Section 1: Organizational Expenditure Overview

Organizational Profile

Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development: The Honourable Navdeep Bains, P.C., M.P.

Institutional Head: Wayne R. Smith

Ministerial Portfolio: Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Enabling Instruments:

• Statistics Act
• Corporations Returns Act
• Corporations Returns Regulations

Year of Incorporation / Commencement: The Dominion Bureau of Statistics was established in 1918. In 1971, with the revision of the Statistics Act, the Agency became Statistics Canada.

Other: Under the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is required to "collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic and general activities and conditions of the people of Canada."

The Agency has two primary objectives:

• to provide statistical information and analysis of the economic and social structure and functioning of Canadian society, as a basis for the development, operation and evaluation of public policies and programs, for public and private decision-making, and for the general benefit of all Canadians;

• to promote the quality, coherence and international comparability of Canada's statistics through collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, with the provinces and territories, and in accordance with sound scientific standards and practices.

Statistics Canada's head office is located in Ottawa. There are regional offices across the country—in Halifax, Sherbrooke, Montréal, Toronto, Sturgeon Falls, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver. As well, there are Research Data Centres (RDCs) located throughout the country. RDCs provide researchers with access, in a secure university setting, to microdata from population and household surveys. Canadians can follow the Agency on Twitter, and view content on the Agency's Facebook and YouTube accounts.

Organizational Context

Raison d'être

Statistics Canada was established to ensure that Canadians have access to a trusted source of statistics on Canada to meet their highest priority needs.

The Agency's mandate derives primarily from the Statistics Act. The Act requires that Statistics Canada collect, compile, analyze and publish statistical information on the economic, social, and general conditions of the country and its people. It also requires that Statistics Canada conduct a census of population and a census of agriculture every fifth year, and that the Agency protect the confidentiality of the information with which it is entrusted.

Responsibilities

Access to trusted statistical information underpins democratic societies, as it supports evidence-based decision-making in the public and private sectors, and informs debate on public policy issues.

Through the Constitution Act, 1867, “census and statistics” became a federal jurisdiction. Today, Parliament exercises its responsibility for the Census and statistics, primarily through the Statistics Act. The Act created Statistics Canada as Canada's national statistical office, and established the Agency's mandate, powers and obligations. The Agency can use both surveys and administrative records^{Footnote 1} to conduct its work. In tandem with these powers, Statistics Canada is also charged with ensuring the confidentiality of information in its hands, and with limiting the use of that information to statistical purposes.

Finally, to promote the efficiency of the national statistical system, Statistics Canada has a mandate to collaborate with other government departments, along with provincial and territorial governments, to develop a well-integrated, coherent, national system of statistics that minimizes duplication and reporting burden on households and businesses.

Statistics Canada also has a mandate, under the Corporations Returns Act, to collect and publish information on inter-corporate ownership in Canada, notably foreign ownership of Canadian enterprises.

Numerous federal and provincial laws and regulations specifically require information from Statistics Canada before they can be implemented. Some key examples are the Canada Pension Plan Act and the Income Tax Act (the Consumer Price Index), the Employment Insurance Act (small-area employment and unemployment estimates), the Federal–Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act (numerous economic and demographic measures), the regulations to the Official Languages Act (census data on official languages) and the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act (census data on local area population counts).

Strategic Outcomes and Program Alignment Architecture

Strategic Outcome 1: Canadians have access to timely, relevant and quality statistical information on Canada's changing economy and society for informed debate, research and decision making on social and economic issues.

• Program 1: Economic and Environmental Statistics
  • Sub-program 1.1: Macroeconomic Accounts
  • Sub-program 1.2: Industry Statistics
  • Sub-program 1.3: Economy-wide Business Statistics
  • Sub-program 1.4: Environmental Statistics
  • Sub-program 1.5: Analysis of Economic and Environmental Statistics
• Program 2: Socio-economic Statistics
  • Sub-program 2.1: Labour, Education, Income and Tourism Statistics
  • Sub-program 2.2: Health and Justice Statistics
  • Sub-program 2.3: Demographic, Aboriginal and other Social Statistics
  • Sub-program 2.4: Analysis of Socio-economic Statistics
• Program 3: Censuses
  • Sub-program 3.1: Census of Population Program
  • Sub-program 3.2: Census of Agriculture
• Program 4: Statistical Infrastructure
  • Sub-program 4.1: Professional Statistical Services
  • Sub-program 4.2: Operational Statistical Services
  • Sub-program 4.3: Continuity and Quality Maintenance Program

Strategic Outcome 2: Specific client needs for high-quality and timely statistical services are met.

