Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales (June 2019)

Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales (June 2019)
Table summary
This table displays the results of Retail Commodity Survey: CVs for Total Sales (June 2019). The information is grouped by NAPCS-CANADA (appearing as row headers), and Month (appearing as column headers).
NAPCS-CANADA Month
201903 201904 201905 201906
Total commodities, retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services 0.73 0.62 0.70 0.60
Retail Services (except commissions) [561] 0.72 0.62 0.69 0.59
Food at retail [56111] 0.82 0.86 0.82 1.02
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, at retail [56112] 0.53 0.77 0.65 0.62
Cannabis products, at retail [56113] 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Clothing at retail [56121] 0.76 0.86 0.70 0.81
Footwear at retail [56122] 1.29 1.44 1.32 1.16
Jewellery and watches, luggage and briefcases, at retail [56123] 1.78 1.48 2.77 1.41
Home furniture, furnishings, housewares, appliances and electronics, at retail [56131] 0.81 0.76 0.76 0.70
Sporting and leisure products (except publications, audio and video recordings, and game software), at retail [56141] 3.07 2.63 2.34 2.11
Publications at retail [56142] 6.25 6.49 6.67 7.52
Audio and video recordings, and game software, at retail [56143] 2.19 1.56 1.80 1.97
Motor vehicles at retail [56151] 2.49 1.85 2.21 1.96
Recreational vehicles at retail [56152] 4.72 3.61 3.32 3.40
Motor vehicle parts, accessories and supplies, at retail [56153] 1.83 1.42 1.53 1.42
Automotive and household fuels, at retail [56161] 1.79 2.14 1.93 1.79
Home health products at retail [56171] 3.19 3.85 3.52 3.55
Infant care, personal and beauty products, at retail [56172] 2.69 2.70 2.65 2.61
Hardware, tools, renovation and lawn and garden products, at retail [56181] 1.82 1.50 1.55 1.75
Miscellaneous products at retail [56191] 2.12 2.02 2.78 2.30
Total retail trade commissions and miscellaneous servicesFootnote 1 1.83 1.52 1.53 1.66

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Comprises the following North American Product Classification System (NAPCS): 51411, 51412, 53112, 56211, 57111, 58111, 58121, 58122, 58131, 58141, 72332, 833111, 841, 85131 and 851511.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

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Biobank projects

Details on projects that have been approved to use Statistics Canada biobank biospecimens are provided below. To ensure confidentiality, data from these projects will only be available to the Research Data Centres user community.

  • Estimating HCV/HBV prevalence among the general population in Canada

    Principal Researcher: Nashira Popovic

    Affiliation: Public Health Agency of Canada

    Summary

    Globally, an estimated 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and 257 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis C is a major public health problem that is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective.

    The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) measured HBV/HCV infection between 2007-2015. However, HCV and HBV measures were not included in the CHMS after 2015. This time period is especially important, given that medications for the treatment and cure of chronic hepatitis C became available in Canada around that time.

    This project proposes to use Biobank blood samples from CHMS Cycle 5 and 6 to test for HCV/HBV infection in the general Canadian population. These data will help us to understand and report on the current disease burden and may be used to inform the planning of public health programs for these two diseases.

  • Improved delivery of respiratory health care services using a metabolomic approach

    Principal Researcher: Dr. Darryl Adamko

    Affiliation: University of Saskatchewan

    Summary

    Metabolomic analyses allow researchers to investigate globally the chemicals that result from different cellular processes. Following these chemical fingerprints, it is possible to investigate the physiological state of cells and, by extension of the organism. Thus, metabolomics is an analytical tool with great potential for diagnosis of human diseases. Since 2009, our team has been developing analytical models via metabolomic analyses, for adults and children with respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with the ultimate goal of establishing a urine-based diagnostic test.

    For this project, we are using existing cohorts to show how our methods can differentiate preschool children with asthma from other causes of wheeze-like illness, and differentiate adults with asthma from COPD. We will also study differences in sex among these cohorts, ensuring that our test can identify such differences and improve health outcomes. Ultimately, our diagnostic urine test will empower patients, helping them to get a correct diagnosis, and initiation of treatment.

