Reporting period information

1. Please report the start and end dates of this business's most recent 12-month fiscal period.

Note: For this survey, the end date should fall between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The reported fiscal period end date will be used as the reference point for the remainder of the survey.

• Start date
  Example: YYYY-MM-DD
• End date
  Example: YYYY-MM-DD

Business information

2. What is the form of ownership of this business?

• Sole proprietorship
• Incorporated company
  Include non-profit organizations, partnerships and limited partnerships in incorporated companies.
• Crown corporation
  Include port authorities and pilotage authorities.
• Government
  Include federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations government-operated ferries.
• Other
  e.g., businesses operating as subsidiaries
  • Specify other form of ownership:

Flow condition: If "Crown corporation" or "Government" are selected in Q2, survey will conclude. Otherwise, go to Q3.

3. How many vessels did this business operate in total during its last fiscal year ending in 2025/2026?

Report the total number of vessels operated that were owned, leased or chartered and not the number of times a vessel was operated. 

Include barges, cargo ships, tankers, ferries, research vessels, tugboats, escort vessels, icebreakers, offshore vessels, dredgers, buoy tenders, derricks or cranes, salvage vessels, diving vessels, dump vessels, floating dry docks, survey ships, or patrol boats that were operated by this business regardless of gross tonnage (GT).

Exclude vessels that were owned and not operated, as well as private pleasure craft and fishing vessels. 

Enter "0" if this business did not operate any vessels.

• Number of vessels operated by this business:

Flow condition: If Q3 is greater than 0 or blank, go to Q4, otherwise go to Q5.

4. How many of the vessels operated were 15 gross tonnage and above?

Report the total number of vessels operated that were owned, leased or chartered and were 15 GT and above.

Include barges, cargo ships, tankers, ferries, research vessels, tugboats, escort vessels, icebreakers, offshore vessels, dredgers, buoy tenders, derricks or cranes, salvage vessels, diving vessels, dump vessels, floating dry docks, survey ships, or patrol boats operated by this business that were 15 GT and above.

Exclude vessels that were owned and not operated, as well as private pleasure craft and fishing vessels.

Enter "0" if this business did not operate any vessels 15 GT and above.

• Number of vessels operated 15 GT and above

5. How many vessels did this business own in total during its last fiscal year ending in 2025/2026?

Include barges, cargo ships, tankers, ferries, research vessels, tugboats, escort vessels, icebreakers, offshore vessels, dredgers, buoy tenders, derricks or cranes, salvage vessels, diving vessels, dump vessels, floating dry docks, survey ships, or patrol boats owned by this business.

Exclude private pleasure craft and fishing vessels. 

Enter "0" if this business did not own any vessels.

• Number of vessels owned by this business:

Flow condition: If Q5 is greater than 0 or blank, go to Q6. Otherwise go to Q7.

6. How many of the vessels owned were 15 gross tonnage and above?

Include barges, cargo ships, tankers, ferries, research vessels, tugboats, escort vessels, icebreakers, offshore vessels, dredgers, buoy tenders, derricks or cranes, salvage vessels, diving vessels, dump vessels, floating dry docks, survey ships, or patrol boats owned by this business that were 15 GT and above.

Exclude private pleasure craft and fishing vessels.

Enter "0" if this business did not own any vessels 15 GT and above.

• Number of vessels owned 15 GT and above:

Flow condition: If Q3 = 0 or Q4 =0, survey will conclude. Otherwise go to Q7.

Revenue from vessel operations

7.  What was the total revenue from vessel operations for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026?

Include revenue from the transportation of commodities, cargo, freight, passengers or vehicles; revenue from the towing of commodities or log booms; chartering or leasing; cost compensation from parent companies; revenue from on-vessel sales and concessions; and water transport subsidies.

Please report in Canadian dollars.

If the exact value is not available, please provide your best estimate.

• Total revenue from vessel operations in CAN$:

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q8. Otherwise go to Q10. 

Business information

8. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, of the vessels that were 15 gross tonnage and above, which of the following types of vessels were operated? 

If this business operated vessels that transport both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles together, report them as passenger and all vehicle type ferries.