• Program 5: Cost-recovered Statistical Services
  • Sub-program 5.1: Cost-recovered Services related to Economic and Environmental Statistics
  • Sub-program 5.2: Cost-recovered Services related to Socio-economic Statistics
  • Sub-program 5.3: Cost-recovered Services related to the Censuses
  • Sub-program 5.4: Cost-recovered Services related to Statistical Infrastructure

Internal Services

Organizational priorities

Priority: Deliver the ongoing statistical program in conformity with Statistics Canada's Quality Assurance Framework.

Description: Why is this a priority? The Statistics Act directs the Agency to “collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic, and general activities and conditions of the people of Canada.” Statistics Canada also has constitutional and legislative obligations to conduct a census of population and a legal requirement to conduct a census of agriculture every five years. The censuses produce a statistical portrait of the Canadian population and the agriculture sector. The data are widely used by all levels of government to support legislation, regulations, policies and programs. The Quality Assurance Framework describes the measures Statistics Canada has in place to manage the quality of the data it produces. Conformity to that framework ensures high-quality data.

Priority Type:^{Footnote 2} Ongoing

Table 1a - Key Supporting Initiatives

Planned Initiatives	Start Date	End Date	Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Deliver the ongoing program of economic and social indicators.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics
2016 Census of Population and 2016 Census of Agriculture: complete collection activities, undertake processing and analysis, and begin dissemination.	April 2016	March 2017	PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure Internal Services
Make significant investments in the redesign of a number of major programs, such as the Labour Force Survey and various justice-related surveys.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure
Develop, conduct and maintain a robust quality-assurance program.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure
Ensure that all survey documentation is up to date, so that data users can properly interpret and use these data.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure Internal Services
Use social media platforms to better inform data users and other stakeholders about developments in Statistics Canada's program.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure Internal Services

Priority: Respond to the emerging and evolving information needs of data users and stakeholders.

Description: Why is this a priority? To maintain the relevance of its programs, Statistics Canada must respond to the evolving information needs of its data users and other stakeholders.

Priority Type: Ongoing

Table 1b - Key Supporting Initiatives

Planned Initiatives	Start Date	End Date	Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Introduce or pilot new surveys and studies in areas such as children's health and global value chains.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 5.0 Cost-recovered Statistical Services
Enhance the coordination and documentation of consultations with users and stakeholders.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure
Redesign major survey programs to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure
Continue to introduce and implement relevant standards, such as the new versions of the North American Industry Classification System and the North American Product Classification System.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure

Priority: Operate a responsive program that effectively satisfies ad hoc statistical requests on a cost-recovery basis.

Description: Why is this a priority? By undertaking cost-recovery work, Statistics Canada can meet the needs of users (federal, provincial and territorial institutions and other clients) where the data are not provided as part of a core program. In so doing, Statistics Canada can also fulfill its second strategic outcome—namely, that specific client needs for high-quality and timely statistical services are met.

Priority Type: Ongoing

Table 1c - Key Supporting Initiatives

Planned Initiatives	Start Date	End Date	Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Ensure that Statistics Canada's Centre for Special Business Projects and Special Surveys Division continue to be centres of expertise and coordination in providing cost-recovery services related to business statistics and social statistics.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 5.0 Cost-recovered Statistical Services
Continue to increase the number and expand the types of data files available through the Data Liberation Initiative, Real Time Remote Access, the Canadian Centre for Data Development and Economic Research, and the research data centres.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 5.0 Cost-recovered Statistical Services

Priority: Enhance the efficiency, responsiveness and robustness of the Agency's operations.

Description: Why is this a priority? Statistics Canada must always exercise sound stewardship of the funds entrusted to it by Canadians. Statistics Canada must make itself ready to mount new programs quickly and deliver quality results in useful time frames for decision makers. Canadians and Canadian institutions expect Statistics Canada to minimize the burden placed on them through surveys.