  • Generation of Reference Intervals for Neurological Biomarker Analytes in Plasma

    Principal Researcher: Dr. Cheryl Wellington

    Affiliation: University of British Columbia

    Summary

    Traumatic brain injury is one the leading causes of mortality and morbidity affecting humanity, and a recognized risk factor for late-life neurodegenerative disorders and dementia. Since it is now possible to accurately measure several brain-derived proteins in blood samples using ultrasensitive technologies, some proteins present in the blood are emerging as good biomarker candidates for brain damage, meaning they could be used to evaluate its extent and monitor its progression by means of a blood test.

    A key step in developing these blood tests is to first understand what normal levels of the biomarkers, technically called “reference intervals”, are in the representative population. This project will generate reference intervals in the Canadian population for up to 17 proteins (starting with 5) that are emerging as promising biomarkers for neurological conditions. These references could be used in the future to assess the extent of brain damage from blood samples.

  • Evaluation of diagnostic assays for COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2

    Principal Researchers: Dr. Michael Drebot

    Affiliation: Public Health Agency of Canada

    Summary

    The recent outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 was deemed a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is crucial for informing treatment and tracking the spread of the virus to limit transmission. The widely used molecular diagnostic test, which detects genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, is useful for case management but may be limited in identifying infections after virus clearance and determining who has been exposed.

    To improve our ability to identify such cases we aim to evaluate multiple commercially-available blood tests which detect antibodies raised in patients that have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. We also wish to evaluate antigen capture tests to add to the repertoire of available diagnostic assays for COVID-19.

    Samples from patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 will be tested in order to establish the sensitivity of the diagnostic tests. A panel of samples from patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-1 and other respiratory illness, as well as healthy individuals, will be tested in order to establish the cross-reactivity and specificity of the diagnostic tests. Pre-outbreak samples, including sera, blood, plasma, and urine from the CHMS biobank will also be important for determining performance of the various serology platforms.

  • Biomonitoring of environmental chemicals in samples of the CHMS biobank

    Principal Researchers: Annie St-Amand

    Affiliation: Health Canada

    Summary

    The biomonitoring component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) measures many environmental chemicals and their metabolites in the blood and urine of survey participants.

    An environmental chemical can be defined as a chemical substance present in the environment, either human-made or natural, to which humans may be exposed through media such as air, water, food, soil, dust, and consumer products. The primary purpose of this project is to aid scientists, and officials in assessing exposure to environmental chemicals, and in developing policies to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals for the protection of the health of Canadians.

    Biomonitoring of environmental chemicals in biobank samples from cycles 4 to 6 will provide information on recent, and historical concentrations of high priority chemicals in the Canadian population.

  • Genome-wide Genotyping of the Canadian Health Measures Survey

    Principal Researcher: Dr. Ioannis Ragoussis

    Affiliation: University of McGill, Montreal, Quebec

    Summary

    DNA samples from consenting participants from cycles 2 to 5 of the CHMS will undergo genotyping. This is a process of determining differences in the genetic make-up between individuals. This will greatly expand the scientific utility of the current data and will allow for substantial contributions to disease understanding. The knowledge of common genetic variation of the CHMS participants will permit researchers to undertake genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify the genetic determinants of many of the CHMS-measured variables. Strict safeguards are in place to ensure that the confidentiality of the CHMS results are respected.

  • Fatty Acid Reference Ranges from the CHMS

    Principal Researcher: Dr. David Ma

    Affiliation: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario

    Purpose

    To determine the reference ranges (normal values) of plasma fatty acids of Canadians to provide an appropriate clinical interpretation of laboratory test results. The study will also serve to establish healthy target levels of fatty acids and determine whether certain concentrations are associated with deficiency or increased risk of chronic disease.

    Scientific importance

    Fatty acid measurement is being widely reported in research. However, the relevance to the health of Canadians is poor due to the lack of available clinical reference ranges. Determining reference ranges for individual fatty acids from the CHMS biospecimens would make it possible to establish healthy targets and evaluate whether certain levels of fatty acids are associated with deficiency or increased chronic disease risk.

    This study will address the development of fatty acid reference ranges in healthy Canadians. The data will enable the development of relevant fatty acid reference ranges in the majority of Canadians from 6 to 79 years of age. Fatty acid reference ranges in young children are highly relevant given that growing evidence links the development of adult chronic disease to these early sensitive years of growth and development.

    Output

    Data results from analysis of the biosamples will be made available to researchers at Statistics Canada's Research Data Centres. Only aggregate statistical outputs conforming to the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act will be released. Research findings will be disseminated through peer reviewed academic publications.

