Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-15.3 STC/UES-425-60131

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2009 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-888-881-3666

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information from this survey which would identify a person, business, or organization, without their prior consent. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. The Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey data from Statistics Canada.

These survey data will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in an aggregate form only.

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Engineering services

This industry comprises business units primarily engaged in applying principles of engineering in the design, development and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes and systems. The assignments undertaken by these establishments may involve any of the following activities: the provision of advice, the preparation of feasibility studies, the preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, the provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, the inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

Include:

  • acoustical engineering consulting services;
  • boat engineering design services;
  • chemical engineering services;
  • civil engineering services;
  • combustion and heating engineering consultants;
  • construction engineering services;
  • electrical and electronic engineering services;
  • engineering consulting services;
  • engineering design services;
  • engineers, private practice;
  • environmental engineering services;
  • erosion control engineering services;
  • geological engineering services;
  • geophysical engineering services;
  • industrial engineering services;
  • logging engineering services;
  • marine engineering services;
  • mechanical engineering services;
  • mining engineering services;
  • office of engineers;
  • petroleum engineering services;
  • traffic consultants, engineering services.

Exclude:

  • design and construction of buildings, highways and other structures;
  • managing construction projects;
  • gathering, interpreting and mapping geophysical data;
  • providing engineering surveying services;
  • creating and developing designs and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products;
  • planning and designing computer systems that integrate existing hardware, packaged or custom software and communication technologies;
  • providing advice and assistance to others on environmental issues, such as the control of environmental contamination from pollutants, toxic substances and hazardous materials.

If none of the above activities describes your main source of revenue, please call 1-888-881-3666 for further instructions.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Please include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in Section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • research and development;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance (e.g., property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • education and training expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Sales by type of service

Please provide a breakdown of your sales.

Please indicate if you are reporting in either Canadian dollars or percentage of total sales by ticking the appropriate box.

Engineering services

1. Residential building engineering projects

All engineering services related to new and existing homes, row housing, apartments, etc., and mixed-use buildings that are predominantly used for residential housing.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to residential building projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific residential building project;
  • engineering design services for residential building design-build projects that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services that are not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts, in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

2. Commercial, public and institutional building engineering projects

All engineering services related to new and existing commercial, public, and institutional buildings, including mixed-use buildings that are predominantly used for commercial, public, or institutional purposes.

Include:

  • office buildings, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, service stations, warehouses, bus and truck terminals, hospitals, schools, churches, prisons, stadiums and arenas, libraries, and museums;
  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to commercial, public, and institutional building projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific commercial, public, or institutional building project;
  • engineering design services for commercial, public, or institutional building design-build projects that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services that are not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts, in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

Industrial and manufacturing engineering projects

3. Mining and metallurgical plant and process engineering projects

All engineering services related to mining and metallurgical facilities and processes.

Include:

  • integrated facility and process engineering projects;
  • all engineering services related to mining and metallurgical processes, such as mineral extraction, smelting, refining and metal forming.

4. Petroleum and petrochemical plant and process engineering projects

All engineering services related to petroleum and petrochemical facilities and processes, such as oil and gas platforms, refineries, pipelines, and petrochemical plants.

Include:

  • integrated facility and process engineering projects;
  • all engineering services related to processes for the production of petroleum and petrochemicals, such as extraction, refining, formulation and mixing.

5. Pulp and paper plant and process engineering projects

All engineering services related to pulp and paper facilities and processes, such as pulp and paper mills.

Include:

  • integrated facility and process engineering projects;
  • pulp washing, screening, bleaching and drying.

6. Industrial machinery engineering design projects

All engineering services related to the design of industrial machinery.

Include machinery design for industries such as:

  • agriculture;
  • construction;
  • mining;
  • metalworking;
  • commercial and service industries;
  • heating, ventilating and air-conditioning;
  • power transmission machinery.

7. Electronic and electrical equipment engineering design projects

All engineering services related to the design of electronic and electrical equipment.

Include:

  • computers and peripheral equipment;
  • communications equipment;
  • audio and video equipment;
  • semiconductors and other electronic components;
  • lighting;
  • major and minor appliances, and components thereof.

8. Transportation equipment engineering design projects

All engineering services related to the design of transportation equipment.

Include:

  • motor vehicles;
  • aircraft;
  • trains;
  • marine vessels;
  • space vehicles.

9. Other industrial and manufacturing engineering projects

All engineering services related to the design of industrial and manufactured products not elsewhere classified.

10. Transportation engineering projects (e.g., road, rail, air, marine)

All engineering services related to highways, roads, streets, bridges, tunnels, railways, subways, airports, harbours, canals and locks, and other transportation infrastructure.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to transportation projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific transportation project;
  • engineering design services for a transportation design-build project that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

11. Municipal utility engineering projects

All engineering services related to municipal utilities.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to municipal utility projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific municipal utility project;
  • engineering design services for a municipal utility design-build project that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services that are not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts, in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

12. Power generation, transmission and distribution engineering projects

All engineering services related to power generating units, power transmission and distribution lines, and related infrastructure.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to power projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific power project;
  • engineering design services for a power design-build project that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services that are not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts, in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

13. Telecommunications and broadcasting engineering projects

All engineering services related to systems for the transmission or distribution of voice, data, and programming.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to telecommunications and broadcasting projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific telecommunications or broadcasting project;
  • engineering design services for a telecommunications or broadcasting design-build project that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services that are not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts, in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

14. Hazardous and industrial waste engineering projects

All engineering services related to systems for the collection, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and industrial waste and the control of pollution.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to hazardous and industrial waste projects;
  • engineering advisory services that are related to a specific hazardous or industrial waste project;
  • engineering design services for a hazardous or industrial waste design-build project that are provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • engineering advisory services that are not related to a specific project; please report this amount in this section, at question 15;
  • design-build contracts, in which the contracts cover both the engineering design and construction elements; please report this amount in this section, at question 18.

15. Engineering advisory services (e.g., expert witness, forensic investigation, etc.)

The provision of advice, studies, and reports on engineering matters, except when the advice relates to a specific project. Advice, studies, and reports provided in conjunction with a project are classified based on the project type.

Include:

  • policy analysis;
  • regulatory studies;
  • audits;
  • forensic investigations;
  • expert witness services.

16. Other engineering projects or services

Other projects or services provided by engineering firms that are not classified elsewhere.

Secondary activities

17. Project management services

Planning, supervising, and co-ordinating the activities involved in carrying out a project, with regard to time, cost, performance requirements, and other constraints. May also include the arrangement of finances for a project, and procurement of equipment and subcontractors. Project management services refer only to situations in which project management is offered as a stand-alone service.

18. Construction services (including design-build contracts)

Constructing, repairing and renovating buildings and engineering works, as well as subdividing and developing land, through prime contracts or sub contracts.

Include:

  • construction of buildings;
  • heavy and civil engineering construction;
  • specialty trade contractors.

Exclude:

  • manufacturing and installing building equipment such as power boilers and manufacturing pre-fabricated buildings;
  • operating highways, streets and bridges;
  • house moving (transportation only);
  • project management services, when it is a primary activity;
  • maintenance of rights of way for power, communication and pipe lines;
  • cleaning building exteriors after construction.

19. Environmental consulting services

The provision of objective information, advice, and guidance to clients concerning the preservation of air, water, and soil quality; natural resource development; waste management; pollution control; and other environmental issues.

Include:

  • the sale or transfer of technology to a client, which often extends to assisting the client with the organization and monitoring of solution implementation.

Exclude:

  • services that involve stand-alone implementation.

20. Other sales

All other engineering services not defined above.

21. Total sales

The sum of questions 1 to 20 above.

Sales by type of revenue

Please indicate if you are reporting in either Canadian dollars or percentage of total sales by ticking the appropriate box.

1. Fee income

Revenues collected by the company for professional service fees rendered.

Exclude:

  • reimbursable expenses;
  • sub-contract fees awarded to other companies.

2. Sub-contracts

Please report the value of sub-contracts awarded by you to other firms or consultants.

3. Reimbursables

Include:

  • the cost of all contract-related materials used in a project that are billed to the client.

Exclude:

  • sub-contract fees.

5. Total sales

The sum of questions 1 to 4 above.

Environment – related projects

This section collects data on sales of selected environmental engineering services:

a) All engineering services related to facilities that generate electrical power from the following sources of renewable energy: sun, wind, water, earth’s heat or biomass.

b) All engineering services related to systems for the treatment of municipal waste water.

c) All engineering services related to municipal garbage collection and disposal systems, including recycling facilities, composting facilities, transfer stations, resource recovery facilities, and landfill sites.

d) All engineering services related to remediation of contaminated site, including remediation of the air, soil, ground and/or surface water (fresh or salt).

e) All engineering services related to programs for the collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal of industrial air, water and solid wastes, generally to a level such that the remaining waste stream can be safely released to the natural environment or ordinary municipal systems.

Include:

  • sales of related machinery, equipment and products sold as part of a service delivered.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

Please report the percentage of sales to individuals and households who do not represent the business or government sector.

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

This section is intended to measure the value of international transactions on goods, services, and royalties and licences fees. It covers imported services and goods purchased outside Canada as well as the value of exported services and goods to clients/customers outside Canada. Please report also royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees paid to and/or received from outside Canada. Services cover a variety of industrial, professional, trade and business services.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

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 must 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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the 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 linkages

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

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about these data-sharing agreements, please contact Statistics Canada at 1-888-881-3666 or visit our website at
www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm.

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-12.3 STC/UES-425-75108

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2009 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-888-881-3666

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information from this survey which would identify a person, business, or organization, without their prior consent. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. The Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey data from Statistics Canada.

These survey data will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in an aggregate form only.

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Please include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in Section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • research and development;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance (e.g., property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • education and training expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

Please report the percentage of sales to individuals and households who do not represent the business or government sector.

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

J - International transactions

This section is intended to measure the value of international transactions on goods, services, and royalties and licences fees. It covers imported services and goods purchased outside Canada as well as the value of exported services and goods to clients/customers outside Canada. Please report also royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees paid to and/or received from outside Canada. Services cover a variety of industrial, professional, trade and business services.

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

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 must 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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the 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 linkages

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

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about these data-sharing agreements, please contact Statistics Canada at 1-888-881-3666 or visit our website at
www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm.

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-1.3 STC/UES-425-60127

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2009 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-888-881-3666

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information from this survey which would identify a person, business, or organization, without their prior consent. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. The Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey data from Statistics Canada.

These survey data will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in an aggregate form only.

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
J - International transactions
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Amusement and theme parks

This industry group comprises establishments, known as amusement or theme parks, primarily engaged in operating a variety of attractions, such as mechanical rides, water slides, games, shows and theme exhibits. These establishments may lease space to others on a concession basis.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • maintaining coin-operated amusement devices (please see Amusement arcades, in this section, below);
  • operating mechanical rides on a concession basis, or in the operation of travelling carnivals (please see All other amusement and recreational industries in this section, below);
  • operating refreshment stands on a concession basis.

Amusement arcades (include indoor playgrounds)

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating amusement arcades and parlours.

Include:

  • family fun centres;
  • indoor play areas;
  • pinball arcades;
  • video game arcades (except gambling machines).

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • operating coin-operated gaming devices, such as slot machines or video gambling terminals, in places of business operated by others;
  • maintaining and operating coin-operated amusement devices such as pinball machines and mechanical and video games, in places of business operated by others;
  • operating billiard parlours.

Golf courses and country clubs

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating golf courses and country clubs that operate golf courses along with dining facilities and other recreational facilities. These establishments often provide food and beverage services, equipment rental services and golf instruction services.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • renting golf equipment, without provision of other services;
  • operating curling clubs, driving ranges and miniature golf courses;
  • operating resorts in which recreational facilities are combined with hotel accommodation.

Skiing facilities

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating downhill and cross-country skiing areas and equipment such as ski lifts and tows. These establishments often provide food and beverage services, equipment rental services and ski instruction services.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • renting skiing equipment, without provision of other services;
  • operating resorts in which recreational facilities are combined with hotel accommodation.

Marinas

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating docking and storage facilities for pleasure-craft owners, with or without related activities, such as retailing fuel and marine supplies, repair and maintenance, and rental services. Sailing clubs and yacht clubs that operate marinas are included.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • retailing marine supplies;
  • retailing fuel for boats;
  • renting pleasure boats;
  • operating resorts which include a marina facility.

Fitness and recreational sports centres and facilities

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating health clubs and similar facilities featuring exercise and other active physical fitness conditioning, or recreational sports activities, such as swimming, skating or racquet sports.

Include:

  • gymnasiums;
  • physical fitness centres;
  • skating rinks;
  • squash clubs;
  • swimming/wave pools;
  • tennis clubs.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • operating health resorts and spas providing lodging;
  • helping clients lose weight through the control or management of diet.

Bowling centres

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating bowling centres. These establishments often provide food and beverage services.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • operating lawn bowling clubs.

All other amusement and recreational industries (please specify)

This industry comprises establishments, not elsewhere classified, primarily engaged in operating recreation and amusement facilities and services, including providing tourist, hunting and fishing guide services. Establishments primarily engaged in maintaining coin-operated amusement devices, in businesses operated by others, are included.

Include:

  • amusement ride concession operators;
  • dance halls;
  • guide services (e.g., hunting, fishing, tourist);
  • miniature golf courses;
  • outdoor adventure operations, without accommodation;
  • pool halls;
  • sports teams and leagues (recreational or youth);
  • shooting ranges;
  • summer day camp;
  • operation of water slides.

Exclude establishments primarily engaged in:

  • providing sightseeing transportation;
  • providing sports instruction;
  • operating gambling facilities or providing gambling services.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Please include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in Section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • research and development;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance (e.g., property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • education and training expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Amounts should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations.

Exclude:

  • grants and subsidies;
  • donations and fundraising;
  • royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees;
  • investment income.

1. Admission receipts

Admissions are charges to individuals or groups for right of access to amusement and recreational facilities.

Include:

  • single-occasion tickets;
  • multiple-occasion tickets;
  • season passes;
  • memberships;
  • green fees;
  • lift tickets;
  • gate receipts;
  • cover charges;
  • non-refundable initiation fees;
  • any separate admission charges to use tennis courts, swimming pools, skating rinks, weight rooms, squash courts, or other facilities when they are part of this establishment.

Exclude:

  • corporate packages;
  • birthday party or event packages;
  • tournament registration fees;
  • repair, maintenance and rental fees;
  • guide, training or caddy fees.

3. Spa services

Providing facial and body treatments, exfoliations, massages, tanning beds, and other therapies that are commonly known as spa services and have the purpose of relaxation and beauty.

Exclude:

  • medical treatment services;
  • spa services with overnight accommodations.

4. Corporate and party event services

Providing a bundle of entertainment and recreational services for a group of people, based on access to the facilities and services offered by the establishment. The service includes the use of the facility’s attractions or services (such as rides and games), additional entertainment (such as clowns), and/or food and beverage services.

Include:

  • children’s party packages;
  • business event packages.

Exclude:

  • bundles of admissions with other services that are the same as those offered to the general public, but at a discounted rate, and classified as admission receipts; please report these amounts in this section, at question 1.

9. Repair and maintenance of sporting, fitness and recreational vehicles and equipment

Repair and maintenance of items such as skis, skates, bicycles, pleasure craft, diving equipment, rackets, life jackets, tents, etc.

Include:

  • the assessment of the failure or damage and its repair through the replacement of parts or reassembly, etc.

Exclude:

  • charges for parts and materials; please report this amount in this section, at question 14.

11. Advertising revenue

Revenue obtained by providing services that attract attention to a product, business, cause, etc.

Include:

  • the provision of display space on various surfaces such as billboards;
  • agent services involved in buying and selling space or time for advertising messages;
  • the sale of venue naming rights, sponsorship rights, endorsement services and exclusivity rights.

12. Sales of food and non-alcoholic beverages

Include:

  • prepared meals;
  • packaged food;
  • vending machine sales.

14. Sales of merchandise

Revenue from parts and materials charged in repair work as well as revenue from the sales of all items other than food or beverages.

Include:

  • recreational and sports equipment and accessories;
  • oil and gasoline;
  • clothing;
  • arts and crafts;
  • magazines;
  • books.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

Please report the percentage of sales to individuals and households who do not represent the business or government sector.

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

J - International transactions

This section is intended to measure the value of international transactions on goods, services, and royalties and licences fees. It covers imported services and goods purchased outside Canada as well as the value of exported services and goods to clients/customers outside Canada. Please report also royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees paid to and/or received from outside Canada. Services cover a variety of industrial, professional, trade and business services.

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

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 must 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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the 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 linkages

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

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about these data-sharing agreements, please contact Statistics Canada at 1-888-881-3666 or visit our website at
www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm.

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-5.3 STC/UES-425-60130

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2009 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-888-881-3666

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information from this survey which would identify a person, business, or organization, without their prior consent. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. The Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey data from Statistics Canada.

These survey data will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in an aggregate form only.

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
K - Provincial/territorial distribution
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Travel agencies

Establishments primarily engaged in acting as agents for tour operators, transportation companies and accommodation establishments in selling travel, tour and accommodation services to the general public and commercial clients.

Tour operators/wholesalers

Establishments primarily engaged in arranging, assembling and marketing tours, generally through travel agencies.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Please include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in Section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • research and development;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance (e.g., property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • education and training expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Sales by Type of Service

Please provide a breakdown of your sales by type of service in Canadian dollars or percentages.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Packaged tours

Arranging, assembling or marketing tour packages for travel agents, tour wholesalers or individuals.

a) Pre-packaged tours

Arranging, assembling and marketing tour packages for travel agents, tour wholesalers or individuals.

b) Customized group tours

Assembling, organizing, and reserving custom packages for groups of people with a common interest (e.g., sports, culture, adventure, religion, education, conferences and conventions).

c) Pre-packaged tour reselling services

Resale of pre-packaged tours acquired from other tour operators to travel agents, tour operators, and/or individuals.

2. Reservation services

Agents assist travellers by arranging and reserving travel and lodging while acting as a sales or referral agent for transportation, tour or lodging providers. Businesses are paid for their services by commissions, fees, or a combination thereof.

3. Service charges for trip planning

Travellers pay directly for travel assistance such as assembling travel information, advice and travel plans.

Include:

  • ticket issuing fees;
  • other fees paid directly to travel agents by travellers.

4. Other travel arrangement services

Include:

  • visitor information and sightseeing tour services;
  • automobile club memberships, road and travel services;
  • condominium time-share exchange services;
  • condominium time-share services for land developers.

5. Travel insurance products

Businesses are paid for their services by commissions, fees, or a combination thereof. This includes such products as health, baggage and cancellation insurance.

6. All other sales and services

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 5.

Sales by Destination

Please provide a breakdown of your total operating revenue by destination in Canadian dollars or percentages.

This includes a breakdown of revenues received for destinations within Canada, US and all other destinations.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

Please report the percentage of sales to individuals and households who do not represent the business or government sector.

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

K - Provincial/territorial distribution

This section is intended to collect information on the locations operated by your business during the reporting period.

Please report the number of business units or locations operating in Canada during the reporting period. Business unit is defined as the lowest level of the firm for which accounting records are maintained for such details as revenue, expenses and employment.

Please report data for the provinces or territories in which you have business units and indicate if you are reporting in Canadian dollars or percentages.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

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 must 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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the 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 linkages

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

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about these data-sharing agreements, please contact Statistics Canada at 1-888-881-3666 or visit our website at
www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm.

Thank you!

Survey of Innovation and Business Strategy, 2009

CONFIDENTIAL once completed

Si vous préférez ce questionnaire en français veuillez nous appeler au
1-800-461-1662.

Correct as required

Company Name
Establishment Name
First Name
Last Name
Address
City
Province/Territory
Postal Code

Information for respondents

Survey Purpose

Statistics Canada is undertaking this survey to provide useful statistical information on strategic decisions, innovation activities and operational tactics used by Canadian enterprises. The survey also collectsinformation on enterprise involvement in global value chains.

The information compiled by this survey will be used by the Canadian government to better understand the impact of strategy and innovation decisions and the operational adaptations on the Canadian economy, including productivity and competitiveness. This enables the government to develop policies to support industry in their efforts to improveproductivity and competitiveness.

Your response is required by law

The Statistics Act, requires businesses and other organizations that receive this questionnaire to answer the questions and return the reportto Statistics Canada.

Appreciation

Canada owes the success of its statistical system to a long-standing co-operation involving Statistics Canada, the citizens of Canada, its businesses, governments and other institutions. Accurate and timely statistical information could not be produced without their continued co-operation and goodwill.

Planned record linkage

To increase the analytical potential of this survey, Statistics Canada plans to combine the data obtained from this survey with data from other Statistics Canada surveys or from administrative sources. Statistics Canada may combine the information collected through this survey with information collected from publicly available sources, including websites.

Confidentiality

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from publishing any statistics which would divulge information obtained from this survey that relates to any identifiable organisation without the previous consent of that organization or as permitted by the Statistics Act. The data provided by this questionnaire will be treated in strict confidence. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation.

Who should complete this questionnaire?

The entrepreneur, CEO or a senior manager with thorough knowledge of the enterprise and its strategic vision.

Reporting

Please report amounts in Canadian currency for reference year 2009.

Assistance

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us:

Telephone: 1-800-461-1662
Fax: 1-800-787-3161
E-mail: LBTSSturgeon@statcan.gc.ca
Contact Person
Telephone number
First name
Last name
Extension
Position title
Fax number
Web site address
E-mail address

5-5300-542.1: 2009-10-07 STC/SAT-465-75452

Business strategies and monitoring

1. Indicate which of the following long term strategies is the MOST IMPORTANT to your enterprise.

Check only one

  1. Main focus on good or service positioning (e.g. product leadership, market segmentation, product diversification, improving quality)
  2. Main focus on low-price and cost leadership (e.g. mass market)

2. When was your current long term strategy implemented? Year

3. When do you plan to make major changes to your current long term strategy?

Check only one

  1. Never
  2. Within one month
  3. Within six months
  4. Within one year
  5. After more than one year

4. In 2009, which performance indicators did your enterprise use to monitor the performance of its LONG TERM strategic objectives?

Check all that apply

  1. Gross margin/operating margin growth
  2. Sales/income growth
  3. Shareholder dividends growth
  4. Market/customer share growth
  5. Increased customer satisfaction
  6. Increased sale of new products
  7. Improved delivery time
  8. Other, please specify:

5. Which of the following statements best describes the strategic focus of your enterprise with respect to its goods or services?

Check only one

  1. My enterprise focuses on maintaining or expanding the sales of existing goods or services
  2. My enterprise focuses on introducing new or significantly improved goods or services regularly
  3. Do not know

6. Which of the following statements best describes the strategic focus of your enterprise with respect to its marketing practices or methods?

Check only one

  1. My enterprise’s long term focus mainly seeks to maintain or intensify existing marketing practices or methods
  2. My enterprise’s long term focus mainly seeks to introduce new orsignificantly improved marketing practices or methods
  3. Do not know

7. Which of the following statements best describes the strategic focus of your enterprise with respect to its operations and business activities?

Check only one

  1. My enterprise’s long term focus mainly seeks to maintain or optimize its current operations and business activities
  2. My enterprise’s long term focus mainly seeks to introduce new or significantly improved business activities or processes to its operations
  3. Do not know

8. Which of the following statements best describes the strategic focus of your enterprise with respect to its organizational and management practices?

