board' (FOB) factory gate, but excluding HST/GST).

Include:

  • boxes, cartons, barrels, kegs, bottles, pallets, etc.
  • shipping charges by common carrier or contract carriers
  • freight in and duty.

Exclude:

  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes.

c. purchases of goods for resale, as is

Report the laid-down cost of goods purchased for resale in the same condition as purchased ('Free On Board' (FOB) factory gate, but excluding HST/GST), i.e., without further manufacturing or processing.

Include:

  • shipping charges by common carrier or contract carriers
  • freight in and duty.

Exclude:

  • federal provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes
  • change in inventories.

d. vehicle fuel expense

Report any vehicle fuel expenses incurred during your manufacturing or logging process.

Include purchases of gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, natural gas and other fuel used to operate any type of vehicle at the location or otherwise, such as sales representatives' cars, delivery trucks, lift trucks, etc.

Exclude any fuel purchased for power/heat generation.

Salaries, wages and commissions

Details on salaries, wages and commissions

This section requests a breakdown of total salaries, wages and commissions for this business unit. Amounts reported for salaries and wages should be gross, before any deductions from employees for income tax and employee contributions to health, accident, pension, insurance, or other benefits, all of which should be included. Please do this calculation separately for direct and indirect labour. Do not include benefit contributions by the employer.

Details on average number of people employed

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). Please do this calculation separately for direct and indirect labour.

The section is designed to account for all personnel on the payroll of your business unit.

Direct labour (manufacturing or logging)

Please report gross salaries and average number of workers.

Include employees engaged in:

  • manufacturing (processing and/or assembling)
  • logging and forestry support
  • packing, handling, warehousing
  • repair and maintenance, janitorial
  • watchmen
  • foremen doing work similar to their employees
  • erection/installation by own business unit when an extension of your manufacturing operations.

Indirect labour (administrative and selling/operating)

Please report gross salaries and average number of workers. Do not include workers that are not on your payroll.

Include:

  • executives, administrators and office staff
  • sales staff
  • food service staff
  • building construction and major renovation staff (when work is chargeable to fixed asset accounts)
  • machinery and equipment repair staff (when work is chargeable to fixed asset accounts).

Opening and closing inventories

Inventories are to be reported at the value maintained in your accounting records (book value). If your accounting records do not distinguish between goods of own manufacturing or logging process and goods purchased for resale, please provide your best estimate of the distribution between the two inventory types.

Include:

  • inventory at the manufacturing plant or at any warehouse or selling outlet which is treated as part of this business unit
  • inventory in transit in Canada
  • inventory held on consignment for Canada.

Exclude:

  • goods owned and held in inventory abroad
  • any goods held on consignment from others.

a. raw materials and components

Include:

  • materials and components to be used in the manufacturing process
  • fuel purchased to be used as an input into the manufacturing process as a feedstock or processing material (e.g., crude oil processed into gasoline)
  • non-returnable containers and other shipping and packaging materials.

Exclude any raw material intended for resale in the same condition as purchased.

b. goods and work in process

Include:

  • partially completed goods
  • the value of work done on goods accounted for under progress billing for which no payment has been received.

c. finished goods manufactured

Include:

  • goods of own manufacture from your business unit
  • logs, wood residues and manufactured products.

d. goods purchased for resale, as is

Include all goods which are purchased for resale without further processing by your business unit.

Exclude components manufactured by another business unit/firm that are purchased or transferred by this business and used as inputs for the assembly and manufacturing system (report at question 8.a – Raw material and components).

e. other inventories - specify

Include all other inventory of materials used in your logging or manufacturing process but not included in the above categories.

Total inventories

(sum of lines a. to e.)

Sales of goods manufactured

This section represents a breakdown, by product for the total reported at question 3.a. Sales of goods manufactured in the Industry characteristics section. Please report the value of sales (in thousands of Canadian dollars) for each product produced by your manufacturing operations for the products listed in this section.

For each product, report sales net of:

  • shipping charges by common or contract carriers
  • discounts
  • sales allowances
  • return sales
  • sales taxes
  • excise duties and taxes.

Exclude shipping charges by contract or common carrier if possible for each product class. If your accounting records do not allow you to provide sales of your reported commodities net of shipping charges, you will be prompted to report your total shipping charges at a later time.

If you manufacture products that are not listed in this section, please enter the product description and relevant amounts at question 2 – All other products of own manufacture sold – please specify below. This question is about the different products sold by this business. For example: If, in addition to the products listed in the previous screens, this business also sold motor vehicle steering components, motor vehicle transmission components and motor vehicle brake systems, report 3 additional products.

Purchases of raw materials and components to be used in the manufacturing process

This section requests a breakdown, by product, of the total reported at 4a. 'Purchases of raw materials and components' of the Industry characteristics section. Please report the cost of raw materials for each individual product used in manufacturing operations.

In reporting the cost of the various items purchased, give the laid-down value at your business unit, (i.e., the amounts after discounts actually paid or payable).

Where quantity information is requested, please provide this information from your records or, if not recorded, provide your best estimate.

Note: If you are involved in contract logging, manufacturing services or custom work, the raw materials and components used in these processes that are owned by the business to which you are providing a service should not be reported here.

Include:

  • semi-processed goods, if you are part of a multi-business unit firm and receive semi-processed goods as transfers from the other business units of your firm for further processing. The cost of such goods should be equivalent to the transfer value reported by the shipping unit plus any transportation and handling charges paid by your business unit to common or contract carriers
  • any fuel purchased as an input into the manufacturing process, as a feedstock or processing material (e.g., crude oil processed into gasoline), or for any other non-energy purpose.

Exclude fuel used for energy purposes (e.g., for office or plant heating) – These energy items should be reported in the "Detailed information on energy and water costs or expenses" section.

If you purchased raw materials that are not displayed in this section, please enter the raw material name and relevant amounts at question 2 – All other raw materials and components purchased – please specify below. This question is about the different raw materials or components used in the manufacturing or logging process by this business. For example: If, in addition to the products listed in the previous screens, this business also used iron ore, copper ore, and fibrous glass materials, report 3 additional products.

Details on this business's locations

General guidelines

This section requests a breakdown of total operating revenues, salaries, wages and commissions for all locations included in this survey. Please report separately for each location (covered by your business unit).

The section is designed to account for all personnel on the payroll of your business unit, including those working in ancillary units which form part of your business unit. Ancillary units are those not directly engaged in the manufacturing process but that offer support activities to your business unit (e.g., warehouses, sales offices).

Please indicate if any locations are no longer part of your business unit and should be deleted from the list.

If there are any locations not listed, please provide information on these. Include any additional ancillary units, such as warehouses and sales offices, that are not directly engaged in manufacturing activities.

Operating revenues represent the revenue generated from the course of normal business operations (e.g., sales and commissions).

Labour expenses

Amounts reported for salaries and wages should be gross, before any deductions from employees for income tax and employee contributions to health, accident, pension, insurance, or other benefits, all of which should be included. Please do this calculation separately for direct and indirect labour at each location. Do not include benefit contributions by the employer.

Direct labour (manufacturing or logging)

Please report gross salaries. Include wages for employees engaged in:

  • manufacturing (processing and/or assembling)
  • logging and forestry support
  • packing, handling, warehousing
  • repair and maintenance, janitorial
  • watchmen
  • foremen doing work similar to their employees
  • erection/installation by own business unit when an extension of your manufacturing operations.

Indirect labour (administrative and selling/operating)

Please report gross salaries. Do not include workers that are not on your payroll.

Include salaries for:

  • executives, administrators and office staff
  • sales staff
  • food service staff
  • building construction and major renovation staff (when work is chargeable to fixed asset accounts)
  • machinery and equipment repair staff (when work is chargeable to fixed asset accounts).

Please indicate whether each specific location operated for the full reporting period or part of it. If a location did not operate for the full year, please provide an explanation in the space provided (e.g., seasonal operations, strike, plant closure).

Detailed information on energy and water costs or expenses

Please report information on all purchased energy, water utility expenses and electricity purchased by your business unit for energy purposes only. Answers to the detailed questions should cover amounts used by your business unit in all plant and office operations and any support units which are part of your business unit. Do not report fuel consumed as fuel purchased unless the amounts are substantially the same (or unless you can only report consumption)

Include transportation costs, duties, etc. which form part of the laid-down cost at your business unit.

Exclude any fuel purchased to be used as an input into the manufacturing process as a feedstock or processing material or for any other non-energy purposes (e.g., a raw material for products such as chemicals, synthetic rubber and a variety of plastics).

1. Electricity

Please report the delivered cost of purchased electricity.

2. Gasoline

The cost of purchased gasoline includes that used for all plant operations.

Exclude fuel for motor vehicle use

3. Light fuel oil

Please report the total value of purchased light fuel oil for this reporting period.

Include:

  • light fuel oil includes all distillate type fuels for power burners
  • fuel oil no.2 (heating oil no. 2)
  • fuel oil no.3 (heating oil no. 3)
  • furnace fuel oil
  • gas oils
  • light industrial fuel.

4. Heavy fuel oil

Please report the total value of purchased heavy fuel oil for this reporting period.

Include:

  • all grades of residual type fuels for steam or diesel engines (non-vehicle use)
  • bunker B and Bunker C
  • fuel oils no. 4, 5 and 6
  • residual fuel oil.

5. Diesel fuel

Please report the total value of purchased diesel fuel for the current reporting period

Exclude fuel for motor vehicle use.

6. Liquefied petroleum gas (e.g., propane, butane)

Please report the total value of purchased liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) for this reporting period. LPG's comprise normally gaseous paraffinic compounds extracted from refinery gases.

Exclude fuel for motor vehicle use

7. Natural gas

Please report the total value of purchased natural gas, which comprises a mix of hydrocarbon compounds and small quantities of various non-hydrocarbons existing in a gaseous phase.

Exclude fuel for motor vehicle use

8. Coal

Please report the total value of purchased coal for this reporting period.

9. Water Utilities

Please report the total value of water utility costs. Note that in some municipalities, water utilities are included in the municipal tax bill. If this case applies to you, please enter the amount if it is itemized on your tax bill.

10. Other energy and water expenses - specify:

Please report the total value of all other purchased energy types not specified elsewhere (e.g., steam, oxygen or hydrogen).

11. Total energy and water expenses

(sum of lines 1 to 10)

How can I obtain data from Statistics Canada?

