Operating context
A developed, democratic country like Canada requires vast amounts of information to function effectively. Statistics provide Canadians with vital high-quality, detailed and timely statistics, and with appropriate context and analysis to help monitor inflation, promote economic growth, plan cities and roads, adjust pensions, and develop employment and social programs. Statistics help governments, businesses and individuals make important decisions based on well-researched, credible and trustworthy statistics.
The value placed on data by every segment of society is growing at an exponential pace. At the same time, new tools and new computing power are emerging and multiplying the volume and types of information available.
As the demand for information increases along with its importance and availability, privacy concerns, call-screening technology and the busy lives of Canadians are making it harder to reach and obtain information from households. As a result, the agency is continually seeking out new and innovative approaches to meet emerging data needs.
Now 100 years strong, the agency has continuously progressed to make its data more accessible and engaging, to focus on the evolving information needs of our users and to meet tomorrow's needs. As it innovates and modernizes, Statistics Canada is well-positioned and is playing a more active role in guiding and shaping this information age.
Key risks
Through sound risk management, Statistics Canada is able to meet Canadians' current and emerging information needs efficiently and effectively. The agency has in place an integrated risk management framework to systematically identify, understand, manage, monitor and communicate risk. In accordance with this framework, the agency's Corporate Risk Profile is updated each year to outline the key corporate risks along with the relevant mitigation strategies.
Users' expectations are continuously evolving; they require more sophisticated and timely data and analyses for their decision making. To be responsive and remain relevant, the agency must stay connected with users, adopt innovative methodological approaches, foster strong partnerships, and provide effective and efficient access to data.
| Risks | Mitigating strategy and effectiveness | Link to the department's Programs | Link to mandate letter commitments and any government-wide or departmental priorities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1) The agency is unable to meet the rising expectations of stakeholders |
To mitigate this risk, the agency launched its comprehensive modernization agenda. The agenda focuses on five key pillars: user-centric service delivery, statistical capacity building, partnerships and collaboration, leading-edge methods, and a modern and flexible workplace. Expected key outcomes include more timely, detailed and responsive statistics, and seamless access. The impact of the risk did not materialize during the reporting period; activities related to the modernization agenda are monitored and updated regularly. |
Program 1: Economic and Environmental Statistics Program 2: Socio-economic Statistics Program 3: Censuses Program 4: Statistical Infrastructure Program 5: Cost-recovered Statistical Services Internal Services |
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Mandate Letter:
Government-wide priorities:
Agency priorities:
|
| 2) Statistical methods and techniques are misaligned with current and future societal expectations |
Similar to the previous risk, this risk is also mitigated through the launch of the modernization agenda; in particular, the focus on partnerships and collaboration, and leading-edge methods. Key outcomes include: modern approaches to gathering and disseminating data, greater access to data, and lower response burden for Canadians. The impact of the risk did not materialize during the reporting period; activities related to the modernization agenda are monitored and updated regularly. |
Program 1: Economic and Environmental Statistics Program 2: Socio-economic Statistics Program 3: Censuses Program 4: Statistical Infrastructure Program 5: Cost-recovered Statistical Services |
Agency priorities:
|
| 3) A major error occurs in a key statistical report or program |
The agency continued to mitigate this risk by regularly performing thorough analyses and systematic data evaluation, developing subject matter expertise, adequately testing processes and adopting proper information-management practices. During the reporting period, an error occurred relating to the 2016 Census of Population. Because of a programming error, the original release for the language variable included inaccurate data in a small group of communities. The agency's response mechanisms functioned as planned, and the error was addressed. Within one week of identifying the error, the corrected data were re-released. As well, additional mitigations were implemented. Overall, mitigation strategies will continue to be updated annually. |
Program 1: Economic and Environmental Statistics Program 2: Socio-economic Statistics Program 3: Censuses Program 4: Statistical Infrastructure Program 5: Cost-recovered Statistical Services |
Not applicable |
| 4) A material breach of confidential or sensitive information occurs |
Data confidentiality is fundamental at Statistics Canada. The agency continued to effectively mitigate this risk by continuously reviewing dissemination release procedures and processes, diligently applying stringent protection measures defined in the Policy on Official Release, regularly assessing the IT Security posture, and providing regular training and raising awareness on matters related to security of classified and designated information. The impact of the risk did not materialize during the reporting period; mitigation activities are updated annually. |
Program 1: Economic and Environmental Statistics Program 2: Socio-economic Statistics Program 3: Censuses Program 4: Statistical Infrastructure Program 5: Cost-recovered Statistical Services |
Agency priorities:
|