    Biospecimens used in this study were collected in CHMS cycle 1 (March 2007 to February 2009) and cycle 2 (August 2009 to November 2011).

  • Measuring the Immunity of Canadians to Measles and Varicella and Assessing the Risk of Epidemics (iCARE)

    Principal Researchers: Dr. Natasha Crowcroft and Dr. Shelly Bolotin

    Affiliation: Public Health Ontario

    Purpose

    This study aims to examine the level of population immunity to measles and varicella, (chickenpox) which are both vaccine-preventable diseases in Canada.

    Scientific importance

    Research into the immunity of populations to infectious diseases like measles and varicella is critical. There have been recent measles outbreaks in several Canadian provinces including Ontario in 2008 and Quebec in 2011. By studying the level of immunity to measles and varicella in Canadians, we can understand whether specific populations are at higher risk of future outbreaks.

    This study will measure measles and varicella immunity using serum samples collected from the CHMS, a nationally representative population-based survey of Canadians. The results will show whether Canada is at risk of large outbreaks and to evaluate whether infection patterns of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) are changing. These findings will be presented to the policy makers who recommend the best use of vaccines. This will play an important role in improving the health of Canadians by enabling us to predict future trends of these preventable diseases.

    Output

    Study findings will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In addition, findings will be shared with stakeholders such as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Canadian Immunization Committee (CIC) and provincial and territorial immunization committees and Ministries of Health. Results from this study could also be used to support the PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization) initiatives that are documenting the global elimination of measles.

    Biospecimens used in this study were collected as part of the CHMS cycle 2 (Aug 2009 to Nov 2011) and cycle 3 (Jan 2012 to Dec 2013)

  • Canadian Biomonitoring Data, Reference Ranges and Associations with Health Outcomes of Priority Metals and Trace Elements to Inform Risk Assessment under the Chemicals Management Plan

    Principal Researchers: Dr. Innocent Jayawardene and Dr. Sabit Cakmak, Health Canada

    Affiliation: Health Canada

    Purpose

    This project will generate biomonitoring data, examine associations with health outcomes, and establish reference ranges to inform risk assessment for metals/trace elements identified as priorities for action under the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). These metals and trace elements include (but may be not limited to) Aluminum (Al), Bismuth (Bi), Chromium (Cr), Germanium (Ge), Lanthanum (La), Lithium (Li), Neodymium (Nd), Tellurium (Te), Titanium (Ti), Yttrium (Y), Cerium (Ce), and Praseodymium (Pr).

    Scientific importance

    This analysis will provide an estimation of exposure to metals and trace elements and will allow for the investigation of possible associations with respiratory, kidney, liver and hematopoietic health, using data collected as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). It will also provide data for regulatory assessments under the CMP to help determine the potential for harm to human health from current levels of exposure to these substances from the environment, food, drinking water and consumer products. If the potential for human health risk is identified, risk management actions may be proposed to reduce risk for the Canadian population as appropriate.

    The establishment of Canadian reference ranges will afford opportunities to identify vulnerable populations and/or track progress in reducing exposures over time.

    Output

    Population-weighted summary statistics of concentrations of metals and trace elements in Canadians will be published as part of assessment reports on the CMP Website, as biomonitoring reports, in peer review journals, and/or presented nationally or internationally at scientific conferences on environmental health.

    Biospecimens used in this study were collected as part of CHMS cycle 2 (August 2009 to November 2011)

  • Testing of Potential Interfering Substances in Human Serum on the Liaison 25OHD Assay (Dr. Steve Brooks)

    Principal Researcher: Dr. Steve Brooks

    Affiliation: Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Health Canada

    Purpose

    This proposal aims to investigate a possible bias in the method used to measure Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) which could affect the status of Vitamin D concentrations in individuals with high total cholesterol.

    Scientific importance

    It has been noted that vitamin D levels (measured through circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D) are lower in individuals with higher amounts of body fat. There are several ideas about why this happens but one theory is that something in the blood interferes with either the method (immunoassay) used to measure vitamin D or with its metabolism in the body.

    Cholesterol is a good candidate for this interference since it increases as body weight increases, is similar in structure to vitamin D, and is present in higher blood concentrations compared to 25-hydroxyvitamin D. It is possible then that higher cholesterol interacts with 25-hydroxyvitamin D to lower Vitamin D levels in the blood.