Inquiry service

Ask about our most recent data by:

Data from the Annual Survey of Manufacturing Industries

Dissemination Solutions Section

Telephone: 613-951-9497
Toll Free: 1-866-873-8789
E-mail address: statcan.esdhelpdesk-dsebureaudedepannage.statcan@statcan.gc.ca

Please remember to sign your name at the end of the questionnaire

Remember, if you are experiencing difficulty in completing the survey or if you are not sure about how to respond to a specific question, please call us at1-800-858-7921 and someone will be happy to assist you.

Please keep a copy of this questionnaire accessible in case you receive an enquiry from our staff. It could also serve as a guide to completing next year's survey, if necessary.

Intergrated Business Survey Program (IBSP)

Thank you for your cooperation.
Remember, all data provided are kept confidential.
Please retain a copy for your records.

Notification of intent to extract web data

Statistics Canada engages in web-data extraction, also known as web scraping, which is a process by which information is gathered and copied from the Web using automated scripts or robots, for retrieval and analysis. As a result, we may visit the website for this business to search for and compile additional information. The use of web scraping is part of a broader effort to reduce the response burden on businesses, as well as produce additional statistical indicators to ensure that our data remain accurate and relevant.

We will strive to ensure that the data collection does not interfere with the functionality of the website. Any data collected will be used by Statistics Canada for statistical and research purposes only, in accordance with the agency’s privacy and confidentiality mandate. All information collected by Statistics Canada is strictly protected.

More information regarding Statistics Canada's web scraping initiative.

Learn more about Statistics Canada's transparency and accountability (statcan.gc.ca).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Statistics Canada Client Services, toll-free at 1-877-949-9492 (TTY: 1-800-363-7629) or by email at infostats@statcan.gc.ca. Additional information about this survey can be found at the following link:

Consult the reporting guide at 2022 Annual Survey of Manufacturing and Logging Industries.

Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales (Fourth Quarter 2022)

Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales (fourth quarter 2022)
Table summary
This table displays the results of Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for total sales (fourth quarter 2022). The information is grouped by NAPCS-CANADA (appearing as row headers), and Quarter (appearing as column headers).
NAPCS-CANADA Quarter
2022Q1 2022Q2 2022Q3 2022Q4
Total commodities, retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services 1.17 0.93 0.58 0.52
Retail Services (except commissions) [561] 1.20 0.95 0.57 0.51
Food at retail [56111] 0.97 1.66 0.98 0.33
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, at retail [56112] 0.49 0.68 0.54 0.48
Cannabis products, at retail [56113] 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Clothing at retail [56121] 1.25 2.96 1.45 0.60
Footwear at retail [56122] 1.50 2.61 1.69 1.34
Jewellery and watches, luggage and briefcases, at retail [56123] 6.58 6.12 4.50 3.52
Home furniture, furnishings, housewares, appliances and electronics, at retail [56131] 1.45 1.81 0.89 0.97
Sporting and leisure products (except publications, audio and video recordings, and game software), at retail [56141] 1.96 3.25 1.81 1.90
Publications at retail [56142] 5.80 7.06 5.96 5.17
Audio and video recordings, and game software, at retail [56143] 0.50 1.04 0.44 0.32
Motor vehicles at retail [56151] 1.86 1.78 2.04 1.78
Recreational vehicles at retail [56152] 3.65 3.02 3.22 3.62
Motor vehicle parts, accessories and supplies, at retail [56153] 1.62 1.63 1.59 1.50
Automotive and household fuels, at retail [56161] 1.90 1.60 1.51 1.68
Home health products at retail [56171] 2.10 2.59 2.74 3.25
Infant care, personal and beauty products, at retail [56172] 2.20 3.55 2.18 2.47
Hardware, tools, renovation and lawn and garden products, at retail [56181] 2.14 2.08 1.93 2.07
Miscellaneous products at retail [56191] 2.00 3.08 2.08 2.31
Total retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services Footnotes 1 1.76 1.57 1.70 1.93

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Comprises the following North American Product Classification System (NAPCS): 51411, 51412, 53112, 56211, 57111, 58111, 58121, 58122, 58131, 58141, 72332, 833111, 841, 85131 and 851511.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Developments in machine learning series: Issue three

By: Nicholas Denis, Statistics Canada

Editor's Note: This series showcases new and interesting research developments in machine learning from around the world. Hopefully you can find something that will help you with your work.

This month's topics:

Advanced generative modelling now available for tabular data

Denoising diffusion probabilistic models can be applied to any tabular dataset and handle any feature type to generate synthetic data that can sometimes be more effective than real data.

Figure 1: TabDDPM scheme for classification problem; t, y, and l denote a diffusion timestep, a class label, and logits, respectively.

Figure 1: TabDDPM scheme for classification problem; t, y, and l denote a diffusion timestep, a class label, and logits, respectively.

Data passing through TabDDPM. A tabular data instance, x, is composed of numerical (num) and categorical (cat) features. Numerical features are transformed using the quantile transformer, and categorical features are one-hot encoded. The forward noise process is computed and corrupts the transformed input at timestep, t, which is used as input into TabDDPM. TabDDPM is a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and conditioned on the diffusion timestep, t, and class label, y. The output of TabDDPM is the estimated noise added to the numerical features, ε, and the estimated uncorrupted (original) one-hot encoded categorical features.

The flowchart has the following elements:

  1. Quantile Transformer (xnum: 0.8, -3.0, 1.2)
    1. Forward to 3.
  2. One-hot Encoder (xcat1, xcat2)
    1. Forward to 3.
  3. X in (Xnumnorm, Xcat1ohe), Xcat2ohe
    1. Forward to 4.
  4. MLP
    1. t forward to 4.
    2. Y forward to 4.
    3. Forward to 5.
  5. ε, lcat1, lcat2
    1. ε forward to 7.
    2. lcat1, lcat2 forward to 6.
  6. Softmax
    1. From lcat1 forward to 7.
    2. From lcat2 forward to 7.
  7. X out (ε, Xcat1ohe, Xcat2ohe)

What's new? Denoising diffusion probabilistic models (DDPM) produce incredible results in text-to-image generation (e.g. Imagen, Stable Diffusion, DALL-E 2) and have been applied to tabular datasets. This has enabled synthetic tabular data instances to be generated comprising both numerical and categorical features.

How it works: A typical DDPM uses a forward Gaussian noising process and a reverse (learned) denoising process to transform pure noise sampled from a standard multivariate normal distribution to a synthetic data instance. Similarly, tabular data with diffusion models (TabDDPM) also includes a multinomial diffusion process that allows DDPM to be applied to categorical, ordinal and Boolean features typically found in tabular data.

Why does it work? For a quick review of DDPM models and the Gaussian diffusion process, please see Developments in Machine Learning Series: Issue two. Here, we'll focus on the multinomial diffusion process:

  • Let x0∊{0,1}K be a one-hot encoded variable of K dimensions (categories).
  • A forward diffusion process, q(xt|xt-1), over T time steps is written as:

q(xt│xt-1)≔Cat(xt;(1-βt)xt-1+βt/K

q(xT)≔Cat(xT;1/K)

q(xt|x0)=Cat(xt;αt¯x0+(1-(αt¯)/K)

Where {βt}Tt=1, is a noise schedule.

  • The posterior, q(xt-1|xt,x0) is well defined, and the reverse diffusion process is approximated using a neural network: ρθ(xt-1|xt) The network can maximize the variational lower bound (KL divergences within the reverse diffusion process).
  • Numerical features are transformed using the quantile transformer, and categorical (ordinal, Boolean, etc) features are transformed to one-hot encodings. Gaussian and multinomial diffusion models are trained on each feature type, respectively.

Results: Several baseline generative models are compared, including generative adversarial networks (GAN) and a variational autoencoder (VAE), specifically designed for tabular datasets. There are 15 tabular datasets that are used. The authors use a formalized and standardized approach to evaluate the quality of the synthetic data generated by a generative model, called ML Efficiency. The approach is worth explaining in detail for anyone interested in evaluating the quality of synthetic datasets.

First, the real data is fit to a CatBoost classifier using a fixed hyperparameter tuning budget and a hyperparameter optimization tool called Optuna. Once the optimal hyperparameters are found, a CatBoost model is trained using the synthetic data. The F1 score of the model, evaluated on real data is called the ML Efficiency score. This metric measures the quality of synthetic data by its ability to be used instead of real data for downstream ML tasks.

  • TabDDPM beat the other deep learning approaches in 14/15 datasets
  • On 5/15 datasets, a CatBoost model trained on synthetic data from TabDDPM achieved higher test accuracy than a CatBoost model trained on real data.

Why does it matter? DDPMs are producing realistic synthetic data in other modalities. Sampling high-quality synthetic tabular data instances can have applications in data augmentation – generating and sharing synthetic versions of sensitive datasets that can guarantee privacy, imputation and balance class imbalanced datasets.

But… When tested, synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) consistently outperformed TabDDPM, despite being an older, simpler technique that generates novel data instances by taking convex combinations of data instances from within the dataset. Moreover, TabDDPM is computationally expensive to train, especially with their Optuna hyperparameter optimization approach.

Our opinion: With access to a GPU (graphics processing unit) for model training, TabDDPM is a great way to generate high-quality synthetic tabular data and will remain a strong baseline for future improvements in tabular DDPMs.

Filling in the blanks is all you need

Researchers from Facebook AI Research have achieved state-of-the-art performance on the ImageNet-1K dataset by applying the same pre-training task to computer vision datasets, as was applied to the successful language models.

Figure 2: Masked autoencoder architecture. 75% of the pixel patches are masked and then reconstructed as a pretraining task.

Figure 2: Masked autoencoder architecture. 75% of the pixel patches are masked and then reconstructed as a pretraining task.

An image of masked autoencoder architecture.

Input image of a pixelated flamingo, with most of the pixels greyed out. Forward to encoder containing all the unmasked pixels. Forward to decoder, containing only masked pixels. Forward to the final target – an image of the pixelated flamingo, no masked pixels.

What's new?  Masked autoencoders (MAE) combine the Vision Transfer (ViT) architecture and the masked token prediction pre-training task from BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers)-style language models to produce state-of-the-art performance on various computer vision tasks and datasets.

How does it work? BERT-style language models encode and represent natural language via a Masked Language Model pre-training task. When given a large amount of text data, a sentence is fed into the model with 15% of the input word tokens masked. By correctly inferring the masked words, BERT-style models capture the semantics of the text inputs, making them useable for downstream natural language processing tasks, like text classification. MAE uses the same approach, except instead of masking words, 75% of the image's pixel patches are masked and reconstructed.