Check only one

  1. My enterprise’s long term focus mainly seeks to maintain or optimize its current organizational and management practices
  2. My enterprise’s long term focus mainly seeks to introduce new or significantly improved management practices or change its organizational structure
  3. Do not know

Enterprise structure

9. Is your enterprise a subsidiary of another enterprise? (Yes, No)

10. Where is your enterprise’s head office located?

Check only one

  1. Canada
  2. United States
  3. Europe
  4. Asia Pacific
  5. All other countries

11. Does your enterprise have a subsidiary in the following locations?

  1. Canada (Yes, No)
  2. United States (Yes, No)
  3. Europe (Yes, No)
  4. Asia Pacific (Yes, No)
  5. All other countries (Yes, No)

12. Does your enterprise have more than one profit centre? (Yes, No) If yes, how many?

13. Please indicate where the following types of decisions are made in your enterprise.

Please check only one option for each type of decision

  Where decisions are made Does not apply
Type of decision Primarily the Canadian head office Primarily Canadian establishments (operations or profit centres) Joint between the Canadian head office and foreign parent Primarily foreign parent
a.   Decisions on which suppliers will be used          
b.   Decisions on the location of production or service facilities          
c.    Decisions on the location of research and development facilities          
d.   Decisions on the focus of research and development activities          
e.   Decisions on the adoption and implementation of major advanced technologies          
f.      Decisions on the source and type of financing arrangements          
g.   Decisions related to distribution and logistics          
h.    Decisions related to support services (i.e. human resources, payroll, accounting and bookkeeping, legal, marketing, etc.)          

14. In 2009, indicate which of the following business activities were undertaken by your enterprise in each of the following locations?

Check all that apply for each business

  Performed in Canada Performed outside of Canada
Business activities Within your enterprise Outsourced (contracted out) Within your enterprise Outsourced (contracted out) Does not apply
a. Production of goods          
b. Provision of services          
c. Distribution and logistics          
d. Call centers and help centers          
e. Marketing, sales and after sales service          
f. Software development          
g. Data processing          
h. Information and communication technology (ICT) services          
i. Legal services          
j. Accounting and book-keeping          
k. Human resource management          
l. Financial management          
m. Engineering and related technical services          
n. Research and development (R&D)          
o.Other types of activities, please specify:          

15. Please indicate which of the following changes occurred to your enterprise’s business activities in Canada in the last three years, 2007 to 2009.

Check all that apply for each

Business activities Obtained capacity by merger or acquisition Opened new facility or expanded capacity Closed an existing facility or
contracted capacity
No change Does not apply
Production of goods          
Provision of services          
Distribution and logistics          
Call centers and help centers          
Marketing, sales and after sales service          
Software development          
Data processing          
Information and communication technology (ICT) services          
Legal services          
Accounting and book-keeping          
Human resource management          
Financial management          
Engineering and related technical services          
Research and development (R&D)          
Other types of activities, please specify:          

16. Did your enterprise have any business activities outside of Canada in the last three years, 2007 to 2009? (Yes, No)

If no, please go to question 27

17. Did your enterprise carry out business activities in support of its operations outside of Canada in the last three years, 2007 to 2009? (include business activities for enterprises that are part of your larger company) (Yes, No)

If no, Please go to question 19

18. Please indicate which of the following business activities were carried out by your enterprise in support of its operations outside of Canada in 2007 and in 2009. (Yes, No, Does not apply)

Business activities  

  1. Production of goods
  2. Provision of services
  3. Distribution and logistics
  4. Call centers and help centers
  5. Marketing, sales and after sales services
  6. Software development
  7. Data processing 
  8. Information and communication technology (ICT) services
  9. Legal services
  10. Accounting and book-keeping
  11. Human resource management
  12. Financial management  
  13. Engineering and related technical services   
  14. Research and development (R&D) 
  15. Other types of business activities, please specify:                   

19. Please indicate which of the following changes occurred to your enterprise’s business activities outside of Canada in the last three years, 2007 to 2009

Check all that apply for each

  Changes outside Canada
Business activities Obtained capacity by merger or acquisition Opened new facility or expanded capacity Closed an existing facility or contracted capacity No change Does not apply
Production of goods          
Provision of services          
Distribution and logistics          
Call centers and help centers          
Marketing, sales and after sales service          
Software development          
Data processing          
Information and communication technology (ICT) services          
Legal services          
Accounting and book-keeping          
Human resource management          
Financial management          
Engineering and related technical services          
Research and development (R&D)          
Other types of activities, please specify:          

20. Please write the names of the three most important countries in which your enterprise made changes to its operational activities.

Relocation of business activities from Canada to another country

21. Did your enterprise relocate any business activities from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009? (Yes, No)

If  no Please go to question 23

22. Indicate which of the following business activities your enterprise relocated from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009. (Yes, No, Does not apply)

Check only one option for each business activity

Business activities

  1. Production of goods
  2. Provision of services
  3. Distribution and logistics
  4. Call centers and help centers
  5. Marketing, sales and after sales services
  6. Software development
  7. Data processing
  8. Information and communication technology (ICT) services
  9. Legal services
  10. Accounting and book-keeping
  11. Human resource management
  12. Financial management
  13. Engineering and related technical services
  14. Research and development (R&D)
  15. Other types of business activities, please specify:

23. Did your enterprise outsource (contract out) any business activities from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009? (Yes, No)

If no, please go to question 26

24. Indicate which of the following business activities your enterprise outsourced (contracted out) from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009. (Yes, No, Does not apply)

Check only one option for each business activity

Business activities

  1. Production of goods 
  2. Provision of services 
  3. Distribution and logistics  
  4. Call centers and help centers
  5. Marketing, sales and after sales services
  6. Software development
  7. Data processing 
  8. Information and communication technology (ICT) services
  9. Legal services
  10. Accounting and book-keeping
  11. Human resource management
  12. Financial management    
  13. Engineering and related technical services 
  14. Research and development (R&D)
  15. Other types of business activities, please specify:

25. Please write the names of the three most important foreign countries where business activities of your enterprise were most recently relocated or outsourced (contracted out).

26. If you answered “yes” to relocation in question 21 or to outsourcing in question 23, indicate the importance of the reasons why your enterprise decided to relocate or outsource (contract out) business activities from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009. Otherwise, go to question 29 Check only one option for each reason  (Low, medium, high and does not apply)

Reasons

  1. Reduction of labour costs
  2. Reduction of costs other than labour costs
  3. Access to new markets
  4. Following the behaviour or example of competitors or clients
  5. Improved quality or introduction of new goods or services
  6. Focus on core business
  7. Access to specialized knowledge or technologies 
  8. Tax or other financial incentives
  9. Improved logistics (including concerns with respect to US border)
  10. Lack of available labour
  11. Improved delivery time
  12. Other reasons, please specify:

27. Did your enterprise face any significant obstacles that slowed down or caused problems when relocating or outsourcing business activities from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009? (Yes, No)

If no, please go to question 29

28. Please rate the importance of the following obstacles when relocating or outsourcing business activities from Canada to another country in the last three years, 2007 to 2009. (Low, medium, high and does not apply)

Check only one for each obstacle

Obstacles

  1. Canadian legal or administrative obstacles
  2. Foreign legal or administrative obstacles
  3. Taxation obstacles
  4. Trade tariffs
  5. Uncertainty of international standards
  6. Concerns of employees (including trade unions)
  7. Concern of violation of patents and/or intellectual property rights
  8. Conflict with social values of your business (e.g. corporate social responsibility issues)
  9. Distance to producers
  10. Distance to customers
  11. Linguistic or cultural obstacles
  12. Difficulties in identifying potential or suitable providers
  13. Lack of management expertise
  14. Lack of financing
  15. Other obstacle, please specify:

Relocation of business activities into Canada

29. Did your enterprise relocate any business activities from another country into Canada in the last three years, 2007 to 2009? (Yes, No)

If no, please go to question 32

30. Indicate whether your enterprise relocated the following business activities from another country into Canada in the last three years, 2007 to 2009. (Yes, No and Does not apply)

Check only one option for each business activity

Business activities

  1. Production of goods
  2. Provision of services
  3. Distribution and logistics
  4. Call centers and help centers
  5. Marketing, sales and after sales services
  6. Software development
  7. Data processing
  8. Information and communication technology (ICT) services
  9. Legal services
  10. Accounting and book-keeping
  11. Human resource management
  12. Financial management
  13. Engineering and related technical services
  14. Research and development (R&D)
  15. Other types of business activities, please specify:

31. Please write the names of the three most important countries from where your enterprise most recently relocated business activities into Canada.

Sales activities

32. In 2009, did your enterprise manufacture any goods? (Yes, No)

If no please go to question 35

33. In 2009, did your enterprise sell any of its manufactured goods to another enterprise operating in Canada that in turn exported them “as is”? (Yes, No, Do not know)

34. In 2009, did your enterprise sell any of its manufactured goods to another enterprise operating in Canada that used them as an intermediate input in final goods that were then exported? (Yes, No, Do not know)

35. In 2009, did your enterprise buy and subsequently sell any goods outside of Canada without them entering Canada? (Yes or No)

If yes, what percentage of your enterprise’s total sales revenues did this represent?

36. Did your enterprise export or attempt to export goods or provide services to an enterprise outside of Canada during the three years 2007 to 2009? (exclude enterprises that are part of your larger company) (Yes or No)

If no  Please go to question 38

37. Please rate the importance of the following obstacles to your enterprise exporting or attempting to export goods or providing services to an enterprise outside of Canada during the three years 2007 to 2009. (exclude enterprises that are part of your larger company) Check only one for each obstacle (Low, Medium and High, and not an obstacle)

Obstacles

  1. Canadian legal or administrative obstacles
  2. Canadian export taxes or trade obstacles
  3. Uncertainty of international standards
  4. Access to financing
  5. Concern of violation of patents and/or intellectual property rights
  6. Foreign tariffs or trade barriers
  7. Border security issues
  8. Distance to customers
  9. Linguistic or cultural obstacles
  10. Customer requirements to use specific technologies/systems
  11. Meeting cost requirements of customers
  12. Meeting quality requirements of customers
  13. Other obstacles, please specify:

Changes to business practices

38. In 2009, please indicate whether your enterprise carried out substantial or significant changes to respond to specific customer requirements.

Types of changes

  1. Implemented specific cost reductions
  2. Improved good or service quality
  3. Decreased lead-times
  4. Increased after-sales functions
  5. Accepted greater risk sharing (i.e. accepted consignment-based payments)
  6. Incurred greater up-front or non-recurring costs (e.g. investments in new technology, design
  7. Entered into a new geographic region or expanded existing operations
  8. Undertook a new business activity or expand existing business activities
  9. Extended business hours to accommodate employees, customers or suppliers in other
  10. Other changes, please specify

Relationship with main suppliers

39. For 2009, indicate the best description of your enterprise’s relationship with its main suppliers in Canada. (exclude suppliers that are part of your larger company)

Relationship with main suppliers in Canada

Check only one

  1. We have no suppliers in Canada
  2. It is easy to switch suppliers because purchase is based primarily on price
  3. Suppliers provide goods and services according to our specifications but it is relatively easy to switch suppliers
  4. We know our suppliers and they know us. There are challenges in changing suppliers due to the learning curve required to provide goods or services
  5. We have few or one main supplier who makes our requirements a priority in many aspects of their businesses. It is difficult to switch suppliers

40. For 2009, indicate the best description of your enterprise’s relationship with its main suppliers in the United States. (exclude suppliers that are part of your larger company)

 Relationship with main suppliers in the United States

Check only one

  1. We have no suppliers in the United States
  2. It is easy to switch suppliers because purchase is based primarily on price
  3. Suppliers provide goods and services according to our specifications but it is relatively easy to switch suppliers
  4. We know our suppliers and they know us. There are challenges in changing suppliers due to the learning curve required to provide goods or services
  5. We have few or one main supplier who makes our requirements a priority in many aspects of their businesses. It is difficult to switch suppliers

41. For 2009, indicate the best description of your enterprise’s relationship with its main suppliers in Europe. (exclude suppliers that are part of your larger company)

Relationship with main suppliers in Europe

Check only one

a. We have no suppliers in Europe
b. It is easy to switch suppliers because purchase is based primarily on price
c. Suppliers provide goods and services according to our specifications but it is relatively easy to switch suppliers
d. We know our suppliers and they know us. There are challenges in changing suppliers due to the learning curve required to provide goods or services
e. We have few or one main supplier who makes our requirements a priority in many aspects of their businesses. It is difficult to switch suppliers

42. For 2009, indicate the best description of your enterprise’s relationship with its main suppliers in Asia Pacific countries. (exclude suppliers that are part of your larger company)

 Relationship with main suppliers in Asia Pacific countries

Check only one

  1. We have no suppliers in Asia Pacific countries
  2. It is easy to switch suppliers because purchase is based primarily on price
  3. Suppliers provide goods and services according to our specifications but it is relatively easy to switch suppliers
  4. We know our suppliers and they know us. There are challenges in changing suppliers due to the learning curve required to provide goods or services
  5. We have few or one main supplier who makes our requirements a priority in many aspects of their businesses. It is difficult to switch suppliers

43. For 2009, indicate the best description of your relationship with its main suppliers in countries other than Canada, United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific countries. (exclude suppliers that are part of your larger company)

Check only one

  1. We have no suppliers in all other countries
  2. It is easy to switch suppliers because purchase is based primarily on price
  3. Suppliers provide goods and services according to our specifications but it is relatively easy to switch suppliers
  4. We know our suppliers and they know us. There are challenges in changing suppliers due to the learning curve required to provide goods or services
  5. We have few or one main supplier who makes our requirements a priority in many aspects of their businesses. It is difficult to switch suppliers

Advanced technology use

Technology is broadly defined to include the technical means and know-how required for the production of goods or services. It takes the form of equipment, materials, processes, blue prints and knowledge.

Advanced technologies are new technologies (equipment or software) that perform a new function or improve some function significantly better than commonly used technologies in the industry or by your competitors.

44. In 2009, did your enterprise use any of the following types of advanced technologies (equipment or software)? (Yes or No)

  1. Advanced computerized design and engineering (Yes or No)
  2. Advanced computerized processing, fabrication, and assembly technologies (Yes or No)
  3. Advanced computerized inspection technologies (Yes or No)
  4. Advanced communication technologies (Yes or No)
  5. Advanced automated material handling technologies (Yes or No)
  6. Advanced information integration and control technologies (Yes or No)
  7. Advanced biotechnologies/bioproducts (Yes or No)
  8. Advanced nanotechnologies (Yes or No)
  9. Advanced green technologies (Yes or No)
  10. Other types of advanced technologies, (Yes or No) please specify:

45. How did your enterprise acquire or integrate the advanced technologies (equipment or software) listed in previous question?

Check all that apply

  1. By purchasing off-the-shelf advanced technology (equipment or software)
  2. By leasing off-the-shelf advanced technology (equipment or software)
  3. By licensing advanced technology
  4. By customizing or significantly modifying existing advanced technology
  5. By developing new advanced technologies either alone or in conjunction with others
  6. Through merger or acquisition of another enterprise with advanced technologies

Process innovation

A process innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly improved production process, distribution method, or support activity for your goods or services.

  • Process innovations must be new to your enterprise, but they do not need to be new to your market.
  • The innovation could have been originally developed by your enterprise or by other enterprises.
  • Exclude purely organizational innovations.

46. During the three years 2007 to 2009, did your enterprise introduce:

  1. New or significantly improved methods of manufacturing or producing goods or services? (Yes, No)
  2. New or significantly improved logistics, delivery or distribution methods for your inputs, goods or services? (Yes, No)
  3. New or significantly improved supporting activities for your processes, such as maintenance systems or operations for purchasing, accounting, or computing? (Yes, No)

If “no” to all options  please go to question 52

Otherwise Continue with question 47

47. Who developed these process innovations?

Check only one

  1. Mainly your enterprise
  2. Mainly your enterprise together with other enterprises or institutions
  3. Mainly other enterprises or institutions

48. In 2009, approximately how many new or significantly improved processes were introduced? Number of process innovations

49. In 2009, what was your enterprise’s total expenditure on your process innovations? ($)

50. Did your enterprise’s process innovations, introduced in 2007 to 2009, reduce the average cost (per unit or per operation) of existing goods or services? (Yes, No)

If yes, please estimate the percentage of cost savings (as a percentage of average cost) from process innovations introduced in 2009. (%)

51. Did the introduction of your enterprise’s process innovations during the three years 2007 to 2009 require:

  1. Changes to marketing activities? (Yes or No)
  2. Changes to operational activities? (Yes or No)
  3. Changes to organizational activities? (Yes or No)

Production performance management practices

52. Does your enterprise have a systematic process or procedure to resolve problems associated with production of goods or delivery of services? (Yes or No)

53. How many key production performance indicators are monitored in your enterprise? Number of key production performance indicators

 If none, go to question 60

Otherwise, continue with question 54

54. How frequently are these key production performance indicators shown to managers of operations in your enterprise?

Check all that apply

  1. Quarterly
  2. Monthly
  3. Weekly
  4. Daily
  5. Hourly or more frequently
  6. Never
  7. Other frequency, please specify
  8. Do not know

55. How frequently are these key production performance indicators shown to workers in your enterprise?

Check all that apply

  1. Quarterly
  2. Monthly
  3. Weekly
  4. Daily
  5. Hourly or more frequently
  6. Never
  7. Other frequency, please specify
  8. Do not know

56. How often are these key production performance indicators reviewed by top or middle managers in your enterprise?

Check only one

  1. They are continually reviewed
  2. They are periodically reviewed
  3. They are rarely reviewed
  4. Do not know

57. In your enterprise, who decides the pace of work to achieve production performance targets?

Check only one

  1. Only managers
  2. Mostly managers but some employee participation
  3. Mostly employees and some managers
  4. Only employees

58. What is the time frame of your enterprise’s production performance targets for its highest selling good or service?

Check only one

  1. Short-term only (less than one year)
  2. Long-term only
  3. A mix of short and longer term
  4. No performance targets

59. How does your enterprise reward production performance target achievement?

Check only one

  1. There are no rewards
  2. Only management is rewarded
  3. All staff are rewarded

Human resource management practices

60. Which of the following best describes the main way employees are promoted in your enterprise?

 How employees are promoted

 Check only one

  1. Promotions are based solely on effort and ability
  2. Promotions are based partly on effort and ability and partly on other factors such as tenure (how long they have worked at the firm)
  3. Promotions are based mainly on factors other than on effort and ability, such as tenure
  4. Other ways, please specify:

61. Which of the following best describes your enterprise’s main policy when dealing with employees who do not meet expectations?

Check only one

  1. They are rarely or never moved from their positions
  2. They are given a certain number of warnings before further action is taken
  3. They are warned, and re-trained, but are rarely removed from their position
  4. They are immediately removed from their position

62. In your enterprise, are employees involved in the decision-making process on task allocation? (Yes or No)

63. Please estimate the percentage of employees in your enterprise that have a university degree.

64. In 2009, which of the following human resource practices were used in your enterprise?

Human resource practices

Check all that apply

  1. At least one of the following selection methods to select candidates: personality/attitude tests, intelligence or aptitude tests, work samples
  2. Formal training programs to teach new hires the skills they need to perform their job
  3. The enterprise provides formal training or development programs to employees in order to increase their promotability
  4. Formal performance agreements based on objective, quantifiable results are prepared for managerial, supervisory and executive employees at least annually
  5. Formal appraisals are conducted of the majority of non-managerial staff at least annually
  6. Formal appraisals are conducted of the majority of managerial staff at least annually
  7. At least one of the following incentive programs is available to non-managerial and non-supervisory employees: employee stock ownership, profit-sharing, gain-sharing, merit bonus
  8. At least one of the following incentive programs is available to managerial, supervisory, or executive employees: employee stock ownership, profit-sharing, gain-sharing, merit bonus
  9. At least one of the following incentive programs is available to all employees: employee stock ownership, profit-sharing, gain-sharing, merit bonus

Organizational innovation

An organizational innovation is a new organizational method in your enterprise’s business practices (including knowledge management), workplace organization or external relations that has not been previously used by your enterprise.

  • It must be the result of strategic decisions taken by management.
  • Exclude mergers or acquisitions, even if for the first time.

65. During the three years 2007 to 2009, did your enterprise introduce:

  1. New business practices for organizing procedures (i.e. supply chain management, business reengineering, knowledge management, lean production, quality management, etc.)? (Yes or No)
  2. New methods of organizing work responsibilities and decision making (i.e. first use of a new system of employee responsibilities, team work, decentralisation, integration or de-integration of departments, education/training systems, etc.)? (Yes or No)
  3. New methods of organizing external relations with other firms or public institutions (i.e. first use of alliances, partnerships, outsourcing or sub-contracting, etc.)? (Yes or No)

If “no” to all options, please go to question 69

Otherwise, continue with question 66

66. In 2009, approximately how many of the above-mentioned organizational innovations were introduced? Number of organizational innovations

67. Please estimate the percentage of workers affected by your enterprise’s organizational innovations introduced in 2009.

68. In 2009, did the introduction of your organizational innovations require:

  1. Changes to marketing activities? (Yes, No)
  2. Changes to operational activities? (Yes, No)

Highest selling good or service and main market

69. In 2009, how many distinct product lines were offered by your enterprise? Number of distinct product lines

70. In 2009, how many distinct goods or services were offered by your enterprise? Number of distinct goods or services

71. Please describe your enterprise’s highest selling (in terms of total sales revenues) good or service (name and use).

72. Is your highest selling good or service described in the previous question a product line? (Yes or No)

73. In 2009, estimate how much your enterprise’s highest selling good or service represented as a proportion of your total sales revenues.

74. In 2009, estimate the percentage of the total sales from your enterprise’s highest selling good or service that came from the following geographic market regions.

  1. Local market (same municipality or region) (%)
  2. Rest of province or territory (%)
  3. Rest of Canada (%)
  4. United States (%)
  5. Europe (%)
  6. Asia Pacific (%)
  7. Rest of the world (%)

 Total sales of highest selling good or service (%)

Your enterprise’s main market for its highest selling good or service is the geographical region from which your enterprise derived the highest percentage of total sales revenue (the line in the table in question 74 with the highest percentage).

75. In 2009, estimate your enterprise’s market share for its highest selling good or service in its main market. (%)

76. In 2009, estimate the number of goods or services that directly competed with your enterprise’s highest selling good or service in its main market. Number of competing goods or services

77. In 2009, how many competitors did your enterprise face in its main market for your highest selling good or service?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4-5
  • 6–10
  • 11–20
  • More than 20

78. In 2009, were there any multinational enterprises among your competitors for your highest selling good or service in its main market? (Yes or No)

79. In 2009, which of the following statements best describes the performance of your enterprise’s highest selling good or service in its main market?

Check only one

  1. Gained market share over rival products
  2. Lost market share over rival products
  3. Unchanged market share
  4. Do not know

80. In 2009, did any new competitors enter your enterprise’s main market for its highest selling good or service? (Yes, No) If no, please go to question 82

81. In response to this increase in the number of competitors who entered the main market of your highest selling good or service, did your enterprise:

  1. Change the quality of your good or service? (Yes, No)
  2. Adopt a new technology or process? (Yes, No)
  3. Change marketing expenditures? (Yes, No)
  4. Introduce a new good or service? (Yes, No)
  5. Speed up the introduction of a new good or service? (Yes, No)
  6. Change the price of your good or service? (Yes, No)
  7. Take other action? (Yes, No) Please specify:
  8. Take no action? (Yes, No)

Good or service innovations

A product innovation is the market introduction of a new or significantly improved good or service with respect to its capabilities, user friendliness, components or sub-systems.

  • Product innovations (new or improved) must be new to your enterprise, but they do not need to be new to your market.
  • Product innovations could have been originally developed by your enterprise or by other enterprises.