    The method first used by the CHMS to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D was a method called immunoassay, which is known to be sensitive to different elements in the blood. Using this method, it is possible that blood cholesterol or triglycerides influenced the 25-hydroxyvitamin D value. To verify this, we will re-measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D in serum using a newer method that is not affected by other components in the blood.

    The results from this study should help us better interpret vitamin D status in Canadians, which plays an important role in bone health.

    Output

    Only aggregate statistical outputs conforming to the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act will be released. Research findings will be disseminated through peer reviewed academic publications.

    Biospecimens used in this study were collected as part of the CHMS cycle 1 (March 2007 to February 2009)

  • Genetic modifiers of folate, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine status in a cross-sectional study of the Canadian population

    Summary

    Genetic variation in the Canadian population means that not all individuals respond equally to the same nutrients. In Canada, Folic Acid (folate) and Vitamin B12 are two nutrients with important public health and policy implications. Folic Acid is required to prevent some birth defects, and Vitamin B12 is required to prevent megaloblastic anemia and neurodegeneration. We identified associations between a number of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs; genetic variants), that are common in the Canadian population, with folate and Vitamin B12 status. These novel associations provide insight into why these SNPs have been associated with B vitamin–related diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer and birth defects, and how we may make recommendations to meet the nutritional needs of Canadians who have them.

    Additional information can be found in the journal article listed below:

    Zinck, John, Margaret de Groh, Amanda MacFarlane. 2015. "Genetic modifiers of folate, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine status in a cross-sectional study of the Canadian population." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

  • Testing of Potential Interfering Substances in Human Serum on the Liaison 25OHD Assay (Hope Weiler)

    Principal Researcher: Hope Weiler

    Summary

    This first part of this study aims to investigate a possible bias in the method used to measure vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) which could affect the status of vitamin D concentrations in individuals with high total cholesterol.

    Scientific Importance

    It has been noted that vitamin D levels (measured through circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D) are lower in individuals with higher amounts of body fat. There are several ideas about why this happens but one theory is that something in the blood interferes with either the method (immunoassay) used to measure vitamin D or with its metabolism in the body.

    Cholesterol is a good candidate for this interference, is similar in structure to vitamin D, and is present in higher blood concentrations compared to 25-hydroxyvitamin D. It is possible then that higher cholesterol interacts with 25-hydroxyvitamin D to lower vitamin D levels in the blood.

    The method first used by the CHMS to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D was a method called immunoassay, which is known to be sensitive to different elements in the blood. Using this method, it is possible that blood cholesterol or triglycerides influenced the 25-hydroxyvitamin D value. To verify this, we will re-measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D in serum using a newer method that is not affected by other components in the blood.

    Analysis of CHMS Standardized 25OHD Data from Cycles 1-5

    The second part of this study will be to make comparable the vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) measurements from Cycle 4 to the rest of the Cycles by using a small sampling from Cycle 4.

    Scientific Importance

    Health Canada sets its population targets for healthy vitamin D levels using standard methods. Previous work has been done to standardize CHMS vitamin D results from Cycles 1 to 3 whereas Cycle 5 samples were all tested using the standardized method. Cycle 4 vitamin D results have not undergone this standardization process. Performing this standardization of Cycle 4 vitamin D results and thus including the fully combined vitamin D status data (Cycles 1 through 5) will provide a very thorough assessment of Canadians before the updated vitamin D food fortification policy becomes active in industry and the market place.

Biobank participants

Your biospecimens at work

Biobanking helps advance the health of current and future generations through scientific discovery. Over 22,000 Canadians have contributed biospecimens to the Statistics Canada biobank. Summaries of approved projects are posted in the Projects section. This informs participants on how their samples are being used. Occasionally, a small number of samples will be used for quality control purposes.

Privacy and confidentiality

Researchers from recognized institutions can submit research project proposals to access these biospecimens. After a research project application is received at Statistics Canada:

  • An advisory committee including scientists, methodologists, and ethicists evaluates the scientific merit of the application and ensures that it abides to the biobank's guidelines for the use of biospecimens.
  • All human health research is overseen by the Research Ethics Board of Health Canada of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and the researcher's institutional ethics committee.
  • Statistics Canada ensures that the respondents' privacy and confidentiality are upheld as required by the Statistics Act.
  • Published results are only be presented as aggregated data. Under no circumstances will personal or identifiable data be published.

