Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) in-person meeting – June 15 and 16, 2026

Day 1: June 15, 2026, from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Attendance

Agenda

Day 1 Summary

1. Chairperson opening remarks – Benoit Dostie

Mr. Dostie opened the meeting by welcoming members and Assistant Chief Statisticians (ACS) and provided an overview of the meeting agenda.

2. Updates/Hot Files from the Chief Statistician – André Loranger

André Loranger briefed CSAC members on Statistics Canada's key priorities and challenges, including the Agency's financial and human resources situation. This included an update on the impacts of the Early Retirement Incentive, increased office presence requirements as of July 2026, and an agency-wide structural realignment driven by staff departures to support efficiency objectives. He also provided updates on the current strategic focus areas to Statistics Canada, including the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture, the TechStat program, the Agency's work on Official Statistics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

3. Defining Official Statistics at Statistics Canada: A response to the 2025 CSAC Annual Report – Christiane Laperrière, Kenza Sallier, Eric Rancourt

Kenza Sallier and Christiane Laperrière presented a high-level overview of the Agency's response to the 2025 CSAC Annual Report recommendation that "Canada needs a framework for defining and accrediting official statistics".

They noted that consultations have begun on the discussion paper, "Towards a Definition of Official Statistics," with internal stakeholders, other federal departments, provincial and territorial partners, as well as academic and international stakeholders.

Ms. Sallier presented preliminary findings at both the international and Canadian levels identifying emerging pillars of official statistics and outlining preliminary timelines for next steps.

Council members discussed how the current work aligns with the recommendations of the 2025 CSAC Annual Report. Members engaged in a discussion of opportunities and considerations regarding definitional alignment among federal, provincial, and territorial partners, as well as how accreditation would be implemented in practice.

4. Statistics Canada – Prioritization Framework – Lucy Chung

As the demand for statistical information grows, Statistics Canada faces the challenge of meeting the needs of Canadians and policymakers within constrained budgets. Lucy Chung presented Statistics Canada's Prioritization Framework, outlining the approach taken to prioritize agency programs and services and ensure that resources are appropriately allocated.

The framework is intended to support enhanced executive decision-making, strengthen the foundation for future exercises, and promote a balanced approach to reductions and reallocation.  

5. Statistics Canada – Strategic Plan – Sarah Crowell

Sarah Crowell presented Statistics Canada's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.

Ms. Crowell outlined the plan and its alignment with StatCan 2030, Statistics Canada's long-term vision, by expanding on its three key priorities:

1. Build a future-ready statistical workforce capable of leading sustained transformation,
2. Safeguard quality and modernize statistical programs, and
3. Simplify and transform how statistics are produced.

Council members discussed the complementary roles of the Strategic Plan and the Execution Plan, emphasizing the need for staff alignment with strategic priorities to support effective execution and organizational performance.

6. Council Discussion (In camera) – All Council members

Council members held an in-camera session.

7. Chairperson closing remarks – Benoit Dostie

Mr. Dostie provided closing remarks for the day.

Day 2: June 16 2026, from 8:55 am - 1:00 pm

Attendance

Agenda

Day 2 Summary

1. Chairperson opening remarks – Benoit Dostie

Mr. Dostie opened the meeting by welcoming members and Assistant Chief Statisticians (ACS) and provided an overview of the Day 2 meeting agenda.

2. 2026 Census of Population – Patrice Mathieu

Mr. Mathieu provided an update on the Census of Population, outlining the 2026 Census collection plan and timeline, key updates and highlights, and next steps. He also presented an overview of the 2026 Census collection methodology and response rate assumptions. In addition, he shared an update on the first three weeks of Census collection, noting that response rates were strong and trending in the right direction.

The discussion focused on the effectiveness of engagement and follow-up activities in promoting participation and improving response rates.

3. Towards a Statistical Population Register for Canada – Christiane Laperrière, Kari Wolanski

Kari Wolanski presented considerations for a Statistical Population Register for Canada. The presentation outlined multiple drivers for revisiting Canada's Census approach, the social acceptability of a statistical register-based approach, and an initial proposition for a pathway toward a register, including key considerations.

During the discussion that followed, the presenters and Council members explored several risks and potential consequences, as well as positive outcomes, such as reduced respondent burden and lower costs due to the pre-existing administrative data infrastructure. It was noted that transitioning to a register-based Census would represent a fundamental change to the Statistics Canada ecosystem.

4. Council Discussion (In-camera) – All Council members

Council members held an in-camera discussion.

5. Chairperson closing remarks – Benoit Dostie

Mr. Dostie thanked CSAC members, the Chief Statistician, the Assistant Chief Statisticians and their teams, as well as the CSAC Secretariat, for their support.