Why does it work? MAE uses an asymmetric encoder and decoder architecture. Both the encoder and decoder are transformer models. Since 75% of the image patches are masked, only 25% are processed by the encoder, making it more computationally efficient than traditional ViTs for standard supervised learning. The decoder also has a smaller architecture and reconstructs the masked patches. By minimizing the reconstruction loss, the model learns to extract global information about an image, including the masked patches, solely from the ‘visible' patch pixels. After pre-training is complete, the decoder is discarded, and the encoder acts as a pre-trained model which can be used as-is to transform inputs for linear classification or can be fine-tuned.

Results:

  • Using the ImageNet-1K (IN1K) dataset, MAE pre-training and then fine-tuning for 50 epochs achieved higher accuracy than the previous state-of-the-art fully supervised model.
  • Using various standard ViT architectures, MAE consistently outperformed previous state-of-the-art self-supervised pre-training techniques on the IN1K dataset for classification, on the COCO dataset for object detection and instance segmentation, and on the ADE20k dataset for semantic segmentation.
  • When evaluated for transfer learning, MAE outperformed all previous state-of-the-art accuracy results for various iNaturalist and Places datasets; even by as much as 8%.

Our opinion: Pre-training techniques are becoming increasingly powerful and can now outperform standard supervised learning paradigms. MAE is not only impressive in its results but is also impressively simple. This paper doesn't use any bells, whistles, or any special tricks. Moreover, they use the basic ViT architecture, and expect significant result improvements by using advanced vision transformer architectures.

Though relatively new, MAE has been applied to spatiotemporal data, Multi-modal data, tabular data, and is here to stay with applications beyond pre-training for supervised learning. It's been used for data imputation and can be used for semi-supervised learning. Pre-trained MAE models can also be downloaded and used by visiting Github Facebookreseearch/mae.

Masked autoencoders for tabular data imputation

Researchers turn an imputer into an imputer. Wait, is that right?

Figure 3: Overall, framework of ReMasker.

Figure 3: Overall, framework of ReMasker.

During the fitting stage, for each input, in addition to its missing values, another subset of values (re-masked values), is randomly selected and masked out. The encoder is applied to the remaining values to generate its embedding, which is padded with mask tokens and processed by the decoder to re-construct the re-masked values. During the imputation staged, the optimized model is applied to predict the missing values.

Fitting stage:

Input, encoder, embedding, forward to padded embedding, decoder and reconstructed value.

Imputation stage:

Input, encoder, embedding forward to padded embedding, decoder and imputed value.

What's new? As described above, MAEs are trained to impute missing data. Researchers decided to do the unthinkable and apply MAE to tabular data in order to… impute missing data.

How does it work? MAE and the masked token prediction task were originally developed to pre-train an encoder that could be fine-tuned for downstream classification. In the original MAE implementation, the decoder was discarded after pre-training. In ReMasker, the encoder and decoder are kept, and then applied to actual missing values in the dataset to infer their values.

Why does it work? ReMasker is trained with a tabular dataset that has actual missing values. During training, each input is masked via a masking mechanism and produces an input with a mixture of visible values, masked values, and missing values. The visible values enter the encoder (transformer architecture), and the output tokens are combined with learnable mask tokens and positional encodings for the masked and missing features. These then pass through the decoder (transformer architecture). The model then infers the original value of the masked features, but not the actual missing values.

At test time no additional masking is used, and the data instances with missing features are applied to ReMasker to infer the missing values. Just as the authors of the original MAE paper suggest, the encoder learns to represent the global information of an image from the visible pixel patches, the authors of ReMasker claim that the encoder learns a "missingness-invariant" representation of the data. In doing so, ReMasker learns to represent tabular data instances in a discriminative manner that is robust to missing features.

Results: The authors perform experiments using 12 tabular datasets from the UCI Machine Learning Repository, consider three different mechanisms to sample missing values, and compare ReMasker to 13 state-of-the-art imputation techniques. Performance metrics included Root Mean-Squared Error of imputed vs. real values, Wasserstein Distance of imputed vs. real data, and Area Under the Receiving Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve, measuring effectiveness of imputed data for downstream classification tasks.

  • ReMasker consistently matched or outperformed almost all the baseline imputing approaches, most or all of the time.
  • The closest imputing approach was HyperImpute, a new and state-of-the-art imputation approach that uses an ensemble of imputation methods and selects the best imputation model for each column of a dataset.
  • Empirical evidence suggested that ReMasker performance increases as the dataset size increases, as well when the number of features increases.
  • ReMasker is robust to the amount of missing values, performing consistently from 10% to 70% of features missing.
  • Since HyperImpute is an Ensembling approach, the authors included ReMasker as a possible base model within HyperImpute and showed that it further improved the results of HyperImpute.
  • To test their hypothesis that by applying MAE pre-training on tabular data, it allows the encoder to learn "missing-ness invariant" representations of the data, the authors computed the Centered Kernel Alignment between the encodings of the full data and the encodings of the data with missing values between 10% and 70%. They found the similarity was robust and only slightly decreased as the proportion of missing features increased, providing evidence in support of their hypothesis.

What's the context? Real world datasets contain missing data for many reasons. The use of data for ML models, official statistics, or inference of any kind must address how to or how not to use data with missing values. Imputation is important and an active area of research within ML and statistical methods communities.

Our opinion: Given that the MAE pre-training technique explicitly performs imputation, it was only a matter of time before a researcher tested its applicability for imputation on tabular datasets. This was a good first look into how MAE could be used for such purposes.

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Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales December 2022

Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales December 2022
Table summary
This table displays the results of Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales ( December 2022). The information is grouped by NAPCS-CANADA (appearing as row headers), and Month (appearing as column headers).
NAPCS-CANADA Month
202209 202210 202211 202212
Total commodities, retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services 0.67 0.55 0.61 0.55
Retail Services (except commissions) [561]  0.66 0.56 0.59 0.55
Food at retail [56111]  0.52 0.39 0.37 0.42
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, at retail [56112]  0.53 0.53 0.53 0.47
Cannabis products, at retail [56113] 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Clothing at retail [56121]  2.02 0.84 0.77 0.72
Footwear at retail [56122]  1.60 2.66 1.37 1.39
Jewellery and watches, luggage and briefcases, at retail [56123]  4.56 5.07 3.82 3.28
Home furniture, furnishings, housewares, appliances and electronics, at retail [56131]  0.89 1.05 1.04 0.89
Sporting and leisure products (except publications, audio and video recordings, and game software), at retail [56141]  2.38 2.26 2.25 1.85
Publications at retail [56142] 5.33 5.57 6.05 4.69
Audio and video recordings, and game software, at retail [56143] 0.27 0.45 0.37 0.28
Motor vehicles at retail [56151]  2.51 2.05 2.22 2.29
Recreational vehicles at retail [56152]  4.34 4.05 5.51 4.38
Motor vehicle parts, accessories and supplies, at retail [56153]  1.83 1.66 1.73 1.74
Automotive and household fuels, at retail [56161]  1.47 1.63 1.58 1.77
Home health products at retail [56171]  3.37 2.80 3.08 3.40
Infant care, personal and beauty products, at retail [56172]  2.56 2.52 2.48 2.39
Hardware, tools, renovation and lawn and garden products, at retail [56181]  2.12 1.87 2.27 2.41
Miscellaneous products at retail [56191]  2.25 2.60 2.52 2.09
Total retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services Footnote 1 2.03 2.27 2.03 1.79
Footnote 1

Comprises the following North American Product Classification System (NAPCS): 51411, 51412, 53112, 56211, 57111, 58111, 58121, 58122, 58131, 58141, 72332, 833111, 841, 85131 and 851511.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Quarterly Survey of Financial Statements: Weighted Asset Response Rate - fourth quarter 2022

Weighted Asset Response Rate
Table summary
This table displays the results of Weighted Asset Response Rate. The information is grouped by Release date (appearing as row headers), 2021, Q4, and 2022, Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 calculated using percentage units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Release date 2021 2022
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
quarterly (percentage)
February 23, 2023 80.9 79.3 79.2 76.9 55.2
November 23, 2022 80.9 76.2 76.1 56.2 ..
August 25, 2022 80.9 75.0 55.7 .. ..
May 25, 2022 77.3 56.7 .. .. ..
February 23, 2022 54.2 .. .. .. ..
.. not available for a specific reference period
Source: Quarterly Survey of Financial Statements (2501)

National Travel Survey: C.V.s for Person-Trips by Duration of Trip, Main Trip Purpose and Country or Region of Trip Destination – Q3 2022

National Travel Survey: C.V.s for Person-Trips by Duration of Trip, Main Trip Purpose and Country or Region of Trip Destination – Q2 2022
Table summary
This table displays the results of C.V.s for Person-Trips by Duration of Trip, Main Trip Purpose and Country or Region of Trip Destination. The information is grouped by Duration of trip (appearing as row headers), Main Trip Purpose, Country or Region of Trip Destination (Total, Canada, United States, Overseas) calculated using Person-Trips in Thousands (× 1,000) and C.V. as a units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Duration of Trip Main Trip Purpose Country or Region of Trip Destination
Total Canada United States Overseas
Person-Trips (x 1,000) C.V. Person-Trips (x 1,000) C.V. Person-Trips (x 1,000) C.V. Person-Trips (x 1,000) C.V.
Total Duration Total Main Trip Purpose 96,687 A 89,513 A 5,501 A 1,673 A
Holiday, leisure or recreation 47,517 A 43,556 A 3,020 A 941 A
Visit friends or relatives 33,317 A 31,644 A 1,114 B 559 B
Personal conference, convention or trade show 901

C

 854 C 38 E 9 E
Shopping, non-routine 4,926 B 4,221 B 705 B ..  
Other personal reasons 5,182 B 4,946 B 178 C 58 E
Business conference, convention or trade show 1,338 B 1,054 C 236 C 47 D
Other business 3,506 B 3,238 B 209 C 58 D
Same-Day Total Main Trip Purpose 56,721 A 54,697 A 2,025 B ..  
Holiday, leisure or recreation 24,868 A 23,960 A 908 B ..  
Visit friends or relatives 20,092 A 19,789 A 303 C ..  
Personal conference, convention or trade show 410 C 399 C 10 E ..  
Shopping, non-routine 4,588 B 3,948 B 640 B ..  
Other personal reasons 3,816 B 3,724 B 92 D ..  
Business conference, convention or trade show 419 D 419 D ..   ..  
Other business 2,529 C 2,458 C 71 E ..  
Overnight Total Main Trip Purpose 39,966 A 34,817 A 3,476 A 1,673 A
Holiday, leisure or recreation 22,649 A 19,596 A 2,112 A 941 A
Visit friends or relatives 13,225 A 11,855 A 811 B 559 B
Personal conference, convention or trade show 491 C 455 D 28 D 9 E
Shopping, non-routine 338 C 274 D 65 D ..  
Other personal reasons 1,366 B 1,222 B 86 C 58 E
Business conference, convention or trade show 919 B 635 C 236 C 47 D
Other business 977 B 780 B 139 C 58 D
..
data not available

Estimates contained in this table have been assigned a letter to indicate their coefficient of variation (c.v.) (expressed as a percentage). The letter grades represent the following coefficients of variation:

A
c.v. between or equal to 0.00% and 5.00% and means Excellent
B
c.v. between or equal to 5.01% and 15.00% and means Very good.
C
c.v. between or equal to 15.01% and 25.00% and means Good.
D
c.v. between or equal to 25.01% and 35.00% and means Acceptable.
E
c.v. greater than 35.00% and means Use with caution.

