Statistics Canada's 2023-24 Departmental results report: At a glance

Key priorities

Statistics Canada's top priorities for 2023–24 were as follows:

1. Working in collaboration and partnerships

Statistics Canada increased its collaboration with other government departments at all levels, private organizations, non-government organizations, academia and civil society so that more data could be integrated from various sources for users to have more of the information they need. The agency coordinated new opportunities for collaborating on open and safe data sharing, expertise, and best practices with these groups.

For instance, over the past year, the agency encouraged an increase in data sharing with municipal, provincial and territorial partners to inform housing among other programs. It also expanded access to energy data through the Canadian Centre for Energy Information. In addition, the agency partnered with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to provide real-time business data via the Business Data Lab and collaborated with Canadian Heritage on analytical products about official languages and education. Finally, the agency launched the Canadian Internal Trade Data and Information Hub to help the trading community make better informed decisions.

2. Delivering user-centric products and services

By emphasizing a user-centric approach, Statistics Canada aimed to ensure that users from different sectors could access the data they require—whenever they need them and in their preferred format—while also providing users with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions. Additionally, the agency delivered critical data through surveys and frameworks, supporting decision making for economic and social recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency prepared for the 2026 Census to ensure the collection of high-quality, relevant data through the 2024 Census Test, which evaluated new and modified questions through consultations. It also assessed new collection procedures and tools. The agency streamlined processes, with the objective of reducing the burden on respondents by making better use of existing administrative data.

Statistics Canada also launched the Food Price Data Hub, providing consumers with insights into food pricing dynamics; worked with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to improve municipal-level data and access; introduced new dashboards on diversity and quality of life; developed remote data access via the Virtual Data Lab for academics and policy makers; released new analytical products on gender equality; and updated gender, diversity and inclusion standards.

3. Using leading-edge methods

The agency played a leadership role in Canada's statistical community and in a data-driven world, it expanded on its methods by innovating processes and leveraging technology. Statistics Canada responded to the demand for rapid access to integrated data and insights, ensuring that Canadians have the necessary information to make decisions on complex emerging issues.

For example, the agency leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies to participate in international data science initiatives. It developed AI applications such as a chat tool prototype, produced a computer model to illustrate individual transitions through the criminal justice system, and used microsimulation modelling for immigration targets and population projections of the Indian Register Population.

4. Having a modern workforce and workplace

As the world evolved, Statistics Canada adapted its workforce to transition to the Government of Canada's hybrid work model. In addition, the agency modernized its office spaces and refined its strategies for hiring, development and retention to promote diversity and inclusion among its workforce. The agency also launched a mentorship program focusing on employment equity groups, highlighted corporate achievements in its 2023 accessibility plan progress report, and developed an interactive tool presenting key workforce insights such as workforce representation and promotion rates.

5. Building numeracy and data literacy skills

In 2023–24, the agency continued to be a national data literacy leader through its three key data strategy initiatives: data literacy and training, a data stewardship engagement strategy, and a data science community of practice. Statistics Canada remains committed to fostering a whole-of-government, integrated approach to collecting, sharing, analyzing and using data. It applied a proactive and coordinated approach to drive the use of data as a strategic asset at all levels of government.

Specifically, the agency developed new online self-paced learning courses for a broad audience, including capacity-building courses for Indigenous communities; provided national leadership in AI data governance and standardization; and played a key role in organizing and supporting international statistical conferences and initiatives.

Highlights

In 2023–24, total actual spending (including internal services) for Statistics Canada was $740,709,004 and total full-time equivalent staff (including internal services) was 6,910. For complete information on Statistics Canada's total spending and human resources, please refer to the Spending and human resources section of the full report.

The following provides a summary of the department's achievements in 2023–24 according to its approved Departmental Results Framework. A Departmental Results Framework consists of a department's core responsibilities, the results it plans to achieve and the performance indicators that measure progress toward these results.