Telling Canada's story in numbers

Our activities

In 2017, Statistics Canada joined other Government of Canada institutions to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. To celebrate, we told Canada's story in numbers, and there was quite a story to tell! From the Canada Year Book, first published in 1867, to releases in The Daily, Statistics Canada's data have chronicled the lives of Canadians throughout our history.

So, what did we bring to the party?

• A speaker series.
• A Young Statisticians contest to encourage young Canadians to express themselves in a creative and engaging way using Canada 150 key themes.
• A blog series that shared the views of historians, genealogists, academics and students on how statistics tell Canada's story in numbers.
• Numerous online activities that provided a historical perspective of Canada and demonstrated the depth and wealth of Statistics Canada's information.

Check out the StatCan Blog to learn more about how we continue to tell Canada's story in numbers.

Our contest – My story in numbers

Behind every number is a story, and we want to hear yours!

As young Canadians, you all have unique stories to tell about yourself, your family, community, region, province, territory or Canada. We want to hear your story—in the artistic format of your choice—to show our country through the lens of statistics and, more importantly, through the eyes of our Canadian youth!

Cool prizes courtesy of the Statistical Society of Canada

1^st place → $1,000

2^nd place → $500

3^rd place → $250

Deadline: December 1, 2017

For more details, visit the contest webpage: My Story in numbers!

Our blog: Connecting Stats, Stories and People

Our monthly blog Connecting Stats, Stories and People featured compelling interviews with key data users and stakeholders on how, together, we continue to tell Canada's story in numbers. To mark Canada 150 throughout 2017, the blog featured the views of historians, genealogists, academics, students, and other experts.

• January 2018 – The next generation of storytellers and statisticians: The winners of our Canada 150 contest
• November 2017 – Towards a green energy future fueled by data with Andrew J. Leach of the University of Alberta
• September 2017 – Using historical censuses to research Canadian families with Lisa Dillon from the Université de Montréal
• August 2017 – The vital role of statistics in public policy and good governance with William B. P. Robson of the C.D. Howe Institute
• July 2017 – Enhancing Canadians' knowledge of their country with Jack Jedwab of the Association for Canadian Studies
• June 2017 – Learning about Canada's diverse families through Nora Spinks from The Vanier Institute of the Family

Our Speaker series – Canada 150

This speaker series brought together academics, historians, students, policy makers, community organizations and practitioners to discuss Canada's story, as we tell it in numbers. These events focused on ethnocultural diversity, families and the environment, and highlighted interesting historical research in each area.

October 31, 2017 – The changing nature of Canada's environment and economy

September 21, 2017 – A glimpse into the past: Using historical censuses to research Canadian families

April 25, 2017 – The story of Canada's ethnocultural diversity in numbers

Discover your Canada in numbers, then and now

Here is a selection of statistical information to celebrate Canada's identity; its ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional diversity; and its rich history and heritage.

Learn more about Canada 150

Other celebrations took place across Canada throughout the year to mark this important anniversary. For more information, visit Canada 150.

Rediscover Canadian history from Confederation to today with the Library and Archives Canada heritage collection. Visit: Canada.ca/OnThisDay.