Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub

Disaggregated Data Action Plan

What is disaggregated data?

Disaggregated data is the breakdown of large datasets into smaller segments such as gender, region, ethnicity or a combination of these to reveal underlying trends and differences between and within individual segments that may not be reflected in aggregated data. Disaggregated data can better inform our understanding of the experiences of diverse people. In other words, the more a dataset is disaggregated, the more it is representative of the characteristics of the individuals that comprise the dataset. Without intersectional disaggregated data, data users risk inferring information about individuals and subpopulations based on inferences about the larger group. Thus, disaggregated data is needed to provide a more accurate and nuanced picture of the Canadian population. Gender-Based Analysis Plus considerations should always be applied when disaggregating data.

The Disaggregated Data Action Plan Accomplishments Report 2023-2024: An Evolving Mosaic showcases progress made in the third year of the plan's implementation to support more representative data collection and enhanced statistics on Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized groups, and persons with disabilities.

Led by Statistics Canada, this initiative adopts a whole-of-government approach to provide all levels of government, businesses, policy makers, data users, non-profit organizations and Canadians with the detailed insights necessary for evidence-based decision making for a more equitable Canada. To the extent possible, data for each population group are broken down into subcategories according to gender, ethnocultural characteristics, age, sexual orientation and disability—or intersections of these and other subcategories, as needed. Data are also disaggregated to the lowest possible level of geography, as events affect people differently depending on where they live.

For more information on the Disaggregated Data Action Plan and related initiatives, please visit the Disaggregated Data Action Plan page.

Engaging Canadians on the visible minority concept

Engagement Initiative Objectives

The visible minority concept is currently under review. Statistics Canada is committed to engaging with partners, stakeholders, ethnocultural groups, and the general public to identify the appropriate terminology and categories to describe the population and properly address data needs in health, education, justice, and employment equity.

These consultative engagements on the Visible Minority Concept were conducted virtually with stakeholders and partners, ethnocultural groups, non profit and nongovernment organizations and researchers.

Results

Consult and comment initial findings of the engagement initiatives here: Visible minority concept consultative engagement

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus)

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

For additional information and resources on GBA Plus, check out the following links:

• Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) - Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre - Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Health Inequalities Data Tool - Public Health Infobase
• Take the Gender-based Analysis Plus course - Women and Gender Equality Canada

Framework and standards

Framework: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The Canadian Indicator Framework for the SDGs encompasses the 17 goals to support Canada's domestic implementation of the SDGs.

Standards: Statistical data and metadata standards are a set of rules about how data and metadata are managed, organized, represented, or formatted. They enable consistent and repeatable description, representation, structuring, and sharing of data and metadata.

Enhancing Data to Support Better Decision-Making for Canadians

The Government of Canada (GC) has announced the release of new gender and sex assigned at birth standards, which aim to improve the way data is collected, analyzed, and used across the country. These standards, which are aligned with Statistics Canada's own practices, are an essential part of efforts to modernize how the government approaches data on sex and gender.

What Are the New Standards and Why Do They Matter?

The new Gender of person and Sex at birth of person standards are designed to ensure that data collected by the government is consistent, accurate, and reflective of the diversity within the Canadian population. By following these standards, the government can ensure that all datasets are comparable, making it easier to understand trends and differences across different regions and communities.

The standards will also support disaggregated data action plan - data that is broken down into 8smaller, more detailed categories, such as gender, ethnicity, and region. This enables a deeper understanding of the experiences of Canadians from various backgrounds. For example, the use of disaggregated data can uncover trends or challenges that may not be visible in broader, aggregated data, allowing for more targeted and effective policies and programs.

Collaborative Efforts

The development of these standards involved close collaboration between multiple government agencies, including Statistics Canada, the Office of the Chief Data Officer, and various other departments. These partnerships were crucial in ensuring the standards are both comprehensive and reflective of the needs of the Canadian public.

Where to find standards

You can explore all available GC Enterprise Data Reference Standards and policies while linking directly to the original standards on the data stewards' sites. This information can also be accessed on the Open Government Portal. Statistics Canada created Gender of Person and Sex at Birth of Person reference guides. Each guide provides information on the standard, including useful links to the variable, classification(s) and reference documentation, as well as details on the questions used. Access Statistics Canada's complete repository of standard classifications, variables and statistical units by visiting Standards, data sources and methods. This page brings together information that will assist in the interpretation of Statistics Canada's published data.

International initiatives

Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Equality

Goal 5 - Gender equality of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Gender in the international context

• International Labour Organization, Gender Equality
• OECD Gender Initiative
• UNECE, Using gender statistics: A toolkit for training data users
• UN Women
• Global Gender Gap Report 2021 | World Economic Forum