Exclude vessels that were owned and not operated, as well as private pleasure craft and fishing vessels.

Select all that apply.

• Barges
  Include deck, hopper or tank barges.
• Cargo ships
  Include solid cargo vessels; container ships; dry bulk, liquid bulk and breakbulk carriers; and roll-on-roll-off cargo vessels.
• Tankers
  Include oil, chemical, liquefied gas and product (gas or diesel) tankers.
• Passenger vessels
  Include day or overnight cruises and sightseeing vessels.
  Exclude ferries.
• Passenger and passenger vehicle ferries
  Exclude commercial vehicles.
• Passenger and all vehicle type ferries
  Include commercial and passenger vehicle roll-on-roll-off ferries.
• Passenger-only ferries
  Include water taxis.
  e.g., cyclists, pedestrians
• Research vessels
  Include seismic and fishing vessels.
• Tugboats or escort vessels
  Include vessels that assist in moving larger ships and barges at ports or in narrow waterways.
• Icebreakers
  Include those used to escort research vessels in icy waters.
• Offshore vessels
  Include supply vessels, workboats, cable-laying and floating platforms, and vessels used for production storage and offloading.
• Dredgers
  Include vessels used for excavation and maintenance of waterways, construction support or resource extraction.
• Buoy tenders
• Derricks or cranes
• Salvage vessels
• Diving vessels
• Dump vessels
• Floating dry docks
• Survey ships
• Patrol boats
• Other types of vessels operated
  • Specify the other types of vessels:

Display condition: Only vessel types that were selected in Q8 are displayed in Q9. If no vessel types were selected in Q8, display all vessel types.

9. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, how many of each of the following types of vessels that were 15 gross tonnage and above did this business operate?

If this business operated vessels that transport both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles together, only report them once, as passenger and all vehicle type ferries.

Exclude vessels that were owned and not operated, as well as private pleasure craft and fishing vessels. 

Number of vessels 15 GT and above

• Barges:
  Include deck, hopper or tank barges.
• Cargo ships:
  Include solid cargo vessels; container ships; dry bulk, liquid bulk and breakbulk carriers; and roll-on-roll-off cargo vessels.
• Tankers:
  Include oil, chemical, liquefied gas and product (gas or diesel) tankers.
• Passenger vessels:
  Include day or overnight cruises and sightseeing vessels.
  Exclude ferries.
• Passenger and passenger vehicle ferries:
  Exclude commercial vehicles.
• Passenger and all vehicle type ferries:
  Include commercial and passenger vehicle roll-on-roll-off ferries.
• Passenger-only ferries:
  Include water taxis.
  e.g., cyclists, pedestrians
• Research vessels:
  Include seismic and fishing vessels.
• Tugboats or escort vessels:
  Include vessels that assist in moving larger ships and barges at ports or in narrow waterways.
• Icebreakers:
  Include those used to escort research vessels in icy waters.
• Offshore vessels:
  Include supply vessels, workboats, cable-laying and floating platforms, and vessels used for production storage and offloading.
• Dredgers:
  Include vessels used for excavation and maintenance of waterways, construction support or resource extraction.
• Buoy tenders:
• Derricks or cranes:
• Salvage vessels :
• Diving vessels:
• Dump vessels:
• Floating dry docks:
• Survey ships:  
• Patrol boats:
• Other types of vessels operated:
• Total:

10. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, has this business chartered in or leased any vessels for its operations?

Chartered in or leased: Process by which an individual or a business entity, called the lessee, rents a vessel from a shipowner (the lessor) for a specific voyage or period of time (also known as chartering in). This can be done by bareboat charter.

Exclude private pleasure craft and fishing vessels.

• Yes
  Please indicate the number of vessels that were chartered in or leased by this business.
  Number of vessels chartered in or leased:
• No
• Don't know

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q11, otherwise go to Q13. 

11. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, was this business directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other businesses?

Control: Having the authority or enough voting shares to make corporate decisions for the business.

