The annual Government Finance Statistics (GFS) program is a principal data source for the estimation of the government sector on a System of National Accounts (SNA) basis. However, there are key differences between these two programs in how they compile their government sector estimates. This note highlights some of the notable differences between SNA and GFS methodologies, concepts, and coverage.

Within the SNA, there are two primary programs that release data on the government sector: the Income and Expenditure Accounts (IEA) and the Financial and Wealth Accounts (FWA). Estimates within the IEA include revenues and expenditures within the GDP and current and capital accounts. The FWA starts with the capital account from IEA and tracks the financial flows for the government sector through the financial account and other change in assets account, ending with positions in the balance sheet for assets and liabilities.

The sequence of accounts within the SNA are fully consistent (within and across sectors) and balanced, and include transactions with residents and non-residents (outside Canada). As such, some of the differences noted below are to maintain the consistency within the sequence. The GFS is also a consistent set of accounts but with a narrower focus on the accounting consistency within government sectors.

In September 2026, questions measuring the Labour Market Indicators were added to the Labour Force Survey as a supplement.
Questionnaire flow within the collection application is controlled dynamically based on responses provided throughout the survey. Therefore, some respondents will not receive all questions, and there is a small chance that some households will not receive any questions at all. This is based on their answers to certain LFS questions.

Labour Market Indicators

ENTRY_Q01 / EQ 1 - From the following list, please select the household member that will be completing this questionnaire on behalf of the entire household.

AIG_Q01 / EQ 2 - Are you aware of Generative AI tools used for generating human-like text, images, computer code and more?

1. Yes, I am aware and have a good understanding of their use
2. Yes, I am aware and have some understanding of their use
3. Yes, I am aware, but do not have a good understanding of their use
4. No, I have never heard of them

AIG_Q02 / EQ 3 - How familiar are you with Generative AI tools in terms of how they could be applied to your current work?

1. Familiar with Generative AI tools, but they have no applicability to your work
2. Not familiar at all
3. Somewhat familiar
4. Moderately familiar
5. Very familiar

AIG_Q03 / EQ 4 - In the last 12 months, did you use any of the following AI or automation technologies as part of your main job or business?

1.  Generative AI tools
2. Natural language processing
3. Voice recognition software
4. Machine learning
5. Other
6. None of the above

AIG_Q04 / EQ 5 - Currently, how often do you use Generative AI tools as part of your main job or business?

1. Daily
2. A few times a week
3. A few times a month
4. A few times a year

AIG_Q05 / EQ 6 - Currently, for what proportion of tasks do you use Generative AI tools as part of your main job or business?

1. For almost all tasks
2. For most tasks
3. For some tasks
4. For almost no tasks

AIG_Q06 / EQ 7 - Currently, how often do you use Generative AI tools outside of work?

1. Daily
2. A few times a week
3. A few times a month
4. A few times a year
5. Never

AIG_Q07 / EQ 8 - What are the reasons why you are not using Generative AI tools as part of your main job or business?

1. No interest
2. Lack of access to AI tools
3. Too difficult to integrate into your existing workflow
4. Lack of skills or knowledge
5. Lack of structured training from your employer
6. No dedicated time during work hours for informal training
7. Company or organisational policy
8. Security, privacy or ethical concerns with using AI
9. Few or no incentives and rewards
10. Other
11. Generative AI tools have no applicability to your work

For over a century, Statistics Canada (StatCan) has been committed to providing high-quality, insightful, and accessible data to help Canadians better understand their country. Trust is the core currency of official statistics. In an era characterized by a rapid expansion of data sources and an insatiable thirst for information, we continually anchor our work in strict professional standards, transparency, and accountability. 

At the same time, producing official statistics has become increasingly complex. Canada's economy and society are evolving rapidly, shaped by globalization, technological change, new business models, shifting demographics, climate-related events, and the growing digital economy. Canadians expect statistics that are more timely, detailed, connected, and cost-effective—all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and trust. Meeting these expectations requires continual innovation in how official statistics are produced, without compromising the professional principles that underpin them.

Recent discussions have highlighted the universal challenges national statistical agencies face—including an increasingly complex information environment shaped by misinformation and disinformation, evolving public engagement, changing survey response dynamics, and the need to operate efficiently within current fiscal realities. We hear these perspectives and are proactively reshaping how we gather, guard, and grow our data systems to meet the expectations of Canadians today and into the future. 