82. During the three years 2007 to 2009, did your enterprise introduce:

  1. New or significantly improved goods? (exclude the simple resale of new goods purchased from other enterprises and changes of a solely aesthetic nature) (Yes No)
  2. New or significantly improved services? (Yes No)

 If “No” to both options Please go to question 94 Otherwise Continue with question 83

83. Who developed these good or service innovations?

Check the most appropriate response

  1. Mainly your enterprise
  2. Mainly your enterprise together with other enterprises or institutions
  3. Mainly other enterprises or institutions

84. During the three years 2007 to 2009, were any of your enterprise’s good or service innovations:

  1. New to a market? Your enterprise introduced a new or significantly improved good or service onto one of your markets before your competitors (it may have already been available in other markets) (Yes, No)
  2. Only new to your enterprise? Your enterprise introduced a new or significantly improved good or service that was already available from your competitors in your market. (Yes, No)

85. Using the definitions above, please give the percentage of your enterprise’s total revenue in 2009 from:

  1. New or significantly improved goods and services introduced during 2007 to 2009 that were new to your market (%)
  2. New or significantly improved goods and services introduced during 2007 to 2009 that were only new to your enterprise (%)
  3. Goods and services that were unchanged or only marginally modified during 2007 to 2009 (include the resale of new goods and services purchased from other enterprises) (%)

Total revenue in 2009 (%)

86. Did the introduction of your enterprise’s good or service innovations require:

  1. Changes to marketing activities? (Yes or No)
  2. Changes to operational activities? (Yes or No)
  3. Changes to organizational activities? (Yes or No)
  4. The introduction of new production processes? (Yes or No)

87. In 2009, how many new or significantly improved goods or services did your enterprise introduce onto the market?

  1. Number of new or significantly improved goods
  2. Number of new or significantly improved services

88. In 2009, what was your enterprise’s total expenditure on your good or service innovations? ($)

89. Please describe your enterprise’s most innovative good or service introduced during the three years 2007 to 2009.

90. When did your enterprise introduce its most innovative good or service during the three years 2007 to 2009?

Check only one

  •  2007
  •  2008
  •  2009

91. Is your enterprise’s most innovative good or service the same as its highest selling good or service? (Yes or No)

92. Is your enterprise’s most innovative good or service in the same product line as its highest selling good or service? (Yes or No)

93. How unique is your enterprise’s most innovative good or service?

Check only one

  1. It has unique innovative features and there are no or few substitutes for this innovative good or service and/or its innovative features
  2. It has some unique innovative features but there are substitutes for this innovative good or service and/or its innovative features
  3. Similar innovative features and/or innovative goods or services are widely available on the market

Marketing innovation

A marketing innovation is the implementation of a new marketing concept or strategy that differs significantly from your enterprise’s existing marketing methods and which has not been used before.

  • It requires significant changes in product design or packaging, product placement, product promotion or pricing.
  • Exclude seasonal, regular and other routine changes in marketing methods.

94. During the three years 2007 to 2009, did your enterprise introduce:

  1. Significant changes to the aesthetic design or packaging of a good or service (exclude changes that alter the product’s functional or user characteristics – these are product innovations)? (Yes or No)
  2. New media or techniques for good or service promotion (i.e. the first time use of a new advertising media, a new brand image, introduction of loyalty cards, etc.)? (Yes or No)
  3. New methods for good or service placement or sales channels (i.e. first time use of franchising or distribution licenses, direct selling, exclusive retailing, new concepts for good or service presentation, etc.)? (Yes or No)
  4. New methods of pricing goods or services (i.e. first time use of variable pricing by demand, discount systems, etc.)? (Yes or No)

If “no” to all four options, please go to question 97

Otherwise continue with question 95

95. Did the introduction of your enterprise’s marketing innovations in 2009 involve:

  1. Existing goods or services? (Yes or No)
  2. New or significantly improved goods or services introduced during the years 2007 to 2009? (Yes or No)

96. For 2009, please estimate the percentage of marketing expenditures that were assigned to marketing innovations. (%)

97. For 2009, please estimate your enterprise’s total marketing expenditures. ($)

98. Did your enterprise use any of the following types of government programs during the three years, 2007 to 2009?

Check all that apply for each business activity

  Level of Government
Type of Government Program Federal Government Provincial/Territorial government Municipal government Did not use government program
a. Government training programs        
b. Government grants        
c. Government tax credits        
d. Government procurements        
e. Government hiring program for recent graduates        
f. Access to government research facilities        
g. Government export incentives and services        
h. Government information and technical assistance programs        
i. Government market information services        
j. Other type of government program, please specify:        

99. Which type of government program did your enterprise find most critical for your innovative activities? (Provide the corresponding letter from question 98 above)

Measures/activities implemented to mitigate obstacles to innovation

This question explores the problems and obstacles to innovation that your enterprise has confronted, the extent to which your enterprise has implemented specific measures or specific activities to mitigate these problems and obstacles, and whether government support programs were used to support the measures and activities undertaken by your enterprise.

100.

  1. In 2009, did your enterprise face any market size obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all market size obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome market size obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
  2. In 2009, did your enterprise face any internal financing obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all internal financing obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome internal financing obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
  3. In 2009, did your enterprise face any external financing obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all external financing obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were government support programs used to overcome external financing obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
  4. In 2009, did your enterprise face any obstacles to innovation due to a lack of skills within your enterprise? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all obstacles due to a lack of skills within your enterprise? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome obstacles due to a lack of skills within your enterprise? (Yes or No)
  5. In 2009 did your enterprise face any obstacles to innovation related to finding and reaching agreements with external collaborators?
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all obstacles to innovation related to finding and reaching agreements with external collaborators? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome obstacles to innovation related to finding and reaching agreements with external collaborators? (Yes or No)
  6. In 2009, was uncertainty and risk an obstacle to innovation in your enterprise?
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all uncertainty and risk obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome uncertainty and risk obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
  7. In 2009, were regulatory issues an obstacle to innovation in your enterprise?
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all regulatory issue obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome regulatory issue obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
  8. In 2009, was intellectual property protection an obstacle to innovation in your enterprise? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all intellectual property protection obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome intellectual property protection obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
  9. In 2009, was government competition policy an obstacle to innovation in your enterprise? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were measures taken to overcome the obstacles? (Yes or No)
    • If yes, were the measures successful in mitigating all government competition policy obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)
    • Were any government support programs used to overcome government competition policy obstacles to innovation? (Yes or No)

General questions

101. How long did you spend collecting the data and completing the questionnaire? hour(s) minutes

102. How many people were consulted for the completion of the questionnaire?

Comments

We invite your comments below. Please be assured that we review all comments with the intent of improving the survey.

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Please retain a copy for your records.

Visit our website at www.statcan.gc.ca

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-170.3 STC/UES-425-75382

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2009 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-888-881-3666

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information from this survey which would identify a person, business, or organization, without their prior consent. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. The Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey data from Statistics Canada.

These survey data will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in an aggregate form only.

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

North American Industry Classification System Description of the Real Estate Brokers

The categories to select from on the questionnaire use a coding system called the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS system was developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement. It is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies.

In order to help you choose the category that best describes the activity of your business, here is a short description of each category.

Real estate broker or real estate brokerage firm

Business units or individuals that are licenced or registered as real estate brokers where the primary activity (main source of revenue) is renting, buying and selling real estate for others on a fee or commission basis. Brokers may also assist vendors by advertising and listing properties, conducting open houses for prospective buyers, assist prospective buyers by selecting, visiting and making purchase offers. Secondary broker activities can include the rental or leasing of client owned properties, referrals, franchise operations, real estate advisory/consulting services and property appraisals.

Exclude brokers acting in the capacity of independent real estate sales persons.

Independent real estate sales persons

Business units or individuals that are licenced to participate in the activities of buying and selling real estate, who are obligated by contract to represent real estate brokers and are not considered to be regular employees. Independents can be identified by various names such as real estate agents, sales representatives, sales associates and associate brokers. This category also includes brokers that are acting in the capacity of independent real estate sales persons. If you are an independent real estate sales person please indicate this by completing the section “describe the nature of your business”.

Other activities

If you have selected “independent real estate salespersons” or “other activities”, please complete question 1 so that we may properly classify your business unit(s) according to the primary source of revenue. Once this is done, we request that you complete page 5 and return the questionnaire.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Please include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in Section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • research and development;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance (e.g., property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • education and training expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Please exclude any federal, provincial or territorial sales tax collected for remittance to a government agency.

Brokerage services

1. Commissions earned from real estate and lots

Include commissions and fees earned for the sale or re-sale of homes, buildings, businesses, lands and properties (include in trust amounts).

a) Sales of residential real estate and lots

Assisting buyers and sellers of residential real estate, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission. Includes residential real estate auction services.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 3).

b) Rental of residential and real estate lots

Assisting owners of residential real estate to rent it, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 3);
  • handling rentals for an owner as part of an ongoing property management service (provide in question 4).

c) Sales of commercial real estate and lots

Assisting buyers and sellers of non-residential real estate, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission. Includes non-residential real estate auction services.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 3).

d) Rental of commercial real estate lots

Assisting owners of non-residential real estate to rent it, acting in an agency capacity, for a fee or commission.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, but not acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 3);
  • handling rentals for an owner as part of an ongoing property management service (provide in question 4).

2. Revenue received from independent real estate associates

Include commissions, fees and other revenues that are paid by independent real estate sales persons to this surveyed business. Some examples of these are desk fees, deal fees, charges for office space/use, publicity and advertising.

3. Revenue from rental or leasing of property directly owned by the business unit

Include the revenue received from the rental or leasing of property owned by this business unit only if it is earned as part of the normal real estate broker operations of the business unit.

Exclude income generated from the rental or leasing of properties that are owned or partially owned by the business as investment properties or other types of operations that are not related to the real estate broker operations.

4. Real estate consulting services

Providing advice and guidance to clients regarding real estate. Includes advice on real estate-related accountancy, financing and similar matters that are provided to the client independently of the actual provision of accountancy, financial and similar services.

Include:

  • expert witness services related to real estate;
  • commercial and industrial location finding services.

Exclude:

  • advising clients on property matters, while acting in an agency capacity (provide in question 2).

5. Real estate appraisal services

Providing assessments of the value of real estate, in order to assist clients in buying, selling, or financing the purchase of real estate, or in dealing with tax matters. Includes general real estate appraisals, reviews of others’ appraisals and appraisals for taxation purposes.

Exclude:

  • providing advice about real estate and property matters, not associated with providing an appraisal (provide in question 3).

6. Real estate listing services

Providing a register of real estate offered for sale in an area, in a printed directory, electronic database or other format.

7. Other sales

Include the sales of all other goods, services and revenues not previously identified such as appraisal services, referrals, auction services, real estate listing services, real estate consulting/advisory services, bad debt recoveries.

8. Total sales

Sum of questions 1 to 7.

Commissions information

9. Proportion of commissions and fees earned from real estate sales (as reported in question 1)

Selected expenditure information

10. Commissions and fees paid to independent real estate salespersons

Include all commissions and fees paid to independent real estate sales persons if they are by some means contracted to you.

Exclude commissions paid to your employees. These should be reported in salaries and wages, in Section E, question 1.

11. Commissions and fees paid to other real estate brokers

Include all commissions and fees paid to other real estate brokers for their actions in assisting in real estate transactions.

12. Total commissions

Sum of questions 10 and 11.

Personnel information

13. Number of paid employees

Include those employees who work full-time (those employees who work a standard workweek as defined by the business unit) or part-time (those employees who work fewer hours than a regular workweek or only work for a limited duration, such as seasonal, short term or employees hired for special projects).

14. Number of independent real estate salespersons

Include persons that are licensed to sell or trade in real estate and are contracted to work for your enterprise; these independents may themselves be licensed or registered as brokers but if they are contracted to work as an independent salesperson, they are treated as such.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

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 must 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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the 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 linkages

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

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about these data-sharing agreements, please contact Statistics Canada at 1-888-881-3666 or visit our website at
www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm.

Thank you!

Unified Enterprise Survey - Annual

5-3600-17.3 STC/UES-425-60133

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2009 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Help Line: 1-888-881-3666

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information from this survey which would identify a person, business, or organization, without their prior consent. The confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act are not affected by either the Access to Information Act or any other legislation. The Canada Revenue Agency cannot access identifiable survey data from Statistics Canada.

These survey data will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in an aggregate form only.

Table of contents

B - Main business activity
C - Reporting period information
D - Revenue
E - Expenses
F - Industry characteristics
G - Personnel
H - Sales by type of client
I - Sales by client location
J - International transactions
General information
Survey purpose
Data-sharing agreements
Record linkages

B - Main business activity

1. Please describe the nature of your business.

To ensure that you have received the appropriate questionnaire, you are asked to describe the nature of your business. The description should briefly state the main activities of your business unit.

2. Please check the one main activity which most accurately represents your main source of revenue.

Below is a description of each main activity.

Architectural services

Architectural services are concerned with the design of buildings, except the engineering design. The services included in this group are the provision of design and construction documents; plans, studies and other advisory services related to the design of buildings; and construction contract administration services.

Include:

  • architects (except landscape), offices of;
  • architectural design services (except landscape);
  • buildings and structures, architectural design;
  • architectural services for design-build projects provided on a subcontract basis.

Exclude:

  • both the design and construction of buildings, highways or other structures;
  • managing construction projects;
  • planning and designing landscapes.

Landscape architectural services

Landscape architectural services are concerned with the design of built landscapes. Landscape architectural services include the provision of designs and construction documents; plans, studies and other advisory services related to specific projects; and construction contract administration services.

Include:

  • offices of landscape architects;
  • city planning services (except engineers);
  • garden planning services;
  • golf course design services;
  • industrial development planning service (i.e., urban planning);
  • land use planning services;
  • landscape architectural services;
  • landscape planning services;
  • ski area planning services;
  • offices of town planners;
  • urban planning services.

Exclude:

  • operating retail nursery and garden centres that also provide landscape consulting and design services;
  • designing, installing and maintaining the materials specified in the design as part of an integrated service.

If none of the above activities describes your main source of revenue, please call 1-888-881-3666 for further instructions.

C - Reporting period information

Please report information for your fiscal year (normal business year) ending between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

A detailed breakdown may be requested in other sections.

1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., rental and leasing income, commissions, fees, admissions, services revenue) Report net of returns and allowances.

Sales of goods and services are defined as amounts derived from the sale of goods and services (cash or credit), falling within a business’s ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of trade discount, value added tax and other taxes based on sales.

Include:

  • sales from Canadian locations (domestic and export sales);
  • transfers to other business units or a head office of your firm.

Exclude:

  • transfers into inventory and consignment sales;
  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes;
  • intercompany sales in consolidated financial statements.

2. Grants, subsidies, donations and fundraising

Please report contributions received during the reporting period.

Include:

  • non-repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government;
  • revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

3. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

A royalty is defined as a payment received by the holder of a copyright, trademark or patent.

Please include revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

4. Investment income (dividends and interest)

Investment income is defined as the portion of a company’s income derived from its investments, including dividends and interest on stocks and bonds.

Include interest from:

  • foreign sources;
  • bonds and debentures;
  • mortgage loans;
  • G.I.C. interest;
  • loan interest;
  • securities interest and deposits with bank interest.

Exclude:

  • equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates; these amounts should be reported in Section E, at question 25.

5. Other revenue (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 4 above.

6. Total revenue

The sum of questions 1 to 5.

E - Expenses

1. Salaries and wages of employees who have been issued a T4 statement

Please report all salaries and wages (including taxable allowances and employment commissions as defined on the T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid) before deductions for this reporting period.

Include:

  • vacation pay;
  • bonuses (including profit sharing);
  • employee commissions;
  • taxable allowances (e.g., room and board, vehicle allowances, gifts such as airline tickets for holidays);
  • severance pay.

Exclude:

  • all payments and expenses associated with casual labour and outside contract workers; please report these amounts in this section, at question 5.

2. Employer portion of employee benefits

Include contributions to:

  • health plans;
  • insurance plans;
  • employment insurance;
  • pension plans;
  • workers’ compensation;
  • contributions to any other employee benefits such as child care and supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plans;
  • contributions to provincial and territorial health and education payroll taxes.

3. Commissions paid to non-employees

Please report commission payments to outside workers without a T4 – Statement of Remuneration Paid.

Include:

  • commission payments to independent real estate agents and brokers.

4. Professional and business services fees

Include:

  • legal;
  • accounting and auditing;
  • consulting;
  • education and training;
  • research and development;
  • architect;
  • appraisal;
  • management and administration.

5. Subcontract expenses (include contract labour, contract work and custom work)

Subcontract expense refers to the purchasing of services from outside of the company rather than providing them in-house.

Include:

  • hired casual labour and outside contract workers.

6. Charges for services provided by your head office

Include:

  • parent company reimbursement expenses and interdivisional expenses.

7. Cost of goods sold, if applicable (purchases plus opening inventory minus closing inventory)

Report cost of purchased goods that were resold during the reporting period. If applicable, report cost of goods and material used in manufacturing of sold products.

Include:

  • goods purchased for resale: purchases during the period (including freight-in) plus opening inventory less closing inventory;
  • materials used in manufacturing of products sold: report only the material component of cost of finished manufactured goods that were sold during the reporting period.

Exclude:

  • direct and indirect labour costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and commissions);
  • overhead and all other costs normally charged to cost of goods sold, such as depreciation, energy costs, utilities, sub-contracts, royalties, transportation, warehousing, insurance, rental and leasing; these expenses should be reported elsewhere in the detailed categories provided.

8. Office supplies

Include:

  • office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines;
  • diskettes and computer upgrade expenses;
  • data processing.

Exclude:

  • postage and courier;
  • telephone, Internet and other telecommunications expenses (please report this amount in this section, at question 14).

9. Rental and leasing (include rental of premises, equipment, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses;
  • motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses;
  • rental and leasing of computer and peripheral expenses;
  • studio lighting and scaffolding, and other machinery and equipment expenses;
  • fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

10. Repair and maintenance (e.g., property, equipment, vehicles)

Include expenses for the repair and maintenance of:

  • buildings and structures;
  • vehicles (including vehicle fuel);
  • machinery and equipment;
  • security equipment;
  • costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses.

Also include janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

11. Insurance (include professional liability, motor vehicles, etc.)

Include:

  • professional and other liability insurance;
  • motor vehicle and property insurance;
  • executive life insurance;
  • bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

12. Advertising, marketing and promotions (report charitable donations at question 22)

Include:

  • newspaper advertising and media expenses;
  • catalogues, presentations and displays;
  • meeting and convention expenses;
  • tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion;
  • fundraising expenses.

13. Travel, meals and entertainment

Include:

  • passenger transportation, accommodation and meals while travelling;
  • other travel allowances as well as meal, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

14. Utilities and telecommunications expenses (include gas, heating, hydro, water, telephone and Internet expenses)

Include:

  • diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane;
  • sewage.

Exclude:

  • energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts;
  • vehicle fuel.

15. Property and business taxes, licences and permits

Include:

  • property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes;
  • vehicle licence fees;
  • beverage taxes and business taxes;
  • trade licence fees;
  • membership fees and professional licence fees.

16. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

Include:

  • amounts paid to holders of patents, copyrights, performing rights and trademarks;
  • gross overriding royalty expenses and direct royalty costs;
  • resident and non-resident royalty expenses;
  • franchise fees.

17. Delivery, warehousing, postage and courier

Include:

  • amounts paid for courier, custom fees, delivery and installation;
  • distribution, ferry charges and cartage;
  • freight and duty, shipping, warehousing and storage.

18. Financial service fees

Include:

  • explicit service charges for financial services;
  • credit and debit card commissions and charges;
  • collection expenses and transfer fees;
  • registrar and transfer agent fees;
  • security and exchange commission fees;
  • other financial service fees.

Exclude:

  • interest expenses.

19. Interest expenses

Please report the cost of servicing your company’s debt.

Include interest on:

  • short-term and long-term debt;
  • capital leases;
  • bonds and debentures and mortgages.

20. Amortization and depreciation of tangible and intangible assets

Include:

  • direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements;
  • amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, deferred charges, organizational costs, and research and development costs).

21. Bad debts

A bad debt is the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible, typically from accounts receivable or loans.

Include:

  • allowance for bad debts.

Bad debt recoveries are to be netted from bad debt expenses.

22. All other expenses (please specify)

Include:

  • amounts not included in questions 1 to 21;
  • charitable and political expenses;
  • research and development expenses;
  • education and training expenses;
  • recruiting expenses.

23. Total expenses

The sum of questions 1 to 22.

24. Corporate taxes, if applicable

Include:

  • federal, provincial and territorial current income taxes and federal, provincial and territorial provision for deferred income taxes.

25. Gains (losses) and other items

Include:

  • realized gains/losses on disposal of assets and realized gains/losses on sale of investments;
  • foreign exchange gains/losses, subsidiary/affiliate share of income/losses and other division
    income/losses;
  • joint venture income/losses and partnership income/losses;
  • unrealized gains/losses, extraordinary items, legal settlements, and other unusual items;
  • write-offs.

26. Net profit/loss after tax and other items

Total revenue less Total expenses minus Corporate taxes plus Gains (losses) and other items.

F - Industry characteristics

Sales by type of service

Please provide a breakdown of your sales in either Canadian dollars or percentage of total sales by ticking the appropriate box.

1. Architectural services

a) Single-family residential projects

Architectural services provided for single-family residential building projects.

Include:

  • the design of single-family homes in subdivision developments;
  • townhouses with a floor-to-ceiling wall between each unit.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

b) Multi-family residential projects

Architectural services provided for multi-family residential building projects.

Include:

  • the design of apartment blocks.

Exclude:

  • the design of nursing homes and similar residential health care building projects;
  • the design of hotels, resorts and similar temporary overnight accommodation building projects;
  • historical restoration projects.

c) Office building projects

Architectural services for all types of office buildings, including those for public and institutional clients.

Include:

  • office parks.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

d) Retail and restaurant projects

Architectural services for stores, restaurants and similar buildings.

Include:

  • shopping centres;
  • retail stores;
  • restaurants;
  • gas stations.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

e) Hotel and convention centre projects

Architectural services for buildings providing temporary overnight accommodations.

Include:

  • hotels;
  • motels;
  • resorts;
  • convention centres.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

f) Health care projects (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes and similar projects)

Architectural services for buildings which provide health care.

Include:

  • active care hospitals and clinics;
  • nursing homes;
  • respite care centres.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

g) Entertainment, recreational, and cultural building projects

Architectural services for entertainment, recreational and cultural building projects.

Include:

  • cinemas and theatres;
  • museums;
  • zoos;
  • aquariums;
  • health clubs;
  • swimming pools;
  • stadiums and arenas;
  • community centres;
  • monuments.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

h) Educational building projects (e.g., schools, colleges, universities)

Architectural services for educational buildings.

Include:

  • elementary, secondary and postsecondary projects;
  • school and college instructional buildings;
  • college dormitories and other buildings on college campuses;
  • daycare centres.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

i) Industrial building projects

Architectural services for industrial buildings.

Include:

  • mine buildings;
  • manufacturing plants and similar processing and assembly buildings.

Exclude:

  • warehouses;
  • historical restoration projects.

j) Transportation and distribution facility projects

Architectural services for transportation and distribution facility projects, e.g., buildings involved in the movement of goods and people, and the storage of goods.

Include:

  • bus stations;
  • train stations;
  • airport terminals;
  • warehouses;
  • distribution centres;
  • truck terminals.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

k) Other non-residential building projects (e.g., churches, prisons)

Other specialized non-residential public building projects.

Include:

  • churches;
  • prisons;
  • religious building projects;
  • military building projects.

Exclude:

  • historical restoration projects.

l) Historical restoration projects

Architectural services that incorporate legal requirements to preserve or restore the historic character of a building.

m) Architectural advisory services

The provision of advice, studies and reports on architectural matters, except when the advice relates to a specific project. Advice, studies and reports provided in conjunction with a project are classified based on the project type.

2. Landscape architectural services

Landscape architectural services are concerned with the design of built landscape.

Include:

  • landscape architectural services for a design-build project provided on a sub-contract basis;
  • the provision of designs and construction documents;
  • plans, studies and other advisory services related to specific projects;
  • construction contract administration services.

Exclude:

  • non-landscape architectural products related to building projects, provided on a stand-alone basis (e.g., construction management services, engineering design services, and drafting services);
  • design-build contracts, in which you assume the construction risk as well as the design risk.

3. Urban planning services

Urban planning services develop plans for the use of land to achieve a community’s objectives for a built and natural environment that is aesthetically pleasing, efficient and functional. Urban plans express public policies related to land use and development, as outlined by municipalities or other levels of governments. They provide a framework within which the plans for actual projects can be developed.

Exclude:

  • the design of site master plans for actual construction projects.

4. Project site master planning services

Services that provide plans for a construction site with the proposed location of buildings, roads, parking lots and other features.

Exclude:

  • urban planning services.

5. Interior design services

Business activities related to the planning, designing and administering of projects in interior spaces to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of people, taking into consideration building codes, health and safety regulations, traffic patterns and floor planning, mechanical and electrical needs, and interior fittings and furniture.

