Terms and conditions

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General terms and conditions

See Statistics Canada's General Terms and Conditions.

Providing content in Canada's official languages

The Official Languages Act, the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations and Treasury Board policy requirements establish when Statistics Canada uses both English and French to provide services to or communicate with members of the public. When there is no obligation to provide information in both official languages, content may be available in one official language only. Information provided by organizations not subject to the Official Languages Act is in the language(s) provided. Information provided in a language other than English or French is only for the convenience of our visitors.

Linking to non-government of Canada websites

Links to websites not under the control of the Government of Canada, including those to our social media accounts, are provided solely for the convenience of our website visitors. We are not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the content of such websites. The Government of Canada does not offer any guarantee in that regard and is not responsible for the information found through these links, nor does it endorse the sites and their content.

Visitors should also be aware that information offered by non-Government of Canada sites to which this website links is not subject to the Privacy Act, or the Official Languages Act and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. The information offered may be available only in the language(s) used by the sites in question. With respect to privacy, visitors should research the privacy policies of these non-government websites before providing personal information.

Ownership and usage of content provided on this site

Materials on this website were produced and/or compiled by Statistics Canada for the purpose of providing Canadians with access to information about the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada.

The material on this site is covered by the provisions of the Copyright Act, by Canadian laws, policies, regulations, and international agreements.

The Statistics Canada Open Licence governs the use of most data products and other materials that are published by Statistics Canada. This licence allows you to use Statistics Canada information without restrictions on sharing and redistribution, for commercial and non-commercial purposes.

Third-party materials

Some of the materials and graphical elements found on Government of Canada websites are subject to copyrights held by other organizations. This is particularly true of sites that are jointly operated by a Government of Canada institution and an external organization as part of a collaborative arrangement. In such cases, some restrictions on the reproduction of materials or graphical elements may apply and it may be necessary to seek permission from the rights holder prior to reproducing the material.

You must source third parties when reproducing their materials.

Trademark notice

The official symbols of the Government of Canada, including the Canada Wordmark, the Arms of Canada, and the flag symbol may not be reproduced, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, without prior written authorization.

For more information, please see Legal protection of the official symbols of the Government of Canada.

Guidelines for linking to the Statistics Canada website

Generally, Government of Canada institutions encourage third parties to link to the Government of Canada. Sites wishing to link to the Statistics Canada's website, therefore, do not need to request permission to do so. We do, however, ask that you follow these linking practices.

  1. Use only text links for linking to the Statistics Canada's website.
  2. Do not link and/or use the official symbols of the Government of Canada and Federal Identity Program (FIP) signatures as navigational aids.
  3. The official symbols of the Government of Canada and the FIP signatures appear on non-government sites only when they are used to identify a government contribution or participation in a Collaborative Arrangement.
  4. The creation of a link does not confuse the user as to the source of the information through such practices as framing.

Our commitment to accessibility

The Government of Canada is committed to achieving a high standard of accessibility as defined in the Standard on Web Accessibility and the Standard on Optimizing Websites and Applications for Mobile Devices. In the event of difficulty using our Web pages, applications or device-based mobile applications, please contact us for assistance or to obtain alternative formats such as regular print, Braille or another appropriate format.

Interacting with us on social media

Social Media Terms of Use

These Terms of Use provide details as to how Statistics Canada will interact with the public on its social media platforms. Statistics Canada uses these social media platforms as a communication and outreach channel to reach and engage with Canadians.

The terms and conditions detailed below are specific to Statistics Canada. The terms and conditions of the Government of Canada also apply to Statistics Canada.

Accounts

Statistics Canada has official accounts on the following social media platforms:

Content and frequency

By following Statistics Canada's social media accounts ("following," "liking" or "subscribing"), you can expect to see:

  • interesting facts on various aspects of Canada,
  • information on survey and census collection activities,
  • information on new products and services,
  • information about recruitment at Statistics Canada,
  • announcements on new website features,
  • Canadian statistics depicted using various formats,
  • interesting information about some of our employees who are bringing innovation and modernization to Canada's national statistical organization
  • and much more...