Addressing changing response rates: The shift to a modern collection ecosystem

Traditional survey response rates have experienced a global downward trend over the past few decades, driving a strategic shift in how we build a more resilient statistical ecosystem. 

To maintain the high accuracy and representation that Canadians rely on, we are implementing a multi-faceted approach: 

• An "administrative data first" approach: To reduce response burden on households and businesses, we are increasingly leveraging existing secure administrative and alternative data sources, such as tax data, municipal rolls, and land registries. By integrating these sources into our statistical programs, we can often substitute or supplement traditional survey questions. For example, household income information that was once collected directly through surveys is now largely obtained from administrative data files provided by the Canada Revenue Agency. This improves data quality while reducing the number of questions Canadians are asked to answer.
• Responsive and sustainable collection: We are incorporating behavioural science and active monthly live testing into major programs like the Labour Force Survey (LFS). By better understanding our respondents, optimizing our digital communications, and focusing follow-up efforts on under-represented units, we are actively modernizing operations to keep our landmark surveys strong. 
• Advanced non-response treatments: StatCan utilizes cutting-edge mathematical models and external validation data to protect against non-response bias. This ensures that even with smaller sample sizes or shifting response dynamics, the final data outputs remain robust, representative, and highly granular. 
• Responsible AI and machine learning: To improve efficiency, enhance quality, and respond to emerging information needs, we are responsibly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into statistical production and analysis. Through human oversight, transparent methods, bias mitigation, and strong governance, these tools uphold the principles of official statistics while helping maintain the public trust that underpins our work.

Clarifying revisions: Precision in a fast-moving economy

In a fast-moving economy, delivering information when it matters most requires a careful balance between timeliness and ultimate completeness. StatCan publishes initial estimates using the highest-quality data available at that moment. As more complete information flows in over subsequent months—such as corporate tax updates, comprehensive trade summaries, or late survey responses—we refine those numbers. This standard methodology ensures that policymakers, businesses, and the public are equipped with immediate insights first, while valuable information received afterwards is incorporated to yield the most complete and accurate historical record possible. 

A key element of modern statistical science is the standard practice of data revisions. Revisions are not a sign of initial error; they reflect a commitment to timeliness, precision, transparency, and producing the best possible evidence. Today's economy is more dynamic and interconnected than ever, making the measurement of economic activity and unexpected economic shocks increasingly complex. As additional information becomes available, revisions ensure that Canada's economic statistics continue to reflect the most accurate picture of the economy.

Guarding privacy and fostering transparency

We recognize that the willingness of Canadians to participate in our data collection relies entirely on their confidence in our privacy frameworks. Through the Statistics Canada Trust Centre, we make our data governance visible. Every project we undertake is strictly evaluated against the pillars of legal authority, necessity, proportionality, and ethics. 

Whether we are deploying advanced machine learning tools or integrating complex datasets, we mask, anonymize, and de-identify personal data to guarantee that individual privacy is never compromised. 

Keeping standards and measurement frameworks current

Producing relevant official statistics also requires continually updating the standards and measurement frameworks that underpin them. As Canada's economy and society evolve, so too must the concepts, classifications, and statistical frameworks used to measure them. Emerging technologies, new forms of work, digital commerce, globalization, and changing social realities require ongoing methodological review to ensure that official statistics remain meaningful, internationally comparable, and reflective of Canadians' lived experiences. By regularly modernizing these foundational standards, StatCan ensures that the data used by governments, businesses, researchers, and Canadians continues to accurately represent the country we measure.

Looking to the future

Maintaining the relevance of official statistics requires continual improvement. As outlined in our 2026-27 Departmental Plan, we are working to deliver a fuller, more connected picture of Canada with significantly less response burden. By modernizing and standardizing key processes, expanding the use of integrated data sources, and preparing our data and technology environment to support advanced analytics and AI, we are ensuring that Canadian data remains a global standard for trustworthiness and public good. 

Think your honeybee knowledge is as sweet as honey? Test it in this Eh Sayers trivia showdown. Discover honey production, beekeeper numbers, colony counts and the vital role bees play in our food supply.