Exclude:

  • retail or wholesale locations that also provide interior design or decorating as a service.

6. Engineering services

The application of physical laws and principles in the design, development, and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes, and systems.

Include:

  • the provision of designs, plans, and studies related to engineering projects;
  • engineering design services for a design-build project that are provided on a sub-contract basis.

7. Other

All other architectural and landscape architectural services not defined above.

8. Total sales

The sum of questions 1 to 7 above.

Sales by type of revenue

Please indicate if you are reporting in either Canadian dollars or percentage of total sales by ticking the appropriate box.

1. Fee income

Revenues collected by the company for professional service fees rendered.

Exclude:

  • reimbursable expenses;
  • sub-contract fees awarded to other companies.

2. Sub-contracts

Please report value of the sub-contracts awarded by you to other firms/consultants.

3. Reimbursables

Include:

  • the cost of all contract-related materials used in a project that are billed to the client.

Exclude:

  • sub-contract fees.

5. Total sales

The sum of questions 1 to 4 above.

G - Personnel

To fully measure the contribution of all human capital in this industry, we require information on the number of partners and proprietors as well as the number and classification of workers.

1. Number of partners and proprietors, non-salaried (if salaried, report at question 2 below)

For unincorporated businesses, please report the number of partners and proprietors for whom earnings will be the net income of the partnership or proprietorship.

2. Paid employees

a) Average number of paid employees during the reporting period

To calculate the average number employed, add the number of employees in the last pay period of each month of the reporting period and divide this sum by the number of months (usually 12).

Exclude:

  • partners and proprietors, non-salaried reported at question 1 above.

b) Percentage of paid employees (from question 2a) who worked full time

Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week. Please specify the percentage of paid employees who have been working full time by rounding the percentage to the nearest whole number.

3. Number of contract workers for whom you did not issue a T4, such as freelancers and casual workers (estimates are acceptable)

Contract workers are not employees, but workers contracted to perform a specific task or project in your organization for a specific duration, such as self-employed persons, freelancers and casual workers. These workers are not issued a T4 information slip. Please report the number of contract workers employed by your organization during the fiscal year.

H - Sales by type of client

This section is designed to measure which sector of the economy purchases your services.

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your sales by type of client.

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

1. Clients in Canada

a) Businesses

Percentage of sales sold to the business sector should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to Crown corporations.

b) Individuals and households

Please report the percentage of sales to individuals and households who do not represent the business or government sector.

c) Governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools)

Percentage of sales to federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments should be reported here.

Include:

  • sales to hospitals, schools, universities and public utilities.

2. Clients outside Canada

Please report the share of total sales to customers or clients located outside Canada including foreign businesses, foreign individuals, foreign institutions and/or governments.

Include:

  • sales to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

I - Sales by client location

Please provide a percentage breakdown of your total sales by client location (first point of sale).

Please ensure that the sum of percentages reported in this section equals 100%.

The percentage in question 14 must equal question 2 in section H.

J - International transactions

This section is intended to measure the value of international transactions on goods, services, and royalties and licences fees. It covers imported services and goods purchased outside Canada as well as the value of exported services and goods to clients/customers outside Canada. Please report also royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees paid to and/or received from outside Canada. Services cover a variety of industrial, professional, trade and business services.

General information

Survey purpose

Statistics Canada conducts this survey to obtain detailed and accurate data on this industry, which is recognised as being an important contributor to the Canadian economy. Your responses are critically important to produce reliable statistics used by businesses, non-profit organizations and all levels of government to make informed decisions in many areas.

The information from this survey can be used by your business to benchmark your performance against an industry standard, to plan marketing strategies or to prepare business plans for investors. Governments use the data to develop national and regional economic policies and to develop programs to promote domestic and international competitiveness. The data are also used by trade associations, business analysts and investors to study the economic performance and characteristics of your industry.

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 must 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 and returning it with the completed questionnaire. Please specify the organizations with which you do not want to share your data.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the statistical agencies of Prince Edward Island, the 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 linkages

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

Please note that Statistics Canada does not share any individual survey information with the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about these data-sharing agreements, please contact Statistics Canada at 1-888-881-3666 or visit our website at
www.statcan.gc.ca/survey-enquete/index-eng.htm.

Thank you!

Hypertension Component

2009 Questionnaire

Survey Introduction (XINT)
General health (XGEN)
Confirmation of high blood pressure diagnosis (XCNH)
Blood pressure measurement (XBMH)
Medication use (XMEH)
Health care utilization (XHUH)
Clinical recommendations (XCLH)
Self-management (XSMH)
Self-monitoring of blood pressure (XMOH)
Information and training (XINH)
Administration (XADM)

Survey Introduction (XINT)

XINT_BEG

Standard block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
DOXINT: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XINT_R01

This survey is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada. The purpose of this survey is to collect information on Canadians with chronic health conditions. Data from the survey will help inform public health programs and health professionals, with the aim of improving health outcomes for Canadians with chronic conditions. You may remember recently completing the Canadian Community Health Survey - this is a follow-up to that survey.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XINT_R02

Your answers will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. While participation is voluntary, your assistance is essential if the results are to be accurate.
(Registration #: STC/HLT-082-75437)

INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XINT_END

General health (XGEN)

XGEN_BEG

Content block
External variable required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
SEX: sex of respondent (1=male, 2=female) from sample file
DOXGEN: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XGEN_C01

If DOXGEN = 1, go to XGEN_R01.
Otherwise, go to XGEN_END.

XGEN_R01

I would like to start with some general background questions.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XGEN_Q01

In general, would you say your health is:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …excellent?
2 …very good?
3 …good?
4 …fair?
5 …poor?
DK, RF

XGEN_Q02

Compared to one year ago, how would you say your health is now?
Is it:

INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …much better now than 1 year ago?
2 …somewhat better now (than 1 year ago)?
3 …about the same as 1 year ago?
4 …somewhat worse now (than 1 year ago)?
5 …much worse now (than 1 year ago)?
DK, RF

XGEN_Q03

How satisfied are you with your life in general?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 Very satisfied
2 Satisfied
3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
4 Dissatisfied
5 Very dissatisfied
DK, RF

XGEN_Q04

In general, would you say your mental health is:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …excellent?
2 …very good?
3 …good?
4 …fair?
5 …poor?
DK, RF

XGEN_Q05

Thinking about the amount of stress in your life, would you say that most days are:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 not at all stressful?
2 not very stressful?
3 a bit stressful?
4 quite a bit stressful?
5 extremely stressful?
DK, RF

XGEN_END

Confirmation of high blood pressure diagnosis (XCNH)

XCNH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
DOXCNH: do block flag, from the sample file
SEX: sex of respondent (1=male, 2=female) from sample file
CURRAGE: current age of respondent from SRC block
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XCNH_C01

If DOXCNH = 1, go to XCNH_R01.
Otherwise, go to XCNH_END.

XCNH_R01

Now I would like to ask some questions about high blood pressure.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XCNH_Q01

To begin, do you have high blood pressure that has been diagnosed by a health professional?
1 Yes (Go to XCNH_C03)
2 No
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XCNH_Q02

Have you ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure?
1 Yes (Go to XCNH_C03)
2 No(Go to XCNH_R06)
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XCNH_C03

If SEX = 2, go to XCNH_Q03.
Otherwise, go to XCNH_Q05.

XCNH_Q03

Were you pregnant when you were first diagnosed with high blood pressure?
1 Yes(Go to XCNH_Q04)
2 No (Go to XCNH_Q05)
DK, RF (Go to XCNH_Q04)

XCNH_Q04

Other than during pregnancy, has a health professional ever told you that you have high blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XCNH_R06)
DK, RF (Go to XCNH_R06)

XCNH_Q05

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Maximum is ^CURRAGE. If necessary, ask (Do you know the approximate age in years?).
Enter the age when a doctor or other health professional first made the diagnosis of high blood pressure. Encourage the respondent to give their best estimate - try not to accept 'Don't Know' as a response as this is important information. Probe if necessary.
(MIN: 0) (MAX: 130)
DK, RF
Go to XCNH_D03

XCNH_E05A

An unusual value has been entered. Please confirm.

Note:

Trigger soft edit if XCNH_Q05 < 10.

XCNH_E05B

The age at which the respondent was first diagnosed with hypertension is invalid. Please return and correct.

Note:

Trigger hard edit if XCNH_Q05 > CURRAGE.

XCNH_R06

You have said that you do not have high blood pressure (or have pregnancy-induced high blood pressure only). Since this survey applies only to people with high blood pressure, (excluding pregnancy-induced high blood pressure,) you are not eligible to participate in today's survey. Thank you for your time.

XCNH_D03

If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXBMH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXGEH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXMEH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXHUH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXCLH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXSMH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXMOH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXINH = 2.
If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), DOXADM = 2.

Note:

This derived variable is to set the "DOMODULE" condition to "2" for all proceeding modules If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF). Otherwise the "DOMODULE" condition for each module stays as is.

XCNH_D07

If XCNH_Q02 = 2 or (Sex = 2 and XCNH_Q04 = 2, DK, RF), auto code final to 40 (outside of sample).

XCNH_END

Blood pressure measurement (XBMH)

XBMH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from the sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from the sample file
DOXBMH: do block flag, from the sample file
XCNH_Q01 from XCNH block
XCNH_Q02 from XCNH block
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XBMH_C01

If DOXBMH = 1, go to XBMH_R01.
Otherwise, go to XBMH_END.

XBMH_R01

Now some questions about having your blood pressure measured by a health professional.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XBMH_Q01

When was the last time you had your blood pressure measured by a health professional?
Was it:

INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …less than 1 month ago?
2 …1 month to less than 3 months ago?
3 …3 months to less than 6 months ago?
4 …6 months to less than 1 year ago?
5 …1 year to less than 2 years ago?
6 …2 or more years ago?
7 Never had blood pressure measured by a health professional
DK
RF (Go to XBMH_END)

XBMH_E02

Inconsistent answers have been entered. The respondent has never had blood pressure measured by a health professional but previously reported that he/she had been diagnosed with high blood pressure by a health professional. Please confirm.

Note:

Trigger soft edit if (XCNH_Q01 = 1 or XCNH_Q02 = 1) and XBMH_Q01 = 7.

XBMH_C02

If XBMH_Q01 = 7, go to XBMH_R10.
Otherwise, go to XBMH_Q02.

XBMH_Q02

The last time your blood pressure was measured by a health professional, were you told that your blood pressure was:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …well-controlled (normal, fine, ok)?
2 …borderline?
3 …high?
4 …low?
5 Health professional did not say
DK, RF

XBMH_Q03

A blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers, for example, "120 over 80". The last time your blood pressure was measured by a health professional, were you told your blood pressure in numbers?
1Yes
2No (Go to XBMH_Q06)
DK, RF (Go to XBMH_Q06)

XBMH_Q04

What was your systolic pressure, that is, the top or higher number, the last time your blood pressure was measured by a health professional?
1 Respondent provided exact value (Go to XBMH_N04A)
2 Respondent provided a range(Go to XBMH_N04B)
DK, RF
Go to XBMH_Q05

XBMH_N04A

INTERVIEWER: Enter the systolic value provided by respondent.
Systolic measure
(MIN: 1) (MAX: 300)
DK, RF

XBMH_N04B

INTERVIEWER: Enter the range of systolic values provided by respondent. Do not enter more than one range. If respondent gives a range that exceeds a single category (for example, "between 120 and 140") probe for the range that best describes the blood pressure value.
01 Less than 100
02 Between 100 and 109
03 Between 110 and 119
04 Between 120 and 129
05 Between 130 and 139
06 Between 140 and 149
07 Between 150 and 159
08 Between 160 and 169
09 Between 170 and 179
10 180 or over
DK, RF

XBMH_Q05

What was your diastolic pressure, that is, the bottom or lower number, the last time your blood pressure was measured by a health professional?
1 Respondent provided exact value (Go to XBMH_N05A)
2 Respondent provided a range (Go to XBMH_N05B)
DK, RF
Go to XBMH_Q06

XBMH_N05A

INTERVIEWER: Enter the diastolic value provided by respondent.
Diastolic measure
(MIN: 1) (MAX: 150)
DK, RF

XBMH_N05B

INTERVIEWER: Enter the range of diastolic values provided by respondent. Do notenter more than one range. If respondent gives a range that exceedsa single category (for example, "between 60 and 80") probe for therange that best describes the blood pressure value.
1 Less than 50
2 Between 50 and 59
3 Between 60 and 69
4 Between 70 and 79
5 Between 80 and 89
6 Between 90 and 99
7 Between 100 and 109
8 Between 110 and 119
9 120 or over
DK, RF

XBMH_Q06

Has a health professional ever discussed a target rate for your blood pressure, thatis, the blood pressure level that is best for you?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XBMH_Q09)
DK, RF (Go to XBMH_Q09)

XBMH_Q07

What is your target systolic pressure (that is the top or higher number)?
1 Respondent provided exact value(Go to XBMH_N07A)
2 Respondent provided a range (Go to XBMH_N07B)
DK, RF
Go to XBMH_Q08

XBMH_N07A

INTERVIEWER: Enter the systolic value provided by respondent.
Systolic measure
(MIN: 1) (MAX: 300)
DK, RF
Go to XBMH_Q08

XBMH_N07B

INTERVIEWER: Enter the range of systolic values provided by respondent. Do notenter more than one range. If respondent gives a range that exceedsa single category (for example, "between 120 and 140") probe for therange that best describes the blood pressure value.
01 Less than 100
02 Between 100 and 109
03 Between 110 and 119
04 Between 120 and 129
05 Between 130 and 139
06 Between 140 and 149
07 Between 150 and 159
08 Between 160 and 169
09 Between 170 and 179
10 180 or over
11 Less than 130
12 Less than 140
DK, RF

XBMH_Q08

What is your target diastolic pressure (that is, the bottom or lower number)?
1 Respondent provided exact value (Go to XBMH_N08A)
2 Respondent provided a range(Go to XBMH_N08B)
DK, RF (Go to XBMH_Q09)

XBMH_N08A

INTERVIEWER: Enter the diastolic value provided by respondent.
Diastolic measure
(MIN: 1) (MAX: 150)
DK, RF
Go to XBMH_Q09

XBMH_N08B

INTERVIEWER: Enter the range of diastolic values provided by respondent. Do notenter more than one range. If respondent gives a range that exceedsa single category (for example, "between 60 and 80") probe for therange that best describes the blood pressure value.
01 Less than 50
02 Between 50 and 59
03 Between 60 and 69
04 Between 70 and 79
05 Between 80 and 89
06 Between 90 and 99
07 Between 100 and 109
08 Between 110 and 119
09 120 or over
10 Less than 80
11 Less than 90
DK, RF

XBMH_Q09

Do you feel that you have a plan to control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF
Go to XBMH_END

XBMH_R10

You have said that you have not had your blood pressure measured by a doctor orhealth professional. Since this survey applies only to people with high bloodpressure that has been diagnosed by a doctor or other health professional, you arenot eligible to participate in today's survey. Thank you for your time.

XBMH_D10

If XBMH_Q01 = 7, DOXMEH = 2.
If XBMH_Q01 = 7, DOXHUH = 2.
If XBMH_Q01 = 7, DOXCLH = 2.
If XBMH_Q01 = 7, DOXSMH = 2.
If XBMH_Q01 = 7, DOXMOH = 2.
If XBMH_Q01 =7, DOXINH = 2.
If XBMH_Q01 =7, DOXADM = 2.

Note:

This derived variable is to set the "DOMODULE" condition to "2" for all proceedingmodules if XBMH_Q01 = 7. Otherwise the "DOMODULE" condition for each modulestays as is.

XBMH_D11

If XBMH_Q01 = 7, autocode final to 40 (outside of sample).

XBMH_END

Medication use (XMEH)

XMEH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from sample file
DOXMEH: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display: Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XMEH_C01

If DOXMEH = 1, go to XMEH_R01.
Otherwise, go to XMEH_END.

XMEH_R01

The next few questions are about medications that have been prescribed by adoctor or other health professional.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XBMH_Q01

Currently, are you taking any prescription medications, including medications takenfor high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Include over-the-counter medications such as low-dose aspirin if themedication was prescribed by a doctor or health professional.
1 Yes
2 No(Go to XMEH_Q05)
DK, RF (Go to XMEH_END)

XMEH_Q02

Currently, how many different types of prescription medications are you taking?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent. Include medications taken for hypertension.
1 One
2 Two
3 Three or four
4 Five to nine
5 Ten or more
DK, RF

XMEH_Q03

In total, how many times throughout the day do you take prescription medications?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 Less than once a day (e.g. weekly, monthly)
2 Once a day
3 Twice a day
4 Three times a day
5 Four or more times a day
DK, RF

XMEH_C04A

If XMEH_Q02 = 1, go to XMEH_Q04A.
Otherwise, go to XMEH_Q04B.

XMEH_Q04A

Do you take this medication for your high blood pressure?
1 Yes (Go to XMEH_D06)
2 No (Go to XMEH_Q05)
DK, RF (Go to XMEH_END)

XMEH_Q04B

Currently, how many of these medications are you taking for your high blood pressure?
(MIN: 0) (MAX: 10)
DK, RF

XMEH_E04B

An unusual value has been entered. Please confirm.

Note:

Trigger soft edit if XMEH_Q04B > 5.

XMEH_E04C

Respondent reported more hypertension medications than total medications. Pleasereturn and correct.

Note:

Trigger hard edit if or (XMEH_Q02 = 2 and XMEH_Q04B > 2) or (XMEH_Q02 = 3 and XMEH_Q04B > 4) or (XMEH_Q02 = 4 and XMEH_Q04B > 9)

XMEH_C05

If XMEH_Q04B = 0, go to XMEH_Q05.
Otherwise, go to XMEH_D06.

XMEH_Q05

What are the reasons that you are not currently taking any prescription medicationsfor your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
1 No medication prescribed from a doctor or health professional
2 Do not want to take medication at this time
3 Side-effects caused by medication
4 Medication not working
5 Ran out of medication
6 Too costly / financial constraints
7 Blood pressure controlled without medication
8 Other
DK, RF
Go to XMEH_END

XMEH_D06

If XMEH_Q04A = 1 or XMEH_Q04B = 1, DT_MEDICATION = "medication".
Otherwise,DT_MEDICATION = "medications".
If XMEH_ Q04A= 1 or XMEH_Q04B = 1, DT_IT = "it".
Otherwise,DT_IT = "them".

XMEH_Q06

In total, how many times throughout the day do you take your blood pressuremedications?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 Less than once a day (e.g. weekly, monthly)
2 Once a day
3 Twice a day
4 Three times a day
5 Four or more times a day
DK, RF

XMEH_Q07

Thinking about how often you take your blood pressure medication, on average,would you say you:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 … take ^DT_IT as often as prescribed?
2 … take ^DT_IT more often than prescribed?
3 … take ^DT_IT less often than prescribed?
4 … occasionally miss a dose?
5 … do not take the ^DT_MEDICATION at all.
DK, RF

XMEH_C08

If XMEH_Q07 = 5, go to XMEH_Q09.
Otherwise, go to XMEH_Q08.

XMEH_Q08

Thinking about the dosage of your blood pressure ^DT_MEDICATION, on average, would you say you take:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 … the same dosage as prescribed?
2 … a higher dosage than prescribed?
3 … a lower dosage than prescribed?
4 … do not take the ^DT_MEDICATION at all.
DK, RF

XMEH_C09A

If XMEH_Q07 and XMEH_Q08 = 1, go to XMEH_END.
Otherwise, go to XMEH_C09B.

XMEH_C09B

If XMEH_Q07 and XMEH_Q08 = DK or RF, go to XMEH_END.
Otherwise, go to XMEH_Q09.

XMEH_Q09

What are the reasons that you are not taking your blood pressure ^DT_MEDICATIONexactly as prescribed?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Forget to take medication
02 Side-effects caused by medication
03 Medication not working
04 Ran out of medication
05 Too expensive
06 Blood pressure controlled without medication
07 Feels ok without medication / doesn’t need medication
08 Not confident in the prescribed treatment
09 Do not know how to take medication properly
10 Other
DK, RF

XMEH_END

Health care utilization (XHUH)

XHUH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from sample file
DOXHUH: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display: Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XHUH_C01

If DOXHUH = 1, go to XHUH_Q01.
Otherwise, go to XHUH_END.

XHUH_Q01

Which of the following health professionals or practitioners do you consider mostresponsible for treating your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 Family doctor or general practitioner
2 Other medical doctor or specialist
3 Nurse or nurse practitioner
4 Pharmacist
5 Other health professional
6 No health professional responsible for treating high blood pressure
DK
RF (Go to XHUH_END)

XHUH_R02

Now I’d like to ask a few questions about your contacts with various healthprofessionals about your high blood pressure during the past 12 months.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XMEH_Q02

In the past 12 months, have you seen or talked to any of the following healthprofessionals about your high blood pressure:
… a family doctor or general practitioner?
INTERVIEWER: Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUH_Q03

In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:
… any other medical doctor or specialist about your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUH_Q04

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
… a nurse or nurse practitioner about your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUH_Q05

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
… a pharmacist about your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUH_Q06

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
… a complementary or alternative health care practitioner such as a massagetherapist, a naturopath or herbalist about your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUH_Q07

In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:
… any other health professional about your high blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes - Specify (Go to XHUH_S07)
2 No (Go to XHUH_END)
DK, RF (Go to XHUH_END)

XHUH_S07

INTERVIEWER: Specify.
(80 spaces)
(DK, RF are not allowed).

XHUH_END

Clinical recommendations (XCLH)

XCLH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
DOXCLH: do block flag, from the sample file
XMEH_Q01: from XMEH module
XMEH_Q04A: from XMEH module
XMEH_Q04B: from XMEH module
Screen display: Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XCLH_C01

If DOCLH = 1, go to CLH_R01.
Otherwise, go to CLH_END.

XCLH_R01

The next questions are about things that a doctor or other health professional mayhave suggested to help control your blood pressure.
You may feel that some of these questions do not apply to you, but it is important that we ask the same questions of everyone.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XCLH_C01A

If XMEH_Q04A = 1 or XMEH_Q04B > 0, pre-fill XCLH_Q01 with Yes, go to XCLH_Q02.
Otherwise, go to XCLH_C01B

XCLH_C01B

If XMEH_Q01 = 2 or XMEH_Q04A = 2 or XMEH_Q04B = 0, go to XCLH_Q01.
Otherwise, go to XCLH_Q02.

XCLH_Q01

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
… taking prescription medication to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLH_Q02

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
… limiting your daily salt intake to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLH_Q03

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
… eating certain foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish or lean meats, foods highin fibre or foods low in fat to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLH_Q04

(Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:)
… participating in physical activity or exercise to help you control your blood
pressure?

1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLH_Q05

(Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:)
… controlling or losing weight to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLH_Q06

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
… quitting or cutting down smoking to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
3 Not applicable - does not smoke
DK, RF

XCLH_Q07

(Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:)
… limiting alcohol consumption to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
3 Not applicable - does not drink
DK, RF

XCLH_Q08

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
… reducing your level of stress to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLH_END

Self-management (XSMH)

XSMH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
SEX: sex of respondent (1=male, 2=female) from sample file
DOXSMH: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XSMH_C01

If DOXSMH = 1, go to XSMH_R01.
Otherwise, go to XSMH_END.