National Travel Survey: C.V.s for Visit-Expenditures by Duration of Visit, Main Trip Purpose and Country or Region of Expenditures – Q3 2022

National Travel Survey: C.V.s for Visit-Expenditures by Duration of Visit, Main Trip Purpose and Country or Region of Expenditures, including expenditures at origin and those for air commercial transportation in Canada, in Thousands of Dollars (x 1,000)
Table summary
This table displays the results of C.V.s for Visit-Expenditures by Duration of Visit, Main Trip Purpose and Country or Region of Expenditures. The information is grouped by Duration of trip (appearing as row headers), Main Trip Purpose, Country or Region of Expenditures (Total, Canada, United States, Overseas) calculated using Visit-Expenditures in Thousands of Dollars (x 1,000) and c.v. as units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Duration of Visit Main Trip Purpose Country or Region of Expenditures
Total Canada United States Overseas
$ '000 C.V. $ '000 C.V. $ '000 C.V. $ '000 C.V.
Total Duration Total Main Trip Purpose 36,793,954 A 27,322,218 A 5,334,902 A 4,136,834 A
Holiday, leisure or recreation 22,080,413 A 15,843,037 A 3,653,467 B 2,583,908 B
Visit friends or relatives 8,584,594 A 6,844,993 A 685,916 B 1,053,685 B
Personal conference, convention or trade show 408109 C 319737 C 56828 E 31544 E
Shopping, non-routine 984,304 B 839,543 B 144,761 C ..  
Other personal reasons 1,678,451 B 1,349,129 B 216,021 D 113,300 E
Business conference, convention or trade show 1,301,969 B 815,153 B 385,972 C 100,844 D
Other business 1,756,114 B 1,310,626 B 191,936 C 253,552 D
Same-Day Total Main Trip Purpose 7,298,086 A 6,967,837 A 310,254 B 19,995 E
Holiday, leisure or recreation 3,706,152 A 3,539,091 A 147,066 C 19,995 E
Visit friends or relatives 1,760,108 B 1,722,371 B 37,737 C ..  
Personal conference, convention or trade show 53,926 C 53,650 C 276 E ..  
Shopping, non-routine 834,440 B 723,630 B 110,811 C ..  
Other personal reasons 490,914 B 478,357 B 12,557 E 324  
Business conference, convention or trade show 97,421 D 97,421 D ..   .. E
Other business 355,124 C 353,317 C 1,808 E ..  
Overnight Total Main Trip Purpose 29,495,867 A 20,354,381 A 5,024,647 A 4,116,839 A
Holiday, leisure or recreation 18,374,260 A 12,303,946 A 3,506,401 B 2,563,913 B
Visit friends or relatives 6,824,486 A 5,122,622 A 648,179 B 1,053,685 B
Personal conference, convention or trade show 354,183 C 266,087 C 56,552 E 31,544 E
Shopping, non-routine 149,864 C 115,914 C 33,950 D ..  
Other personal reasons 1,187,537 B 870,772 B 203,464 D 113,300 E
Business conference, convention or trade show 1,204,547 B 717,731 B 385,972 C 100,844 D
Other business 1,400,990 B 957,309 B 190,129 C 253,552 D
..
data not available

Estimates contained in this table have been assigned a letter to indicate their coefficient of variation (c.v.) (expressed as a percentage). The letter grades represent the following coefficients of variation:

A
c.v. between or equal to 0.00% and 5.00% and means Excellent.
B
c.v. between or equal to 5.01% and 15.00% and means Very good.
C
c.v. between or equal to 15.01% and 25.00% and means Good.
D
c.v. between or equal to 25.01% and 35.00% and means Acceptable.
E
c.v. greater than 35.00% and means Use with caution.

National Travel Survey Q3 2022: Response Rates

National Travel Survey: Response Rate – Q2 2022
Table summary
This table displays the results of Response Rate. The information is grouped by Province of residence (appearing as row headers), Unweighted and Weighted (appearing as column headers), calculated using percentage unit of measure (appearing as column headers).
Province of residence Unweighted Weighted
Percentage
Newfoundland and Labrador 19.4 17.2
Prince Edward Island 19.1 17.2
Nova Scotia 26.7 23.7
New Brunswick 25.0 21.8
Quebec 29.4 25.8
Ontario 27.5 25.4
Manitoba 28.6 25.6
Saskatchewan 26.0 23.2
Alberta 25.6 23.9
British Columbia 29.2 27.5
Canada 26.9 25.4

Data quality, concepts and methodology: Explanatory notes on direct program payments to agriculture producers 2022

Payments Enhancing Receipts

Explanatory notes for programs which existed prior to 2007 can be found in the discontinued Direct Payments to Agriculture Producers publication (21-015-X).

Agricultural Revenue Stabilization Account (ARSA) (2000 to 2002)

The objective of the Agricultural Revenue Stabilization Account program was to offer a risk management tool to farming operations in Quebec, based on the operation's gross income. To this effect, the program established two individual funds, for contributions from participants and La Financière agricole du Québec, and made provisions for withdrawals from these funds to compensate for reductions in farm income. The ARSA was a program developed and administered by La Financière agricole du Québec.

Following the introduction of the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program, La Financière agricole du Québec terminated this program in the 2002 program year. Consequently, participants had five years to make withdrawals from their account, at an annual minimum of 20% of the government contribution held on February 1st, 2005.

AgriInvest (2008 to present)

This program was created under the Growing Forward policy framework (2007 – 2013) and has continued under Growing Forward 2 (2013 – 2018) and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (effective April 1, 2018). AgriInvest replaces part of the coverage that had been available under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program, and, operates similar to the former Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) program.

Through government and producer contributions, AgriInvest provides cash flow to help producers manage small income declines, as well as provide support for investments to mitigate risks or improve market income. Producers can deposit up to 100% of their Allowable Net Sales, with the first 1% matched by governments. The limit on matching government contributions is $10,000 per AgriInvest account. AgriInvest is administered by the Federal government in all provinces except Quebec.

Agri-Québec (2011 to present)

Agri-Québec is a self-directed risk management program offered to all farming and aqua-farming operations in Quebec. The program allows participants to deposit an amount in an account under their name, in order to receive matching contributions from La Financière agricole du Québec. Participants can then withdraw the funds from the accounts, based on their operational needs. Agri-Québec is managed jointly by the provincial and federal governments, as it is similar and complimentary to AgriInvest.

Agri-Québec Plus (2015 to present)

The Agri-Québec Plus program offers additional financial assistance to eligible operations. Agri-Québec Plus complements AgriStability by offering a coverage level of 85% of the reference margin rather than 70%. The program covers agriculture products that are not covered or not associated with the ASRA program (Farm Income Stabilization Program) and are not supply-managed. Participation in the program is linked to the respect of environmental requirements.

AgriRecovery (2008 to present)

The AgriRecovery framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Business Risk Management (BRM) tools under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (replacing Growing Forward 2, as of 2018).

AgriRecovery was designed to provide quick, targeted assistance to producers in case of natural disasters, with a focus on the extraordinary costs producers must take on to recover from disasters. Federal and provincial governments jointly determine whether further assistance beyond existing programs already in place is necessary, and what form of assistance should be provided. AgriRecovery initiatives are cost-shared on a 60:40 basis between the federal government and participating provinces or territories. The assistance provided will be unique to the specific disaster situation and often unique to a province or region. Examples of programs included in AgriRecovery are the 2017 and 2018 Canada-BC Wildfire Recovery Initiatives, and the 2017 Canada-Quebec Hail Assistance Initiative.

AgriStability (2007 to present)

This program was created under the Growing Forward policy framework (2007 – 2013) and has continued under Growing Forward 2 (2013 – 2018) and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (effective April 1, 2018). AgriStability was developed as a margin-based program that provides income support when a producer experiences a large margin decline. AgriStability has replaced part of the coverage that had been provided under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program.

AgriStability is delivered in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon by the Federal government. In British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, AgriStability is delivered provincially.

AgriStability Program Enhancements (2021 to 2022)

Through the Prince Edward Island Agriculture Insurance Corporation, the Department of Agriculture and Land announced some important changes to the AgriStability Program. These changes will provide increased support to all producers for the 2021 and 2022 program years:

  • The coverage level is being increased to 85% from 70%, reducing the margin loss a producer must incur to trigger a payment.
  • The compensation rate is being increased from 70% to 80% of the loss covered.
  • The 20% late participation penalty for the 2021 program year will be covered and paid by the province.

All changes will be 100% covered by the PEI government, including the federal portion of the cost-share.

Assiniboine Valley Producers Flood Assistance Program (2007 to 2011)

This Province of Manitoba program provided financial assistance for Assiniboine Valley agricultural producers who experienced crop loss or the inability to seed a crop in 2005 and 2006 along the Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Brandon, due to flooding. This program also provided assistance in 2011, following flooding in 2010.

These programs were managed through the Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation (MASC).

Beef Herd Renewal and Improvement Program (2022 to 2023)

The objective of this program is to grow, renew and improve the New Brunswick beef cow herd. Applicants will be eligible for financial assistance of $300 per retained bred heifer above a 5% replacement rate. Eligible numbers of heifers will be determined based on current mature cow numbers, defined as cows that have already had at least one calf. Included as payments in the series «Direct Program Payments to Producers» is the compensation paid for the basic herd growth.

