Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) In-Person meeting – February 24 - 25, 2025

Day 1: February 24, 2025 from 8:30am to 4:00pm

Attendance

CSAC Members

Dr. Howard Ramos (Chairperson), Catherine Beaudry, David Chaundy, Benoit Dostie, Annette Hester, Anke Kessler, André Loranger, Vinamra Mathur, Stephen Tapp, Rosemary Bender

Statistics Canada

Josée Bégin, Geoff Bowlby, Kathleen Mitchell, Katy Champagne, Jennifer Withington, Eric Rancourt, Étienne Saint-Pierre

Time	Agenda	Presenter(s)
8:30 – 8:50	Members meet-and-greet	All members
8:50 – 9:00	Chairperson introductory remarks	Howard Ramos Chairperson, CSAC
9:00 – 9:55	Process for defining official statistics at Statistics Sweden	Heather Bergdahl Statistics Sweden
9:55 – 10:15	Break
10:15 – 11:00	Chief Statistician updates and hot files	André Loranger Chief Statistician of Canada
11:00 – 12:00	Data linkages and data transfers at Statcan	Presenters (in order) Julio Rosa, Section Manager, Centre for Special Business Projects Winnie Chan, Chief, Social Analysis and Modelling Division Guests Chris Li, Director, Centre for Special Business Projects Li Xue, Director, Social Analysis and Modelling Division Shelly Jeglic, Assistant Director, Data Access Division
12:00 – 13:00	Working lunch – Discussion on the Terms of Reference
13:00 – 14:00	Advancing the Government of Canada’s Data Landscape	Stephen D. Burt Chief Data Officer of Canada, Data & Digital Policy Sector, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat
14:00 – 14:45	Update on Censuses	Census of Population Patrice Mathieu Director, Census Operations, Census Program Division Census of Agriculture Erin Kumar Assistant Director, Agriculture Division Guests: Augustine Akuoko-Asibey, Director General, Agriculture, Energy and Environment Statistics Cindy St-Germain, Director, Agriculture
14:45 – 15:05	Break
15:05 – 15:55	Roundtable discussion In camera	All members
15:55 – 16:00	Chairperson closing remarks	Howard Ramos Chairperson, CSAC

Day 1 Summary

1. Chairperson introductory remarks - Howard Ramos

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

2. Process for defining official statistics at Statistics Sweden – Heather Bergdahl

Ms. Bergdahl presented Statistics Sweden’s framework for defining official statistics, grounded in the Official Statistics Act and Ordinance, which require standardized methods, quality documentation, public access, annual evaluations, and gender-based breakdowns.

She outlined relevant government directives, key quality concepts, and criteria for determining official statistics, and addressed implementation challenges. An open Q&A followed. CSAC members asked about the roles of Statistics Sweden and other authorized organizations, focusing on guidance, oversight, and compliance. Ms. Bergdahl clarified that while exceptions may be granted, data quality remains essential.

3. Chief Statistician updates and hot files – André Loranger

Chief Statistician André Loranger briefed CSAC members on key priorities and challenges, including the agency’s financial position, 2026 Census planning, Canada–U.S. data relations, the role of artificial intelligence, and upcoming initiatives. He concluded by providing a summary of his recent international engagements.

Members asked about Statistics Canada’s authority during government prorogation. Mr. Loranger addressed these questions, reaffirming the agency’s international leadership and the importance of sustaining it through responsible budgeting.

4. Data linkages and data transfers at Statcan – Julio Rosa, Winnie Chan

Mr. Rosa and Ms. Chan presented on Data Linkage and Integration, outlining key drivers and two primary environments: the Business Linkable File Environment (B-LFE) and the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE), along with supporting analytical platforms.

CSAC members inquired about interconnections between the environments and recommended considering provincial models. The presenters confirmed ongoing collaboration with provinces and reaffirmed Statistics Canada’s responsibility under the Statistics Act to ensure strong data governance.

5. Working Lunch – CSAC Member Discussion on the Terms of Reference

The Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) met to discuss its future composition and structure, including the anticipated departure of three members and potential vacancy in the Chair position in 2025. Members reviewed the current Terms of Reference, considering possible amendments to better reflect the Council’s evolving needs.

6. Advancing the Government of Canada’s Data Landscape – Stephen Burt

Mr. Burt presented Canada’s policy, legislative, and digital landscape, with a focus on the 2023–2026 Data Strategy, including year one achievements and year two priorities.

CSAC members raised questions about short-term challenges and long-term cultural change. Mr. Burt emphasized the need for a more unified approach across departments. The discussion also addressed the role of a national statistical system, the value of data reference standards, and potential legislative adjustments linked to budget and government-wide support.

7. Update on Censuses – Patrice Mathieu and Erin Kumar

Mr. Mathieu and Ms. Kumar provided an update on the Censuses. Topics included the start of operations, communication strategy, reducing respondent burden, and promoting job opportunities. They also outlined the content determination process, with tentative approval expected in May 2025, pending Cabinet approval.

The discussion explored potential automation options, such as notification systems and chatbots. The presenters also shared future strategies, including analysis to support recruitment and data collection.

8. Chairperson closing remarks – Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos provided closing remarks for the day.

Day 2: February 25, 2025 from 8:50am to 12:30pm

Attendance

CSAC Members

Dr. Howard Ramos (Chairperson), Catherine Beaudry, David Chaundy, Benoit Dostie, Annette Hester, Anke Kessler, André Loranger, Vinamra Mathur, Stephen Tapp, Rosemary Bender

Statistics Canada

Geoff Bowlby, Katy Champagne, Jennifer Withington, Eric Rancourt, Étienne Saint-Pierre

Day 2 Summary

1. Chairperson Opening Remarks – Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos welcomed members back and provided an overview of the agenda for the day.

2. Introduction to the regulation of UK Official Statistics – Helen Miller-Bakewell and Penny Babb

Ms. Miller-Bakewell, joined by Ms. Babb presented on the regulation of UK official statistics. They outlined the structure of the UK Statistical System, highlighting the role of the Office for Statistics Regulation, and described the 2007 introduction of official statistics and the accreditation process based on the principles of Trustworthiness, Quality, and Value (TQV).

CSAC members asked about the impact of the official statistics framework on public trust and sought clarification on the relationship between the National Statistician and the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA).

3. Using citizen data to report on the Sustainable Development Goals - Cara Williams and Catherine Michaud

Ms. Williams and Ms. Michaud presented the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and potential role of citizen-generated data in addressing current data gaps. They discussed the origins of such data, the role of national statistical offices (NSOs), reporting capabilities, and considerations around data quality.

CSAC members raised questions about data quality evaluation and fit-for-use thresholds and sought further clarity on how Statistics Canada might use this data.

4. Chairperson closing remarks – Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos thanked CSAC members, including the Chief Statistician, the Assistant Chief Statisticians and their teams and the CSAC Secretariat for their support.