XSMH_R01

The next questions are about things that people might do as a result of beingdiagnosed with high blood pressure.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XSMH_Q01A

As a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you ever limit your dailysalt intake to help control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_Q02)
DK (Go to XSMH_Q03A)
RF (Go to XSMH_END)

XSMH_Q01B

Are you still doing this:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …all the time? (Go to XSMH_Q03A)
2 …most of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q03A)
3 …some of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q03A)
4 …none of the time?
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_Q03A)

XSMH_Q02

What are the reasons that you are not limiting your daily salt intake to help controlyour blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Lack of will power / self-discipline
02 Does not like to eat foods low in salt
03 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
04 Already eating foods low in salt for other reasons
05 Too costly / financial constraints
06 Taking medication to control blood pressure
07 Does not think that limiting salt is important
08 Does not know that limiting salt is recommended
09 Other
10 No reason for not limiting salt intake
DK, RF

XSMH_Q03A

As a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you ever change thetype of foods you eat, for example choosing more fruits and vegetables, fish or leanmeats, foods high in fibre or foods low in fat to help control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_Q04)
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_Q05)

XSMH_Q03B

Are you still doing this:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …all the time? (Go to XSMH_Q05)
2 …most of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q05)
3 …some of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q05)
4 …none of the time?
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_Q05)

XSMH_Q04

What are the reasons that you are not choosing these types of foods, (that is, fruits and vegetables, fish or lean meats, foods high in fibre or foods low in fat) to help control your blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Lack of will power / self-discipline
02 Does not like to eat these types of foods
03 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
04 Already eating these types of foods for other reasons
05 Too costly / financial constraints
06 Taking medication to control blood pressure
07 Does not think that eating these types of foods is important
08 Does not know that eating these types of foods is recommended
09 Other
10 No reason for not choosing certain types of food
DK, RF

XSMH_Q05

Do you read food labels for the nutritional information?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 Often
2 Sometimes
3 Never
DK, RF

XSMH_Q06

Are you responsible for choosing the groceries for your household?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XSMH_Q07A

As a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you ever exercise orparticipate in physical activities to help control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_Q08)
DK, RF(Go to XSMH_Q09A)

XSMH_Q07B

Are you still doing this:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …all the time?(Go to XSMH_Q09A)
2 …most of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q09A)
3 …some of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q09A)
4 …none of the time?
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_Q09A)

XSMH_Q08

What are the reasons that you are not exercising or participating in physicalactivities to help control your blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Lack of will power / self-discipline
02 Does not like to exercise
03 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
04 Already doing physical activities or exercise for other reasons
05 Physical condition or a health problem
06 Too costly / financial constraints
07 Not available in area
08 Taking medication to control blood pressure
09 Does not think that exercise is important
10 Does not know that exercise is safe / recommended
11 Other
12 No reason for not exercising
DK, RF

XSMH_Q09A

As a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you ever try to controlyour weight or lose weight to help control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_Q10)
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_Q11A)

XSMH_Q09B

Are you still doing this:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …all the time? (Go to XSMH_Q11A)
2 …most of the time?(Go to XSMH_Q11A)
3 …some of the time? (Go to XSMH_Q11A)
4 …none of the time?
DK, RF(Go to XSMH_Q11A)

XSMH_Q10

What are the reasons that you are not trying to control your weight or lose weight tohelp control your blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Does not need to control / lose weight - already a healthy weight
02 Lack of will power / self-discipline
03 Does not want to control / lose weight
04 Tried to control / lose weight - didn’t work
05 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
06 Already controlling / losing weight for other reasons
07 Disability / health problem other than high blood pressure makes it hard to control / lose weight
08 Too costly / financial constraints
09 Taking medication to control blood pressure
10 Does not think that weight control / weight loss is important
11 Does not know that weight control / weight loss is safe or recommended
12 Other
13 No reason for not trying to control / lose weight
DK, RF

XSMH_Q11A

At any time since you were first diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you smoke?
INTERVIEWER: Include cigarettes, cigars and pipes.
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_D13A)
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_D13A)

XSMH_Q11B

As a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you ever quit smoking or cut down on smoking to help control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_Q12)
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_D13A)

XSMH_Q11C

Are you still doing this:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …all the time? (Go to XSMH_D13A)
2 …most of the time? (Go to XSMH_D13A)
3 …some of the time? (Go to XSMH_D13A)
4 …none of the time?
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_D13A)

XSMH_Q12

What are the reasons that you are not trying to quit smoking or cut down on smoking to help control your blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Does not want to quit / cut down on smoking
02 Lack of will power / self-discipline
03 Tried to quit / cut down on smoking – didn’t work
04 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
05 Already quit /cut down on smoking for other reasons
06 Taking medication to control blood pressure
07 Does not think that quitting / cutting down on smoking is important
08 Does not know that quitting / cutting down on smoking is recommended
09 Other
10 No reason for not quitting / cutting down on smoking
DK, RF

XSMH_D13A

If SEX = female, DT_DRINK = "9".
Otherwise, DT_DRINK = "14".

XSMH_Q13A

At any time since you were first diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you ever regularly drink more than ^DT_DRINK drinks a week? When we use the word"drink" it means: one bottle or can of beer or a glass of draft, one glass of wine or a wine cooler, or one drink or cocktail with 1 and a 1/2 ounces of liquor.
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_END)
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_END)

XSMH_Q13B

As a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, did you stop drinking or limit your alcohol consumption to help control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMH_Q14)
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_END)

XSMH_Q13C

Are you continuing to maintain this change in your alcohol consumption:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …all the time?(Go to XSMH_END)
2 …most of the time? (Go to XSMH_END)
3 …some of the time? (Go to XSMH_END)
4 …none of the time?
DK, RF (Go to XSMH_END)

XSMH_Q14

What are the reasons that you are not limiting your alcohol consumption to help control your blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
01 Does not want to stop / limit alcohol consumption
02 Believes alcohol is good for health
03 Lack of will power / self-discipline
04 Tried to stop drinking / limit alcohol consumption didn’t work
05 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
06 Already stopped drinking / limiting alcohol consumption for other reasons
07 Addiction to alcohol or drugs
08 Taking medication to control blood pressure
09 Does not think that limiting alcohol consumption is important
10 Does not know that limiting alcohol consumption is recommended
11 Health professional did not recommend limiting alcohol consumption
12 Other
13 No reason for not limiting alcohol consumption
DK, RF

XSMH_END

Self-monitoring of blood pressure (XMOH)

XMOH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
DOXMOH: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XMOH_C01

If DOXMOH = 1, go to XMOH_R01.
Otherwise, go to XMOH_END.

XMOH_R01

The next few questions are about blood pressure monitoring you may do yourself outside of a health professional’s office or medical clinic.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XMOH_Q01

How often do you monitor your own blood pressure outside of a health professional’s office or medical clinic?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 Daily
2 Weekly
3 Monthly
4 Three to four times a year
5 Once a year
6 Less than once a year
7 Do not monitor own blood pressure
DK (Go to XMOH_Q06)
RF (Go to XMOH_END)

XMOH_Q02

Has a doctor or other health professional ever shown you how to correctly use a blood pressure measurement device?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XMOH_C02

If XMOH_Q01 = 7, go to XMOH_Q06.
Otherwise, go to XMOH_Q03.

XMOH_Q03

Where do you measure your own blood pressure?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
1 At home
2 Pharmacy
3 Workplace
4 Gym or fitness facility
5 Other
DK, RF

XMOH_Q04

Do you share the blood pressure measurements you get from taking your own blood pressure with a doctor or health professional?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XMOH_Q05

After measuring your blood pressure, if you consider it to be too high, what do you do?
INTERVIEWER: Mark all that apply.
1 Contact a doctor or other health professional
2 Continue to monitor your blood pressure to see if it is consistently
3 Make changes to your lifestyle (e.g. diet, exercise, lose weight, etc.)
4 Rest
5 Go to the hospital emergency room
6 Increase your medication
7 Do nothing
8 Other
9 Not applicable - blood pressure has never been too high
DK, RF

XMOH_Q06

In general, do you consider your blood pressure to be:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent.
1 …well-controlled (normal, fine, ok)?
2 …borderline?
3 …high?
4 …low?
DK, RF

XMOH_END

Information and training (XINH)

XINH_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
DOXINH: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XINH_C01

If DOXINH = 1, go to XINH_R01.
Otherwise, go to XINH_END.

XINH_R01

The next few questions are about information or training you may have received to help you control your blood pressure.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XINH_Q01

Have you ever received information or training to help you control your blood pressure from any of the following people:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
1 …a family doctor or general practitioner?
2 …a medical specialist?
3 …a nurse or nurse practitioner?
4 …a pharmacist?
5 …a complementary or alternative health care practitioner?
6 …a family member or friend (other than a health care professional)?
7 …any other?
DK, RF

XINH_Q02

Have you ever received information or training to help you control your blood pressure in any of the following ways:
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
1 …a book, pamphlet, or brochure?
2 …a CD, DVD, or video tape?
3 …a package insert included with medication?
4 …advice given during a medical appointment?
5 …a support group?
6 …a course or class?
7 …the media, for example, television, radio, newspapers or magazines?
8 …Internet?
9 …any other?
DK, RF

XINH_Q03

How would you like to receive information or training in the future?
INTERVIEWER: Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
1 Book, pamphlet, or brochure
2 CD, DVD, or video tape
3 Package insert included with medication
4 Advice given during a medical appointment
5 Support group
6 Course or class
7 Media, for example, television, radio, newspapers, or magazines
8 Internet
9 Other
DK,RF

XINH_Q04

Have you ever received information to help you control your blood pressure on any of the following topics:
…the emotional impact of having high blood pressure, for example how to deal with your emotions or stress?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINH_Q05

Have you ever received information on:
… where to receive support to help you cope with your high blood pressure, for example support groups or self-management programs?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINH_Q06

(Have you ever received information on:)
… the correct use of prescription blood pressure medication?
INTERVIEWER: Include any prescription medications, including over-the-counter medications such as low-dose aspirin if the medications were prescribed by a doctor or health professional.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINH_Q07

(Have you ever received information on:)
…where to find additional information to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINH_Q08

Overall, do you feel that you have enough information to help you control your blood pressure?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINH_END

Administration (XADM)

XADM_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from household block
LNAME: last name of respondent from the sample file
DOXADM: do block flag, from the sample file
SMPLPROVE: province from the sample file.
PROVE: province from SRC block.
Screen display: Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XADM_C01

If DOXADM = 1, go to XADM_D01.
Otherwise, go to XADM_END.

XADM_D01

If SMPLPROVE = 24, QUEBECHNE = "Statistics Canada and the "Institute de laStatistique du Québec"".
Otherwise, QUEBECHNE = "Statistics Canada and your provincial ministry of health"

XADM_R01A

In 2008, you responded to the Canadian Community Health Survey. At that time, yougave permission for ^QUEBECHNE to link information from that survey to your healthservices information. You also gave us your provincial health number to assist inlinking this information.
INTERVIEWER: Your health services information includes your past and continuinguse of health services, such as visits to hospitals, clinics and doctors'offices.
Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_R01B

In order to reduce the number of questions on today’s survey, Statistics Canadawould like to link information from this interview with your information from the2008 Canadian Community Health Survey.
INTERVIEWER: Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q01

The linked information will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statisticalpurposes.
Do we have your permission?
1 Yes
2 No(Go to XADM_R03)
DK, RF (Go to XADM_R03)

XADM_D02

If PROVE = 24, SHAREE =", provincial ministries of health and the "Institute de la Statistique du Québec"".
Otherwise,SHAREE = "and provincial ministries of health".

XADM_R02

Statistics Canada would like your permission to share the linked survey data, that isyour information from today’s interview and your information from the Canadian Community Health Survey, with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada ^SHAREE.
INTERVIEWER: The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal governmentdepartment responsible for promoting and protecting the health andsafety of Canadians.
Press<1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q02

Information from both surveys will be kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Do you agree to share the linked information?
INTERVIEWER: Personal identifiers such as name, address, telephone number, and health numberwill not be provided to the Public Health Agency of Canada or to Health Canada.
1 Yes (Go to XADM_END)
2 No (Go to XADM_R04)
DK, RF (Go to XADM_R04)

XADM_R03

Although you do not agree to link the information collected in today’s interview tothe 2008Canadian Community Health Survey, we would like your permission toshare only the information collected today with the Public Health Agency of Canada,Health Canada ^SHAREE.
INTERVIEWER: The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal government department responsible for promoting and protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
Press<1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q03

Your personal identifiers such as name, address and telephone number will not beshared. All information will be kept confidential and used only for statisticalpurposes.
Do you agree to share the information from today’s interview?
INTERVIEWER: The information that is shared will not be linked to their previousCanadian Community Health Survey interview or to administrative data.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF
Go to XADM_END

XADM_R04

Although you do not agree to share the linked survey information, we would likeyour permission to share only the information collected in today’s interview with thePublic Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada ^SHAREE.
INTERVIEWER: The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal governmentdepartment responsible for promoting and protecting the health andsafety of Canadians.
Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q04

Your personal identifiers such as name, address and telephone number will not beshared. All information will be kept confidential and used only for statisticalpurposes.
Do you agree to share the information from today’s interview?
INTERVIEWER: The information that is shared will not be linked to their previousCanadian Community Health Survey interview or to administrative data.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADM_END

Arthritis Component

2009 Questionnaire

Survey Introduction (XINT)
General health (XGEN)
Diagnosis and family history (XDHA)
Symptoms and severity (XSSA)
Restriction of activities (XRAA)
Use of Assistive Devices (XADA)
Restriction of work-related activities (XRWA)
Medication use (XMEA)
Health care utilization (XHUA)
Clinical recommendations (XCLA)
Self-management (XSMA)
Support and well-being (XSWA)
Information received (XINA)
Administration (XADM)

Survey Introduction (XINT)

XINT_BEG

Standard block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
DOXINT: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XINT_R01

This survey is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada. The purpose of this survey is to collect information on Canadians with chronic health conditions. Data from the survey will help inform public health programs and health professionals, with the aim of improving health outcomes for Canadians with chronic conditions. You may remember recently completing the Canadian Community Health Survey - this is a follow-up to that survey.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XINT_R02

Your answers will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for statistical purposes. While participation is voluntary, your assistance is essential if the results are to be accurate.
(Registration #: STC/HLT-082-75437)

INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XINT_END

General health (XGEN)

XGEN_BEG

Content block
External variable required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
SEX: sex of respondent (1=male, 2=female) from sample file
DOXGEN: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XGEN_C01

If DOXGEN = 1, go to XGEN_R01.
Otherwise, go to XGEN_END.

XGEN_R01

I would like to start with some general background questions.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XGEN_Q01

In general, would you say your health is:
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 … excellent?
2 … very good?
3 … good?
4 … fair?
5 … poor?
DK, RF

XGEN_Q02

Compared to one year ago, how would you say your health is now? Is it:
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 … much better now than 1 year ago?
2 … somewhat better now (than 1 year ago)?
3 … about the same as 1 year ago?
4 … somewhat worse now (than 1 year ago)?
5 … much worse now (than 1 year ago)?
DK, RF

XGEN_Q03

How satisfied are you with your life in general?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 Very satisfied
2 Satisfied
3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
4 Dissatisfied
5 Very dissatisfied
DK, RF

XGEN_Q04

In general, would you say your mental health is:
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 … excellent?
2 … very good?
3 … good?
4 … fair?
5 … poor?
DK, RF

XGEN_Q05

Thinking about the amount of stress in your life, would you say that most days are:
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 … not at all stressful?
2 … not very stressful?
3 … a bit stressful?
4 … quite a bit stressful?
5 … extremely stressful?
DK, RF

XGEN_END

Diagnosis and family history (XDHA)

XDHA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
CURRAGE: current age of respondent from SRC block
DOXDHA: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XDHA_C01

If DOXDHA = 1, go to XDHA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XDHA_END.

XDHA_R01

Now I would like to ask some questions about arthritis.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XDHA_Q01

To begin, do you have arthritis, excluding fibromyalgia, that has been diagnosed by a health professional?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XDHA_R08)
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XDHA_Q02

Do you know the kind of arthritis you have?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XDHA_Q04)
DK, RF (Go to XDHA_Q04)

XDHA_Q03

What kind of arthritis do you have?
INTERVIEWER : Mark all that apply.
01 Osteoarthritis
02 Rheumatoid arthritis
03 Ankylosing spondylitis
04 Gout
05 Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
06 Polymyalgia rheumatica
07 Polymyositis
08 Psoriatic arthritis
09 Reiter’s syndrome
10 Scleroderma/systemic sclerosis
11 Sjogren's syndrome
12 Vasculitis
13 Fibromyalgia
14 Other - Specify (Go to XDHA_S03)
DK, RF

XDHA_S03

INTERVIEWER :Specify.
(80 spaces)
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XDHA_E03

Inconsistent answers have been entered. The respondent has fibromyalgia and no other form of arthritis, but previously reported that he/she had arthritis excluding fibromyalgia. Please confirm.

Note :

Trigger soft edit if XDHA_Q01 = 1 and (XDHA_Q03 = 13 and no other response selected for XDHA_Q03).

XDHA_C03

If XDHA_Q03 = 13 and no other response selected for XDHA_Q03, go to XDHA_R08.
Otherwise, go to XDHA_Q04.

XDHA_Q04

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Maximum is ^CURRAGE. If necessary, ask (Do you know the approximate age in years?).
Enter the age when a doctor or other health professional first made the diagnosis of arthritis. Encourage the respondent to give their best estimate - try not to accept ‘Don’t Know’ as a response as this is important information. Probe if necessary.
(MIN: 0) (MAX: 130)
DK, RF

XDHA_E04A

An unusual value has been entered. Please confirm.

Note :

Trigger soft edit if XDHA_Q04 < 10.

XDHA_E04B

The age the respondent was first diagnosed with arthritis is invalid. Please return and correct.

Note :

Trigger hard edit if XDHA_Q04 > CURRAGE.

XDHA_Q05

Have you ever experienced joint symptoms of pain, aching or stiffness, related to your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Try not to accept "Don’t Know" as a response as this is important information. Probe if necessary.
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XDHA_Q07)
DK, RF (Go to XDHA_Q07)

XDHA_Q06

How old were you when you first started experiencing joint symptoms (of pain, aching or stiffness)?
INTERVIEWER : Maximum is ^CURRAGE. If necessary, ask (Do you know the approximate age in years?).
Enter the age when the respondent first started experiencing symptoms related to arthritis, regardless of whether they had received a diagnosis at this point from a doctor or other health professional. Encourage the respondent to give their best estimate - try not to accept ‘Don’t Know’ as a response as this is important information.
(MIN: 0) (MAX: 130)
DK, RF

XDHA_E06A

An unusual value has been entered. Please confirm.

Note :

Trigger soft edit if XDHA_Q06 < 10.

XDHA_E06B

The age the respondent first started experiencing joint symptoms (of pain, aching or stiffness) is invalid. Please return and correct.

Note :

Trigger hard edit if XDHA_Q06 > CURRAGE.

XDHA_Q07

Do you have a blood relative, that is, a parent, sister, brother, child, grandparent, aunt or uncle that you are related to by birth, who has ever been diagnosed with arthritis, or who has chronic joint symptoms?
INTERVIEWER : Include relatives who are living or deceased.
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XDHA_END)
DK, RF (Go to XDHA_END)

XDHA_Q08

What is this person’s relationship to you?
INTERVIEWER : Mark all that apply.
01 Mother
02 Father
03 Sister
04 Brother
05 Daughter
06 Son
07 Grandmother
08 Grandfather
09 Aunt
10 Uncle
11 Other
DK, RF
Go to XDHA_END

XDHA_R08

You have said that you do not have arthritis (not including fibromyalgia). Since this survey applies only to people with arthritis excluding fibromyalgia, you are not eligible to participate in today's survey. Thank you for your time.
Go to XDHA_D08

XDHA_D08

If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXSSA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXRAA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXADA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXRWA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXMEA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXHUA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXCLA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXSMA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXINA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXSWA = 2.
If XDHA_Q01 = 2 OR XDHA_Q03 = 13 (and no other response), DOXADM = 2.

Note :

This derived variable is to set the "DOMODULE" condition to "2" for all proceeding modules if XDHA_Q01 = 2. Otherwise the "DOMODULE" condition for each module stays as is.

XDHA_C08

If XDHA_Q01 = 2, autocode final code to 40 (outside of sample).

XDHA_END

Symptoms and severity (XSSA)

XSSA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
DOXSSA: do block flag, from the sample file
XDHA_Q05: from XDHA module
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XSSA_C01

If DOXSSA = 1, go to XSSA_C02.
Otherwise, go to XSSA_END.

XSSA_C02

If XDHA_Q05 = 2, go to XSSA_R04.
Otherwise, go to XSSA_R01.

XSSA_R01

Now some questions about the frequency and severity of your joint pain.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XSSA_Q01

In the past month, how often have you experienced joint pain?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 Always
2 Often
3 Sometimes
4 Rarely
5 Never (Go to XSSA_R04)
DK
RF(Go to XSSA_R04)

XSSA_Q02

Please tell me what number best describes, on average, how bad your joint pain was during the past month. Answer with a number between 1 and 10; 1 means "little pain", while 10 means "pain as bad as it could be". On average, in the past month, how bad was your joint pain?
01 Little pain
02 |
03 |
04 |
05 |
06 |
07 |
08 |
09 V
10 Pain as bad as it could be
DK, RF

XSSA_Q03

In the past month, which joints have been painful?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent. Mark all that apply.
01 Neck
02 Right shoulder
03 Left shoulder
04 Right elbow
05 Left elbow
06 Right wrist
07 Left wrist
08 Right hand/fingers/thumb
09 Left hand/fingers/thumb
10 Back
11 Right hip
12 Left hip
13 Right knee
14 Left knee
15 Right ankle
16 Left ankle
17 Right foot/toes
18 Left foot/toes
19 Other
DK, RF

XSSA_R04

Now some questions about fatigue.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XSSA_Q04

In the past month, how often have you experienced fatigue?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 Always
2 Often
3 Sometimes
4 Rarely
5 Never (Go to XSSA_END)
DK
RF (Go to XSSA_END)

XSSA_Q05

Please tell me what number best describes, on average, how bad your fatigue was during the past month. Answer with a number between 1 and 10; 1 means "little fatigue", while 10 means "fatigue as bad as it could be". On average, in the past month, how bad was your fatigue?
01 Little fatigue
02 |
03 |
04 |
05 |
06 |
07 |
08 |
09 V
10 Fatigue as bad as it could be
DK, RF

XSSA_END

Restriction of activities (XRAA)

XRAA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from household block
LNAME: last name of respondent from household block
DOXRAA: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XRAA_C01

If DOXRAA = 1, go to XRAA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XRAA_END.

XRAA_R01

The next few questions deal with any limitations in your usual activities caused by your arthritis.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XRAA_Q01

In the past month, how much did your arthritis limit you:
… in getting a good night’s sleep?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 A lot
2 A little
3 Not at all
DK
RF (Go to XRAA_END)

XRAA_Q02

In the past month, how much did your arthritis limit you:
… in bathing or dressing yourself?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 A lot
2 A little
3 Not at all
DK, RF

XRAA_Q03

(In the past month, how much did your arthritis limit you:)
… in getting around the house?
1 A lot
2 A little
3 Not at all
DK, RF

XRAA_Q04

(In the past month, how much did your arthritis limit you:)
… in doing household chores?
1 A lot
2 A little
3 Not at all
DK, RF

XRAA_Q05

(In the past month, how much did your arthritis limit you:)
… in running errands or shopping?
1 A lot
2 A little
3 Not at all
DK, RF

XRAA_Q06

(In the past month, how much did your arthritis limit you:)
… in activities such as recreation, leisure, hobbies or social activities?
1 A lot
2 A little
3 Not at all
DK, RF

XRAA_Q07

Overall, how much does your arthritis affect your life?
INTERVIEWER : Read categories to respondent.
1 Not at all
2 A little bit
3 Moderately
4 Quite a bit
5 Extremely
DK, RF

XRAA_END

Use of Assistive Devices (XADA)

XADA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from sample file
DOXADA: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XADA_C01

If DOXADA = 1, go to XADA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XADA_END.