Beekeepers Financial Assistance Program (2014)

Due to harsh winter conditions in Ontario in 2014, and other pollinator health issues, Ontario's bee colonies experienced higher than normal mortality rates. To help offset these losses, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food provided one-time financial assistance of $105 per hive to beekeepers who have 10 hives or more and lost over 40 per cent of their colonies between Jan. 1, 2014, and Oct. 31, 2014.

British Columbia Raspberry Replant Program (2022 to 2023)

The B.C. Raspberry Replant Program is a cost-sharing funding program which is intended to revitalize, regenerate and increase the competitiveness of the B.C. raspberry industry in local and global markets. This program is being delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food with input from the Raspberry Industry Development Council.

Canada-Ontario General Top-Up Program (2005 to 2007)

This was a special top-up payment program which provided whole farm coverage to the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program participants in Ontario, who were automatically enrolled. All commodities eligible for CAIS payment were covered under this program. In order to qualify, participants must have experienced a decline in their program year production margin as calculated by the CAIS Program Administrator and be eligible to receive the government portion of the CAIS payment. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs were responsible for the overall administration of the program.

Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program (2004 to 2008)

The CAIS program was available to producers across Canada and provided assistance to those producers who had experienced a loss of income as a result of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or other factors. The program integrated stabilization and disaster protection into a single program, helping producers protect their farming operations from both small and large drops in income.

Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Inventory Transition Initiative (CITI) (2006 to 2007)

CITI was a one-time federal government injection of $900 million into Canada's Agriculture and Agri-food industry. The funds were delivered to producers by recalculating how the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program valued inventory change for the 2003, 2004, and 2005 CAIS program years.

Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Ontario Inventory Transition Initiative (2006 to 2019)

The Ontario Inventory Transition Payment was an additional one-time payment from the province of Ontario, for the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program participants, as it transitioned to a new method of valuing inventory for CAIS.

Compensation for animal losses (1981 to present)

Formerly a program under the Animal Disease and Protection Act, this compensation program is now administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in accordance with requirements established under the Health of Animals Act. Producers in all provinces are compensated when farm animals infected with certain contagious diseases are ordered to be slaughtered. Compensation also includes applicable transportation and disposal costs and compensation for animals injured during testing.

Cost of Production Payment (COP) (2007 to 2010)

This program helped non-supply managed commodities producers with the rising cost of production. This federal program was based on producers' net sales for 2000-2004 (or in the case of new producers: payments were based on average net sales for 2005-2006).

Cover Crop Protection Program (CCPP) (2006 to 2008)

The CCPP was a Government of Canada initiative designed to provide financial assistance to agricultural producers who were unable to seed commercial crops as a result of flooding in the spring of 2005 and/or 2006.

Crop Insurance (1981 to present)

Crop Insurance (now referred to as AgriInsurance) is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that stabilizes a producer's income by minimizing the economic effects of production losses caused by natural hazards. AgriInsurance is a provincially delivered program to which the federal government contributes a portion of total premiums and administrative costs. Premiums for most crop insurance programs are cost-shared: 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the federal government and 24 per cent by the province, while administrative costs are funded by governments, 60 per cent by the federal government and 40 per cent by the province.

AgriInsurance plans are developed and delivered by each province to meet the needs of the producers in that province. AgriInsurance helps to cover production losses as well as losses from poor product quality. Both yield and non-yield based plans are offered. These plans cover traditional crops such as wheat, corn, oats and barley as well as horticultural crops such as lettuce, strawberries, carrots and eggplants. Some provinces also provide coverage for bee mortality as well as maple syrup production. The provinces constantly work to improve their programs by adjusting existing plans and implementing new ones to meet changing industry requirements.

Crop Loss Compensation (1981 to present)

Crop loss compensation programs are generally one element of a province's Wildlife damage compensation programs, which can also include separate Waterfowl damage and Livestock predation programs. This Big Game program reduces the financial loss incurred by producers in these provinces from wildlife damage to eligible crops, and can include compensation for wildlife excreta contaminated crops and silage in pits and tubes. In some provinces damage to honey producers and leafcutter bee products is also included.

Also see Livestock predation compensation, Waterfowl damage and Wildlife damage compensation programs.

Cull Animal Program (2003 to 2006)

This program was intended to assist farmers with the additional cost of feeding surplus animals while the US border was closed to Canadian animals over 30 months of age. With the goal of discouraging on-farm slaughter and encouraging movement of mature animals to domestic markets in an orderly fashion.

Cull Breeding Swine Program (2008)

This federally funded program for 2008, administered by the Canadian Pork Council, was designed to help restructure the industry to bring it in line with market realities. The objective was to reduce the national breeding herd size by up to 10% over and above normal annual reductions. Producers were eligible to receive a per head payment for each animal slaughtered as well as reimbursement for slaughter and disposal costs. Producers had to agree to empty at least one barn, and not restock for a three year period.

Dairy Direct Payment Program (2019-2023)

The objective of the Dairy Direct Payment Program is to support dairy producers as a result of market access commitments made under recent international trade agreements, namely the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

In August 2019, the federal government announced that it will make available $1.75 billion to supply-managed milk producers. Up to $345 million in direct payments was made available in 2019-2020.

In November 2020, the government announced the payment schedule for the remaining $1.405 billion in direct payments over the next three years:

  • $468 million in 2020-21
  • $469 million in 2021-22
  • $468 million in 2022-23

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) has been mandated to deliver the program.

Drought Assistance for Livestock Producers (2007 to 2008)

This program was enacted in 2007, to assist livestock owners in Northern B.C. who suffered economic hardship in 2006 due to drought. Drought conditions in the summer of 2006 reduced hay and forage yields by up to 50% and producers were left with higher costs for feed, water and other expenses.

Eurasian Wild Boar Transition Assistance Initiative (2021 to 2022)

The purpose of this Initiative was to provide financial support to producers of EWB to assist them in transitioning out of the production of EWB and into other forms of production. The need for this type of financial support arose out of the passage of a regulation under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 that designated Ontario as an invasive species control area for wild pigs, including the possession and movement of EWB.

Farm Emergency Response Grant Program (2022)

A one-time grant of $2,500 will be sent to registered farms in Central, Northern and Eastern Nova Scotia that experienced financial losses due to infrastructure or crop damage, livestock loss or extended power outages due to Hurricane Fiona. Funding will also be available to registered farms that experienced storm damage outside the most impacted regions.

Fed Cattle Set Aside Program (2005 to 2006)

The program was part of a national strategy to assist Canada's cattle industry to reposition itself to help ensure its long-term viability.

Financial Assistance for Replanting Apple Orchards (2020-2022)

The financial assistance for replanting apple orchards program is being implemented to support the apple industry during the transition period following the termination of the Farm Income Stabilization Insurance Program coverage.

The program is intended to support development of the apple industry from a sustainable development perspective, as a complement to other government assistance available to the apple industry.

More specifically, this program is intended to provide financial support to apple businesses in their apple orchard replanting projects.

Eligible businesses may receive financial assistance of $5,000 per replanted hectare for up to four hectares. If the business is deemed eligible for one of the grants under the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers on the date that they submitted their application to the program, the assistance is increased to $6,250 per eligible hectare.

Frost loss Program (2018-2019)

The Frost Loss Program helped Nova Scotia Farmers recover from crop and financial losses from the frost in June 2018.

This program provided financial assistance in addition with other Business Risk Management programs that were available, such as AgriInsurance.

Golden Nematode Disaster Program (2007 to 2009)

The objective of this program was to assist producers affected by Golden Nematode with the costs of disposing potatoes and a per hectare support payment to assist potato producers and producers of nursery and greenhouse crops with extraordinary costs not covered under existing programs. The program was funded by the federal government.

Grains and Oilseeds Payment (GOPP) (2006)

The Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program was a one-time program for producers of grains, oilseeds, or special crops, to help address the severe economic hardships they were facing.

Hazelnut Renewal Program (2020 to present)

This provincially funded program provides funds to remove infected trees to mitigate the spread of Eastern Filbert Blight and to provide incentives for the planting of new disease-resistant hazelnut trees in British Columbia.

Types of Program Funding:

  • Hazelnut Renewal: Funding to provide incentives for the planting of new Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) resistant hazelnut trees in British Columbia.
  • Removal of EFB Infected Hazelnut Trees: Funding to remove infected trees to mitigate the spread of EFB and to protect new orchards.

Hog Transition Fund (2008)

This program was designed to assist Nova Scotia hog producers who were having financial difficulties due to declining market prices in 2006-2007. The program was administered through Pork Nova Scotia.

Lake Manitoba Flood Assistance Program (2011 to present)

This program was designed to provide financial compensation to crop and livestock producers affected by the flooding of Lake Manitoba in 2011. Part A - Lake Manitoba Pasture Flooding Assistance Component and Part B - Lake Manitoba Transportation and Crop/Forage Loss Component, are included. This program is funded entirely by the provincial government.

Livestock Insurance Programs (1991 to present)

The Livestock Insurance Programs include a number of provincially administered livestock insurance programs. These programs include:

The Cattle Price Insurance Program (2009 to present), designed to provide Alberta cattle producers with an effective price risk management tool reflective of their risk. As of 2014, this program is now referred to as the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program.

Dairy Livestock Insurance (1991 to present), implemented to assist Nova Scotia producers when a number of cattle were lost due to disease outbreaks. The program continues to exist for situations resulting in a significant loss in production, causing a loss of revenue.

The Hog Price Insurance Program (2011 to present), designed to provide Alberta hog producers with protection against unexpected declines in Alberta hog prices, over a defined period of time. As of 2014, this program is now referred to as the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program.

Livestock Insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador (1991 to present) compensates producers for the death or injury to sheep, goats, dairy cattle or beef cattle caused by dogs or other predators.

Livestock Insurance in Prince Edward Island (2009 to present) offers two types of coverage: compensation to cattle producers for the death of an animal due to disease, as well as compensation to dairy producers whose production levels fall beneath a set threshold, causing a loss of income.

The Overwinter Bee Mortality Insurance (2012 to present) insures Manitoban beekeepers against unmanageable wintering losses, including weather-related damages, diseases and pests. As of 2014 the data for this program is included in Crop Insurance.