The number of posts published will vary depending on the number of publications, reports and analyses being released by the agency.

Engagement

Statistics Canada welcomes feedback and ideas that are constructive and relevant from its followers. All comments will be read and any emerging themes or helpful suggestions will be passed along to the appropriate area in the organization.

Statistics Canada cannot commit to replying to every post, message or comment, but will engage in conversations when appropriate and as frequently as possible, in a timely manner. Questions and comments will be handled on a case-by-case basis when they are received: on posts published on our account, through private messages or via direct mentions.

Statistics Canada does not endorse any of the views expressed in comments posted by users, and in no way verifies or confirms the accuracy of those comments. Questions or comments that violate its Rules of engagement may result in the post being deleted and/or the user being blocked from the account.

Availability

Statistics Canada recognizes that the Internet is a 24/7 medium, and questions, comments, tags, and direct messages are welcome at any time. Moderating of the accounts will occur during regular office hours, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET). Questions posted after business hours or on weekends and statutory holidays will be addressed as early as possible.

Statistics Canada is committed to serving its clients in a prompt, reliable, courteous, and fair manner. Depending on the nature of the enquiry, response times will vary. To ensure prompt service on social media, Statistics Canada will try to acknowledge receipt and/or answer direct questions within 1 business day.

Social media platforms are managed by third parties, and as such, Statistics Canada is not responsible for a lack of service caused by the platforms becoming unresponsive or unavailable.

Liking, following, and subscribing

There is no implied endorsement of an account, channel, page, individual, group or site should a Statistics Canada social media account decide to:

  • "follow", or some other similar feature, another social media account;
  • share content from another user (e,g., re-tweeting, reposting or linking);
  • use a "like", or other similar feature on content, posted by another user or account.

Statistics Canada may use the "Like" function on publications that contain information that is relevant to its mandate or that share its data.

Statistics Canada will only "Follow" the accounts of other Government of Canada institutions, key partners and other statistical organizations publishing information that is relevant to its mandate.

Accessibility

As part of the Government of Canada, Statistics Canada is committed to achieving a high standard of accessibility. Social media platforms are third-party service providers and are not bound by the Government of Canada policies for web accessibility.

If you have any problems accessing the information on our social media accounts, contact us to receive the information in an appropriate format.

Copyright

Information posted by Statistics Canada on social media is subject to the Copyright Act. For more information, please refer to the section Ownership and usage of content provided on this site.

Official languages

Statistics Canada respects the Official Languages Act and is committed to ensuring that information is equally available in both English and French.

Posts will be published simultaneously in both official languages on each platform. Questions and comments which require a response will be answered in the official language of origin.

Links shared by Statistics Canada on its social media accounts may direct users to sites of organizations or other entities that are not subject to the Official Languages Act and that these sources may only be available in the language in which they were written. These links are provided solely for your convenience and Statistics Canada is not responsible for the information found through them. If linking to external web content that isn't available in the language of the current page, a mention of "(English only)" or "(French only)" will be added after the link.

Most social media platforms are available in several languages, including English and French. To change the display language, see your account settings.

Privacy

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of individuals. The agency's official social media accounts are hosted by third-party service providers, and are outside the control of the Government of Canada. We encourage you to read the Terms of Use for the platform(s) you are interested in.

Information shared with Statistics Canada on social media is subject to the provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. For more information, visit Statistics Canada's Privacy notice.

Please also note that Statistics Canada uses service providers to monitor social media and traditional media in order to adapt its operations and communications as it relates to its mandate, as well as to detect and correct misinformation and disinformation in the social environment.

Employees on social media

Some Statistics Canada employees may be active on social media through their own personal accounts, under their own names or pseudonyms. Despite their professional affiliation with Statistics Canada and the Government of Canada, their posts do not represent the official position of Statistics Canada or that of the Government of Canada, and should be considered the product of each individual as a private citizen.

Media enquiries

Media representatives are asked to refrain from submitting questions or requests through Statistics Canada's social media accounts.