XADA_R01

The next few questions are about assistive devices you may use to help with your usual activities. By assistive device, we mean any device or tool that is designed or adapted to help a person perform a particular task or activity.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADA_Q01A

Do you currently use any of the following assistive devices to help with your usual activities:
… a device for walking or getting around, such as a cane, walker, crutches, or wheelchair?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADA_Q02A)
DK, RF (Go to XADA_Q02A)

XADA_Q01B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_Q02A

Do you currently use:
… a device for dressing, such as a button hook, zipper pull, or long-handled shoe horn?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADA_Q03A)
DK, RF (Go to XADA_Q03A)

XADA_Q02B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_Q03A

(Do you currently use:)
… an orthotic, such as a wrist or hand splint, or a knee or neck brace?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADA_Q04A)
DK, RF (Go to XADA_Q04A)

XADA_Q03B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_Q04A

(Do you currently use:)
… a built up or special tool, such as a jar or bottle opener or a reacher?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADA_Q05A)
DK, RF (Go to XADA_Q05A)

XADA_Q04B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_Q05A

(Do you currently use:)
…a built up or special chair, for example, a chair with a raised cushion or a power lift-chair?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADA_Q06A)
DK, RF (Go to XADA_Q06A)

XADA_Q05B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_Q06A

(Do you currently use:)
…a safety device, such as a bathtub grab bar, or a hand rail?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADA_Q07A)
DK, RF (Go to XADA_Q07A)

XADA_Q06B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_Q07A

Do you currently use:
…any other assistive device to help with your usual activities?
1 Yes - Specify (Go to XADA_S07A)
2 No
DK, RF
Go to XADA_END

XADA_S07A

INTERVIEWER : Specify. Enter only one device.
(80 spaces)
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADA_Q07B

Do you use this device to help with problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADA_END

Restriction of work-related activities (XRWA)

XRWA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
DOXRWA: do block flag, from the sample file
XDHA_Q04: from XDHA module
XDHA_Q05: from XDHA module
XDHA_Q06: from XDHA module
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space.

XRWA_C01

If DOXRWA = 1, go to XRWA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XRWA_END.

XRWA_R01

The next questions concern your work activities.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XRWA_Q01

Are you currently working for pay at a job or business?
1 Yes (Go to XRWA_D04)
2 No
DK
RF (Go to XRWA_R08)

XRWA_Q02

Have you ever worked for pay at a job or business?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XRWA_R08)
DK, RF (Go to XRWA_R08)

XRWA_D03

If (XDHA_Q05 = 2, DK, RF) or ((XDHA_Q04 = RESPONSE and XDHA_Q06 = RESPONSE) AND (XDHA_Q04 < XDHA_Q06)), DT_DIAG = "being diagnosed with arthritis".
If (XDHA_Q04 = RESPONSE and XDHA_Q06 = RESPONSE) AND XDHA_Q04 > XDHA_Q06, DT_DIAG = "you began experiencing symptoms related to your arthritis".
Otherwise, DT_DIAG = "being diagnosed with arthritis".

XRWA_Q03

At any time since ^DT_DIAG, have you worked for pay at a job or business?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XRWA_R08)
DK, RF(Go to XRWA_R08)

XRWA_D04

If XRWA_Q01 = 1, DT_DODID = "do".
Otherwise, DT_DODID = "did".
If XRWA_Q01 = 1, DT_WORK = "work".
Otherwise, DT_WORK = "worked".
If XRWA_Q01 = 1, DT_CARRY = "carry".
Otherwise, DT_CARRY = "carried".

XRWA_Q04

Because of your arthritis, did you ever:
… change the number of hours you ^DT_WORK?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_Q05

Because of your arthritis, did you ever:
… change the type of work you ^DT_DODID?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_Q06

Because of your arthritis, did you ever:
… change the way in which you ^DT_CARRY out your tasks at work?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_Q07

Because of your arthritis, did you ever:
… stop work altogether?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_R08

Now, some questions about any volunteer activities that you may do without pay on behalf of a group or an organization. This includes any unpaid help you may provide to schools, religious organizations, sports or community associations.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XRWA_Q08

Are you currently doing any volunteer work, for example organizing events, fundraising, or helping out with office work?
1 Yes (Go to XRWA_D11)
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_Q09

Have you ever done any volunteer work?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XRWA_END)
DK, RF (Go to XRWA_END)

XRWA_D10

If (XDHA_Q05 = 2, DK, RF) or ((XDHA_Q04 = RESPONSE and XDHA_Q06 = RESPONSE) AND (XDHA_Q04 < XDHA_Q06)), DT_DIAGN = "being diagnosed with arthritis".
If (XDHA_Q04 = RESPONSE and XDHA_Q06 = RESPONSE) AND (XDHA_Q04 > XDHA_Q06), DT_DIAGN = "you began experiencing symptoms related to your arthritis".
Otherwise, DT_DIAGN = "being diagnosed with arthritis".

XRWA_Q10

At any time since ^DT_DIAGN, have you done any volunteer work?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XRWA_END)
DK, RF (Go to XRWA_END)

XRWA_D11

If XRWA_Q08 = 1, DT_TODO = "do".
Otherwise, DT_TODO = "did".
If XRWA_Q08 = 1, DT_TOCARRY = "carry".
Otherwise, DT_TOCARRY = "carried".

XRWA_Q11

Because of your arthritis, did you ever:
… change the number of hours or the type of volunteer work you ^DT_TODO, or the way in which you ^DT_TOCARRY out your tasks at your volunteer work?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_Q12

Because of your arthritis, did you ever:
… stop doing volunteer work altogether?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XRWA_END

Medication use (XMEA)

XMEA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from sample file
DOXMEA: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XMEA_C01

If DOXMEA = 1, go to XMEA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XMEA_END.

XMEA_R01

Now I’d like to ask a few questions about your use of medications for your arthritis. We are interested in your use of both prescription and non-prescription medications.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XMEA_Q01

In the past month, did you take:
… prescription medications for your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK
RF (Go to XMEA_END)

XMEA_Q02

In the past month, did you take:
… non-prescription medications (that is over-the-counter products) such as pills, rubs or creams, excluding natural health products, for your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XMEA_Q03

In the past month, did you take:
… natural health products, that is vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements or other natural treatments for your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XMEA_END

Health care utilization (XHUA)

XHUA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from the sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from the sample file
DOXHUA: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XHUA_C01

If DOXHUA = 1, go to XHUA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XHUA_END.

XHUA_R01

Now I’d like to ask about your contacts with various health professionals about your arthritis during the past 12 months.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XHUA_Q01

In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to any of the following health professionals about your arthritis:
…a family doctor or general practitioner?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK
RF (Go to XHUA_END)

XHUA_Q02

In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:
…an orthopaedic surgeon about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 Non
DK, RF

XHUA_Q03

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
…a rheumatologist about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUA_Q04

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
…a general internist about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUA_Q05

In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:
…a pharmacist about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUA_Q06

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
…a physiotherapist or occupational therapist about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUA_Q07

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
…a mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counsellor) about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUA_Q08

(In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:)
… a complementary or alternative health care practitioner such as a massage therapist or an osteopath about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XHUA_Q09

In the past 12 months, have you seen, or talked to:
…any other health professional about your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Include both face-to-face and telephone contacts.
1 Yes - Specify (Go to XHUA_S09)
2 No
DK, RF
Go to XHUA_END

XHUA_S09

INTERVIEWER :Specify.
(80 spaces)
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XHUA_END

Clinical recommendations (XCLA)

XCLA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
DOXCLA: do block flag, from the sample file
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XCLA_C01

If DOXCLA = 1, go to XCLA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XCLA_END.

XCLA_R01

The next questions are about things that a doctor or other health professional may have suggested to help you manage your arthritis. By manage, we mean things that may help you cope with your arthritis, improve any arthritis symptoms you may have, or keep further problems from developing.
You may feel that some of these questions do not apply to you, but it is important that we ask the same questions of everyone.

INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XCLA_Q01

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
…taking a course or class to teach you how to manage any problems caused by your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK
RF (Go to XCLA_END)

XCLA_Q02

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
…participating in physical activity or exercise to help you manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLA_Q03

(Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:)
…controlling or losing weight to help you manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLA_Q04

(Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:)
…using an assistive device or aid to help you manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLA_Q05

Has a doctor or other health professional ever suggested:
…seeing or talking to a mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counsellor) to help you manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XCLA_END

Self-management (XSMA)

XSMA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from sample file
DOXSMA: do block flag, from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XSMA_C01

If DOXSMA=1, go to XSMA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XSMA_END.

XSMA_R01

The next questions are about things that you may do to help manage your arthritis. By manage, we mean things that may help you cope with your arthritis, improve any arthritis symptoms you may have, or keep further problems from developing.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XSMA_Q01

Have you ever taken a course or class to teach you how to manage problems related to your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK
RF (Go to XSMA_END)

XSMA_Q02

Do you currently exercise or participate in physical activities to help manage problems related to your arthritis?
1 Yes (Go to XSMA_Q04)
2 No
DK, RF (Go to XSMA_Q04)

XSMA_Q03

What are the reasons that you are not exercising or participating in physical activities to help manage your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Mark all that apply.
01 Lack of will power / self-discipline
02 Does not like to exercise
03 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
04 Already doing physical activities or exercise for other reasons
05 Arthritis symptoms make it hard to exercise
06 Physical condition or a health problem
07 Too costly / financial constraints
08 Not available in area
09 Taking medication to manage arthritis or joint symptoms
10 Does not think that exercise is important
11 Does not know that exercise is safe / recommended
12 Other
13 No reason for not exercising
DK, RF

XSMA_Q04

Are you currently trying to control your weight or lose weight to help manage your arthritis?
1 Yes (Go to XSMA_Q06)
2 No
DK, RF(Go to XSMA_Q06)

XSMA_Q05

What are the reasons that you are not trying to control your weight or lose weight to help manage your arthritis?
INTERVIEWER : Mark all that apply.
01 Does not need to control / lose weight – already a healthy weight
02 Lack of will power / self-discipline
03 Does not want to control / lose weight
04 Tried to control / lose weight - didn’t work
05 Time constraints (too busy, family responsibilities, work schedule, etc.)
06 Already controlling / losing weight for other reasons
07 Disability or a health problem other than arthritis makes it hard to control / lose weight
08 Too costly / financial constraints
09 Taking medication to manage arthritis or joint symptoms
10 Does not think that weight control / weight loss is important
11 Does not know that weight control / weight loss is safe or recommended
12 Other
13 No reason for not trying to control / lose weight
DK, RF

XSMA_Q06

In the past 12 months, have you used any community-based facilities, services or programs such as fitness facilities, the Arthritis Society self-management program, or telephone information or support lines, to help manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XSMA_END)
DK, RF (Go to XSMA_END)

XSMA_Q07

What community-based facilities, services or programs have you used?
INTERVIEWER : Mark all that apply.
1 Fitness facility
2 Pool
3 Land-based exercise programs such as yoga, pilates, weight-training
4 Water-based exercise programs
5 Weight loss programs or a dietitian
6 Arthritis Society self-management program
7 Support groups
8 Telephone information or support lines
9 Other
DK, RF

XSMA_END

Support and well-being (XSWA)

XSWA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
DOXSWA: do block flag, from the sample file
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XSWA_C01

If DOXSWA=1, go to XSWA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XSWA_END.

XSWA_R01

The next few questions are about support and emotional well-being.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XSWA_Q01

Are your family and friends supportive when it comes to helping you manage problems related to your arthritis if you need it?
1 Yes
2 No
3 Not applicable
DK
RF (Go to XSWA_END)

XSWA_Q02

Was there ever a time when you felt that you needed help for your emotions, stress, or your mental health, in order to manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XSWA_END

Information received (XINA)

XINA_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
DOXINA: do block flag, from the sample file.
FNAME: first name of specific respondent from sample file
LNAME: last name of specific respondent from sample file
SEX: Sex of respondent from the sample file
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space.

XINA_C01

If DOXINA = 1, go to XINA_R01.
Otherwise, go to XINA_END.

XINA_R01

The next few questions are about information you may have received to help you manage your arthritis. (By manage, we mean things that may help you cope with your arthritis, improve any arthritis symptoms you may have, or keep further problems from developing.)
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XINA_Q01

Have you ever received information on any of the following topics:
… the type of arthritis you have?
1 Yes
2 No
DK
RF (Go to XINA_END)

XINA_Q02

Have you ever received information on:
… how to protect your joints, for example, by using orthotics such as splints or braces or by using other assistive devices?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_Q03

Have you ever received information on:
… energy conservation techniques, for example, how to manage fatigue by balancing activities and rest, or by developing good sleep habits?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_Q04

(Have you ever received information on:) the correct use of prescription arthritis medication?
INTERVIEWER : Include any prescription medications, including over-the-counter medications if they were prescribed by a doctor or health professional.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_Q05

(Have you ever received information on:)
… the emotional impact of having arthritis, for example, how to deal with your emotions or stress?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_Q06

(Have you ever received information on:)
…where to receive support to help you cope with your arthritis, for example, support groups or self-management programs?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_Q07

(Have you ever received information on:)
… where to find additional information to help you manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_Q08

Overall, do you feel that you have enough information to help you manage your arthritis?
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XINA_END

Administration (XADM)

XADM_BEG

Content block
External variables required:
FNAME: first name of respondent from the sample file
LNAME: last name of respondent from the sample file
DOXADM: do block flag, from the sample file
SMPLPROVE: province from the sample file
PROVE: province from SRC block
Screen display:
Display on header bar FNAME and LNAME separated by a space

XADM_C01

If DOXADM = 1, go to XADM_D01.
Otherwise, go to XADM_END.

XADM_D01

If SMPLPROVE = 24, QUEBECHNE = "Statistics Canada and the "Institut de la Statistique du Québec".
Otherwise, QUEBECHNE = "Statistics Canada and your provincial ministry of health“

XADM_R01A

In 2008, you responded to the Canadian Community Health Survey. At that time, you gave permission for ^QUEBECHNE to link information from that survey to your health services information. You also gave us your provincial health number to assist in linking this information.
INTERVIEWER : Your health services information includes your past and continuing use of health services, such as visits to hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices.
Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_R01B

In order to reduce the number of questions on today’s survey, Statistics Canada would like to link information from this interview with your information from the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey.
INTERVIEWER : Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q01

The linked information will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Do we have your permission?
1 Yes
2 No (Go to XADM_R03)
DK, RF (Go to XADM_R03

XADM_D02

If PROVE = 24, SHAREE = "provincial ministries of health and the "Institut de la Statistique du Québec"".
Otherwise, SHAREE = "and provincial ministries of health".

XADM_R02

Statistics Canada would like your permission to share the linked survey data, that is your information from today’s interview and your information from the Canadian Community Health Survey, with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada ^SHAREE.
INTERVIEWER : The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal government department responsible for promoting and protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q02

Information from both surveys will be kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Do you agree to share the linked information?

INTERVIEWER : Personal identifiers such as name, address, telephone number, and health number will not be provided to the Public Health Agency of Canada or to Health Canada.
Press <1> to continue.
1 Yes (Go to XADM_END)
2 No (Go to XADM_R04)
DK, RF (Go to XADM_R04)

XADM_R03

Although you do not agree to link the information collected in today’s interview to the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, we would like your permission to share only the information collected today with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada ^SHAREE.
INTERVIEWER : The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal government department responsible for promoting and protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q03

Your personal identifiers such as name, address and telephone number will not be shared. All information will be kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Do you agree to share the information from today’s interview?

INTERVIEWER : The information that is shared will not be linked to their previous Canadian Community Health Survey interview or to administrative data.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF
Go to XADM_END

XADM_R04

Although you do not agree to share the linked survey information, we would like your permission to share only the information collected in today’s interview with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada ^SHAREE.
INTERVIEWER : The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal government department responsible for promoting and protecting the health and safety of Canadians.
Press <1> to continue.
(DK, RF are not allowed)

XADM_Q04

Your personal identifiers such as name, address and telephone number will not be shared. All information will be kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Do you agree to share the information from today’s interview?

INTERVIEWER : The information that is shared will not be linked to their previous Canadian Community Health Survey interview or to administrative data.
1 Yes
2 No
DK, RF

XADM_END

Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada

User Guide

December 2009

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Background
3.0 Objective
4.0 Survey content
5.0 Sample design
6.0 Data collection
7.0 Data processing
8.0 Weighting
9.0 Data quality
10.0 Guidelinges for tabulation, analysis and release
11.0 File usage

1.0 Introduction

The Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada (SLCDC) is a cross-sectional survey sponsored by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that collects information related to the experiences of Canadians with chronic health conditions. The SLCDC will take place every two years, with two chronic diseases covered in each survey cycle. The 2009 survey focused on arthritis and hypertension.

There are two questionnaires for this survey-one questionnaire for arthritis and one questionnaire for hypertension. The SLCDC asked respondents about a number of issues related to chronic health conditions, including diagnosis of a chronic health condition, care received from health professionals, medication use and self-management of their condition.

The target population for this survey is Canadians aged 20 years or older who have been diagnosed with arthritis or hypertension living in private dwellings in the ten provinces. Residents of the three territories, persons living on Indian Reserves, residents of institutions, and full-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces are excluded from this survey. Data collection for the SLCDC took place in February and March 2009.

The purpose of this document is to facilitate the manipulation of the SLCDC data file and to describe the methodology used.

Any questions about the data set or its use should be directed to:

For custom tabulations or general data support:Client Custom Services, Health Statistics Division: 613–951–1746
E–mail: hd-ds@statcan.gc.ca

2.0 Background

The central objective of the Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada (SLCDC) is to gather information related to the experiences of persons living with chronic diseases, including diagnosis of a chronic health condition, care received from health professionals, medication use and self-management of their condition. The survey was sponsored by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The SLCDC is a cross-sectional survey and was a follow-up to the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey.

3.0 Objective

The purpose of the SLCDC is to provide information on the impact of chronic disease on individuals, as well as how people with chronic disease manage their health condition. More specifically, the survey had the following objectives:

  • To assess the impact of chronic health conditions on quality of life
  • To provide more information on how people manage their chronic health conditions
  • To identify health behaviors which influence disease outcomes
  • To identify barriers to self-management of chronic health conditions

4.0 Survey content

This section provides a general discussion of the consultation process used in survey content development and gives a summary of the final content selected for inclusion in the SLCDC.

The SLCDC content was developed based on an ongoing consultation process between the Health Statistics Division at Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), with significant input from members of expert advisory groups in the areas of arthritis and hypertension. Content selection was based on objectives and data requirements specified by PHAC. Members of the PHAC project team were consulted on a regular basis throughout development and testing of the SLCDC questionnaires. The end result of the consultation process was two SLCDC questionnaires: (1) an arthritis-specific questionnaire and (2) a hypertension-specific questionnaire.

A summary describing each of the modules on the arthritis and hypertension questionnaires is provided in Section 4.2.

4.1 Qualitative testing

As previously stated, the 2009 SLCDC consisted of two different questionnaires; an arthritis questionnaire and a hypertension questionnaire. The questionnaires were developed by Statistics Canada, in collaboration with PHAC. Hypertension and arthritis expert groups were also consulted during content development. The questionnaires were translated by the Official Languages and Translation Division of Statistics Canada. Both questionnaires (in English and French) were tested by Statistics Canada´s Questionnaire Design and Review Centre (QDRC) using one-on-one interviews.

Qualitative testing was conducted to assess the content and flow of the SLCDC questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered face-to-face with respondents. The one-on-one interviews explored the four steps in the cognitive process of responding to the questionnaire: understanding the question and response categories, recalling/searching for the requested information, thinking about the answer and making a judgment about what to report, and reporting the answer.

English testing was conducted in May 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario, followed by French testing in June 2008 in Montreal, Quebec. The frame used to select respondents for the interviews was the 2007 and 2008 CCHS. A total of 32 participants took part in the testing, representing a cross-section of persons who reported having either arthritis or hypertension diagnosed by a doctor or other health professional, or who had reported experiencing symptoms of arthritis (joint pain or stiffness) in their CCHS interview. All qualitative interviews were conducted by trained interviewers from QDRC and observed by members of the SLCDC project team, including personnel from STC´s Health Statistics Division and PHAC. Some of the key findings from the qualitative testing are discussed below.

Key findings from the arthritis questionnaire:

In general, the questions seemed to work well for participants with either arthritis or joint symptoms. However, for some participants, especially those with very minor symptoms, some of the questions did not seem applicable because symptoms were not severe enough to cause any problems. It was suggested that a lot of the questions were geared to people with more severe symptoms. A few participants felt that their condition was not serious enough to be included in the target population of the survey, however, these individuals were still able to answer most questions and said the survey was probably relevant.

Following qualitative testing, a decision was made to include only individuals who had received a diagnosis of arthritis from a health professional in the SLCDC target population. Individuals with joint symptoms but no diagnosis of arthritis would be excluded from the target population.

Key findings from the hypertension questionnaire:

Overall, participants reported the hypertension questionnaire to be straightforward and easy to answer. In general, respondents did not find the questions to be overly sensitive, with the exception of some of the questions related to self-management (for example, losing weight, cutting down on alcohol intake, etc.). Some respondents also had difficulty recalling their diastolic and systolic blood pressure measurements the last time their blood pressure was measured by a health professional.

Following qualitative testing, questions were modified to reduce the impact of sensitive topics, for example, weight loss, alcohol use, and smoking, and to address instances where certain questions were not applicable for some respondents. To assist respondents in reporting their systolic and diastolic measurements, ranges were included as a response category option, in addition to allowing respondents to report their blood pressure measurement in exact values.

4.2 Final questionnaire content

This section outlines the modules comprising the content of the SLCDC arthritis and hypertension questionnaires. The arthritis questionnaire was made up of 13 modules, and the hypertension questionnaire of 10 modules.

Arthritis

Module Description

GENX
General health: This module is the same as the module used in the CCHS. The intent was to make respondents feel comfortable before asking them specific questions about their arthritis.
DHAX
Diagnosis and family history: This module included questions that confirmed that the respondent had received a diagnosis of arthritis from a health professional, their age at the time of diagnosis, their age at the onset of symptoms, the type of arthritis they have been diagnosed with and whether they have any immediate family members who have ever been diagnosed with arthritis. The screening question is modified from the Chronic conditions module in the CCHS. The remaining questions are new.
SSAX
Symptoms and severity: Questions in this module asked about the frequency and severity of the main symptoms of arthritis-joint pain and fatigue. Respondents were also asked about the joints that cause them pain. Many of the questions in this module are based on questions in the Arthritis Conditions Health Effects Survey (ACHES, 2005), which was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
RAAX
Restriction of activities: This module asked a series of questions about whether the respondent has been limited in doing a variety of activities in the past month because of their arthritis. This module is based on questions in ACHES but has been modified to use language similar to the SF-36 module in the CCHS.
ADAX
Use of assistive devices: This module asked a series of questions about whether the respondent currently uses any assistive devices to help with their usual activities, and for each device used, whether the device is used to help with problems caused by arthritis. The module was developed in cooperation with PHAC and uses many of the terms used by the Arthritis Society of Canada.
RWAX
Restriction of work-related activities: This module asked respondents whether they have had to modify their paid work or volunteering work because of their arthritis. Conceptually these questions are comparable to ACHES. The definition of volunteer work was taken from the Canada Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (STC, 2007).
MEAX
Medication use: This is a short module which asked respondents whether they had taken any prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products for their arthritis in the past month. These questions are not comparable to the CCHS or ACHES questions as they are more general in nature.
HUAX
Health care utilization: The module asked respondents whether they have seen a variety of health professionals regarding their arthritis in the past 12 months. These questions are based on the format used by the CCHS, but have been modified to ask about arthritis-specific practitioners (i.e. orthopaedic surgeon).
CLAX
Clinical recommendations: This module asked respondents whether a health practitioner ever recommended they do certain activities to help manage their arthritis (i.e. lose weight, exercise). These questions are based on ACHES questions, which are based on best practice guidelines.
SMAX
Self-management: The module is a follow-up to the Clinical recommendations module and asks respondents whether they followed any of the recommendations given by their health professional, and, if not, what the barriers to doing so were. This module is somewhat based on the Stages of Change module in the CCHS. The barrier response categories are from the CCHS.
SWAX
Support and well-being: This module asked respondents about the availability of support from family and friends, and about emotional well-being related to managing their arthritis. The questions are a shortened form of content used by ACHES and uses similar wording to the CCHS.
INAX
Information received: This module asked respondents whether they have received information on a number of topics to help manage their arthritis. Questions in the module are new, and were developed for the SLCDC to address data priorities identified by PHAC to aid in the planning and development of programs for persons with arthritis.
ADMX
Administration: This module collected administrative information including permission to link information from the SLCDC with the respondent´s previous CCHS information and to share the linked survey data with the SLCDC share partners: PHAC, Health Canada, provincial ministries of health, and the Institut de la Statistique du Québec (respondents living in the province of Quebec only). This module was asked of all respondents.
Hypertension

Module Content

GENX
General health: This module is the same as the module used in the CCHS. The intent was to make respondents feel comfortable before asking them specific questions about their hypertension.
CNHX
Confirmation of high blood pressure diagnosis: This module included questions to confirm that the respondent had received a diagnosis of high blood pressure from a health professional, and their age at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, the module included questions from the CCHS that were used to screen out women whose only diagnosis of high blood pressure occurred during pregnancy. Questions were taken from the CCHS Chronic conditions module.
BMHX
Blood pressure measurement: This module asked about blood pressure measurement by a health professional. Questions assessed whether respondents were told details of their blood pressure reading the last time they had it measured by a health professional, their systolic and diastolic measurements, and whether a health professional had discussed a target rate for their blood pressure. These are new questions based on data requirements identified by PHAC in consultation with their expert working group on hypertension.
MEHX
Medication use: This module asked respondents whether they were currently taking any prescription medications, including medications for their high blood pressure. Respondents were then asked about the number of medications they take and the frequency that they take their medications. Respondents were also asked about their compliance with their medication plan and reasons for not taking their hypertension medication as prescribed. These questions are not comparable to the Medication use questions on the CCHS.
HUHX
Health care utilization: The module asked respondents to identify the health professional most responsible for treating their high blood pressure, and whether they have seen or talked to various health professionals regarding their high blood pressure in the past 12 months. These questions are based on the Health care utilization module on the CCHS, but have been modified for specific practitioners most likely to be involved in the treatment of hypertension.
CLHX
Clinical recommendations:This module asked respondents whether a health professional ever suggested they do certain activities to help control their blood pressure (i.e. diet modification, weight loss, exercise). These questions are based on the format of the Arthritis Conditions Health Effects Survey (ACHES, 2005), which was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
SMHX
Self-management:The Self-management module follows the Clinical recommendations module and asks respondents about the degree to which they have made changes concerning various diet and lifestyle factors as a result of being diagnosed with high blood pressure. The module covers a range of activities identified as modifiable risk factors for hypertension (i.e. diet modification, weight loss, exercise). Follow-up questions measuring barriers to change are asked of respondents who have never adopted diet and/or lifestyle changes, or who are not currently doing so. This module is based on the Stages of change module in the CCHS. The barrier response categories are from the CCHS.
MOHX
Self-monitoring of blood pressure:This module asked questions about blood pressure monitoring respondents do themselves outside of a health professional´s office. Topics include frequency of blood pressure self-monitoring, whether a respondent has received training on how to use a blood pressure measurement device and how respondents use information gained from blood pressure self-monitoring. Module content is based on a set of preliminary questions developed by PHAC in consultation with their expert working group on hypertension.
INHX
Information and training:This module includes questions modified from the 1996 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) Asthma Supplement, with several additional questions developed for this survey. This module was developed for the SLCDC to address data priorities identified by PHAC to aid in the planning and development of programs for persons with hypertension.
ADMX
Administration:This module collected administrative information including permission to link information from the SLCDC with the respondent´s previous CCHS information and to share the linked survey data with the SLCDC share partners: PHAC, Health Canada, provincial ministries of health, and the Institut de la Statistique du Québec (respondents living in the province of Quebec only). This module was asked of all respondents.

