As part of a website improvement initiative, a new Standards, data sources and methods page has been launched.
Along with improved navigation and more in-depth information on data standards, other features will be introduced over the next few months to further enhance user experience. Please visit the new page and then share your feedback by completing a short feedback form.
The purpose of the site is to provide information that will assist in the interpretation of Statistics Canada's published data. The information (also known as metadata) is provided to ensure an understanding of the basic concepts that define the data including variables and classifications; of the underlying methodology of our surveys; and of key aspects of the data quality. It also provides direct access to questionnaires.
What's new?
- Permanent consultation process for classifications
- Standard Classification of Countries and Areas of Interest (SCCAI) 2022
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada 2021 Version 1.0
- North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0
- Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2021 - Volume I, The Classification
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0
Surveys and statistical programs
A list of Statistics Canada surveys and statistical programs, organized in alphabetical order, by subject, or by record number. Each page includes a survey description, information on data accuracy, data sources and methodology, and links to additional documentation.
What is a Survey - Survey for which the information is collected for some units of the target population
Questionnaires
A list of questionnaires by Statistics Canada, organized in alphabetical order as well as by subject. Each page includes the questionnaire, previous versions of each questionnaire, and related surveys.
What is a Questionnaire? A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a set of questions for the purpose of gathering information from respondents through survey or statistical study.
Variables and statistical units
A list of variables and statistical units by Statistics Canada, organized in alphabetical order, and by subject.
What is a Variable? A variable is a characteristic of a statistical unit being observed that may assume more than one of a set of values to which a numerical measure or a category from a classification can be assigned.
What is a Statistical unit? A statistical unit is the unit of observation or measurement for which data are collected or derived.
Statistical classifications
A list of classifications organized alphabetically and by subject.
Statistical classification - A systematic grouping of the values that a variable can take comprising mutually exclusive classes, covering the full set of values, and often providing a hierarchical structure for aggregating data. More than one classification can be used to represent data for a given variable.
- Statistical classifications - Environmental classifications
- Statistical classifications - Geographic classifications
- Statistical classifications - Industry classifications
- Statistical classifications - Institutional units and sectors
- Statistical classifications - Instructional programs
- Statistical classifications - Occupational classifications
- Statistical classifications - Product classifications
- Statistical Classifications - A to Z
- Statistical Classification search tools
- Concordances between classifications
Public consultation and notices
A list of public consultations and notices associated with specific standards. Includes information on Statistics Canada's variables; statistical units; geographic, industry, instructional program, occupational, product, and research and development classifications.
- Public consultation and notices - Variables and statistical units
- Public consultation and notices - Geographic classifications
- Public consultation and notices - Industry classifications
- Public consultation and notices - Instructional program classifications
- Public consultation and notices - Occupational classifications
- Public consultation and notices - Product classifications
- Public consultation and notices - Research and development classifications
Methodology products and services
- Consulting services in statistical and survey methods
- Data Quality Toolkit (12-606-X)
- Dissemination Geography Unique Identifier
- Standard table symbols
- Statistics Canada Quality Guidelines (12-539-X)
- Statistics Canada's Quality Assurance Framework (12-586-X)
- Survey methodology journal
- Survey methods and practices manual
Other important information
Links to other standards-related information of interest:
- Permanent consultation process for classifications
- Disaggregated data standards
- Gender, diversity and inclusion standards
- Sex, gender, sexual orientation standards
- Chart of Accounts: Financial position and performance of a business
- Classifying Cannabis in the Canadian Statistical System
- Statistical standards: A national research and development standard
- National statistical standards: Tested and trusted
- Disaggregated Data Action Plan: Why it matters to you
Metadata Frameworks
A list of international metadata models relevant to standards.
- Generic Statistical Information Model (GSIM)
- Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
- Record Linkage Project Process Model (12-605-X)
International links
Links to specific international standard websites.