Poultry Insurance (2008 to present) compensates Nova Scotia producers for the loss of poultry (which includes broilers, breeders, breeder pullets, layer pullets, commercial layers and integrated layers) to the disease infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT).

The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) (2014 to present) enables livestock producers to purchase price protection on cattle and hogs in the form of an insurance policy. It offers protection against an unexpected drop in prices over a defined period of time, and is available to producers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Administration costs are covered by the federal and provincial governments through Growing Forward 2. Premiums will be fully funded by producers, but any deficit after four years will be made up by the federal government. The four-province program will be managed by the Alberta Agriculture Financial Services Corp, which ran the pre-existing Cattle and Hog Price Insurance programs in Alberta. Crop insurance entities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan will deliver the WLPIP in those provinces. The Business Risk Management Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture delivers the program in that province.

Additional notes on the Livestock Insurance Programs

Producer premiums for the Prince Edward Island Livestock Insurance and Dairy Livestock Insurance in Nova Scotia (as of 2006) are partially subsidized by the provincial and federal governments.

Premiums are not subsidized for the Cattle Price Insurance Program, the Hog Price Insurance Program, Livestock Insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador, Poultry Insurance program in Nova Scotia, or the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program. However, the costs of administrating the programs are funded by provincial governments and/or Crown Corporations.

Prior to 2005, Dairy Livestock Insurance in Nova Scotia and Livestock Insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador were reported under Programs funded by the private sector.

Livestock Predation Compensation Program

Manitoba (1999 to present) - This program compensates livestock producers in Manitoba for losses from injury or death of eligible livestock that resulted from losses due to natural predators such as black bear, cougar, wolf or coyote. Compensation is available to 100% of the assessed value of the animal, for a confirmed loss due to predation and to 50% of the value for a probable loss. In respect for livestock injured, the payment will be the lesser of the veterinary treatment or the value of the livestock. The government of Manitoba pays 60% of program payments and the Government of Canada 40%. Administration costs are cost-shared 50/50 between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba.

Saskatchewan (2010 to present) - Under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, the Saskatchewan Compensation for Livestock Predation compensates producers for livestock killed or injured by predators. The first 80 percent of the program funding is cost-shared by federal and provincial governments. The provincial government contributes the remaining amount. The program is administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation. Other components of the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program include Waterfowl damage compensation and Crops loss compensation (reported separately).

Also see Crop loss compensation, Waterfowl damage and Wildlife damage compensation programs.

Manitoba Ruminant Assistance Program (2008)

This one-time payment for 2008, funded jointly by the province of Manitoba and the federal government, allowed cattle producers to receive a direct payment of up to 3% of historical net sales. The payment, administered by the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), was provided to all ruminant producers and was in proportion to the size of the producer's livestock operations.

Manitoba Spring Blizzard Livestock Mortalities Assistance Program (2011 to 2012)

The 2011 Manitoba Spring Blizzard Mortalities Assistance program provided assistance to Manitoba producers who experienced livestock losses following the blizzard that hit April 29th and 30th, 2011. Compensation is provided for animal deaths that occurred, as a result of the storm, between April 29th and May 5th 2011. This program is funded and administered by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI).

Marketing and Vineyard Improvement Program (MVIP) (2015-2016)

This program provides funds for eligible vineyard improvements to enable growers in Ontario to produce quality grapes in order to respond to the growing demands of Ontario wine manufacturers and to adapt ongoing and emerging vineyard challenges. This payment will be overseen by Agricorp (a provincial crown corporation) and was created under the Wine and Grape Strategy to promote Ontario VQA (Ontario's Wine Authority) and support vineyard production improvements. Only certain non-capital payments to producers are included in the Direct payments data series (e.g. wine grape vine removal, land preparation, etc.).

Measure to support grain corn producers in mitigating the impact of the 2019 rise in propane prices in Québec (2020)

The measure to support grain corn producers in mitigating the impact of the 2019 rise in propane prices in Québec was meant to help reduce the repercussions on grain corn production due to the rise in prices of propane which is used to dry grain corn. This measure covered grain corn not yet harvested by November 19, 2019, the date when Canadian National Railway employees went on strike.

Financial assistance was provided in the form of a maximum flat rate of $23.50 per hectare of eligible grain corn areas for up to $50,000 per farm business.

Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) (1991 to 2009)

The Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) was established in 1991 under the Farm Income Protection Act.

The purpose of NISA was to encourage producers to save a portion of their income for use during periods of reduced income. Producers could deposit up to 3% of their Eligible Net Sales (ENS) annually in their NISA account and receive matching government contributions. The federal government and several provinces offered enhanced matching contributions over and above the base 3% on specified commodities. All these deposits earn a 3% interest bonus in addition to the regular rates offered by the financial institution where the account is held.

Most primary agricultural products were included in the calculation of Eligible Net Sales (sales of qualifying commodities minus purchases of qualifying commodities), the main exception being those covered by supply management (dairy, poultry and eggs).

The NISA account was comprised of two funds. Fund No. 1 which held producer deposits while Fund No. 2 contained the matching government contributions and all accumulated interest earned on both Fund 1 and Fund 2. Included as payments in the series «Direct Program Payments to Producers» were the producer withdrawals from Fund 2.

Nova Scotia Beef Kickstart Program (2008)

This one-time payment for 2008 provided funding for Nova Scotia's beef industry with the goal of helping the sector move toward greater economic self-sustainability.

Nova Scotia Margin Enhancement Program (2007 to 2008)

This initiative introduced in 2006, was a provincial initiative that provided additional income support to Nova Scotia producers. Using 2003 CAIS program data, reference margins of CAIS participants were increased by 10%.

Ontario AgriStability Top Up Program (2022)

The purpose of the Program is to help offset losses resulting from factors beyond the control of farmers in Ontario, including those as a result of increased market uncertainty exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, by providing Ontario's forty percent (40%) share of an increase of ten percent (10%) to the maximum Payment Benefit provided under AgriStability.

Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Program (OCHHP) (2008)

This one-time payment for 2008, funded by the province of Ontario, was to assist farmers suffering from multiple financial pressures due to the stronger Canadian dollar, and lower market prices. Payments for cattle and hog producers were based on 12% of their historic allowable net sales, while payments for horticulture were based on 2% of allowable net sales.

Ontario Cost Recognition Top-up Program (2007 to 2010)

This program was a 40% matching provincial contribution to the federal Cost of Production Payment Program. This program was a direct payment to producers in recognition of rising production costs over the previous few years. The Ontario Top-Up Program payments were distributed after the payment details regarding the federal program were released.

Ontario Duponchelia Assistance Program (2008)

The purpose of this initiative was to provide financial support to horticulture producers in the Niagara Region of Ontario affected by Duponchelia, a reportable pest. The initiative provided a federal share (60%) of financial compensation to assist these producers in addressing plant replacement costs and in dealing with extraordinary expenses incurred due to quarantine measures imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Ontario Edible Horticulture Crop Payment (2006)

This one-time payment compensates Ontario producers of edible horticulture crops for losses experienced on their 2005 crop.

Ontario Edible Horticultural Support Program (2018-2019)

This program provided financial support to Ontario producers of edible horticulture products (small and medium-size agricultural operators) to adjust to the changing small business environment. This program was funded by the Government of Ontario and the payments were based on net sales of edible horticulture. Self-Directed Risk Management Program participants were enrolled automatically.

Ontario Special Beekeepers Fund (2007 to 2008)

The Special Beekeepers Fund, enacted in June, 2007, provided direct compensation to beekeepers who suffered higher than normal hive losses during the winter of 2006. The assistance was designed to help bring Ontario's bee population back to near-normal levels, and beekeepers back to normal business.

PEI Pollination Expansion Program (2021 present)

The Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Land has established the PEI Pollination Expansion Program to support the sustainable increase of local honey bee colonies that are available for the pollination of wild blueberries and other fruit crops and the advancement of the beekeeping sector through strategic industry initiatives.

PEI Potato Seed Recovery Program (2020)

The purpose of the Potato Seed Recovery Program was to offset extraordinary costs and a loss in revenue for Island seed potato producers impacted by the pandemic. This payment was a $1.19 million fund and was a provincially funded program.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Programs (PED)

Prince Edward Island (2014) - The Prince Edward Island PED program provided financial aid to hog farmers for increased sanitation and screening measures to help combat the pig virus. This was a cost-shared program between the federal and provincial governments under Growing Forward 2. The program was administered by the PEI Hog Board.

Québec (2015 to present) - Emergency Fund Program in Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Swine Delta Coronavirus (SDCV) in Québec. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to affected operations, up to a maximum of $20,000 per production site, to cover certain additional expenses required to combat this disease and prevent it from spreading. The program is financed by La Financière agricole and administered by the Québec swine health team (EQSP). The fund has a maximum budget of $400,000.

Portage Diversion Fail-Safe compensation program (2014 to 2015)

This program was designed to provide financial assistance to Manitoba agricultural producers affected by the 2014 flooding due to the operation of the Portage diversion fail-safe. This program was fully funded by the Manitoba Government and administrated by the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).

Post-tropical Storm Dorian Response Program (DRP) (2020-2021)

The Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Land had established the Post-tropical Storm Dorian Response Program (DRP) to provide financial support to corn, crambe, and tree fruit producers who had incurred extraordinary costs due to Dorian which were not covered by existing Business Risk Management programs.

Prince Edward Island Beef Industry Initiative (2007 to 2008)

This one-time payment for 2008 was designed to assist beef producers in Prince Edward Island to adjust to current market conditions and develop improved quality in their herds. The program provided immediate assistance to producers to help mitigate risk and provided genetics and enhanced herd health incentives. Payments were based on a combination of their average net sales and December 2007 inventory.

Prince Edward Island Hog Transition Fund (2008)

This program was designed to reduce hog numbers through a buyout program. It provided funds for producers to transition out of hog production.

Privately funded programs

Private hail insurance (1981 to present)

Private Hail Insurance is purchased by agricultural producers to protect themselves against the loss of their crops due to hail. Hail insurance is privately funded through producer premiums and producers may have the option to extend coverage for damage to crops due to loss through fire, depending on the insurance provider.

Other Private Programs (2011 to present)

Alberta Hog and Cattle Levy Refund (2011 to present)

In May 2011, Alberta Pork announced it would refund 85 cents for every dollar of levies it had collected from producers during the 2010-2011 fiscal year to assist producers coping with rising feed costs and small profit margins.