• Yes
  • Where were those businesses located?
    Select all that apply.
    • Inside Canada
    • Outside Canada
      • What region is the majority owner or controller of this business located in? 
        Majority owner or controller: The business that has the greatest share of ownership or control of this business.
        • United States
        • Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America
        • United Kingdom
        • Europe other than United Kingdom
          Include Eastern and Western Europe.
        • Australia
        • New Zealand
        • Asia and Oceania
          Exclude Australia and New Zealand.
        • Middle East and Africa
• No
• Don't know

12. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, did this business own or control any other businesses engaged in foreign marine activities?

Control: Having the authority or enough voting shares to make corporate decisions for the business.

• Yes
  • Where were those businesses located?
    Select all that apply.
    • Inside Canada
    • Outside Canada
• No 
• Don't know

Type of operation

13. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, was this business engaged in the transportation of commodities, cargo or freight, passengers or vehicles?

Commodities: Basic raw materials or bulk goods, usually transported in large quantities. These include a wide range of products, such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, grains, chemicals and other bulk goods. These goods are usually transported in large quantities using specialized vessels.

Cargo or freight: Goods or freight, used as a general term, often regarding commercial inventory, can include any type of product or good, such as packaged goods, manufactured products, machinery and containers.

Passenger: A person carried on a vessel by the owner or operator in exchange for payment. 

Select all that apply.

• Commodities
• Cargo or freight
• Passengers or vehicles
  Include ferries, day or overnight cruises and sightseeing vessels.
  OR
• This business was not engaged in the transportation of commodities, cargo or freight, passengers or vehicles.
  e.g., drayage, research, construction, equipment
  • Please indicate the type of activities other than the transportation of commodities, cargo or freight, passengers or vehicles that this business was engaged in.
    Select all that apply.
    • Construction or industrial support
      Include vessels used as work platforms for construction, installation or industrial activities.
      Exclude the transport of goods between locations.
    • Offshore resource activities
      Include support services for offshore energy or resource development.
    • Dredging or seabed work
      Include dredging, excavation or seabed preparation.
    • Bunkering or lightering
      Include ship-to-ship fuel or cargo transfer.
      Exclude the transportation of fuel or cargo between ports.
    • Aquaculture or fisheries support
      Include servicing aquaculture or fishing operations. 
      Exclude the transport of fish or seafood to market.
    • Accommodation
      Include stationary or semi-stationary accommodation or support vessels (e.g., floatels).
      Exclude the transport of passengers or workers.
    • Towing
      Include towing or escorting vessels.
    • Icebreaking
      Include icebreaking or ice management services.
      Exclude ice navigation advice only.
    • Research activities
      Include scientific, technical or environmental research conducted using vessels or marine facilities (e.g., data collection, surveys, monitoring).
      Exclude commercial transportation or industrial operations.
    • Other activities
      • Specify other activities:

Sources of power

14. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, which of the following sources of power were purchased for propulsion in vessel operations? 

Only report sources of power in vessel operations.

Include sources of power and propulsion for main engines.

Select all that apply.

• Fuel oil
  Include bunker C oil, diesel oil and gas oil.
  Please indicate the type of fuel oil that was purchased.
  Select all that apply.
  • Heavy fuel oil
    Please indicate the type of heavy fuel oil that was purchased.
    Select all that apply.
    • Bunker C oil
    • IFO380
    • VLSFO
  • Diesel oil
  • Gas oil
    OR
  • Don't know
• Gasoline
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Biodiesel or biofuel
• Hydrogen
• Ammonia
• Methanol
• Electric
  Include batteries.
• Green fuel sources
  Please indicate the type of green fuel that was purchased.
  Select all that apply.
  • E-LNG
  • Bio-LNG
  • Green ammonia
  • Green methanol
  • Green hydrogen
• Other sources of power
  • Specify the other sources of power for propulsion
    OR
• Don't know

Flow condition: If Q14= "Don't know", go to Q16. If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q15. Otherwise, go to Q16.

Display condition: Only sources of power that were selected in Q14 are displayed in Q15. If no sources of power were selected in Q14, display "Fuel oil", "Gasoline", "Liquefied natural gas (LNG)", "Biodiesel or biofuel", "Hydrogen", "Ammonia", "Methanol", "Electric", "Green fuel sources", and "Other sources of power".

15. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, what percentage of this business's total vessel propulsion fuel spending was attributable to each propulsion fuel or power source?

If exact values are not available, please provide your best estimate.

Percentages should be rounded to whole numbers, and the total should equal to 100%.

Percentage of propulsion fuel purchased

• Fuel oil:
• Heavy fuel oil:
• Bunker C oil:
• IFO380:
• VLSFO:
• Diesel oil:
• Gas oil:
• Gasoline:
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG):
• Biodiesel or biofuel:
• Hydrogen:
• Ammonia:
• Methanol:
• Electric:
• Green fuel source:
• E-LNG:
• Bio-LNG :
• Green ammonia:
• Green methanol:
• Green hydrogen:
• Other source of power:
• Total:

 16. Over the next five years, does this business plan to modify the source of power or fuel type used in its vessels? 

e.g., switching from diesel to biodiesel, installing shore power connection equipment on the vessel, changing technology to take advantage of environmentally friendly fuels or to improve efficiency

• Yes
  What source of power or fuel type does this business plan to use?
  Source of power or fuel type:
• No
• Don't know

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q17. Otherwise, go to Q19. 

Shore power stations

17. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, did this business's vessels use shore power stations in Canada? 

Shore power station: The source of the power used by the vessel while docked at port, allowing access to landside electrical power. Shore power alleviates the unnecessary use of fuel, which would otherwise be used to power vessels while in port. 

Exclude vessels that use the power of terminals for propulsion.

• Yes
  • Please indicate the quantity of electricity purchased and expenditures at shore power stations in Canada.
    • Quantity purchased in kWh:
    • Electricity expenditures in CAN$:
      If the exact value is not available, please provide your best estimate.
• No
• Don't know

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q18. Otherwise, go to Q19. 

Revenue from vessel operations

18. Based on this business's reported revenue from vessel operations, please provide a breakdown of this revenue for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026. 

Include revenue from the transportation of commodities, cargo, freight, passengers or vehicles; revenue from the towing of commodities or log booms; chartering or leasing; cost compensation from parent companies; revenue from on-vessel sales and concessions; and water transport subsidies.

Please report in Canadian dollars.

If exact values are not available, please provide your best estimate.

If no revenue was earned for an activity, please report "0" where applicable.

Revenue CAN$

Vessel operating revenue

• Transport and towing of commodities, cargo or freight:
• Transport of passengers:
  Include sightseeing vessels and ferries.
  Exclude revenue from concessions and food and beverage sales when not included in the cost of the trip fare.
• Charter or lease of owned Canadian-registered vessels to other operators:
  Include chartered or leased non-duty paid Canadian-registered vessels and chartered or leased foreign-registered vessels under a coasting trade licence.
• Water transport subsidies:

Other water transportation revenue

• Towing, docking or turning of self-propelled vessels:
• Other water transportation revenue:

Revenues from other marine activities of a commercial nature, non-transportation

• Construction or industrial support:
• Offshore resource exploration and development activities:
• Dredging and seabed work:
• Bunkering and lightering:
• Aquaculture and fisheries support:
• Accommodation and support vessels:
• Icebreaking:
• Other commercial marine activities that do not have a transportation component:

Revenue from activities incidental to water transportation

• Terminal and cargo handling services:
  Include terminal operations, stevedoring, yarding and storage related to cargo movement.
• Logistics and agency services:
  Include freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and vessel and cargo agency fees.
• Vessel and cargo delay charges:
  Include demurrage charges and detention charges.
• Marine support and emergency services:
  Include marine salvaging, emergency response and specialized marine support services.

Other sources of revenue

• Other sources of revenue incidental to water transportation activities:
  Include vessel dispatching and voyage planning services, transportation equipment rental (excluding vessels), and standby and availability fees.
• Other sources of revenue from transportation activities:
  Include railway transportation, trucking, etc.
• Other sources of revenue not related to transportation:
  Include concrete aggregates, production of construction materials, etc.
• Other sources of revenue related to on-vessel sales and concessions:
  Include rooms, food and beverages, souvenirs or other non-food items.