Priority Type: Ongoing

Table 1d - Key Supporting Initiatives

Planned Initiatives	Start Date	End Date	Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Continue the Corporate Business Architecture initiative and develop approaches and strategies to reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies by standardizing, harmonizing and reusing solutions where appropriate.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure PAA 5.0 Cost-recovered Statistical Services Internal Services
Enhance and update the Departmental Investment Plan to make it comprehensive and to ensure the long-term viability of programs.	Ongoing	Ongoing	Internal Services
Maintain strong recruitment and development programs to ensure a highly effective, engaged and innovative work force.	Ongoing	Ongoing	Internal Services
Continue to support cross-government initiatives, such as Open Government.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure Internal Services
Increase the use of administrative data to complement or replace survey data where appropriate.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure
Continue to improve the timeliness of statistical outputs.	Ongoing	Ongoing	PAA 1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics PAA 2.0 Socio-economic Statistics PAA 3.0 Censuses PAA 4.0 Statistical Infrastructure

For more information on organizational priorities, see the Minister's mandate letter on the Prime Minister of Canada's website.

Risk Analysis

Statistics Canada's risk environment is shaped by the Agency's mandate and objectives, government policies and priorities, as well as broader economic, social and technological trends.

To achieve its priorities and deliver program results, Statistics Canada must identify and manage the risks associated with them. The table below identifies key risks that may impede the Agency's overall ability to deliver on its mandate. This approach meets the Agency's needs for sound risk management and allows it to monitor mitigation strategies and action plans for its corporate risks.

Key Risks

Risk	Risk Response Strategy	Link to Program Alignment Architecture
The timely delivery of key statistical programs is adversely affected by inadequate and/or insufficient information technology services.	The transfer of control of IT infrastructure to an external provider has increased the complexity of the management and delivery of the IT infrastructure services required by core operations and major projects. There is significant risk to the timely delivery of new computing environments and supporting infrastructure services to meet Agency objectives and obligations—including the 2016 Census, the New Dissemination Model and the delivery of ongoing core statistical programs. The inability of the Agency to meet timelines or achieve its mandate represents a significant risk, and may result in the loss of public trust or reputation. To mitigate this risk, the Agency continues its efforts through joint governance structures. In addition, Statistics Canada actively prioritizes its requirements for infrastructure services and has established rigorous corporate change management processes to avoid scope creep and delays in development.	All programs are affected.
An error in a major statistical report or program leads to a loss of credibility.	An error in a major statistical program could lead to a loss of reputation, credibility, image and public trust. Statistics Canada has an international reputation for publishing reliable and accurate data. This reputation could suffer significantly if there are errors. Credibility is of paramount importance to Statistics Canada as stakeholders and Canadians must have confidence in the information produced by the Agency. The risk of error is mitigated by regularly performing thorough analysis and evaluations of breaks in series; testing processes in a rigorous manner; ensuring robust data validation strategies in all major statistical programs; and implementing a variety of actions relating to governance, communication, documentation, diagnostics and testing protocols.	All programs are affected.
The financial implications of the implementation of government-wide initiatives results in statistical program reductions.	Statistics Canada's participation in government-wide initiatives to implement new tools, such as SAP, MyGCHR and GCDOCS, places additional demands on Agency resources. Re-assigning resources from core activities to implement these initiatives may affect the delivery of statistical programs which could result in a reduction of relevance. Risks are mitigated through: active participation in government-wide working groups related to common solutions; development of sound plans for the implementation and transition to common tools; ongoing communication internally to ensure coordination of initiatives; and a coordinated approach to IT services in order to meet corporate business needs.	All programs are affected.
Falling household survey response rates negatively impact quality.	Increased concern among Canadians about personal privacy together with evolving telecommunications technologies make it more difficult to establish communications with households and easier for households to screen communications. As a result, household survey response rates have been declining. These lower response rates can have a negative effect on data quality. To mitigate this, Statistics Canada continues to innovate to respond to respondent preferences and increase the probability of survey responses. For example, the Agency makes greater use of multi-mode data-collection vehicles such as e-questionnaires and mobile-device-friendly applications. In addition, where appropriate, the Agency actively seeks out all possible administrative data alternatives, thereby reducing the reliance on survey responses.	All programs are affected.
Accidental disclosure of confidential information leads to a loss of public trust.	Ongoing public coverage and concern over breaches of personal information and cyber-attacks resulting in unauthorized releases of information highlights this issue. There is also a risk that confidential information may be distributed prior to its official release and result in an unfair advantage for personal gain. In addition, accidental disclosure of confidential information could affect response rates. The protection of data confidentiality is a fundamental duty of Statistics Canada and its employees. The risk identified is mitigated by ensuring that the state of the informatics infrastructure accessible to the public is assessed on a continual basis, that security and dissemination practices are regularly reviewed and improved, and that confidentiality and security remain top priorities for Agency personnel.	All programs are affected.
Privacy concerns over Statistics Canada's use of administrative data.	The Agency makes extensive use of administrative data in its statistical programs to generate new statistical information, lessen burden on survey respondents, reduce costs and improve the efficiency and quality of statistical processes and outputs. Some Canadians may raise privacy concerns over Statistics Canada's use of administrative data. The identified risk is mitigated by: demonstrating the Agency's long and successful history of data security and confidentiality protection; clearly and transparently communicating why and how the information is being used; showing the value of statistical data and the extent of response burden reduction made possible by administrative data; and by increasing outreach activities.	All programs are affected.