Legislation regarding levies in Alberta also changed in 2011. Levies for pork, beef, lamb, and potato producers had been mandatory until a change is legislation gave these producers the right to ask for a refund of the levies paid. Since that time, estimates for the hog and cattle levies refunded have been produced.

Heinz payment (2013)

Due to the closure of the Ontario Heinz processing plant in 2013, Heinz has paid a one-time 'goodwill' payment to compensate the farmers that were under contract to deliver processing tomatoes in 2013. The payment was to help offset costs that farmers may have incurred in preparing for the 2013 crop.

Programme d'aide pour les inondations en Montérégie (2011 to 2012)

This program provided financial assistance to agricultural enterprises affected by the floods of spring 2011, in the Richelieu valley. Compensation was offered to producers for loss of income due to flooded farmland, and/or losses due to unseeded acreage.

Programme d'appui à la replantation des vergers de pommiers au Québec (2007 to 2010)

The first component of this MAPAQ (Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec) program offered replanting help in order to improve efficiency, profitability as well as competitiveness. The objective of the second component was to compensate apple producers for the loss of apple trees due to winter-kill (frost) in 1994.

Provincial Stabilization Programs (1981 to present)

Under provincial stabilization programs, payments are made in order to support producer incomes affected by small profit margins, or low prices, for selected commodities. Provincial stabilization programs are partly funded by the provincial government, either directly through the subsidization of producer premiums, or indirectly by absorbing a part, or the whole, of the cost of administering the program. These programs are optional, and producers are required to pay premiums in order to participate.

Farm Income Stabilization Program (ASRA) (1981 to present)

The Farm Income Stabilization Insurance Program is designed to guarantee a positive net annual income to producers in Quebec. Producers participating in the program receive funds when the average selling price falls below a stabilized income, which is based on the average production cost in a specific sector. ASRA is complementary to AgriStability, but participation in AgriStability is not mandatory. Payments under ASRA decrease in accordance to amounts paid out through AgriStability. ASRA premiums are partially funded by the provincial government, which pays two thirds of the cost of premiums, while producers pay the remaining third.

Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) (2007 to present)

ORMP is a provincial program that offers compensation to Ontario producers for losses of income caused by fluctuating market prices and rising production costs. Commodities eligible for compensation include a variety of grains and oilseeds, as well as certain livestock, including cattle, calves, hogs and sheep. The program also offers compensation for unseeded acres, under certain conditions. In order to participate in this program, producers must also participate in AgriStability, as well as Production Insurance (for grains and oilseeds). Payments made under ORMP count as an advance on the provincial portion of AgriStability for the corresponding program year. Because ORMP is provincially funded, it has no impact on the federal portion of AgriStability payments. ORMP premiums are partly funded by the provincial government, which pays 40% of the cost of premiums, while producers pay the remaining 60%.

Saskatchewan Cattle and Hog Support Program (2009)

This program helped producers retain their breeding herds and address immediate cash flow needs.

Saskatchewan Feed and Forage Program - 2011 (2011 to 2012)

This program provided compensation to producers who had to transport additional feed to their livestock, or transport their livestock to alternate locations for feeding and grazing, due to feed shortages caused by excess moisture. In addition, financial assistance was provided to producers who had to reseed hay, forage or pasture land that had been damaged by excess moisture. This provincially-funded program replaces the initial Saskatchewan Feed and Forage Program (2010-2011), which was jointly offered by the provincial and federal governments, as part of AgriRecovery.

Self-Directed Risk Management (SDRM) (2005 to present)

SDRM is a provincial program designed to help Ontarian horticultural producers manage farm operation risk. Under the program, over 150 edible horticultural crops are eligible for coverage, including fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs and spices, nuts, honey and maple products. To be eligible, producers must also participate in AgriStability, and meet the minimum amount of allowable net sales (ANS). Participating producers can deposit up to a maximum of 2% of their ANS into an account, and have their contribution matched by the provincial government. Payments made under SDRM count as an advance on the provincial portion of AgriStability for the corresponding program year. Because SDRM is provincially funded, it has no impact on the federal portion of AgriStability payments. Amounts received under Production Insurance for a crop also covered by SDRM will be deducted from SDRM payments.

Shoal Lakes Agriculture Flooding Assistance Program (2011)

The purpose of this program was to provide financial support to agriculture producers affected by chronic flooding in the Shoal Lakes Complex in the Interlake of Manitoba.

  1. Land payments on a per acre basis were provided to farm operators to compensate for lost income related to agricultural production that cannot be realized due to flooded acres in 2010 and 2011.
  2. Financial assistance for transportation costs incurred between April 1, 2011 and March 15, 2012 to those farm operators who needed to transport feed to livestock or livestock to feed, due to the flooding.

This payment was administered by the Manitoba Agriculture Corporation (MASC), with the assistance of Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives (MAFRI).

Support Program for the Eradication of Chronic Wasting Disease in Cervids (CWD) (2019 to present)

This program implemented by La Financière agricole du Québec offers financial aid to cervid producers affected by the measures taken to eradicate CWD.

There are two categories of aid under this program:

  • The first compensates cervid producers ordered to slaughter and dispose of animals under the Animal Health Protection Act.
  • The second financially supports cervid producers required to implement sanitary measures stipulated under the Animal Health Protection Act.

Surplus Potato Management Response (2022)

The Surplus Potato Management Response was cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments and aimed to support PEI potato farmers impacted by trade disruptions. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board delivered the plan on behalf of the governments to manage potatoes that had been rendered surplus. Only the Destruction Program was included in the Direct payments data series.  The growers received up to 8.5 cents per pound to assist with the costs of environmentally-sound destruction of surplus potatoes.

Syndrome de dépérissement postsevrage (SDP) (2008 to 2010)

This MAPAQ (Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec) program granted financial support to Quebec feeder hog operations affected by Post Weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS).

Transitional Production Adjustment Program (1996) (1993 to 1997 and 1999 to 2008)

Under the Tree Fruit Revitalization Program, British Columbia orchardists were guaranteed specific annual revenue per acre during the first three years, following replant of orchards to new high density tree fruit varieties.

Tree Fruit Replant Program (previously known as Tree fruit grafting/budding and replant program) (2008 to 2011, 2012 to present)

In 2008, the Transitional Production Adjustment Program ended and the Tree fruit grafting/budding and replant program started. In July 2007, the federal and provincial governments jointly announced that they were investing $8 million to help British Columbia's tree fruit and grape industries adapt to changing markets. The cost was shared (60% federal, 40% provincial) and the program lasted for three years.  In 2012, the provincial government invested an additional $2 million to replant tree fruit orchards to expand domestic markets through high-quality products by targeting the planting of premium varieties. The program, which also includes a grafting and budding component, concluded in 2014. The 2015 program is the first year of a 7 year commitment by British Columbia of $8.4 million announced in Nov 2014. This is a British Columbia Agriculture Department program that shares the administration of the program with the British Columbia Fruit Growers Association under contract until 2016.

2019-2020 British Columbia AgriStability Enhancement Program

The British Columbia government is offering greater coverage to farmers who have lost income due to weather, trade challenges or natural disaster. The Program includes:

  • Increasing the compensation rate, for all farms, from 70% to 80% on income margin losses greater than 30%. In other words, B.C. will be adding 14.3% to every AgriStability payment.
    • An AgriStability payment is triggered when a producer's current margin (allowable income less allowable expenses) drops more than 30% below their average historical margin (referred to as Reference Margin)
  • Eliminating the Reference Margin Limit (RML) which reduced compensation for some farms.
    • Farms which have wide margins due to low eligible expenses will no longer have their compensation reduced due to the RML.

Unseeded Acreage Payment - 2006 (2006 to 2007)

This program provided a payment to Saskatchewan farmers who experienced excess moisture conditions prior to June 20, 2006 and were unable to seed 95% of the acres they would normally intend to seed.

Waterfowl Damage (1981 to present)

Waterfowl damage payment programs are designed to compensate producers for crop losses caused by waterfowl. Compensation is also available for cleaning excreta contaminated grain in some provinces, and for prevention management.

Also see Crop loss compensation, Livestock predation compensation and Wildlife damage compensation programs.

Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

British Columbia (2002 to present) - The British Columbia Wildlife Compensation program is part of an Agricultural Environment Partnership Initiative that includes the following programs: The Waterfowl Damage to Forage Fields in Delta, Wild Predator Loss Control and Compensation Program for Cattle and East Kootenay Agriculture Wildlife Pilot Project. These programs are designed to compensate producers for the losses incurred to crops and livestock due to wildlife.

New Brunswick (2014 to present) - This cost-shared program compensates producers who suffer livestock or crop losses due to wildlife. Compensation is available for specified crops and livestock for damage caused by eligible wildlife. The maximum compensation per producer is $50,000 per year. The New Brunswick Agricultural Insurance Commission (NBAIC) administers this program, applicants are not required to be an insurance client to receive compensation.

Nova Scotia (2008 to present) - This cost-shared program, announced in 2008, will help address some of the risks experienced by Nova Scotia farmers regarding damage to eligible agricultural products because of the activities of wildlife, including wildlife predation on livestock and damage to crops. Applicants are not required to have crop insurance.

Ontario (2008 to present) - The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants whose livestock and poultry have been injured or killed by wolves, coyotes, bears and other species of wildlife identified in the program guidelines, or whose bee-colonies, bee-hives and bee-hive related equipment have been damaged by bears, raccoons, deer and skunks. The program was funded by the provincial government up to the fiscal year of 2008/2009 and became part of Growing Forward - a federal, provincial and territorial initiative starting from fiscal year 2009/2010, when cost-sharing of the program began between the governments of Canada and Ontario.

Also see Crop loss compensation, Livestock predation compensation and Waterfowl damage programs.

Making data visualizations accessible to blind and visually impaired people

By: Jessica Lachance, Elections Canada

Editor's note: The information discussed in this article are presented as possible solutions for accessible data visualizations, including some exciting forward-thinking solutions many people don't have access to today. None of the tools discussed in this article should be construed as an official recommendation, nor should they be considered for implementation in your environment without a thorough review.

Introduction

Throughout the 21st century, the amount and variety of data available to citizens, researchers, industry, and government has grown exponentially (see: Volume of data/information created, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide from 2010 to 2020, with forecasts from 2021 to 2025). With that growth comes an expectation we'll use the data to inform policies, business decisions and consumer choice.

The human mind can't efficiently interpret this amount of raw data, yet we need to summarize our data to understand its features. The dominant tools to help us understand data are data visualizations. Visualizations range from simple static images to interactive software that lets you choose specific data and display curated summaries.