Host

Max Zimmerman

Guests

Jacqueline Luffman, Marc Lemire, Vince Germano

Listen to audio

Statement outlining results, risks and significant changes in operations, personnel and program

B) Highlights of fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date results

This section highlights the significant items that contributed to the net increase in resources available for the year, as well as actual expenditures for the quarter ended June 30.

Chart 1 outlines the gross budgetary authorities, which represent the resources available for use for the year as of June 30.

Text description of Chart 1

This bar graph shows Statistics Canada's budgetary authorities and expenditures, in thousands of dollars, as of June 30, 2025 and 2026:

• As of June 30, 2025
  • Net budgetary authorities: $827,912
  • Vote netting authority: $120,000
  • Total authority: $947,912
  • Net expenditures for the period ending June 30: $195,802
  • Year-to-date revenues spent from vote netting authority for the period ending June 30: $10,379
  • Total expenditures: $206,181
• As of June 30, 2026
  • Net budgetary authorities: $1,056,033
  • Vote netting authority: $120,000
  • Total authority: $1,176,033
  • Net expenditures for the period ending June 30: $385,261
  • Year-to-date revenues spent from vote netting authority for the period ending June 30: $13,997
  • Total expenditures: $399,258

Significant changes to authorities

Total authorities available for 2026-27 have increased by $228.1 million, or 24.1%, from the previous year, from $947.9 million to $1.176 billion (Chart 1). The net increase is mostly the result of the following:

• An increase of $300.7 million for the 2026 Census programs for new cyclical funding received to cover operational activities including Census collection;
• An increase of $14.9 million for the Employee Benefit Plan adjustments and compensation funding related to collective agreements;
• A decrease in $52.9 million for the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) announced in Budget 2025;
• A decrease of $25.9 million for cloud operations. Through the Spring Economic Update 2026, the Government announced an extension of this funding through 2028–29;
• A decrease of $8 million for various initiatives including Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate and the Flood Risk Awareness Portal.

In addition to the appropriations allocated to the agency through the Main Estimates, Statistics Canada also has vote net authority within Vote 1, which entitles the agency to spend revenues collected from other federal government departments, agencies, and external clients to provide statistical services. The vote netting authority is stable at $120 million when comparing the first quarter of fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

Significant changes to expenditures

Year-to-date net expenditures recorded to the end of the first quarter increased by $189.5 million, or 96.8% from the previous year, from $195.8 million to $385.3 million (see Table A: Variation in Departmental Expenditures by Standard Object).

Statistics Canada spent approximately 36.5% of its authorities by the end of the first quarter, compared with 23.7% in the same quarter of 2025-2026.

Table A: Variation in Departmental Expenditures by Standard Object (unaudited)

Departmental Expenditures Variation by Standard Object:	Q1 year-to-date variation between fiscal year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027
	$'000	%
(01) Personnel	11,484	6.1
(02) Transportation and communications	53,657	1,496.0
(03) Information	4,923	373.5
(04) Professional and special services	121,194	3,054.6
(05) Rentals	2,040	22.5
(06) Repair and maintenance	3	2.5
(07) Utilities, materials and supplies	-7	-8.3
(08) Acquisition of land, buildings and works	-	-
(09) Acquisition of machinery and equipment	-390	-87.1
(10) Transfer payments	-	-
(12) Other subsidies and payments	174	118.5
Total gross budgetary expenditures	193,078	96.1
Less revenues netted against expenditures:
Revenues	3,618	34.9
Total net budgetary expenditures	189,460	96.8

Note: Explanations are provided for variances of more than $1 million.

Personnel: There is an overall increase in the agency's activities as the 2026 Censuses are in their main collection period this quarter. This increase in spending is partly offset by savings targets announced in Budget 2025 under the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER).

Transportation and communications: The increase is mainly due to postage costs for the mailing of Census materials as well as travel expenditures for enumerators for the 2026 Censuses collection activities occurring this fiscal year.

Information: The increase is mainly due to advertisement and printing costs for the 2026 Census materials such as questionnaires, envelopes, and letters.

Professional and special services: The increase is mainly due to the cost incurred for Statistics Act employees hired to conduct the 2026 Censuses.

Rentals: The increase is mainly due to additional costs for logistical requirements for the 2026 Censuses, as well as timing differences in invoicing compared to last year.

Revenues: The increase is mainly due to timing differences in invoicing compared to last year.