5.0 Sample Design

5.1 Target population

The 2009 Survey on Living with Chronic Disease in Canada (SLCDC) targets Canadians who have arthritis or hypertension diagnosed by a health professional, aged 20 years or older, living in private dwellings in the ten provinces. Residents of the three territories, persons living on Indian Reserves or Crown lands, in institutions, full-time members of the Canadian Forces and residents of certain regions are excluded from this survey. These exclusions represent 2% of the overall Canadian population.

5.2 Domains of interest

The SLCDC is designed to produce reliable estimates at the national level by age group and sex. The targeted age groups are 20 to 44 years old, 45 to 64 years old, 65 to 74 years old and 75 years old and older.

5.3 Sampling frame

The SLCDC used the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) to select its sample. The SLCDC is built under a two-phase design where the first phase is the CCHS sample and the second phase, the SLCDC sample.

The CCHS sample (first-phase) is selected from multiple frames. The first frame is an area frame designed for the Canadian Labour Force Survey (LFS). The second is a list frame of telephone numbers. About half of the CCHS sample is selected from the area frame and the other half is selected from the list frame. For more detailed information on the CCHS sampling process, refer to the 2008 CCHS User Guide.

The SLCDC sample was selected from respondents to the 2008 CCHS who were aged 20 years or older as of December 2008 and who reported having been diagnosed by a health professional with arthritis or hypertension. Note that the CCHS respondents who reported only being diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy were excluded from the hypertension sample.

5.4 Sample size and allocation

In order to produce reliable estimates at the national level by age group and sex, a stratification of CCHS respondents by age group and sex was performed based on the age groups of interest: 20 to 44 years old (20 to 44), 45 to 64 years old (45 to 64), 65 to 74 years old (65 to 74) and 75 years and older (75+) for each of the chronic conditions. Therefore, the CCHS respondents were classified into eight categories four age groups and two sex groups (female and male).

An overall sample of 7,062 persons for arthritis and 9,055 for hypertension were selected from 13,549 and 17,437 CCHS respondents respectively. The sample was inflated by 1.4 to take into account the out-of-scope rate (for example, respondents who were deceased or moved outside Canada) estimated at 10% and the non-response rate estimated at 20%. The distribution of the first phase sample and the SLCDC sample by stratum is given in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 for each chronic disease.

Table 5.1 SLCDC sample size by stratum for arthritis
Stratum (Sex, Age group) 2008 CCHS respondents with arthritis (first phase) 2009 SLCDC arthritis sample size (second phase) raw sample 2009 SLCDC arthritis sample size (second phase) expected respondents
Female 20 to 44 years old 687 503 352
Female 45 to 64 years old 3,269 1,324 927
Female 65 to 74 years old 2,163 1,224 857
Female 75+ years old 2,682 1,311 918
Total Female 8,801 4,362 3,054
Male 20 to 44 years old 465 343 240
Male 45 to 64 years old 1,914 1,167 817
Male 65 to 74 years old 1,173 616 431
Male 75+ years old 1,196 574 402
Total Male 4,748 2,700 1,890
Total 13,549 7,062 4,944
Table 5.2 SLCDC sample size by stratum for hypertension
Stratum(Sex, Age group) 2008 CCHS respondents with hypertension (first phase) 2009 SLCDC hypertension sample size (second phase) raw sample 2009 SLCDC hypertension sample size (second phase) expected respondents
Female 20 to 44 years old 1,050 844 591
Female 45 to 64 years old 3,490 1,324 927
Female 65 to 74 years old 2,507 1,324 927
Female 75+ years old 3,042 1,324 927
Total Female 10,089 4,816 3,371
Male 20 to 44 years old 761 619 433
Male 45 to 64 years old 3,114 1,324 927
Male 65 to 74 years old 1,856 1,289 902
Male 75+ years old 1,617 1,007 705
Total Male 7,348 4,239 2,967
Total 17,437 9,055 6,338

To reduce response burden, it was decided that all sampled respondents could receive only one questionnaire, either the hypertension questionnaire or the arthritis questionnaire. For people having the two conditions, they were split in two groups: one group assigned to the hypertension questionnaire and the other group to the arthritis questionnaire. The sample allocation by questionnaire was done proportionally to the size of the number of 2008 CCHS respondents for each condition.

The sample for each chronic condition was selected using systematic sampling after the units were sorted by province, CCHS collection period and age. Exclusions were performed before the sample selection. Units were excluded if they did not have sufficient information to conduct the survey, such as missing telephone numbers on the CCHS, or to perform analysis, such as not agreeing to share or link the CCHS data. These exclusions represented 18% of the first phase sample and were taken into account at the estimation stage since they are part of the population of interest.

6.0 Data collection

Collection for the SLCDC took place in February and March 2009. Over the collection period, a total of 10,707 valid interviews were conducted using computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI).

6.1 Computer-assisted interviewing

Computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) offers two main advantages over other collection methods. First, CAI offers a case management system and data transmission functionality. This case management system automatically records important management information for each attempt on a case and provides reports for the management of the collection process. CAI also provides an automated call scheduler, i.e. a central system to optimize the timing of call-backs and the scheduling of appointments used to support CATI collection.

The case management system routes the questionnaire applications and sample files from Statistics Canada´s main office to regional collection offices (in the case of CATI). Data returning to the main office take the reverse route. To ensure confidentiality, the data are encrypted before transmission. The data are then unencrypted when they are on a separate secure computer with no remote access.

Second, CAI allows for custom interviews for every respondent based on their individual characteristics and survey responses. This includes:

  • Questions that are not applicable to the respondent are skipped automatically.
  • Edits to check for inconsistent answers or out-of-range responses are applied automatically and on-screen prompts are shown when an invalid entry is recorded. Immediate feedback is given to the respondent and the interviewer is able to correct any inconsistencies.
  • Question text, including reference periods and pronouns, is customised automatically based on factors such as the age and sex of the respondent, the date of the interview and answers to previous questions.

6.2 SLCDC application development

For the SLCDC, a CATI application was utilized. The application consisted of entry, survey content, and exit components.

Entry and exit components contain standard sets of questions designed to guide the interviewer through contact initiation, respondent confirmation, tracing (if necessary) and determination of case status. The survey content component consisted of the SLCDC arthritis and hypertension questionnaire modules, which made up the bulk of the application. Testing and development of the CATI application began in September 2008. This consisted of three stages of internal testing: block testing, integrated testing and end-to-end testing.

Block testing consists of independently testing each content module or "block" to ensure skip patterns, logic flows and text, in both official languages, are specified correctly. Skip patterns or logic flows across modules are not tested at this stage as each module is treated as a stand alone questionnaire. Once all blocks are verified by several testers, they are added together along with the entry and exit components into an integrated application. This newly integrated application is then ready for the next stage of testing.

Integrated testing occurs when all of the tested modules are added together, along with the entry and exit components, into an integrated application. This second stage of testing ensures that key information such as age and gender are passed from the sample file to the entry and exit and survey content components of the application. It also ensures that variables affecting skip patterns and logic flows are correctly passed between modules within the survey content component. Since, at this stage, the application essentially functions as it would in the field, all possible scenarios faced by interviewers are simulated to ensure proper functionality. These scenarios test various aspects of the entry and exit components including; establishing contact, confirming that the correct respondent has been found, determining whether a case is in scope and creating appointments.

End-to-end testing occurs when the fully integrated application is placed in a simulated collection environment. The application is loaded onto computers that are connected to a test server. Data are then collected, transmitted and extracted in real time, exactly as would be done in the field. This last stage of testing allows for the testing of all technical aspects of data input, transmission and extraction for the SLCDC application. It also provides a final chance of finding errors within the entry, survey content and exit components.

6.3 Interviewer training

In late January and early February 2009, representatives from Statistics Canada´s Collection Planning and Management Division visited four of the five regional offices participating in the collection of the SLCDC data (Halifax, Sherbrooke, Toronto and Edmonton). The purpose of the visits was to train the regional office project managers and teams of interviewers for the SLCDC arthritis and hypertension surveys. Members of the SLCDC project team from Health Statistics Division also attended the training sessions to present information about the background and development of the SLCDC, and to offer additional support and clarify any questions or concerns that may have arisen. The project manager from the Winnipeg regional office was trained in Edmonton and then trained the Winnipeg interviewers.

The focus of these sessions was to make interviewers comfortable using the SLCDC application and familiarise interviewers with survey content. The training sessions focused on:

  • goals and objectives of the survey
  • survey methodology
  • application functionality
  • review of the questionnaire content and exercises
  • use of mock interviews to simulate difficult situations and practise potential non-response situations
  • survey management

One of the key aspects of the training was a focus on minimizing non-response. Exercises to minimise non-response were prepared for interviewers. The purpose of these exercises was to have the interviewers practice convincing reluctant respondents to participate in the survey.

6.4 The interview

Sample units selected from the frame were interviewed from centralised call centres using the CATI application. The CATI interviewers were supervised by a senior interviewer located in the same call centre.

To ensure the best possible response rate attainable, many practices were used to minimise non-response, including:

Introductory letters

Before the start of the collection period, introductory letters explaining the purpose of the survey were sent to the targeted respondents. Mailing address information was not available for all respondents from the 2008 CCHS. For cases where mailing addresses were not available, an introductory letter was not sent out. The introductory letters explained the importance of the survey and provided examples of how the SLCDC data would be used.

Initiating contact

Interviewers were instructed to make all reasonable attempts to obtain interviews. When the timing of the interviewer´s call was inconvenient, an appointment was made to call back at a more convenient time. Numerous call-backs were made at different times on different days.

When a respondent was no longer available at the phone number provided on the 2008 CCHS, tracing of the respondent was initiated. In order to trace respondents, alternate contacts provided by the respondent on the 2008 CCHS were contacted to obtain the respondent´s new telephone number.

Refusal conversion

For individuals who at first refused to participate in the survey, a letter was sent from the regional office to the respondent, stressing the importance of the survey and the targeted respondent´s participation. This was followed by a second call from a senior interviewer, a project supervisor or another interviewer to try to convince the respondent of the importance of participating in the survey.

Language barriers

To remove language as a barrier to conducting interviews, the regional offices recruit interviewers with a wide range of language competencies. When necessary, cases were transferred to an interviewer with the language competency needed to complete an interview.

Proxy interviews

Proxy interviews were not permitted for the SLCDC.

6.5 Field operations

The SLCDC consisted of one two-month collection period. However, the SLCDC sample was divided into two, with half of the sample starting collection in February and the other half starting collection in March. The regional collection offices were instructed to use the first two weeks of each month to resolve the majority of the sample, with the next two weeks being used to finalize the remaining sample and to follow up on outstanding non-response cases. All cases were to have been attempted by the second week of each month.

Transmission of cases from the regional offices to head office was the responsibility of the regional office project supervisor, senior interviewer and the technical support team. These transmissions were performed nightly and all completed cases were sent to Statistics Canada´s head office.

6.6 Quality control and collection management

During the SLCDC collection period, several methods were used to ensure data quality and to optimize collection. These included using internal measures to verify interviewer performance and the use of a series of ongoing reports to monitor various collection targets and data quality.

CATI interviewers were randomly chosen for validation. Validation during CATI collection consisted of senior interviewers monitoring interviews to ensure proper techniques and procedures (reading the questions as worded in the application, not prompting respondents for answers, etc.) were followed by the interviewers. In addition, members of the survey team from head office visited a number of regional offices to observe collection at various times during the collection period.

A series of reports were produced to effectively track and manage collection targets and to assist in identifying other collection issues. Cumulative reports were generated daily showing response rates, refusal rates and out-of-scope rates. The link and share rates were calculated weekly. Customised reports were also created and used to examine specific data quality issues that arose during collection.

One issue that arose during data collection was a higher than expected out-of-scope rate. It was found that many respondents who indicated that they had hypertension or arthritis on the 2008 CCHS said that this was not the case on the SLCDC. Because of this issue, specific instructions were sent out to the regional offices explaining procedures that should be followed when interviewers encountered an out-of-scope case. In addition, out-of-scope cases from the beginning of the collection period (which did not follow the new out-of-scope procedures) were sent back to the field for follow-up by senior interviewers. Upon follow-up of the out-of-scope cases, these cases were then classified in one of three ways:

  • Out-of-scope: these cases included respondents who reported having arthritis or hypertension on the 2008 CCHS, but when called for the SLCDC said that they did not have the condition. Part of this could be due to the wording of the questions on the CCHS and the SLCDC as the SLCDC placed more emphasis on the condition being diagnosed by a health professional. Many respondents reported that they never had the condition diagnosed by a health professional. Rather, they had symptoms and self-diagnosed their condition. Other respondents thought that they had arthritis but actually had a condition which wasn´t arthritis, such as osteoporosis. These respondents were true out-of-scope cases and were not included in the survey.
  • In-scope: These cases included respondents who said that they did not have the condition. However, upon follow-up, it was determined that these respondents had been diagnosed with arthritis or hypertension by a health professional but their symptoms were controlled either by medication or life-style modifications. These respondents should not be out-of-scope and attempts were made to interview them.
  • Refusals: Some respondents did not want to participate in the survey and said that they did not have the condition in order to be screened out. Attempts were made to determine whether an out-of-scope case was actually a refusal.

The impact of the out-of-scope cases on weighting and data quality will be discussed in Chapters 8 and 9, respectively.

7.0 Data processing

7.1 Editing

Most editing of the data was performed at the time of the interview by the computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) application. It was not possible for interviewers to enter out-of-range values and flow errors were controlled through programmed skip patterns. For example, CAI ensured that questions that did not apply to the respondent were not asked.

In response to some types of inconsistent or unusual reporting, warning messages were invoked but no corrective action was taken at the time of the interview. Where appropriate, edits were instead developed to be performed after data collection at Head Office. Inconsistencies were usually corrected by setting one or both of the variables in question to "not stated".

7.2 Coding

Pre-coded answer categories were supplied for all suitable variables. Interviewers were trained to assign the respondent´s answers to the appropriate category.

In the event that a respondent´s answer could not be easily assigned to an existing category, several questions also allowed the interviewer to enter a long-answer text in the "Other-specify" category. All such questions were closely examined in head office processing. For some of these questions, write-in responses were coded into one of the existing listed categories if the write-in information duplicated a listed category. For all questions, the "Other-specify" responses are taken into account when refining the answer categories for future cycles.

7.3 Creation of derived and grouped variables

To facilitate data analysis and to minimise the risk of error, a number of variables on the file have been derived using items found on the SLCDC questionnaire. Derived variables generally have a "D" or "G" in the fifth character of the variable name. In some cases, the derived variables are straightforward, involving collapsing of response categories. In other cases, several variables have been combined to create a new variable. The Derived Variables Documentation (DV) provides details on how these more complex variables were derived. For more information on the naming convention, please go to Section 11.3.

7.4 Weighting

The principle behind estimation in a probability sample such as the SLCDC is that each person in the sample "represents", besides himself or herself, several other persons not in the sample. For example, in a simple random 2% sample of the population, each person in the sample represents 50 persons in the population.

The weighting phase is a step which calculates, for each record, what this number is. This weight appears on the microdata file, and must be used to derive meaningful estimates from the survey. For example, if the number of individuals who have ever experienced joint symptoms of pain, aching, or stiffness related to their arthritis is to be estimated, this would be done by selecting the records referring to those individuals in the sample with that characteristic and summing the weights entered on those records.

Details of the method used to calculate these weights are presented in Chapter 8.

8.0 Weighting

In order for estimates produced from survey data to be representative of the covered population, and not just the sample itself, users must incorporate the survey weights in their calculations. A survey weight is given to each person included in the final sample, that is, the sample of persons having answered the survey. Each respondent´s weight corresponds to the number of persons in the entire population that are represented by the respondent.

As described in Chapter 5, the SLCDC survey frame is based on respondents to the 2008 CCHS. The starting point for the SLCDC weighting process is therefore the 2008 CCHS share weight. For more information on this weight see the 2008 CCHS User Guide.

8.1 Sample weighting

Table 8.1 presents an overview of the different adjustments that were part of the weighting strategy for the SLCDC, in the order in which they were applied.

Table 8.1 Weighting steps for SLCDC
CD 1 – Proxy-Link-Phone Adjustment
CD 2 – Selection Criteria Adjustment
CD 3 – Out-of-Scope in SLCDC Adjustment
CD 4 – Non-response in SLCDC Adjustment
CD 5 – Share-Link (Final) Adjustment

8.1.1 Proxy-link-phone adjustment

The first step of the weighting for the SLCDC was to drop those CCHS respondents aged 12 to 19 and those in the Territories since they were not part of the target population. The next step was to adjust for the fact that some people were excluded from the SLCDC even if they were part of the target population mainly for practical reasons. The list of excluded people and the reasons for their exclusion are as follows:

  • People with invalid phone numbers were excluded since it is impossible to contact them given that the SLCDC was a telephone survey.
  • People who did not agree to share or link their 2008 CCHS information were excluded. This is because the intent of the SLCDC was to link the SLCDC survey responses with the 2008 CCHS. This linked survey file will then be provided to the survey share partners such as the survey sponsor, the Public Health Agency of Canada.
  • People for whom their 2008 CCHS interview was done by proxy were excluded since the SLCDC questionnaire could not be answered by proxy.

Since these excluded people were in the population of interest, adjustments were made to allocate their weights to the remaining CCHS respondents. The adjustment process starts with the share weights from the 2008 CCHS. The probability of each sharer in the CCHS to be part of the sampling population was predicted using a logistic regression and auxiliary variables from the CCHS. From the predicted probabilities, response homogeneous groups (RHG) were created.

The adjustment was calculated within each RHG as follow:

Formula 1

The weight wgtCD1 was calculated as wgts3*adjCD1, where wgts3 is the final 2008 CCHS share weight. After the adjustment was calculated, the excluded units were dropped from the file.

8.1.2 SLCDC selection criteria adjustment

In the SLCDC sampling design, CCHS respondents were stratified by age groups and sex (see Chapter 5). In each stratum (age group by sex) a unit could have only one condition (arthritis or hypertension) or both conditions (see Graphic 8.1 below). For response burden purposes, every respondent sampled could receive only one questionnaire, either the hypertension questionnaire or the arthritis questionnaire. That led to a different adjustment for units with only one condition versus for units with both conditions.

Graphic 8.1: Overlap of the two conditions

Arthritis only, Hypertension only or both

The adjustment for units with only one condition was calculated within each stratum as follow:

Formula 2 Formula 3

The adjustment for units with both conditions was calculated within each stratum as follow:

Formula 4 Formula 5

The weight for those who received the arthritis questionnaire was calculated as wgtCD2a=wgtCD1*adjCD2a. Similarly, the weight for those who received the hypertension questionnaire was calculated as wgtCD2h=wgtCD1*adjCD2h. After the adjustment was calculated, the non-selected units were dropped from the file.

8.1.3 Out-of-scope in SLCDC adjustment

After collection, the units were classified in two main groups. The first group is the resolved cases formed by the units confirmed through survey contact to be in-scope (i.e. in the target population) or out-of-scope (i.e. not in the target population). All the in-scope units were respondents. The second group was the unresolved units. For the units in the unresolved group, it was not possible to know if they were in our target population (in-scope) or not (out-of-scope) since no follow-up contact was made. Therefore, a logistic model was used to estimate the probability for an unresolved case to be in-scope. The resolved cases were used to determine the logistic model that predicted as well as possible the probability of being in-scope. The model was then applied to the unresolved cases to predict the probability of each unresolved unit to be in scope.

The weight for the unresolved units who received the arthritis questionnaire was calculated as wgtCD3a=wgtCD2a*p_inscope, where p_inscope is the predicted probability of being in scope. Similarly, the weight for unresolved units who received the hypertension questionnaire was calculated as wgtCD3h=wgtCD2h*p_inscope. This adjustment had the effect of reducing the total weight of the unresolved units by the predicted number of out-of-scope units in the population that they represented. After the adjustment was calculated, the resolved out-of-scope units were dropped from the file.

8.1.4 Non-response in SLCDC adjustment

Note that all the unresolved cases are now considered as non-respondents since their weights have been adjusted for out-of-scope and all the resolved cases that remained (in-scope units) are respondents. A logistic model using mainly CCHS auxiliary variables was built to predict the probabilities of being a respondent. From the predicted probabilities, response homogeneous groups (RHGs) were created. To make sure that the non-response adjustment did not change the estimated number of people with a condition at the stratum level or at the regional level, the RHG were created within each stratum by region since these were important domains of interest. Sometimes in order to meet the quality criteria´s (minimum of 20 units by RHG and at least 50% respondent in each RHG) of the RHG creation, RHG from different regions were grouped together. But two RHG from different stratum were not allowed to be grouped together.

The adjustment was calculated within each RHG as follow:

Formula 6 Formula 7

The arthritis weight wgtCD4a was calculated as wgtCD3a*adjCD4a. Similarly, the hypertension weight wgtCD4h was calculated as wgtCD3h*adjCD4h. After the adjustment, the non-responding units were dropped from the file.