Total:

Flow condition: If Q7 is less than $6,000,000, go to Q19. Otherwise, go to Q20. 

Total revenue 

19. Based on this business's reported revenue from vessel operations, please provide a breakdown of this revenue for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026.

Include revenue from the transportation of commodities, cargo, freight, passengers or vehicles; revenue from the towing of commodities or log booms; chartering or leasing; cost compensation from parent companies; revenue from on-vessel sales and concessions; and water transport subsidies.

Please report in Canadian dollars.

If exact values are not available, please provide your best estimate.

If no revenue was earned for an activity, please report "0" where applicable.

• Vessel operating revenue:
  Include the transport and towing of commodities, cargo or freight, the transport of passengers, and the charter or lease of owned Canadian-registered vessels to other operators.
• Other water transportation revenue:
  Include the towing, docking or turning of self-propelled vessels, and other water transportation revenue.
• Revenues from other marine activities of a commercial nature:
  Exclude transportation. 
  Include construction or industrial support, offshore resource exploration and development activities, dredging and seabed work, bunkering and lightering, aquaculture and fisheries support, accommodation and support vessels, icebreaking, and other commercial marine activities that do not have a transportation component.
• Revenue from activities incidental to water transportation:
  Include terminal and cargo handling services, logistics and agency services, vessel and cargo delay charges, and marine support and emergency services.
• Other sources of revenue:
  Include other sources of revenue incidental to water transportation activities, other sources of revenue from transportation activities, other sources of revenue not related to transportation, and on-vessel sales and concessions.
• Total revenue:

Vessel operating expenses

20. What were this business's total vessel operating expenses for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026?

Include vessel operating costs, vessel maintenance and repairs, insurance and other fees, terminal and office expenses, non-transportation expenses, other transportation expenses and depreciation. 

Please report in Canadian dollars. 

If exact values are not available, please provide your best estimate.

Enter "0" if this business did not incur any expenses.

• Total vessel operating expenses in CAN$:

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q21. Otherwise, go to Q22. 

21. Based on this business's reported expenses from vessel operations, please provide the breakdown of these expenses for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026.

Please report in Canadian dollars.

If exact values are not available, please provide your best estimate.

If no expenses were incurred, please report "0" where applicable.

Vessel operating costs

• Vessel crew remuneration:
  Include gross payroll and mandatory and non-mandatory contributions. 
  Exclude contractors.
• Sources of power for propulsion:
  Include non-refundable taxes.
  e.g., fuel oil, gasoline, liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Vessel maintenance and repairs:
  Include allocation for the ship's survey, annual overhaul, lay-up or fit out; lubricating oil (inclusive of non-refundable taxes); and remuneration for maintenance crew who are not on the vessel.
• Bareboat charter or lease hired in Canada:
• Bareboat charter or lease hired abroad:
• Food and provisions:
• Communication expenses:
  e.g., radar, radio, satellite, computer, cellular phone

Insurance and other fees

• Insurance:
  Include hull and machinery insurance, third-party liability insurance, and cargo insurance. 
  e.g., package freight policy premiums
• Berthage and port dues:
  e.g., wharfage, anchorage, buoyage and dockage
• Pilotage:
• Canal and seaway tolls:
• Coast guard fees:
• Waste disposal expenses:
• Purchased towage or escort services:

Terminal and office expenses

• Office and terminal employee remuneration:
  Include gross payroll and mandatory and non-mandatory contributions.
• Demurrage:
  Include fees charged when a vessel, container or cargo remains at a port, terminal or berth beyond the allowed free time for loading or unloading, because of delays while under the control of the terminal or port.
  e.g., a vessel is billed for demurrage when the cargo cannot be unloaded within the agreed-upon time because of terminal congestion

Non-transportation expenses

• Corporate taxes paid at the federal, provincial and municipal levels:

Other expenses

• Other transportation expenses:
  Include railway transportation, trucking, etc.
• Other purchased transport:
  e.g., transportation services purchased from a third party, transportation of crew or other cargos in support of business operations
• Depreciation:
  Include vessels and floating equipment.