Information for respondents

Purpose

The 2026 Survey on Technology Use by Businesses (STUB) is designed to measure the impacts of technology use, with particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, on the operations of Canadian enterprises.

The STUB also includes indicators on online presence, involvement in e-commerce, and use of data and cloud computing services by enterprises. Skills and employment in technology-related jobs are also examined.

Additional information

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Your participation in this survey is required under the authority of the Statistics Act.

Authority

Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19.

Confidentiality

By law, Statistics Canada is prohibited from releasing any information it collects that could identify any person, business, or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent, or as permitted by the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada will use the information from this survey for statistical purposes only.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data-sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which have agreed to keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial and territorial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.
The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations. Under

Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician, specifying the organizations with which you do not want Statistics Canada to share your data and mailing it to the following address

Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Director, Centre for Innovation, Technology and Enterprise Statistics
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0T6

You may also contact us by email at statcan.digitaleconomysociety-economiesocietenumerique.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

For agreements with provincial and territorial government organizations, the shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province or territory.

Record linkage

To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada may combine it with information from other surveys or from administrative sources.

Reporting instructions

Please complete this questionnaire for the operations of your entire enterprise in Canada only.

For this questionnaire:

• Report dollar amounts in Canadian dollars.
• Report dollar amounts rounded to the nearest dollar.
• Exclude sales tax.
• When precise figures are not available, provide your best estimates.
• Enter "0" if there is no value to report.

Web presence

Web presence – Question identifier: 1

Which of the following types of web presence does this business have?

Web presence refers to Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties.

Exclude websites and apps that are used primarily for instant messaging; e.g., iMessage, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger.

Select all that apply.

• Company websites
  Do any of this business's websites have the following features?
  Select all that apply.
  • Optimized for use on mobile devices
  • Designed to meet web accessibility standards 
    OR
  • None of these features
    OR
  • Don't know
• Company apps
• Social media accounts
• Other third-party websites, apps or online marketplaces
• Paid online advertising
• Free online advertising
• Email marketing
• Other
  OR
• None

Web presence – Question identifier: 2

For which of the following reasons does this business not have a web presence?

Web presence refers to Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties.

Select all that apply.

• Not required given the nature of this business
• Set-up costs too high
• Ongoing maintenance and updating costs too high
• Lack of technical expertise to develop, maintain or use
• Other

Web presence – Question identifier: 3

Which of the following types of paid online advertising did this business use in 2026?

Exclude free online advertising.

Select all that apply.

• Pay per click
• Social media ads
• Influencer marketing
• Banner ads
• Interest-based advertising
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Programmatic advertising
• Other

Web presence – Question identifier: 4

In the last 12 months, how much did this business spend on online advertising?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars. If online advertising spending cannot be separated from total advertising spending, please select "Don't know."

• Online advertising spending
  OR
• Don't know

E-commerce

E-commerce - Question identifier: 5

In 2026, did this business receive orders or sell goods or services over the Internet?

Include:

1. all sales of this business' goods or services where the order was received, and the commitment to purchase was made, over the Internet, including through web pages, extranet or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Payment can be made by other means.
2. sales made on company and third-party websites and apps.

Exclude:

1. the delivery of digital products and services for which orders were not made online.
2. orders received or commitments to purchase made by telephone, facsimile or email.

• Yes
  Which of the following sources does this business use in conducting e-commerce sales or securing orders online?
  Select all that apply.
  • Third-party e-commerce platforms used within company websites or apps
  • Third-party websites, apps or online marketplaces
  • Sources built into company websites or apps
  • Other
• No
• Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier: 6

What were this business' total gross sales conducted over the Internet in the last 12 months?

If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars. Rounded to the nearest CAN$

• Gross sales over the internet
  OR
• Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier: 7

In 2026, what types of goods or services did this business sell over the Internet?

Select all that apply.

• Digitally delivered goods or services
  In 2026, approximately what percentage of this businesses' e-commerce sales came from digitally delivered good or services?
  • Percentage
• Physical goods
• Other services
  OR
• Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier: 8

For this business' gross sales conducted over the Internet in 2026, in which of the following regions were the customers located?

Select all that apply.