How to withdraw your samples

If you wish to withdraw your biospecimens from a specific research project or from all future research, you have to send us a written request by email to statcan.chms-biobank-ecms-biobanque.statcan@statcan.gc.ca. Please provide your full name, the approximate date and home address at the time of your clinic visit and the date of birth. This information will be solely used to ensure that the correct samples are removed and destroyed.

Contact us

Send us your feedback. If you have ideas, or suggestions about the project, or further questions about the use of biospecimens for health research, or about the protection of your privacy, please reach us by:

Biobank researchers

Application process

Research proposals to access the Statistics Canada biobank are accepted anytime.

Important references:

Required documents:

  • Application form
  • Research Ethics Board approval
  • Funding arrangements
  • Condensed résumé (3 pages max)

Frequently asked questions

  • Who can apply to use the CHMS biospecimens?

    Canadian researchers who conduct research in Canada and work under the direction or supervision of a recognized public or private organization are eligible to apply. International researchers must collaborate with a Canadian researcher or research facility.

  • Can international researchers apply for access to the CHMS biospecimens?

    Only Canadian research facilities can receive the biospecimens. An international researcher could apply but would need a Canadian citizen or permanent Canadian resident as a co-investigator. The resulting data files must be accessed from a Research Data Centre (all located in Canada) in collaboration with the Canadian citizen (or permanent Canadian resident) as a co-investigator.

  • What biospecimens are available in the Statistics Canada Biobank?
    • Plasma
    • Whole blood
    • DNA
    • Urine
    • Serum

    Sample size can range from 3,000 to 6,000, depending on age and survey cycle. Each sample is representative of a number of Canadians in the same age and gender category (nationally representative). Please refer to the Biospecimens Available table for more detail.

  • Can I request a subsample for a project?

    Applications for subsamples, where findings could be of benefit to Canadians, are welcome. However, preference will be given to projects involving a nationally representative sample.

  • What has already been published using CHMS data?

    A CHMS Bibliography is available. Also, plain language descriptions of approved biobank studies that have been completed or are in progress are posted on the Biobank webpage.

  • Where can I find a content summary (variables included in each cycle of the survey) for the CHMS?

    A content summary of the CHMS is available upon request. Other documentation such as User Guides and Data Dictionaries are also available upon request.

  • Who can I contact if I have questions about the application form?

    Any questions can be emailed to the Statistics Canada biobank coordinator. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

  • When can I apply?

    Research applications are accepted at any time, however, a call for proposals is held biannually. The Statistics Canada Biobank announces a call in the Spring (May 1 to June 30) and again in the Fall (November 1 to December 31) to coincide with the Biobank Advisory Committee meetings.

  • How long does it take to get approval?

    There are three main approval steps. A CHMS review is followed by review by the Biobank Advisory Committee (BAC) then final approval by Statistics Canada's Executive Management Board (EMB). This can take four to six months. Communications and further questions regarding the project could lengthen this time period. In addition, the EMB would not review the proposal until ethics and funding have been secured.

    Please note that although approval may be complete, biospecimens cannot be shipped to the laboratory until the security clearance of the facility and personnel has been completed. The security clearance is carried out by Public Services and Procurement Canada and may take more than a year.

  • Does my project require approval from a Research Ethics Board?

    Yes. Each biobank project must provide certification of its own ethics approval.

  • Is there a cost to access the CHMS biospecimens?

    Yes. Access to the biospecimens is on a cost-recovery basis. The fee structure for each project can vary according to scope and complexity. For information on the fee structure, or for a cost estimate, please contact the Statistics Canada biobank coordinator.

  • Do I need confirmation of funding for my project before I can apply?

    No. Statistics Canada recognizes that funders may require evidence that applicants will be able to access the necessary biospecimens before committing funding. Statistics Canada will consider applications before and after funding is secured; however, a final decision will not be made until evidence of funding is received. A letter of support can be provided upon request if the applicant feels this might help securing funding.

  • How long will I have to analyze the biospecimens once I receive them?

    This can vary by project, the number of biospecimens, the number and complexity of analytes, and the method used for laboratory analysis. An end date will be determined during contract negotiations and parties will agree that timely completion of the laboratory analysis will be a priority.