Total expenditures:

Flow condition: If Q7 is less than $6,000,000, go to Q22. Otherwise, go to Q23. 

22. Based on this business's reported expenses from vessel operations, please provide the breakdown of these expenses for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026.

Please report in Canadian dollars.

If exact values are not available, please provide your best estimate.

If no expenses were incurred, please report "0" where applicable.

• Vessel operating costs:
  Include vessel crew remuneration, sources of power for propulsion, lubricating oil, vessel maintenance and repairs, boat charter or lease hired in Canada or abroad, food and provisions, and communication expenses. 
  e.g., radar, radio, satellite, computer, cellular phone
• Insurance and other fees:
  Include insurance, berthage and port dues, pilotage, canal and seaway tolls, coast guard fees, inspection fees, waste disposal expenses, and purchased towage or escort services.
• Terminal and office expenses:
  Include office and terminal employee remuneration and demurrage.
  e.g., a vessel is billed for demurrage when the cargo cannot be unloaded within the agreed-upon time because of terminal congestion
• Non-transportation expenses:
  Include corporate taxes paid at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• Other expenses:
  Include other transportation expenses, other purchased transport and depreciation.
  e.g., transportation services purchased from a third party, transportation of crew or other cargos in support of business operations
• Total expenditures:

Employment

23. As of this business's peak season for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, how many people worked for this business's vessel operations, by type of occupation and by number of Canadian citizens or permanent residents and non-permanent residents?

Include all employees who received a T4 working for this business's vessel operations, whether full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary. 
Exclude contract workers.

Canadian citizen: A person described as a citizen under the Citizenship Act. This means a person who is Canadian by birth (either born in Canada or born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen who was either born in Canada or granted citizenship) or has applied for a grant of citizenship and has received Canadian citizenship. 

Permanent resident: A person who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen.

Non-permanent resident: A person from another country with a usual place of residence in Canada and who has a work or study permit or who has claimed refugee status (asylum claimant), including individuals employed under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program or other temporary work permit programs.

Enter "0" if this business did not have employees in one of the occupation types.

• Number of Canadian citizens and permanent residents  
  • Deck officers:
    e.g., captains, chief officers, second or third officers
  • Engineering officers:
    e.g., chief engineers, second or third engineers
  • Deck crew:
    e.g., seafarers
  • Engine crew:
    e.g., oilers, motor persons, wipers, electricians
  • Stewards and catering:
    e.g., cooks, stewards
  • Dock and warehouse:
    e.g., longshorepersons, cargo handlers, forklift operators
  • Office and administration:
    e.g., shipping clerks, logistics coordinators, port agents
  • Other:
    e.g., pilots, tug operators, compliance or environmental officers, customer service agents, clerks, pursers, attendants, industrial electricians, trainees
  • Total number of employees:
• Number of non-permanent residents 
  • Deck officers:
    e.g., captains, chief officers, second or third officers
  • Engineering officers:
    e.g., chief engineers, second or third engineers
  • Deck crew:
    e.g., seafarers
  • Engine crew:
    e.g., oilers, motor persons, wipers, electricians
  • Stewards and catering:
    e.g., cooks, stewards
  • Dock and warehouse:
    e.g., longshorepersons, cargo handlers, forklift operators
  • Office and administration:
    e.g., shipping clerks, logistics coordinators, port agents
  • Other:
    e.g., pilots, tug operators, compliance or environmental officers, customer service agents, clerks, pursers, attendants, industrial electricians, trainees
  • Total number of employees:
• Total number of employees in each occupation
  • Deck officers:
    e.g., captains, chief officers, second or third officers
  • Engineering officers:
    e.g., chief engineers, second or third engineers
  • Deck crew:
    e.g., seafarers
  • Engine crew:
    e.g., oilers, motor persons, wipers, electricians
  • Stewards and catering:
    e.g., cooks, stewards
  • Dock and warehouse:
    e.g., longshorepersons, cargo handlers, forklift operators
  • Office and administration:
    e.g., shipping clerks, logistics coordinators, port agents
  • Other:
    e.g., pilots, tug operators, compliance or environmental officers, customer service agents, clerks, pursers, attendants, industrial electricians, trainees
  • Total number of employees:

Flow condition: If "number of Canadian citizens and permanent residence" or "number of non-permanent residents" are greater than 0, go to Q24. Otherwise, go to Q25. 