• Canada
  For this business' gross sales conducted over the Internet in 2026, in which of the following provinces or territories were the customers located?
  Select all that apply.
  • Province or territory in which this business is headquartered
  • Any other province or territory
• United States
• Mexico
• Other Latin America and the Caribbean
• China
• Other Asia
• European Union
• United Kingdom
• Other regions
  OR
• Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier: 9

In 2026, did this business sell any digitally delivered goods or services to customers located outside of Canada?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier: 10

Which of the following challenges limited or prevented sales over the Internet in 2026?

Select all that apply.

• Goods or services not suitable for online sales
• Issues adapting goods or services for online sales
• High set-up cost
• High maintenance cost
• High shipping cost
• Logistical issues associated with the implementation or maintenance of e-commerce system
• Security concerns
• Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• Language barriers between the business and customers
• Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• Interprovincial trade barriers
• Accessibility concerns
• Other
  • Specify the other challenges
• OR
• This business did not face challenges that limited or prevented sales over the Internet
  OR
• This business does not sell goods or services
  OR
• Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier: 11

Which of the following challenges was the greatest in limiting or preventing sales over the Internet in 2026?

• Goods or services not suitable for online sales
• Issues adapting goods or services for online sales
• High set-up cost
• High maintenance cost
• High shipping cost
• Logistical issues associated with the implementation or maintenance of e-commerce system
• Security concerns
• Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• Language barriers between the business and customers
• Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• Interprovincial trade barriers
• Accessibility concerns
• Other

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 12

In 2026, did this business allow employees to use generative AI technologies for work?

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools answer questions, provide information or advice and create new content, including text, images, programming code, videos, or other data, based on user prompting such as asking questions or providing instructions.

Examples include ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude and Gemini.

• Yes
  Did this business pay for licences or subscriptions for generative AI technologies?
  • Yes
    What percentage of employees have access to paid versions of generative AI technologies?
    • 75% to 100%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • More than 0% but less than 25%
  • No
  • Don't know
• No
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 13

In 2026, which of the following AI technologies did this business use?

Include AI technologies which are imbedded in other software and any level of utilization of AI technologies, even if only minimal.
Select all that apply.

• AI technologies generating pictures, videos, sound or audio
  Which of these types of output did this business generate? 
  Select all that apply.
  • Pictures
  • Video
  • Sound or audio
• AI technologies generating written, spoken language or computer code
  Which of these types of output did this business generate? 
  Select all that apply.
  • Written language
  • Spoken language
  • Computer code
• Data analysis and processing with AI
• AI Chatbots
• AI for analysis of written language
• AI for analysis of spoken language
• Face recognition systems or other image-analysis software
• Hardware with integrated AI
• Technologies that automate workflows or assist in decision making
  Did this business use agentic AI technologies?
  Agentic AI technologies are AI systems given the authority to plan, make decisions and take actions on a user's or a business's behalf, rather than simply generating responses to user inputs. Examples include AI systems that schedule meetings, make purchases, or write and deploy computer code.
  • Yes
  • No
  • Don't know
• Other
  • Specify the other AI technologies
• OR
• This business did not use AI technologies
  OR
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 14

Which of the following describes the types of AI technologies this business used in 2026?

Select all that apply

• Proprietary AI technologies developed by this business
• AI technologies customized or adapted for this business
• AI technologies used without modification
  OR
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 15

In 2026, at what stage of implementation were AI technologies being used for the following business activities?

Researching or is under development/ Implemented in this activity/ No use or not applicable/ Don't know

1. For marketing or sales
2. For production processes or procedures
3. For business administration processes
4. For research and development
5. For management of enterprises
6. For logistics
7. For Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) security
8. For human resources management or recruiting

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 16

When were AI technologies first implemented by this business?

• Within the last year
• From 1 to 3 years ago
• From 3 to 5 years ago
• More than 5 years ago
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 17

How much did this business spend on AI technologies and related skills training in the last 12 months?

If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars. If figures for specific categories are not available, the total for all expenses may be provided instead.

Enter "0" if there is no value to report.

1. AI-based software licenses or subscription fees
2. AI-related skills training
3. AI-related research and development expenses
4. AI-related hardware expenses
5. Other AI-related expenditures

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 18

When acquiring AI-related technologies or services, how important are each of the following factors to this business?

