The purpose of the site is to provide information that will assist in the interpretation of Statistics Canada's published data. The information (also known as metadata) is provided to ensure an understanding of the basic concepts that define the data including variables and classifications; of the underlying methodology of our surveys; and of key aspects of the data quality. It also provides direct access to questionnaires.
What's new?
- Disaggregated data standards
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada 2021 Version 1.0
- Variants of the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) 2022 Version 1.0
- Variants of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0
- Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2021 - Volume I, The Classification
- Variants of the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0
Surveys and statistical programs
A list of Statistics Canada surveys and statistical programs, organized in alphabetical order, by subject, or by record number. Each page includes a survey description, information on data accuracy, data sources and methodology, and links to additional documentation.
What is a Survey - Survey for which the information is collected for some units of the target population
Questionnaires
A list of questionnaires by Statistics Canada, organized in alphabetical order as well as by subject. Each page includes the questionnaire, previous versions of each questionnaire, and related surveys.
What is a Questionnaire? A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a set of questions for the purpose of gathering information from respondents through survey or statistical study.
Variables and statistical units
A list of variables and statistical units by Statistics Canada, organized in alphabetical order, and by subject.
What is a Variable? A variable is a characteristic of a statistical unit being observed that may assume more than one of a set of values to which a numerical measure or a category from a classification can be assigned.
What is a Statistical unit? A statistical unit is the unit of observation or measurement for which data are collected or derived.
Statistical classifications
A list of classifications organized alphabetically and by subject.
Statistical classification - A systematic grouping of the values that a variable can take comprising mutually exclusive classes, covering the full set of values, and often providing a hierarchical structure for aggregating data. More than one classification can be used to represent data for a given variable.
- Chart of Accounts: Financial position and performance of a business
- Environmental classifications
- Geographic classifications
- Industry classifications
- Institutional units and sectors
- Instructional programs
- Occupational classifications
- Product classifications
- Classifications - A to Z
- Classifying Cannabis
- Classification search tools
- Concordances between classifications
Public consultation and notices
A list of public consultations and notices associated with specific standards. Includes information on Statistics Canada's variables; statistical units; geographic, industry, instructional program, occupational, product, and research and development classifications.
- Variables and statistical units
- Geographic classifications
- Industry classifications
- Instructional program classifications
- Occupational classifications
- Product classifications
- Research and development classifications
Methodology products and services
- Consulting services in statistical and survey methods
- Data Quality Toolkit (12-606-X)
- Dissemination Geography Unique Identifier
- Standard table symbols
- Statistics Canada Quality Guidelines (12-539-X)
- Statistics Canada's Quality Assurance Framework (12-586-X)
- Survey methodology journal
- Survey methods and practices manual
Other important information
Links to other standards-related information of interest.
- Disaggregated data standards
- Gender, diversity and inclusion standards
- Sex, gender, sexual orientation standards
- Statistical standards: A national research and development standard
- National statistical standards: Tested and trusted
- Classifying Cannabis in the Canadian Statistical System
- Disaggregated data standards
- Disaggregated Data Action Plan: Why it matters to you
Metadata Frameworks
A list of international metadata models relevant to standards.
- Generic Statistical Information Model (GSIM)
- Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
- Record Linkage Project Process Model (12-605-X)
International links
Links to specific international standard websites.