Any media enquiries can be sent directly to our Media Hotline.

General enquiries

For general enquiries on our products and services, contact us.

If you are looking for more information about the organization and its data holdings, please visit the Statistics Canada website.

Description for Figure 1 - Integrated Strategic Planning Process (ISPP)

The chart is a flow chart description of the Integrated Strategic Planning Process (ISPP) which consists of six steps. The first four steps of the ISPP are known as the LTP process which is the first phase of the ISPP, and steps five and six take place during Project Implementation, which is the second phase of the ISPP.

The flow chart begins with the first column that is labeled the LTP process. The first box in the LTP process column in Stage 1: Idea Generation shows that the first step of the ISPP starts in April in each year with a Strategic Direction session to align strategic direction with priorities and emerging issues and that the second step of the ISPP is from May to June, when managers develop a high level business proposal to request funding through the LTP process. Proposals are grouped into three main categories for decision- Corporate Business Architecture (CBA) improvements and initiatives; Continuity and Quality maintenance (CQM) of existing programs; and, New Initiatives / Enhancements. Proposals supported for further consideration by Senior Management Review Board move to the second box in the LTP process column. The second box in the LTP process in Stage 2: Project Assessment shows that the third step of the ISPP is from July to October, when programs develop investment proposals which are presented in Step 4 in November at the Senior Management Review Conference for approval. This marks the end of the LTP process.

Projects approved in November from this point move to the Project Implementation column which is the second phase of the ISPP. The first two boxes in the Project Implementation column in Stage 3: Project Initiation and Stage 4: Project Planning show that the fifth step of the ISPP is from December to March when programs initiate, plan and communicate with the stakeholders about the new LTP projects. The last two boxes in the Project Implementation column in Stage 5: Project Execution and Stage 6: Project Close-out show that the sixth and final step of the ISPP is the on-going monitoring of the LTP projects.

Description for Figure 2 - Stages of the LTP Process

This chart illustrates the two stages of the LTP process that falls within the Integrated Strategic Planning Process (ISPP).The first four steps of the ISPP are known as the LTP process. These four steps have been divided into two stages in the flow chart. The first two steps correspond to the first stage of the LTP process which is the Idea Generation stage and the two other steps correspond to the second stage of the LTP process which is the Project Assessment stage.

The flow chart begins with the Stage 1 Idea Generation where CBA and non-CBA business proposals are prepared by programs for review and approval. The chart illustrates that Corporate Business Architecture (CBA) proposals go through an approval process by both the CBA management committee and Field Planning Boards (FPBs). The flow chart shows that non-CBA projects only go through the FPBs for approval. Both CBA and non-CBA proposals that have been approved flow to the SMRB for gate 1 approval and consideration for funding. Proposals approved for consideration, move to Stage 2 Project Assessment. In this stage, programs must prepare a Project Complexity and Risk Assessment (PCRA), a Business Case, and Business Case Costing (BCC) template for all CBA and non-CBA proposals. The chart illustrates that CBA proposals separate from non-CBA proposals and must go back to the CBA Management Committee for approval. Once this approval is given then CBA proposals merge back with non-CBA proposals and then move to the FPBs to have the Business case and BCC forms approved. Those approved proceed to SMRB Gate 2 for approval and funding. All approved LTP proposals are recorded in the Agency’s Decision Record known as the Blue Book.

 
 