Very important/ Somewhat important/ Not important/ Don't know

1. Seller or service provider is Canadian owned
2. Seller or service provider has Canadian operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 19

Does this business have or have plans to put in place any written policies related to the use of AI technologies?

Include guidelines, memos or other documents related to the use of AI technologies.

• Yes, this business has written policies in place
  What do these policies cover? 
  Select all that apply.
  • Restrictions on which AI technologies can be used
  • Restrictions on how AI technologies can be used
  • Quality control measures on inputs for AI technologies
  • Quality control measures for outputs of AI technologies
  • Requirements for users of AI technologies to take training
  • Other
• The business does not currently have written policies in place but plans to implement policies in the future
• This business has no plans to put written policies in place
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 20

What percentage of employees in this business use AI technologies in their regular work?

Include the use of free and paid AI technologies.

If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate.

• 75% to 100%
• 50% to less than 75%
• 25% to less than 50%
• More than 0% but less than 25%
• None
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 21

For AI technologies adopted within the past three years, which of the following impacts have AI technologies had on this business's workforce?

Select all that apply.

• AI-related training was offered or provided to employees
• New employees were hired with AI-related skills
• Employees were re-assigned within the business
• Fewer employees were hired due to AI technologies
• Layoffs or attrition due to AI technologies
• Other workforce impacts
  • Specify other workforce impacts
• OR
• No workforce impacts
  OR
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 22

For AI technologies adopted within the past three years, how have AI technologies affected this business's total employment?

• Increased
• Decreased
• No change
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 23

Have this business's sales increased due to the implementation of AI technologies?

• Yes
• No
• Too early to assess
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 24

Since the implementation of AI technologies, how has AI impacted the output per employee in this business?

• Significant increase
• Moderate increase
• Minor increase
• No change or decrease
• Too early to assess
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 25

For AI technologies adopted within the past three years, which of the following other impacts have AI technologies had on this business?

Select all that apply

• Computing power or specialized equipment were purchased
• Cloud services or cloud storage were purchased
• Data collection or data management practices were changed
• New workflows were developed
• Vendors or consulting services were used to install or integrate AI
• Other change
  • Specify other changes
• OR
• Don't know
  OR
• None of the above

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 26

Which of the following challenges limited this business' implementation or further integration of AI technologies in 2026?

Select all that apply.

• Lack of knowledge of available technologies
• Lack of technical expertise or skilled personnel
• Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• Concerns about the quality of outputs
• Cost of technologies or implementation is too high
• Employee resistance to introduction of new technologies
• Not enough time or resources to implement new technologies
• Security concerns
• Privacy concerns
• Incompatibility with existing business processes
• Internet reliability
• Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• Procurement issues in the acquisition of AI technologies
• Challenges in implementation of technologies
• Accessibility concerns
• Other
  • Specify the other challenges
• OR
• This business did not face challenges in the implementation or further integration of AI technologies
  OR
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 27

Which of the following challenges was the greatest in limiting this business' implementation or further integration of AI technologies in 2026?

• Lack of knowledge of available technologies
• Lack of technical expertise or skilled personnel
• Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• Concerns about the quality of outputs
• Cost of technologies or implementation is too high
• Employee resistance to introduction of new technologies
• Not enough time or resources to implement new technologies
• Security concerns
• Privacy concerns
• Incompatibility with existing business processes
• Internet reliability
• Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• Procurement issues in the acquisition of AI technologies
• Challenges in implementation of technologies
• Accessibility concerns
• Other

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 28

In the next 12 months, how likely is this business to adopt or further integrate AI technologies into business operations?

• Very likely or somewhat likely 
  Does this business plan to seek financing to support these activities?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Don't know
• Not likely or not at all
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 29

For which of the following reasons did this business not use AI technologies in 2026?

Select all that apply

• No business need identified
• Lack of knowledge of available technologies
• Lack of technical expertise or skilled personnel
• Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• Concerns about the quality of outputs
• Cost of technologies or implementation is too high
• Employee resistance to introduction of new technologies
• Not enough time or resources to implement new technologies
• Security concerns
• Privacy concerns
• Lack of trust in AI technologies
• Incompatibility with existing business processes
• Internet reliability
• Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• Procurement issues
• Challenges in implementation of technologies
• Accessibility concerns
• Other
  • Specify the other reasons
• OR
• Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) – Question identifier: 30

Which of the following was the greatest challenge for why this business did not use AI technologies in 2026?

