October 25, 2013
OTTAWA — Statistics Canada is engaging with businesses with improved communications and online mechanisms
In response to the Red Tape Reduction Commission’s recommendation to reduce business burden and provide stakeholders with pertinent information, Statistics Canada has undertaken a number of communication initiatives. These initiatives allow survey respondents to have a better understanding of the importance and use of survey data, and to express their information needs.
Improved communication online and offline
Statistics Canada is publishing new content and tools on an ongoing basis to respond to the information needs of business respondents:
- Videos emphasizing the importance of responding to surveys on the Statistics Canada website and YouTube channel
- A monthly newsletter dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses, tailored for the specific information needs of business entrepreneurs
- The "business surveys"" section of the website includes questions and answers and key facts about business surveys
- More information on the individual Response Burden Reduction initiatives, outcomes and benefits for respondents
- To support business owners in responding to surveys, more information about the ombudsman for business
- A tutorial to help businesses easily and efficiently access data of interest on the website
- Revamped communication materials for survey respondents, focusing on relevance and uses of the data, and clearly explaining the purpose of surveys
- Articles and blog entries posted in business magazines and websites to help businesses in using statistical information
- More business associations providing direct links to business-relevant data and analysis on the Statistics Canada website
Communicating on data quality
Statistics Canada is also making strides to help small businesses in using data from the Agency. This information is critical for businesses to choose data sources with confidence, knowing that their decisions are based on solid information. Specifically, tools have been developed to assist them in assessing the quality of surveys, whether from Statistics Canada or some other source.
Engagement via social media
Reducing respondent burden is a long-standing priority for Statistics Canada. This November, the agency will use Twitter (Statcan Twitter) to engage the public online. A series of questions will be posted each month and comments will be collected for review and consideration. Watch for it in November 2013.
Find out more about Statistics Canada’s endeavours to reduce response burden in the following section: Response Burden Reduction Efforts.
For more information, contact Media Relations at 613-951-4636 or statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@canada.ca.
Cette annonce statistique est aussi offerte en français.