  • What do I need to securely transfer my files to Statistics Canada?

    Statistics Canada will provide the software and IT support for secure electronic file transfers. Note that the laboratory data must be housed in a standalone computer with physical access controls and no Internet access. The only Internet exposure the data should have is with the secure, encrypted, password-protected file transfer to Statistics Canada.

  • Can I share the data with interested colleagues?

    No. The CHMS biospecimens and the data generated from their analysis are confidential and cannot be shared with unauthorized individuals. Only persons with Reliability Status security clearance who are considered "deemed employees" of Statistics Canada are allowed to access the biospecimens and data.

    Both employees and deemed employees of Statistics Canada are subject to the same penalties under the Statistics Act. However, becoming a deemed employee does not create an employment relationship between Statistics Canada and the individual.

    For more information on deemed employees, please refer to the FAQ for the Research Data Centres.

  • Can I add an investigator or a student to the approved project personnel?

    Although it is best to include everyone who will be on the project in the original application, it is understood that changes may occur. If a Principal Researcher is added, the original proposal must be amended. It is then subject again to the three approval stages. Laboratory staff or students who are added to the project must have security clearance (Reliability Status) and become a deemed employee by Statistics Canada before access to the biospecimens and data is allowed.

  • Can the CHMS dataset be linked to provincial health administrative databases across Canada?

    Statistics Canada endorses record linkage proposals to administrative data sources when possible. These proposals require separate approval from senior management, in addition to the approval required for the Biobank project. For more information on record linkage, please contact the Statistics Canada biobank coordinator.

  • How and when will I be able to associate my lab data with the CHMS data?

    During laboratory analysis, the results are securely transferred to Statistics Canada. The data are processed and checked for errors, duplicates, etc. When the file is clean and in a suitable format for analysis, it is released to the Statistics Canada Research Data Centre (RDC) of the researcher's choice. (The contract to access the CHMS biospecimens includes a contract to access the RDC). The researcher will then have exclusive access to both datasets for a one-year period, after which the dataset will be made available to other researchers.

  • How long do I need to wait after the laboratory analysis has been completed before I can access my data at the RDC?

    This can vary by project, the number of biospecimens, the complexity of the lab variables and derived variables as well as the number of corrections that may be required. It could take from three to six months.

  • Is there any longitudinal collection in the CHMS?

    There is currently no longitudinal element in the CHMS.

  • How do I get access to CHMS data (not biospecimens)?

    You can access these data at any Statistics Canada Research Data Centres (RDC) across Canada. The staff at the RDCs are very knowledgeable and can assist you with the analysis you wish to do. To access these data, you must submit an application to Statistics Canada. Information on the location of the RDCs, on the available datasets and on the application process is available on the website.

  • Is information on ethnicity available for the CHMS samples?

    Although we gather information on ethnicity from our respondents, deriving publishable results from the relatively low numbers of the varied ethnicities is difficult. For confidentiality reasons, Statistics Canada restricts the reporting of low-incidence findings.

  • Would I be able to produce provincial estimates using the CHMS data?

    Each CHMS cycle is designed to produce national estimates. The collection site selection process was done in order to obtain a sample that would produce reliable national estimates. The sample design at the national level takes into account the distribution of urban/rural areas across the country, but not provincially. No consideration was made within a province or region to ensure, for instance, that all health regions were covered or that all geographic areas (North, South, East or West) were represented. Therefore, even if cycles are combined, the provincial representation will not be optimal and is not recommended.

  • How are the biospecimens stored?

    The Statistics Canada Biobank biospecimens are stored in -80°C freezers. Other pre-analytical information is available in the cycle-appropriate User Guide. Users can request by sending an email to the Statistics Canada biobank coordinator.

  • Can I combine cycles of biospecimens?

    Yes. Multiple cycles of biospecimens can be accessed for analysis. Costs may be prorated to reflect the fact that some processes must be done only once for each project. Instructions for combining multiple cycles of Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) data are available upon request by sending an email to the Statistics Canada biobank coordinator.

Statistics Canada Biobank

Overview

The biobank is an integral part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), which is a cross-sectional survey designed to produce a nationally representative estimates that accurately portraits the health of Canadians.

Learn more about Canadian Health Measures Survey

Biospecimens

The biobank stores whole blood, plasma, serum, buffy coat, urine, and DNA from consenting Canadians between the ages of 3 to 79 years, on an ongoing basis.