• No business need identified
• Lack of knowledge of available technologies
• Lack of technical expertise or skilled personnel
• Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• Concerns about the quality of outputs
• Cost of technologies or implementation is too high
• Employee resistance to introduction of new technologies
• Not enough time or resources to implement new technologies
• Security concerns
• Privacy concerns
• Lack of trust in AI technologies
• Incompatibility with existing business processes
• Internet reliability
• Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• Procurement issues
• Challenges in implementation of technologies
• Accessibility concerns
• Other

Cloud computing

Cloud computing – Question identifier: 31

In 2026, which of the following cloud computing services did this business use?

Cloud computing services are services used over the Internet to access software, processing power or storage capacity.

Select all that apply.

• Cloud-based email
• Cloud-based software
• Processing power to run own software
• File storage
• Data storage
• Cloud-based environment for application development, testing or deployment
• Other
  • Specify other cloud computing services
• OR
• Business did not use any cloud computing services
  OR
• Don't know

Cloud computing – Question identifier: 32

In the last 12 months, how much did this business spend on cloud computing services?

If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars.

Enter "0" if this business did not have any spending on cloud computing services.

• Cloud computing expense
  OR
• Don't know

Cloud computing – Question identifier: 33

When acquiring cloud-computing services, how important are each of the following factors to this business?

Very important/Somewhat important/Not important/Don't know

• Service provider is Canadian owned
• Data or information remains or resides in Canada

Data

Data – Question identifier: 34

In the last 12 months, did this business purchase any data or information?

Examples include customer or client data or information and data for research purposes.

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

Data – Question identifier: 35

How much did this business spend on data or information from the following sources in the last 12 months?

If precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars. If figures for specific categories are not available, the total for all expenses may be provided instead.

Enter "0" if there is no value to report.

1. Data from Canadian-owned sources
2. Data from foreign-owned sources

Data – Question identifier: 36

In 2026, which of the following types of data or information did this business store electronically?

Select all that apply.

• Customer or client data or information
• Employee data or information
• Data or information from other internal sources
• Other data or information
  • Specify other data or information
• OR
• No data or information were stored electronically
  OR
• Don't know

Data – Question identifier: 37

In 2026, where were the servers storing data or information located?

Select all that apply.

• In Canada
• Outside of Canada 
  OR
• Don't know

Data – Question identifier: 38

What methods did this business use to protect data or information stored electronically in 2026?

Select all that apply.

• Store data offline
• Limit access
• Encryption of data
• Protection by third party
• Other
  OR
• None
  OR
• Don't know

Data – Question identifier: 39

In 2026, did this business use any of the following types of data or information to train or fine-tune AI models?

Include activities conducted by third parties using data acquired by this business.

Select all that apply.

• Customer or client data or information
• Employee data or information
• Data or information collected from other internal sources
• Other
  OR
• This business did not train or fine-tune AI models with data or information
  OR
• Don't know

Data – Question identifier: 40

In 2026, for what purposes were data analyzed by this business?

Include AI-based analytical techniques.

Select all that apply.

• Market analysis
• Financial analysis
• Targeted marketing
• Adjusting inventories
• Performance measurement
• Improvement of products, services or methods
• To sell datasets, analyses or other data products
• Operational decision making
• Other
  • Specify the other purposes for which this business analyzes data
• OR
• This business does not analyze data

Internet-connected smart devices

Internet-connected smart devices – Question identifier: 41

Which of the following Internet-connected smart devices did this business use in 2026?

Internet-connected smart devices are everyday objects with Internet connectivity enabling them to send and receive data.

Exclude smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.

Select all that apply.

• Devices for energy consumption management
• Devices for security
• Other consumer-market devices
• Industrial equipment
• Devices for logistics management
• Infrastructure for Internet-connected smart devices
• Other
  OR
• Business does not use internet connected smart devices
  OR
• Don't know

Quantum technologies

Quantum technologies – Question identifier: 42

In 2026, did this business use or perform research on quantum technologies?

Include quantum technologies this business is currently developing.

Select all that apply.

• Yes, this business used quantum technologies
• Yes, this business performed research on quantum technologies
  OR
• No
  OR
• Don't know

Quantum technologies – Question identifier: 43

Does this business currently have any plans to adopt quantum technologies?