24. For the employees reported in the "other" category in question 23, please specify the other type of occupation.

• Other occupations of the Canadian citizens and permanent residents:
• Other occupations of the non-permanent residents:

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank, go to Q25. Otherwise, go to Q26. 

25. As of this business's peak season for the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, was this business experiencing labour shortages or job vacancies?

Labour shortages: Difficulties finding qualified workers.

Job vacancies: Unfilled positions.

Select all that apply.

• Labour shortages
  • Please select the occupations in which this business was experiencing labour shortages.
    Labour shortages: Difficulties finding qualified workers.
    Select all that apply.
    • Deck officers
      e.g., captains, chief officers, second or third officers
    • Engineering officers
      e.g., chief engineers, second or third engineers
    • Deck crew
      e.g., seafarers
    • Engine crew
      e.g., oilers, motor persons, wipers, electricians
    • Stewards or catering
      e.g., cooks, stewards
    • Dock and warehouse
      e.g., longshorepersons, cargo handlers, forklift operators
    • Office and administration
      e.g., shipping clerks, logistics coordinators, port agents

    • Other occupations
      e.g., pilots, tug operators, compliance or environmental officers, customer service agents, clerks, pursers, attendants, industrial electricians, trainees

      • Specify the other occupations:

      OR

    • None of the above

• Job vacancies

  • Please select the occupations in which this business was experiencing job vacancies.
    Job vacancies: Unfilled positions. 
    Select all that apply.
    • Deck officers
      e.g., captains, chief officers, second or third officers
    • Engineering officers
      e.g., chief engineers, second or third engineers
    • Deck crew
      e.g., seafarers
    • Engine crew
      e.g., oilers, motor persons, wipers, electricians
    • Stewards or catering
      e.g., cooks, stewards
    • Dock and warehouse
      e.g., longshorepersons, cargo handlers, forklift operators
    • Office and administration
      e.g., shipping clerks, logistics coordinators, port agents

    • Other occupations
      e.g., pilots, tug operators, compliance or environmental officers, customer service agents, clerks, pursers, attendants, industrial electricians, trainees

      • Specify the other occupations:

      OR

    • None of the above

  OR

• This business did not experience labour shortages or job vacancies

Flow condition: If Q13 is "commodities" or "cargo or freight", go to Q26. Otherwise, go to Q28.

Commodities, cargo and freight transported

26. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, please select all types of commodities, cargo or freight that this business transported. 

Commodities: Basic raw materials or bulk goods, usually transported in large quantities. These include a wide range of products, such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, grains, chemicals and other bulk goods. These goods are usually transported in large quantities using specialized vessels.

Cargo or freight: Goods or freight, used as a general term, often regarding commercial inventory, can include any type of product or good, such as packaged goods, manufactured products, machinery and containers.

Select all that apply.

• Containerized freight
• Dry bulk cargo
• Liquid bulk cargo
• Project or breakbulk cargo
• General cargo
• Other types of commodities, cargo or freight
  • Specify the other types of commodities, cargo or freight transported:

Display condition: Only types of commodities, cargo or freight selected in Q26 are displayed in Q27. If no types of commodities, cargo or freight was selected, display all categories in Q27.

27. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, please report how much of each of the following types of commodities, cargo or freight was transported by this business. 

If exact numbers are not available, please provide your best estimate.