Currently available biospecimens stored for analysis in health studies.

Researchers

The Statistics Canada Biobank is enhanced by the national representability of the cohort and the possibility of merging the biospecimens' data with CHMS content which includes environmental chemical exposure, bone health, cardiovascular health, immunology, endocrinology, nutrition, and more.

More info for researchers

Participants

By consenting to storage of their blood, urine and DNA for use in future health studies, participants contribute to advances in health care and research. We ensure scientific excellence while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our respondents.

More info for participants

Projects

Ongoing and recent projects of the biobank

Learn more about our projects

Contact Information

For all inquiries e-mail: statcan.chms-biobank-ecms-biobanque.statcan@statcan.gc.ca

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Biobank?

    The purpose of the Biobank is to accelerate future research projects and build health monitoring opportunities on a nationally-representative sample of Canadians. The Biobank receives samples from surveys like Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) or Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey (CCAHS) that collect dried blood spot, blood, urine, and saliva samples from consenting participants. These samples are stored in a secure location for future health studies. To obtain approval for the use of these samples, research projects undergo a thorough scientific, ethical, and security review process.

    Key advantages to biobanking include:

    • helps to avoid the need for researchers to take samples from a new group for each project, which is an expensive and time-consuming process
    • accelerated research process as the samples are readily available for analysis
    • helps Canadians to benefit from advances in science and medicine.
  • Where are the samples being stored?

    All blood, dried blood spot, urine, and saliva samples are stored anonymously at the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg. This is a high-security facility, meeting international security standards for laboratories. Samples are stored under the strict confidentiality requirements of Statistics Canada.

  • Under which conditions will researchers have access to my samples?

    Samples are available to Canadian researchers who meet the eligibility requirements as described in the Statistics Canada Biobank access policy, which can be found on the Statistics Canada Biobank webpage. For privacy and confidentiality reasons, researchers access the data they produce from Statistics Canada Research Data Centres (RDCs) located at many locations across Canada.

    Statistics Canada will give researchers restricted access to the anonymous samples to conduct tests and studies only under the following conditions:

    • The researchers must be conducting scientific analyses of national interest.
    • The researchers must follow strict security guidelines.
    • The research project must receive support through an established scientific review process such as that of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
    • The project must be approved by a research ethics board.
    • The researchers must take an oath to protect data confidentiality.
    • The project summary must be posted on Statistics Canada's web page, Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).
  • Can participants withdraw their consent to the storage of their biospecimens in the Biobank?

    Yes. During sample collection, participants are asked whether they consent to the storage of their samples. At any time, during or after sample submission, participants can ask to have their samples removed from storage and destroyed by calling 1-888-253-1087, or by email to statcan.chms-ecms.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

  • What kind of analyses are performed on samples stored at the Biobank?

    Samples stored at the Biobank are used in biomedical studies. Biomedical studies include research looking for past exposures to new environmental contaminants, new ways to assess human nutrition, past prevalence of infectious diseases, discovery and validation of new biomarkers to diagnose diseases, and genetic research into DNA genes that modify the health status and susceptibility of Canadians to diseases, infections, or exposures to environmental contaminants.

    Information about past Biobank projects and current Biobank projects can be found on the Biobanks projects page.

  • Will my samples be used in genetic testing?

    Yes, there is a chance that your sample will used for genetic testing. Genetic testing could include genome wide association studies, or genotyping.

    At no point will Statistics Canada release your genome to the public. Statistics Canada, or any other Federal Department, which abides by Canada's Privacy Act, would never allow your DNA to be used in this way.

    It is possible to withdraw consent for genetic testing specifically, but keep your samples in the Biobank for other projects. A participant can withdraw consent at anytime by using the contact information found on the Biobank participants.

  • How long will you keep my samples?

    Samples are stored in the Biobank indefinitely. Samples are removed when they are used for an approved research project or when a participant requests that their samples be removed and destroyed.

  • Will participants receive their results from the research conducted?

    Researchers do not have access to the information that reveals the identity of an individual, such as names and addresses. Therefore, you will not receive any individual results from these projects.

  • Where can I get more information about the Biobank?

    Additional information such as the descriptions of approved Biobank studies are posted on the Biobank webpage. You can also access the website by entering 'Statistics Canada Biobank' in your preferred search engine.

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