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Satellite account of non-profit institutions and volunteering

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1997 to 2007 (Previous release)

Gross domestic product (GDP) of the core non-profit sector accounted for 2.5% of the nation's economic activity in 2007, up from 2.2% in 1997 when the time series begins. GDP in the core non-profit sector amounted to $35.6 billion in 2007.

The overall non-profit sector GDP reached $100.7 billion in 2007, accounting for 7.0% of Canada's GDP. Hospitals, universities and colleges accounted for the bulk of economic activity in the non-profit sector throughout the 11-year period with GDP totalling $65.1 billion in 2007.

The share of the core non-profit sector GDP has been increasing within the overall non-profit sector in Canada. In 1997, it accounted for 33.0% of economic activity in the overall non-profit sector; by 2007, this share had increased to 35.3%.

 Gross domestic product for hospitals, universities and colleges, and the core non-profit sector

Social services institutions represent largest share of core non-profit sector GDP

The social services group accounted for 23.0% of core non-profit GDP in 2007, still the highest share of any group in the sector. When combined, organizations in social services, development and housing, culture and recreation, as well as religion made up nearly two-thirds of core non-profit economic activity in each of the 11 years.

However, a detailed analysis of the variations shows that the share of development and housing, social services and other education and research rose between 1997 and 2007, while the shares of religion, other health, business and professional associations, and culture and recreation declined.

Note to readers

For the purposes of the satellite account of non-profit institutions, the overall non-profit sector is split into two groups. The first consists of a diverse range of generally smaller organizations, known as the "core non-profit sector." They operate in many fields, ranging from religious organizations and social service providers to sports clubs.

The second consists of hospitals (including residential care facilities), universities and colleges, which account for the bulk of non-profit economic activity. These typically large organizations are classified within the government sector in the standard Canadian System of National Accounts.

Together, the core non-profit sector and hospitals, universities and colleges represent the overall non-profit sector.

Separate data are available for the overall non-profit sector and the core non-profit sector.

Gross domestic product is shown by primary area of industrial activity according to the International Classification of Non-profit Organizations.

Data are presented in nominal terms. All growth rates are calculated using nominal (current) values, that is, not adjusted for inflation.

Income still growing in the core non-profit sector

Income in the core non-profit sector rose 5.1% in 2007, although this was down from an increase of 6.1% in 2006. The main reason for the deceleration in growth in 2007 was a slowdown in transfers from households and memberships fees.

In 2007, growth in donations to core non-profit organizations from households slowed to 0.8%, down from 14.0% in 2006. Furthermore, growth in membership fees also slowed to 4.7% in 2007, down from 9.7% in 2006.

Core non-profit institutions rely on diverse sources of revenue. Sales of goods and services were, by far, the most important source of revenue for the core non-profit group in 2007, accounting for 45.6% of the total income. Government transfers were also significant at 19.7%.

In addition to these funds, core non-profit institutions derived roughly one-third of their revenue from three additional sources: membership fees (15.9%), donations from households (12.0%) and investment income (4.9%).

Non-profit institutions cover their expenses with the incomes they receive, either earned from market activity or received as transfers. Total income of the core non-profit sector reached $77.9 billion in 2007. Total expenses for the core non-profit sector increased 3.9% to $68.2 billion.

Available on CANSIM: tables 388-0001 and 388-0002.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 1901.

The full report for the Satellite Account of Non-profit Institutions and Volunteering, 2007 (13-015-X, free), is now available from the Key resource module of our website under Publications.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact the information officer (613-951-3640; iead-info-dcrd@statcan.gc.ca), Income and Expenditure Accounts Division.

Table 1

Economic accounts, non-profit sector excluding hospitals1, universities and colleges
  2004 2005 2006 2007
  $ millions
Production account        
Gross output 58,296 61,708 65,695 67,938
Intermediate purchases 28,236 30,104 32,062 32,349
Gross domestic product at basic prices 30,060 31,604 33,633 35,589
Wages, salaries and supplementary labour income 23,379 24,324 25,994 27,742
Taxes less subsidies on factors of production 1,131 1,219 1,247 1,286
Capital consumption allowances 1,973 2,191 2,235 2,342
Other operating surplus 3,577 3,870 4,157 4,219
Income and outlay account        
Income 64,131 69,860 74,114 77,904
Sales of goods and services 30,211 32,633 33,779 35,492
Membership fees 9,930 10,807 11,851 12,413
Investment income 2,637 3,011 3,443 3,838
Current transfers from households and businesses 8,581 9,536 10,971 10,827
Current transfers from households 7,334 8,120 9,256 9,333
Current transfers from businesses 1,247 1,416 1,715 1,494
Current transfers from governments 12,772 13,873 14,070 15,334
Current transfers from federal government 3,248 3,715 2,852 3,806
Current transfers from provincial governments 9,011 9,581 10,593 10,928
Current transfers from local governments 513 577 625 600
Outlay 57,974 61,609 65,674 68,211
Gross current expenditure on goods and services 54,719 57,838 61,538 63,719
Current transfers to other nonprofit organizations 1,634 1,882 1,975 2,176
Current transfers to other sectors 1,621 1,889 2,161 2,316
Savings (income less outlay) 6,157 8,251 8,440 9,693
Hospitals include residential care facilities.