Despite their benefits, data visualizations present significant barriers for Blind and visually impaired (BVI) people. These barriers have left BVI people less able to effectively participate in public discourse, in their workplace, or make informed choices. For example, current alt-text guidelines aren't always based in well-researched evidence. This leads to gaps that don't allow BVI people to glean statistical information at the same speed as sighted users. How does someone understand what it means to "flatten the curve" if you can't see the associated graph? (See: Making data visualizations more accessible).

We'll further explore these key needs and the methods used to help improve the accessibility of data visualizations and provide non-visual alternatives to present data. We'll then study a few solutions that work for a number of visualization types.

Current accessibility guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are the international web accessibility standard. Web accessibility is founded on four main principles – content should be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust (see: Understanding the Four Principles of Accessibility). The Canada.ca Content Style Guide, which bases their rules on WCAG 2.1, says that writers should include a "long description" for charts and a shorter alt-text for a high-level description. For charts, it suggests that an HTML table could be used as the long description.

But researchers and advocates argue that this doesn't always meet BVI people's needs, and the HTML tables require BVI users to exert more effort (or to require a higher cognitive load) to think through answers to simple questions such as "which data series is the maximum?". Sighted users can easily glean the information at-a-glance. Also, alt-texts don't always provide sufficient detail, especially when it comes to the spatial information of the graph.

Features of accessible data visualizations

We found that each researcher uniquely defined what makes a data visualization operable and what information is necessary to make it understandable and robust. The following dimensions must be considered to make data visualizations accessible.

Data-related tasks should require an equal cognitive load and equal effort: As noted above, HTML tables require a higher cognitive load to identify statistical features, like the minimum or maximum. That's not to say HTML tables aren't valuable. In general, BVI users appreciate this feature, and most sighted users do, too. However, when the HTML table is the only interface it can sometimes be overwhelming.

Provide information at varying levels of complexity: Not all data-related tasks are equal. Information with varying levels of complexity can be shown with a visualization. One interesting article from Lundgard and Satyanarayan (see: Accessible Visualization via Natural Language Descriptions: A Four-Level Model of Semantic Content) defines four distinct levels of semantic content a data visualization description could be conveying.

The four levels are:

  1. Listing visualization construction properties (e.g., axes, chart type, colours)
  2. Reporting statistical concepts and relations
  3. Identifying perceptual and cognitive phenomenon
  4. Extracting domain-specific insights

Their study found that both Blind and sighted participants found level 3 content most useful. Blind participants found level 2 content to be more useful than their sighted counterparts but found level 4 content much less useful.

These different semantic levels also align with Shneiderman's Visual Information-Seeking mantra to "Overview first, zoom and filter, then details-on-demand." as written in his highly influential work in the dawn of online visualizations (see: Schneiderman's Mantra | Data Visualization). This also applies to BVI users – they want to picture the overview of the chart, zoom in to it, and filter it to get statistical concepts, relations, and details.

Paint a mental picture: Some existing guidelines state that details like graph colours, or axes' descriptions should be ignored to reduce cognitive load. But, multiple studies found these to be important as they helped BVI users to picture the charts. Doing so helped them communicate results with sighted colleagues and helped them understand data visualizations as a statistical tool or when coming across a less common chart type.

BVI users want to know "what the author wants you to know": The majority of BVI users found levels 2 and 3, where we start to understand the gist of the data, are also where the current accessibility guidelines are most lacking. Understanding trends and features are easier to remember when presented with physical descriptions of the graph. This mental picture help users to easily recall where to find statistical information like the minimum, the maximum or where two lines intersect.

Present data objectively: BVI participants in studies emphasized that accessible descriptions shouldn't contain editorialized content associated with level 4 semantic content. BVI users should be able to verify any claims made about the data themselves, and not be given an editorialized view, beyond what a sighted user would have access to. They also expressed a preference for descriptions which use an objective tone.

Make sure the solution is appropriate for web-browsing: We can also consider the scope of the solution. A disability dongle is a well-intentioned solution that prioritizes form over its function as an accessibility device. Making accessible data visualizations don't need a fancy new tool. Ideally, solutions should be compatible with common technology for BVI people, like braille displays and screen readers. When solutions require costly software or hardware to operate, it reduces their operability and robustness.

Alternative accessible solutions

We described six key needs of BVI users when engaging with data visualizations:

  1. Provide information at varying levels of complexity
  2. Paint a mental picture of the visualization
  3. Let BVI users know what you, as the author, want them to know
  4. Present the data objectively
  5. Integrate accessibilities tool BVI users already have or can be easily integrated within the browser
  6. Have a solution that works for many different kinds of graphs

We've already described how dominant recommendations fall short. This section describes some of the alternative accessible solutions for data visualizations and their pros and cons.

Sonification

Sonification refers to the use of sound scales to map data in a way that is analogous to colour scales. Sounds can change pitch, tenor, or volume to represent changes in data. Research into graph sonification focuses on how to map data to sounds to optimize BVI user understanding.

Sonification, like visualization, can be processed in parallel, making it well-suited for multidimensional data. With integrations of a 3D soundscape device, sonification can even be used to plot data with spatial relationships, like choropleths. Check out the Data Sonification Archive for examples.

BVI users found that sonification helped them "visualize" the graph, but there was a learning curve to overcome. Lack of standards also creates challenges for designers trying to integrate sonification scales into the online environment, though several new open-source libraries (TwoTone Data Sonification, Highcharts Sonification Studio) promise to create sonification scales, using data.

Haptics

Haptics refer to the sense of touch, for example through sensations of force or friction against one's finger. Haptics can help users feel the ups and downs of a line graph or the height of a bar graph against gridlines.

Research into haptic visualization argued that many BVI people learn through touch, therefore tactile representation of the graph can make it easier to link what they may have learned in school to what is being presented in front of them. But in practice, that's not always the case. Some users found the different frictions "disturbing" and "confusing" leading them to incorrectly perceive the layout of a complex graph. This could be due to the range of values perceived by the eyes is "orders of magnitude" greater than what can be perceived by touch. So, while haptics may be useful in gaining the gist of a graph, it's not well-suited to identifying precise data points.

Another drawback is that without an easily available library to work with, the average website designer isn't able to create a data visualization that maps to haptic feedback. The lack of haptic libraries and the need for a specialized haptic device could result in just creating a disability dongle.

Accessible descriptions

Accessible descriptions involve writing a description of the data visualization. While this sounds like alt-texts in WCAG 2.1, the strategies below take it a step further than the current guidelines.

Alt-texts are not all bad. One study asked participants to evaluate the quality of alt-texts found in academic journals, and the participants appreciated when they contained information recommended by alt-text guidelines. Where these guidelines fall short are in the first three points mentioned in the introduction. Alt-texts are great at conveying information like the subject and graph type, but don't give BVI users a summary of the data or statistical features.

For designers, it would be a tedious, if not impossible task to write out these descriptions. More so when the charts are interactive and allow users to choose different views of a graph. As a result, research for the next generation of accessible descriptions focuses on three possibilities:

  1. Allowing BVI users to "navigate" a visualization, as they do for a current webpage
  2. Programmatically generate natural language descriptions
  3. Presenting an interactive query mode where users can ask questions about the data in natural language

Navigable Scalable Vector Graphics

HTML structures a webpage into hierarchical sections, and each tag describes the content. Navigating these structures are familiar to BVI users who use screen-readers to navigate the web.

Some researchers and web developers are promoting the use of HTML elements to create data visualizations and present accessible descriptions for BVI people. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVGs) have been popular for programmatically building data visualizations online, and are used by Chart.js, D3.js - Data-Driven Documents, Google Charts, and others. When done right, each tag in an SVG can be organized so a tree of shapes can be traversed by screen-readers in a meaningful way (for example: Semiotic, Highcharts' accessibility module, Accessibility in d3 Bar Charts | a11y with Lindsey).

Natural language generation

Natural language generation is a domain of machine learning that automatically generates text that sounds like a human wrote it. This could be used to create a description of a graph and a summary of its data. Several libraries currently exist (like VoxLens, evoGraphs) but are limited to 2D charts, like bar or line charts.

Interactive query models

Interactive query modes allow users to control how much information they receive at once. These natural language interfaces allow users to ask questions of varying complexity without overwhelming them and complement other methods described in this article.

Interactive query models can also be intuitive to learn. In one study, VoxLens users were given the option to sonify a graph or use an interactive dialogue. Most preferred the interactive dialogue.

But interactive query modes, especially in natural language, push the limits of our current computational capacities, especially for nuanced or context-dependent analysis of data. The current challenge for both natural language generation and interactive query models is the capacity to make a solution that is robust for even complex visualizations.

Multi-modal visualizations

Multi-modal, as the name implies, is a combination of the previously described techniques to communicate the data. The main advantages are:

  1. The weakness of one method can be reinforced by another method
  2. Multi-modal solutions account for a wider range of user preferences; and
  3. Having multiple sensory inputs can reduce the cognitive load it takes to understand data

The most common multi-modal solution is the combination of sonification and haptics. Because touch is a familiar learning method for some BVI people, it can reinforce the information being provided by sonification, which is less known. Conversely, sound hints can reinforce haptic reception, like playing a sound when a user switches haptically to a different data series noted by different frictions. However, the multi-modal approach that use haptics suffer from the same drawback as only using haptics – they require specialized hardware.

Multi-modal approaches that combined sonification and accessible descriptions found better success. VoxLens saw a 122% increase in task accuracy and a 36% reduction in total interaction time.

In summary, multi-modal approaches that combined sonification and accessible descriptions create accessible data visualizations that require an equitable cognitive load, provide information at all levels of semantic content and lightweight for web-browsing, if the limitations to the kind of data visualizations supported can be overcome.

Conclusion

At the beginning of this article, we asked "How would you understand how to flatten the curve if you can't see the associated graph?". We looked at key considerations. We learned that providing a table of values wouldn't easily allow BVI users to find the maximums of each curve.

To balance the desire to add information without increasing the cognitive load, BVI users and researchers suggest having an accessible method of querying the data that would be beneficial for tasks like retrieving the minimum or maximum, or highlighting areas of the graph.

Data is getting more complex, and with the Accessible Canada Act requiring a barrier-free Canada by 2040 (see: Towards an Accessible Canada), we all have a role to play in ensuring our data visualizations are barrier-free.

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