• Please report the total twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containerized freight transported by this business.
  • TEUs of containerized freight transported:
    OR
  • Don't know
• Please report the total tonnage of containerized freight transported by this business.
  • Tonnage of containerized freight transported:
    OR
  • Don't know
• Please report the total tonnage of dry bulk cargo transported by this business.
  • Tonnage of dry bulk cargo transported:
    OR
  • Don't know
• Please report the total tonnage of liquid bulk cargo transported by this business.
  • Tonnage of liquid bulk cargo transported:
    OR
  • Don't know
• Please report the total tonnage of project or breakbulk cargo transported by this business.
  • Tonnage of project or breakbulk cargo transported:
    OR
  • Don't know
• Please report the total tonnage of general cargo transported by this business.
  • Tonnage of general cargo transported:
    OR
  • Don't know
• Please report the total tonnage of other types of commodities, cargo or freight transported by this business.
  • Tonnage of commodities, cargo or freight transported:
    OR
  • Don't know

Flow condition: If "Passenger or vehicles" is selected in Q13, go to Q28. Otherwise, go to Q30. 

Ferry and passenger services 

28. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, please indicate the types of services related to passengers and vehicles provided by this business.

Select all that apply.

• Ferry services
  Include shuttle services.
  • Please indicate the types of ferry services that were offered by this business.
    Select all that apply.
    • Passenger and passenger vehicle ferries
      Exclude commercial vehicles.
    • Passenger and all vehicle type ferries
      Include commercial and passenger vehicle roll-on-roll-off ferries.
    • Passenger-only ferries
      Include water taxis.
      e.g., cyclists, pedestrians
• Passenger services
  Include day or overnight cruises and sightseeing vessels.
  Exclude ferry services.

• Other types of services

  • Specify the other types of passenger and vehicle transportation services provided:

  OR

• None of the above

Flow condition: If Q7 is equal to or greater than $6,000,000 or blank and "Passenger or vehicles" is selected in Q13 and "none of the above" was NOT selected in Q28, go to Q29. Otherwise go to Q30.

Display condition: Only services related to passengers and vehicles selected in Q28 are displayed in Q29. If no type of services related to passengers and vehicles was selected in Q28, display "Ferry services", "Passenger services", and "Other types of services" in Q29.

29. For the fiscal year ending in 2025/2026, please report the number of tickets sold and the number of trips related to ferry and passenger services provided by this business.

Ticket: A ticket is a legal document or electronic record that confirms payment and entitles a person or entity to transport between specified locations.

Trip: A trip starts with the embarkation of ticket holders and ends when those ticket holders disembark the vessel. In the case of passenger services, in-transit stops are not considered disembarkation. Therefore, the final disembarkation point is considered the end of the trip. 

If exact numbers are not available, please provide your best estimate.

• Number of tickets sold
  • Ferry services:
    Include shuttle services.
  • Passenger and passenger vehicle ferries:
    Exclude commercial vehicles.
  • Passenger and all vehicle type ferries:
    Include commercial and passenger vehicle roll-on-roll-off ferries.
  • Passenger-only ferries:
    Include water taxis.
    e.g., cyclists, pedestrians
  • Passenger services:
    Include day or overnight cruises and sightseeing vessels.
    Exclude ferry services.
  • Other types of services:
  • Total:
• Number of trips
  • Ferry services:
    Include shuttle services.
  • Passenger and passenger vehicle ferries:
    Exclude commercial vehicles.
  • Passenger and all vehicle type ferries:
    Include commercial and passenger vehicle roll-on-roll-off ferries.
  • Passenger-only ferries:
    e.g., cyclists, pedestrians
  • Passenger services:
    Include day or overnight cruises and sightseeing vessels.
    Exclude ferry services.
  • Other types of services:
  • Total: 

Obstacles

30. Please indicate to what extent this business experienced each of the following obstacles during its fiscal year ending in 2025/2026.

• Drayage scheduling uncertainty
  Drayage: The short-distance, truck-based transport of shipping containers and cargo, usually connecting ports, rail yards or warehouses within the same urban area.
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Seafarer shortages
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Labour challenges at ports or terminals
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Delays because of regulatory requirements
  e.g., inspection, permits
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Delays at ports because of other factors
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Supply chain interruptions
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Economic uncertainty and inflation
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Irregular water level
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Weather-related cancellations
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Extreme weather events
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know
• Other
  • Not an obstacle
  • Minor obstacle
  • Moderate obstacle
  • Major obstacle
  • Don't know

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