Feedback on the General Social Survey: Closed consultation

Statistics Canada's General Social Survey (GSS) has long served as a cornerstone for understanding social conditions and trends in Canada. As part of the General Social Statistics Program, the GSS is currently undergoing a transformation designed to improve the timeliness of data collection and dissemination, ensure survey content remains relevant, and enhance flexibility to address emerging social issues that matter to Canadians.

GSS data users were invited to provide feedback on their data needs, preferred indicator frequency and availability, planned formats and dissemination options, and potential data gaps for future cycles. This input will help to shape future cycles.

Who was the focus of this consultation

• GSS data users

Background

The new GSS model introduces several enhancements. Key topics will be collected annually and on an ongoing basis, including many indicators that feed into Canada's Quality of Life Framework such as measures related to well-being, trust, and sense of belonging. Each annual cycle will also feature a component that allows for an in-depth exploration of a specific topic (e.g., Unpaid care; Time-use; Canadians' Safety; etc.), maintaining the ability to provide profound insights on a rotational basis. In addition, the redesigned GSS will include a flexible component to capture emerging issues, ensuring timely support for evolving priorities. By adopting innovative methodologies and leveraging administrative data sources, the GSS will deliver more relevant, agile, and timely data. This will enable stakeholders—including governments, researchers, and the public—to access high-quality insights that reflect Canada's evolving social landscape.