The mandate of this committee is to provide advice and guidance to Statistics Canada on the data, concepts and instruments it uses to collect, analyze, classify and disseminate information on immigration, citizenship, ethnocultural diversity, inclusion and religion statistics. The committee will also help Statistics Canada determine how it can most effectively and efficiently collect, analyze and disseminate disaggregated data on population groups, especially groups that are most likely to experience discrimination and exclusion.
The committee's activities will help Statistics Canada maintain the relevance of its key programs and continue to deliver high-quality statistics, products and services that meet the needs of Canadians and institutions. Among the issues upon which the Committee will provide professional guidance and advice are:
- improving Statistics Canada's process for collecting, processing and disseminating immigration, citizenship, ethnocultural and religion data
- developing a conceptual framework, a series of indicators and classifications for disseminating statistics on ethnocultural diversity and inclusion, immigration, citizenship, and religion; this will include reviewing Statistics Canada's use of the "visible minority" concept and its existing categories for analytical and dissemination purposes, and examining alternative concepts and categorizations
- discussing the relevance of analytical products designed to inform public debate on immigration, citizenship, religion and the ethnocultural composition of Canada's population.
This committee consist of 10 members from across the country and nominated based on their competencies and experience on the topics of immigration, ethnocultural diversity, social inequalities and inclusion, and religion.
Committee members usually serve for three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal. Members generally meet twice a year, and each meeting is one to two days long. Depending on the topic being covered, special advisors will be invited, on an ad hoc basis, to contribute to the discussions.