• Yes, within the next two years
• Yes, within the next two to five years
• Yes, when the desired technology becomes available
• No, this business has already assessed quantum technologies and has no plans to adopt them
• No, this business has not assessed quantum technologies and has no plans to adopt them

Use of other technologies

Use of other technologies – Question identifier: 44

Which of the following technologies or techniques did this business use in 2026?

Select all that apply.

• Customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Electronic data interchange (EDI)
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
• Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags
• Robotics
• 3D printing
• Open-source software (OSS)
• Blockchain technologies
• Data analytics software
• Geomatics or geospatial technologies
• Nanotechnologies
• Biotechnologies
• Clean technologies
  OR
• None

Skills and employment

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 45

In 2026, did this business provide training to develop or upgrade the technical skills of its employees?

Include training provided to any type of employee, and AI-related and non-AI-related technical skills.

• Yes
  Was any of the training for AI-related skills?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Don't know
• No
• Don't know
• Not applicable

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 46

In 2026, did this business attempt to recruit employees with any of the following technical skills?

Include both part-time and full-time employees.

Select all that apply.

• Knowledge of, or experience with, building technical infrastructure
• Knowledge of, or experience with, AI technologies
• Knowledge of, or experience with, e-commerce sales or digital trade
• Knowledge of, or experience with, other particular technologies
• Programming, software development, or app development
• Website development
• Social media management
• Data science, management or analysis
• Knowledge of cyber security principles or techniques
• Media editing
• Other
  • Specify the other technical skills
• OR
• This business did not attempt to recruit employees with technical skills

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 47

In 2026, for which of the following technical skills did this business attempt to recruit employees from outside of Canada?

Include both part-time and full-time employees.

Select all that apply.

• Knowledge of, or experience with, building technical infrastructure
• Knowledge of, or experience with, AI technologies
• Knowledge of, or experience with, e-commerce sales or digital trade
• Knowledge of, or experience with, other particular technologies
• Programming, software development, or app development
• Website development
• Social media management
• Data science, management or analysis
• Knowledge of cyber security principles or techniques
• Media editing
• Other
  OR
• This business did not attempt to recruit employees from outside of Canada with technical skills

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 48

Excluding AI-related skills, did this business experience any of the following challenges in filling job vacancies for employees with technical skills in 2026?

Include recruitment or hiring of employees with technical skills for this business done by a third party.

Select all that apply.

• Lack of skilled candidates
• Salary requests too high
• Not enough time for effective recruitment
• Lack of candidate interest in the position
• Difficulty finding Canadian candidates
• Immigration challenges
• Other
  • Specify the other challenges
• OR
• None 
  OR
• Don't know

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 49

Excluding AI-related skills, which of the following was the greatest challenge in filling job vacancies for employees with technical skills in 2026?

• Lack of skilled candidates
• Salary requests too high
• Not enough time for effective recruitment
• Lack of candidate interest in the position
• Difficulty finding Canadian candidates
• Immigration challenges
• Other

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 50

Did this business experience any of the following challenges in filling job vacancies for AI-related skills in 2026?

Include recruitment or hiring of employees with AI-related skills for this business done by a third party.

Select all that apply.

• Lack of skilled candidates
• Salary requests too high
• Not enough time for effective recruitment
• Lack of candidate interest in the position
• Difficulty finding Canadian candidates
• Immigration challenges
• Other
  • Specify the other challenges
• OR
• None 
  OR
• Don't know

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 51

Which of the following was the greatest challenge in filling job vacancies for AI-related skills in 2026?

• Lack of skilled candidates
• Salary requests too high
• Not enough time for effective recruitment
• Lack of candidate interest in the position
• Difficulty finding Canadian candidates
• Immigration challenges
• Other

Skills and employment – Question identifier: 52

Did this business offer employees the option to telework in 2026?

Telework is a flexible working practice that allows employees to work outside the business's premises on a network enabled by digital technology. This practice is also often referred to as working from home.

Include both part-time and full-time employees.

• Yes
  On an average week in 2026, what percentage of this business' employees teleworked?
  If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.
  • Percentage
• No
• Don't know

Notification of intent to extract web data

Notification of intent to extract web data – Question identifier: 53

What are this business's website addresses?

• Website addresses