Description for Assessment of ICFR

Key financial controls: Process Overview

The chart is a flow chart description of the process of Assessment of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) presenting the 4 core activities involved and their outputs described just below each activity. Activities and results/outputs are differentiated by colors and forms. The flow chart is set up in 5 key steps aligned with arrows from left to right. A box groups the 4 core activities for the assessment of ICFR. The flow chart begins with the first step on the left, which is Planning & scoping. Outputs from this activity are Strategic Plans for ICFR & ITGC and work plans. From this point, the process moves at right to Documentation of in-scope business processes. Outputs from this activity are Process Narratives or Flow Charts. Going right onto the third step, the process progresses to the activity of Tests of Design of Key Controls and involves, when required, Letters of Recommendations (LoR) regarding Design. Finally, Tests of Effectiveness of Key Controls is the last activity performed within the process of Assessment of ICFR. LoRs are also an output shown for this step. With arrows from top to bottom, the chart demonstrates that ongoing monitoring and risk management are performed at each step throughout the assessment process. Once the process of the Assessment of ICFR is fully completed, there is a resulting step described outside the box, at right. Reporting to the CS, CFO and Field Senior Management includes progress towards implementing PIC, results of the assessment of ICFR, and the state of audit readiness. Finally, an arrow showing an output from reporting, which is the Statement of Management Responsibility including ICFR labelling the signatures of the CS and CFO.

Data accuracy Vital Statistics – Death Database

(Survey number 3233)

Coverage

Since the registration of deaths is a legal requirement in each Canadian province and territory, reporting is virtually complete. Under-coverage is thought to be minimal, but is being monitored. Under-coverage may occur because of late registration, but this is much less common than in birth registration. Death registration is necessary for the legal burial or disposal of a body, as well as for settling estate matters, so there is a strong incentive for relatives or officials to complete a registration in a timely manner. Some deaths are registered by local authorities, but the paperwork is not forwarded to provincial or territorial registrars before a cut-off date. These cases for 2000 represent approximately 200 deaths, 7 years after the year of death (accumulated late records), or less than one-tenth of one percent of the total records.

Other late or missing registrations may occur with unidentified bodies, or for Canadians who die outside of Canada. By long-standing practice, the date of death for unidentified remains is defined as the date of discovery. These deaths of unidentified persons typically represent less than ten cases per year. For out-of-country deaths, only deaths in the United States are regularly reported to Statistics Canada, and of these, Statistics Canada receives abstracted death records from approximately 20 American states. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in the United States reveals that in 2004 there were 572 deaths of Canadian residents in the United States, compared with 259 death records received by Statistics Canada via the state registrars. Health Statistics Division is working with provincial, territorial, and state registrars to increase the inter-jurisdictional exchanges of records for statistical and administrative purposes.

Under-coverage is also present for deaths of serving members of the Canadian military. Deaths of Canadians who died overseas while serving in the Armed Forces are not included in the Statistics Canada databases because they are not registered by the provinces and territories.

Over-coverage is minimal. Deaths of non-residents of Canada are registered but are excluded from most tabulations. Duplicate death registrations are identified as part of the regular processing operations on each provincial and territorial subset, as well as by additional inter-provincial checks. Possible duplicate registrations are verified against microfilmed registrations or optical images, or by consulting with the provinces and territories.

Response rates

Item response

In 2006, the response rates were 100% for most of the demographic and geographic variables on the death database (age, sex, date of birth, province and census division of residence). The birthplace of deceased and marital status have response rates around 95% to 98% nationally. Underlying cause of death response rates was 99.4% in 2006. The reporting of postal codes has improved to 95% in 2006. The birthplace of the decedent’s mother and father remain poorly reported, at only 35% of deaths nationally. Both Quebec and Ontario collect the information on the registration forms, but do not include the variable in the electronic files forwarded to Statistics Canada.

Other Accuracy Issues

Age at death of persons over 100 years old

The demographers Bourbeau and Lebel have compared Canadian mortality and census data with other countries, and determined that the number of centenarians appears quite high in relation to other industrialized countries. In the absence of civil registration in Canada before 1921 and high levels of immigration to Canada, it is difficult to determine if the number of persons aged 100 and older is overestimated. On the death file, age and date of birth outliers are annually reviewed for capture errors. Reconciliation with other data sources is difficult, especially in the case of immigrants. Where birth certificates are unavailable, the overestimated age may have been used consistently on other documents such as health care registration, income tax, and census.

Cause of death certification

When a person dies, the medical certificate of cause of death is completed by the medical doctor in attendance, or the coroner, or medical examiner or other certifier. The certificate elicits the direct antecedent and underlying causes of death, other significant conditions, manner of death (for example, natural, accidental, suicide, homicide), and further information on injuries.

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