Planned Expenditures

The Agency's statistical program is funded from two sources: direct parliamentary appropriations and cost-recovery activities. In recent years, respendable cost-recovery revenues^{Footnote 3} have contributed $90 million to $105 million annually to the Agency's total resources. A large portion of these respendable revenues is from federal departments to fund specific statistical projects. The total planned spending and total planned human resources for the next three fiscal years are summarized in the following tables. The tables show the year-to-year variation in Statistics Canada's resources, which results from the cyclical activity that supports the census programs. Funding typically peaks in the fiscal year in which the censuses are conducted.

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

	2016-17 Main Estimates	2016-17 Planned Spending	2017-18 Planned Spending	2018-19 Planned Spending
Gross Expenditures	871,484,013	871,484,013	548,170,270	508,925,027
Respendable Revenue	-120,000,000	-120,000,000	-120,000,000	-120,000,000
Net Expenditures	751,484,013	751,484,013	428,170,270	388,925,027
Note: Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents [FTEs])

	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19
Gross Expenditures	6,742	5,380	5,003
Respendable Revenue	-957	-957	-957
Net Expenditures	5,784	4,423	4,046
Note: Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding.

Spending fluctuations between years result mainly from the Census Program, for which activity will peak in 2016-17 when the 2016 Census of Population and the 2016 Census of Agriculture are conducted, and drop sharply in 2017-18 and 2018-19 as these activities begin to wind down. This pattern is typical for the Agency because of the cyclical nature of the Census Program.

Included in net expenditures FTEs are approximately 650 public servant FTEs based across Canada outside the National Capital Region. Also included are 617 interviewer FTEs (which represents approximately 1,200 interviewers) outside the National Capital Region. These interviewers are part-time workers whose assigned workweeks are determined by the volume of collection work available; they are hired under the Statistics Act, by the authority of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Interviewers are covered by two separate collective agreements, and are employed through Statistical Survey Operations. Many of Statistics Canada's main outputs rely heavily on data collection and on the administration of these activities, which takes place in the regions.

Included in respendable revenue FTEs are 311 interviewer FTEs (which represents approximately 600 interviewers).

Budgetary Performance Summary for Strategic Outcomes and Programs (dollars) Table summary
This table displays the results, in dollars, of Budgetary Performance Summary for Strategic Outcomes and Programs. The information is grouped by Strategic Outcome(s), Program(s) and Internal Services (appearing as row headers), 2014/2015 Main Estimates, 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 Planned Spending, 2014/2015 Total Authorities Available for Use, 2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013 Actual Spending (authorities used) (appearing as column headers).

Strategic Outcome(s), Program(s) and Internal Services	2013-14 Expenditures	2014-15 Expenditures	2015-16 Forecast Spending	2016-17 Main Estimates	2016-17 Planned Spending	2017-18 Planned Spending	2018-19 Planned Spending
	dollars
Strategic Outcome 1: Canadians have access to timely, relevant and quality statistical information on Canada's changing economy and society for informed debate, research and decision making on social and economic issues.
Economic and Environmental Statistics	130,781,314	132,627,053	132,521,571	128,535,138	128,535,138	128,966,864	129,988,942
Socio-economic Statistics	103,547,956	100,399,795	101,973,363	100,763,339	100,763,339	98,938,776	99,704,793
Censuses	57,036,722	69,835,205	141,211,820	374,123,155	374,123,155	53,228,283	13,724,222
Statistical Infrastructure	135,719,900	116,399,563	88,312,304	97,950,720	97,950,720	96,525,394	94,531,433
Strategic Outcome 1 Subtotal	427,085,892	419,261,616	464,019,057	701,372,352	701,372,351	377,659,317	337,949,390
Strategic Outcome 2: Specific client needs for high-quality and timely statistical services are met.
Cost-recovered Statistical Services	80,001,693	76,333,208	96,345,911	112,025,384	112,025,384	112,025,384	112,025,384
Strategic Outcome 2 Subtotal	80,001,693	76,333,208	96,345,911	112,025,384	112,025,384	112,025,384	112,025,384
Internal Services Subtotal	56,705,219	55,940,845	59,947,778	58,086,277	58,086,277	58,485,569	58,950,253
Total Gross Expenditures	563,792,804	551,535,669	620,312,747	871,484,013	871,484,013	548,170,270	508,925,027
Respendable Revenue	-92,281,029	-84,333,208	-104,320,527	-120,000,000	-120,000,000	-120,000,000	-120,000,000
Total	471,511,775	467,202,461	515,992,219	751,484,013	751,484,013	428,170,270	388,925,027
Note: Totals may differ within and between tables because of rounding.

For trend analysis and explanation of variance related to the programs, please refer to Section II, Analysis of Programs by Strategic Outcome.

Alignment of Spending with the Whole-of-Government Framework

Alignment of 2016-17 Planned Spending with the Whole-of-Government Framework (dollars)Table summary
This table displays the results of 2016-17 Actual Spending by Whole-of-Government-Framework Spending Area. The information is grouped by Strategic Outcome (appearing as row headers), Program, Spending Area, Government of Canada Outcome and 2016-17 Planned Spending (appearing as column headers). The results are in dollars.

Strategic Outcome	Program	Spending Area	Government of Canada Outcome	2016-17 Planned Spending
Strategic Outcome 1: Canadians have access to timely, relevant and quality statistical information on Canada's changing economy and society for informed debate, research and decision making on social and economic issues.	1.0 Economic and Environmental Statistics	Government Affairs	A transparent, accountable and responsive federal government	128,535,138
	2.0 Socio-economic Statistics	Government Affairs	A transparent, accountable and responsive federal government	100,763,339
	3.0 Censuses	Government Affairs	A transparent, accountable and responsive federal government	366,148,539
	4.0 Statistical Infrastructure	Government Affairs	A transparent, accountable and responsive federal government	97,950,720
Strategic Outcome 2: Specific client needs for high-quality and timely statistical services are met.	5.0 Cost-recovered Statistical Services	Government Affairs	A transparent, accountable and responsive federal government	0

Total Spending by Spending Area (dollars)

Spending Area	Total Planned Spending
Economic Affairs	0
Social Affairs	0
International Affairs	0
Government Affairs	693,397,736

Departmental Spending Trend

Description for Departmental Spending Trend Graph

Departmental Spending Trend
Table summary
This table displays the results of the Departmental Spending Trend for fiscal years 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 (appearing as row headers), Voted, Statutory, Sunset Programs (Censuses), Cost Recovery (Netted Revenue)(appearing as column headers). The results are in thousands of dollars

Fiscal Year	Voted	Statutory	Sunset Programs	Cost Recovery (Netted Revenue)	Total
	$ thousands
2013-14	403,982	67,809	0	92,002	563,793
2014-15	400,619	66,583	0	84,333	551,536
2015-16	446,582	69,411	0	104,321	620,313
2016-17	672,647	78,837	0	120,000	871,484
2017-18	361,989	66,182	0	120,000	548,170
2018-19	327,755	61,170	0	120,000	508,925

As shown in the graph, voted spending peak in 2016-17 when the Agency conducts the 2016 Census of Population and the 2016 Census of Agriculture, and drop sharply in 2017-18 as these activities begin to wind down. A typical census cycle covers a minimum seven year period with cycles overlapping.

Not as apparent in the graph because of the fluctuations due to Censuses, there are significant decreases also under voted spending over the six-year period. This pattern is a result of budget reductions and expenditures incurred in the first two years for severance liquidations related to the signing of collective agreements and to workforce adjustment costs.

Estimates by Vote

For information on Statistics Canada's organizational voted and statutory expenditures, consult the 2016–17 Main Estimates.

Notes