8.1.5 Share-link (final) adjustment

Only the information for the people who agreed to share and link their SLCDC data will be released (98% of respondents agreed to share and link). Since the people who did not agree to share or link their information are in the population of interest, adjustments were made to allocate the weights of the non-sharers / non-linkers to the remaining units. The probability of a respondent agreeing to share and link their SLCDC data was predicted using a logistic regression. From the predicted probabilities, response homogeneous groups (RHGs) were created the same way as in 8.1.4.

The adjustment was calculated within each RHG as follow:

Formula 8 Formula 9

The final arthritis weight wgtCD5a for the respondents who received the arthritis questionnaire and agreed to share and link their SLCDC data was calculated as wgtCD4a*adjCD5a. Similarly, the final hypertension weight wgtCD5h was calculated as wgtCD4h*adjCD5h. After the adjustment was calculated, the respondents who did not agree to share or link their 2009 SLCDC data were dropped from the file.

The weights wgtCD5a and wgtCD5h correspond to the final 2009 SLCDC weight that can be found in the arthritis and hypertension data files with the variable name WTSX_S.

8.2 Bootstrap weights

Coordinated bootstrap weights were used for SLCDC because of its dependence on the CCHS 2008 sample. Hence, the starting point for the SLCDC bootstrap weights was the 500 replicates from the 2008 CCHS share bootstrap file. Each bootstrap replicate was adjusted using the five adjustments listed in Table 8.1.

9.0 Data quality

9.1 Out-of-scope cases

As mentioned earlier in the User Guide, a higher than expected number of cases were out-of-scope. While every effort was made to reduce the out-of-scope cases, 17% of the arthritis cases and 13% of hypertension cases were out-of-scope. Reasons for this include:

  • Respondents were incorrectly classified as having arthritis on the CCHS. For example, a number of respondents reported that their arthritis had not been diagnosed by a health professional, a requirement to be included in the SLCDC. In addition, some respondents thought that they had arthritis but really did not (i.e. osteoporosis).
  • Respondents said that they did not have the condition because they no longer have symptoms.
  • Respondents were conditioned from the CCHS to answer no to certain questions knowing that they would then be screened out of the survey (these could be considered refusals).

As a result of the high out-of-scope rate, the total number of people having the condition differs between the CCHS and the SLCDC. The CCHS likely included some respondents who reported having the condition but really do not (false positives). However, the SLCDC likely excluded some respondents who really do have the condition but said that they did not to avoid completing the survey (false negatives). Which survey is used depends on the needs of the data user. The CCHS provides a time series of arthritis and hypertension prevalence rates. In addition, the CCHS data can be used when looking at co-morbidities with other conditions. However, the SLCDC is able to measure detailed information about the quality of life and health behaviours of the arthritis and hypertension population.

9.2 Response rates

A total of 16,117 people were selected to take part in the 2009 SLCDC: 7,062 for the arthritis questionnaire and 9,055 for the hypertension questionnaire.

For the arthritis questionnaire, of the resolved cases (those that could clearly be determined to be in- or out-of scope), 979 cases were no longer in the SLCDC target population (for example, due to death, moving outside of Canada, not having the chronic condition, etc). Of the 5,820 estimated eligible people, 4,565 responded to the survey and agreed to share their data with the share partners and link back to their CCHS responses. This resulted in an overall response rate of 78.4%. The table below contains a summary of the SLCDC response rates by age group and sex for arthritis.

Table 9.1 SLCDC sample selected, hit-rate and response rate by sex and age group for arthritis.
Sex Age Group Sample Selected Potential Survey Respondents Hit Rate (%) Respondents Response Rate (%)
Female 20 to 44 years old 503 393 78.1 284 72.3
Female 45 to 64 years old 1,324 1,152 87.0 924 80.2
Female 65 to 74 years old 1,224 1,068 87.3 877 82.1
Female 75+ years old 1,311 1,053

80.3

801 76.1
Total Female 4,362 3,666 84.0 2,886 78.7
Male 20 to 44 years old 343 252 73.6 181 81.8
Male 45 to 64 years old 1,167 965 82.7 759 78.7
Male 65 to 74 years old 616 491 79.7 385 78.4
Male 75+ years old 574 445 77.6 354 79.6
Total Male 2,700 2,153 79.7 1,679 78.0
Total 7,062 5,820 82.4 4,565 78.4

For the hypertension questionnaire, of the resolved cases (those that could clearly be determined to be in- or out-of scope), 903 were no longer in the SLCDC target population. Of the 7,862 estimated eligible people, 6,142 responded to the survey and agreed to share their data with the share partners and link back to their CCHS responses. This resulted in an overall response rate of 78.2%. The table below contains a summary of the SLCDC response rates by age group and sex for hypertension

Table 9.2 SLCDC sample selected, hit-rate and response rate by sex and age group for hypertension.
Sex Age Group Sample Selected Potential Survey Respondents Hit Rate (%) Respondents Response Rate (%)
Female 20 to 44 years old 844 431 51.1 309 71.7
Female 45 to 64 years old 1,324 1,214 91.7 969 79.8
Female 65 to 74 years old 1,324 1,253 94.7 1,029 82.1
Female 75+ years old 1,324 1,207 91.1 951 78.8
Total Female 4,816 4,105 85.2 3,258 79.4
Male 20 to 44 years old 619 465 75.2 305 65.6
Male 45 to 64 years old 1,324 1,202 90.8 953 79.3
Male 65 to 74 years old 1,289 1,200 93.1 956 79.7
Male 75+ years old 1,007 890 88.3 670 75.3
Total Male 4,239 3,757 88.6 2,884 76.8
Total 9,055 7,862 86.8 6,142 78.2

9.3 Data interpretation

The SLCDC was a follow-up survey that collected additional data from targeted respondents from the 2008 CCHS. Therefore, the CCHS and the SLCDC share the same 2008 survey population. Data that were collected for the SLCDC during February and March 2009 appear on the data files along with data collected from the CCHS during 2008. The data collected by the SLCDC reflect the status of the 2008 survey population for the February and March 2009 reference period, while data collected through the CCHS reflects the same survey population but for the 2008 reference period. Interpretation of estimates from the SLCDC should consider the reference period if it is felt that this would affect the responses from respondents. For example, the proportion of people with arthritis who are taking prescribed medication can be measured at 38.6%. Information on medication use was collected as part of the SLCDC follow-up so this information reflects the 2008 population as of February or March 2009. In a similar analysis, the proportion of people with hypertension who consider themselves as overweight can be measured at 61%. Information on obesity was collected as part of the CCHS so this reflects the 2008 population as of 2008. This slight nuance should only be an issue if it is felt that the collection period would have an effect on the response.

9.4 Survey errors

The estimates derived from this survey are based on a sample of persons. Somewhat different estimates might have been obtained if a complete census had been taken using the same questionnaire, interviewers, supervisors, processing methods, etc. as those actually used in the survey. The difference between the estimates obtained from the sample and those resulting from a complete count taken under similar conditions, is called the sampling error of the estimate.

Errors which are not related to sampling may occur at almost every phase of a survey operation. Interviewers may misunderstand instructions, respondents may make errors in answering questions, the answers may be incorrectly entered on the questionnaire and errors may be introduced in the processing and tabulation of the data. These are all examples of non-sampling errors.

Over a large number of observations, randomly occurring errors will have little effect on estimates derived from the survey. However, errors occurring systematically will contribute to biases in the survey estimates. Considerable time and effort were taken to reduce non-sampling errors in the survey. Quality assurance measures were implemented at each step of the data collection and processing cycle to monitor the quality of the data. These measures include the use of highly skilled interviewers, extensive training of interviewers with respect to the survey procedures and questionnaire, observation of interviewers to detect problems of questionnaire design or misunderstanding of instructions, procedures to ensure that data capture errors were minimized, and coding and edit quality checks to verify the processing logic.

9.4.1 The frame

The 2009 SLCDC was a supplement to the 2008 CCHS, which is based mainly on an area frame and a telephone frame. The coverage of the 2009 SLCDC should then be the same as the CCHS, which is estimated at 98% of the Canadian population. It is unlikely that the under-coverage introduces any significant bias into the survey data.

9.4.2 Non-response

A major source of non-sampling errors in surveys is the effect of non-response on the survey results. The extent of non-response varies from partial non-response (failure to answer just one or some questions) to total non-response. In the case of the 2009 SLCDC, only complete responses were kept for the survey. It has to be mentioned that respondents tended to complete the questionnaire once they started the interview. Total non-response occurred because the interviewer was either unable to contact the respondent, or the respondent refused to participate in the survey. Total non-response was handled by adjusting the weight of individuals who responded to the survey to compensate for those who did not respond.

It is important to note that the SLCDC interview took place between three and 14 months after the 2008 CCHS interviews. During the SLCDC some units were unable to be reached because they moved or changed phone number. For these unresolved cases, an estimated portion of in-scope units and out-of-scope units was derived based on respondents and out-of-scope units resolved. The out-of-scope portion was estimated at 17% for arthritis and 13% for hypertension. This was taken into account at the estimation stage.

See Chapter 8 for more details on weighting adjustments for non-response.

9.4.3 Measurement of sampling error

Since it is an unavoidable fact that estimates from a sample survey are subject to sampling error, sound statistical practice calls for researchers to provide users with some indication of the magnitude of this sampling error. This section of the documentation outlines the measures of sampling error which Statistics Canada commonly uses and which it urges users producing estimates from this microdata file to use also.

The basis for measuring the potential size of sampling errors is the standard error of the estimates derived from survey results. However, because of the large variety of estimates that can be produced from a survey, the standard error of an estimate is usually expressed relative to the estimate to which it pertains. This resulting measure, known as the coefficient of variation (CV) of an estimate, is obtained by dividing the standard error of the estimate by the estimate itself and is expressed as a percentage of the estimate.

For example, suppose that, based on the survey results, 45.1% of Canadians visited a health care professional in the past twelve months for their hypertension or arthritis and this estimate is found to have a standard error of 0.009. Then the coefficient of variation of the estimate is calculated as:

Formula 10

There is more information on the calculation of coefficients of variation in Chapter 10.

10.0 Guidelines for tabulation, analysis and release

This section of the documentation outlines the guidelines to be adhered to by users tabulating, analyzing, publishing or otherwise releasing any data derived from the survey data files. With the aid of these guidelines, users of microdata should be able to produce figures that are in close agreement with those produced by Statistics Canada and, at the same time, will be able to develop currently unpublished figures in a manner consistent with these established guidelines.

10.1 Rounding guidelines

In order that estimates for publication or other release derived from these data files correspond to those produced by Statistics Canada, users are urged to adhere to the following guidelines regarding the rounding of such estimates:

a) Estimates in the main body of a statistical table are to be rounded to the nearest hundred units using the normal rounding technique. In normal rounding, if the first or only digit to be dropped is 0 to 4, the last digit to be retained is not changed. If the first or only digit to be dropped is 5 to 9, the last digit to be retained is raised by one. For example, in normal rounding to the nearest 100, if the last two digits are between 00 and 49, they are changed to 00 and the preceding digit (the hundreds digit) is left unchanged. If the last digits are between 50 and 99 they are changed to 00 and the proceeding digit is incremented by 1;

b) Marginal sub-totals and totals in statistical tables are to be derived from their corresponding unrounded components and then are to be rounded themselves to the nearest 100 units using normal rounding;

c) Averages, proportions, rates and percentages are to be computed from unrounded components (i.e., numerators and/or denominators) and then are to be rounded themselves to one decimal using normal rounding. In normal rounding to a single digit, if the final or only digit to be dropped is 0 to 4, the last digit to be retained is not changed. If the first or only digit to be dropped is 5 to 9, the last digit to be retained is increased by 1;

d) Sums and differences of aggregates (or ratios) are to be derived from their corresponding unrounded components and then are to be rounded themselves to the nearest 100 units (or the nearest one decimal) using normal rounding;

e) In instances where, due to technical or other limitations, a rounding technique other than normal rounding is used resulting in estimates to be published or otherwise released that differ from corresponding estimates published by Statistics Canada, users are urged to note the reason for such differences in the publication or release document(s);

f) Under no circumstances are unrounded estimates to be published or otherwise released by users. Unrounded estimates imply greater precision than actually exists.

10.2 Sample weighting guidelines for tabulation

The sample design used for this survey was not self-weighting. That is to say, the sampling weights are not identical for all individuals in the sample. When producing simple estimates including the production of ordinary statistical tables, users must apply the proper sampling weight. If proper weights are not used, the estimates derived from the data files cannot be considered to be representative of the survey population, and will not correspond to those produced by Statistics Canada.

Users should also note that some software packages might not allow the generation of estimates that exactly match those available from Statistics Canada because of their treatment of the weight field.

10.2.1 Definitions: categorical estimates, quantitative estimates

Before discussing how the survey data can be tabulated and analyzed, it is useful to describe the two main types of point estimates of population characteristics that can be generated from the data files.

Categorical estimates:

Categorical estimates are estimates of the number or percentage of the surveyed population possessing certain characteristics or falling into some defined category. How often individuals experience joint pain is an example of such an estimate. An estimate of the number of persons possessing a certain characteristic or exhibiting certain behaviours may also be referred to as an estimate of an aggregate.

Example of categorical question:

In the past month, how often have you experienced joint pain? (SSAX_01)
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

Quantitative estimates:

Quantitative estimates are estimates of totals or of means, medians and other measures of central tendency of quantities based upon some or all of the members of the surveyed population.

An example of a quantitative estimate is the average age at which individuals are first diagnosed with high blood pressure. The numerator is an estimate of the age at which individuals with hypertension were first diagnosed with high blood pressure, and its denominator is an estimate of the number of individuals who have high blood pressure.

Example of quantitative question:

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with high blood pressure?
(CNHX_05)
Age of diagnosis

10.2.2 Tabulation of categorical estimates

Estimates of the number of people with a certain characteristic can be obtained from the data files by summing the final weights of all records possessing the characteristic of interest.

Proportions and ratios of the form X/Y are obtained by:

a) summing the final weights of records having the characteristic of interest for the numerator (X );
b) summing the final weights of records having the characteristic of interest for the denominator (Y ); then
c) dividing the numerator estimate by the denominator estimate.

10.2.3 Tabulation of quantitative estimates

Estimates of sums or averages for quantitative variables can be obtained using the following three steps (only step a is necessary to obtain the estimate of a sum):

a) multiplying the value of the variable of interest by the final weight and summing this quantity over all records of interest to obtain the numerator (X );
b) summing the final weights of records having the characteristic of interest for the denominator (Y ); then
c) dividing the numerator estimate by the denominator estimate.

For example, to obtain the estimate of the average age at which individuals are diagnosed with hypertension, first compute the numerator (X ) by summing the product between the value of variable CNHX_05 and the weight WTSX_S. The denominator (Y ) is obtained by summing the final weight of those records with a value of "2" to the variable CONFLAG. Divide (X ) by (Y ) to obtain the average age at which individuals are diagnosed with hypertension.

10.3 Guidelines for statistical analysis

The SLCDC is based upon a complex design, with stratification, multiple stages of selection and unequal probabilities of selection of respondents. Using data from such complex surveys presents problems to analysts because the survey design and the selection probabilities affect the estimation and variance calculation procedures that should be used.

While many analysis procedures found in statistical packages allow weights to be used, the meaning or definition of the weight in these procedures can differ from what is appropriate in a sample survey framework, with the result that while in many cases the estimates produced by the packages are correct, the variances that are calculated are almost meaningless.

For many analysis techniques (for example linear regression, logistic regression, analysis of variance), a method exists that can make the application of standard packages more meaningful. If the weights on the records are rescaled so that the average weight is one (1), then the results produced by the standard packages will be more reasonable; they still will not take into account the stratification and clustering of the sample´s design, but they will take into account the unequal probabilities of selection. The rescaling can be accomplished by using in the analysis a weight equal to the original weight divided by the average of the original weights for the sampled units (people) contributing to the estimator in question.

10.4 Release guidelines

Before releasing and/or publishing any estimate from the data file, users must first determine the number of sampled respondents having the characteristic of interest (for example, the number of respondents with arthritis who experience joint pain). If this number is less than 30, the un-weighted estimate should not be released regardless of the value of the coefficient of variation for this estimate. For weighted estimates based on sample sizes of 30 or more, users should determine the coefficient of variation of the rounded estimate and follow the guidelines below.

Table 10.1 Sampling variability guidelines
Type of Estimate CV (in %) Guidelines
Acceptable 0.0 ≤ CV ≤ 16.6 Estimates can be considered for general unrestricted release. Requires no special notation.
Marginal 16.6 < CV ≤ 33.3  Estimates can be considered for general unrestricted release but should be accompanied by a warning cautioning subsequent users of the high sampling variability associated with the estimates. Such estimates should be identified by the letter E (or in some other similar fashion).
Unacceptable CV > 33.3 Statistics Canada recommends not to release estimates of unacceptable quality. However, if the user chooses to do so then estimates should be flagged with the letter F (or in some other fashion) and the following warning should accompany the estimates:
“The user is advised that . . . (specify the data) . . . do not meet Statistics Canada’s quality standards for this statistical program. Conclusions based on these data will be unreliable and most likely invalid. These data and any consequent findings should not be published. If the user chooses to publish these data or findings, then this disclaimer must be published with the data.”

10.5 Variances and coefficients of variation

The computation of exact coefficients of variation is not a straightforward task since there is no simple mathematical formula that would account for all SLCDC sampling frame and weighting aspects. Therefore, other methods such as re-sampling methods must be used in order to estimate measures of precision. Among these methods, the bootstrap method is the one recommended for analysis of SLCDC data.

The computation of coefficients of variation (or any other measure of precision) with the use of the bootstrap method requires access to information that is considered confidential.

For the computation of coefficients of variation, the bootstrap method is advised. A macro program, called "Bootvar", was developed in order to give users easy access to the bootstrap method. The Bootvar program is available in SAS and SPSS formats, and is made up of macros that calculate the variances of totals, ratios, differences between ratios, and linear and logistic regressions.

Although some standard statistical packages allow sampling weights to be incorporated in the analyses, the variances that are produced often do not take into account the stratified and clustered nature of the design properly, whereas the exact variance program would do so.

11.0 File usage

This section begins by describing the data files and how the data files can be accessed, the weight variable of the data files and an explanation of how it should be used when doing tabulations. This is followed by an explanation of the variable naming convention that is employed by the SLCDC.

11.1 Data file

The SLCDC consists of two different data files: one for arthritis and one for hypertension. Both of these data files have been linked to the 2008 CCHS.

Since the variables from the two surveys are on the same data file, it is important that users are aware of the variables which they are using in their analysis. For example, some demographic variables (age, sex and province of residence) were collected on the CCHS and the SLCDC. Users should therefore be aware which variables they are using in order to ensure consistency in their estimates. More information on how to differentiate the variables from the SLCDC and CCHS are provided in Sections 11.3 and 11.4.

Unlike other CCHS data files, the SLCDC does not have a Master file separate from a Share file. Rather, the SLCDC data file contains only the respondents who agreed to link their SLCDC data to their 2008 CCHS data. Furthermore, only respondents who agreed to share the linked data with the share partners are included on the data file.

The data can be accessed in a number of ways and are described in the next sections.

11.1.1 Share partners

Share partners have access to the data under the terms of the data sharing agreements. These data files only contain information on respondents who agreed to share their data with Statistics Canada´s partners. The share partners for the SLCDC are the Public Health Agency of Canada (the survey sponsor), Health Canada and the provincial health departments. Statistics Canada also asks respondents living in Quebec for their permission to share their data with the Institut de la Statistique du Québec. The share file is released only to these organizations. Personal identifiers are removed from the share files to respect respondent confidentiality. Users of these files must first certify that they will not disclose, at any time, any information that might identify a survey respondent.

11.1.2 Research Data Centres

The Research Data Centre (RDC) Program allows researchers to use the survey data in a secure environment in several universities across Canada. Researchers must submit research proposals that, once approved, give them access to the RDC. For more information, please consult the following web page: RDC.

11.1.3 Custom tabulations

One way to provide access to the data files is to offer users the option of having staff in Client Services of the Health Statistics Division prepare custom tabulations. This service is offered on a cost recovery basis. It allows users who do not possess knowledge of tabulation software products to obtain custom results. The results are screened for confidentiality and reliability concerns before release. For more information, please contact Client Services at 613-951-1746 or by e–mail at fe-hd-ds@statcan.gc.ca.

11.2 Use of weight variable

The weight variable WTSX_S represents the SLCDC sampling weight. For a given respondent, the sampling weight can be interpreted as the number of people the respondent represents in the population. This weight must always be used when computing statistical estimates in order to make inferences at the population level possible. The production of un-weighted estimates is not recommended. The sample allocation, as well as the survey design, can cause such results to not correctly represent the population. Refer to Chapter 8 on weighting for a more detailed explanation on the creation of this weight.

11.3 Variable naming convention

The SLCDC adopted a variable naming convention that allows data users to easily use and identify the data based on module and condition. The variable naming convention follows the mandatory requirement of restricting variable names to a maximum of eight characters for ease of use by analytical software products.

11.3.1 Variable name component structure in SLCDC

Each of the eight characters in a variable name contains information about the type of data contained in the variable.
Positions 1-2: Module reference (e.g. SS – Symptoms and severity, ME – Medication use, AD – Use of assistive devices and HU – Health care utilization)
Position 3: Questionnaire-specific reference (A = Arthritis, H = Hypertension)
Position 4: Reference to the Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada (X)
Position 5: Variable type (_ – question, D – derived variable)
Positions 6-8: Question number

For example: The variable corresponding to Question 1, Health care utilization module, Hypertension questionnaire, SLCDC (HUHX_01):

Position 1-2: HU Comes from the Health care utilization module
Position 3: H Hypertension questionnaire component
Position 4: X SLCDC
Position 5: _ underscore (_ = collected data)
Position 6-8: 01 question number (& answer option where applicable)

The following values are used for the section name component of the variable name:

11.3.2 Positions 1-3 variable / questionnaire section name
GEN General health (on both arthritis and hypertension questionnaires)
DH Diagnosis and family history
SS Symptoms and severity
RA Restriction of activities
AD Use of assistive devices
RW Restriction of work related activities
ME Medication use
HU Health care utilization
CL Clinical recommendations
SM Self-management
SW Support and well-being
IN Information and training
CN Confirmation of high blood pressure diagnosis
BM Blood pressure measurement
MO Self-monitoring of blood pressure
ADM Administration (on both arthritis and hypertension questionnaires)

The third position of the variable name consists of either an A if the module is on the arthritis questionnaire or an H if the module is on the hypertension questionnaire. A number of modules are on both questionnaires but with different questions for arthritis and hypertension.

11.3.3 Position 4: Cycle and survey name

The X in position four of the variable name indicates that the variable is part of the SLCDC.

11.3.4 Position 5 variable type
- Collected variable A variable that appeared directly on the questionnaire
Coded variable A variable coded from one or more collected variables (e.g., SIC, Standard Industrial Classification code)
D Derived variable A variable calculated from one or more collected or coded variables, usually calculated during head office processing (e.g., Health Utility Index)
F Flag variable A variable calculated from one or more collected variables (like a derived variable), but usually calculated by the data collection computer application for later use during the interview (e.g., work flag)
G Grouped variable Collected, coded, suppressed or derived variables collapsed into groups (e.g., age groups)

11.3.5 Positions 6-8: variable name

In general, the last three positions follow the variable numbering used on the questionnaire. The letter "Q" used to represent the word "question" is removed, and all question numbers are presented in a two-digit format. For example, question Q01A in a questionnaire becomes simply 01A, and question Q15 becomes simply 15.

For questions which allow for more than one response option (also referred to as a "mark-all" question), the final position in the variable naming sequence is represented by a letter. For this type of question, new variables were created to differentiate between a "yes" and "no" answer for each response option. For example, if Q2 had 4 response options, the new questions would be named Q2A for option 1, Q2B for option 2, Q2C for option 3, etc. If only options 2 and 3 were selected, then Q2A = No, Q2B = Yes, Q2C = Yes and Q2D = No.

11.4 Variable name component structure in CCHS

Since the SLCDC data files have been linked to the CCHS, it is important to be able to distinguish between the surveys from which the variables originate. The variable naming convention for the CCHS and SLCDC is very similar. The only exception is that the SLCDC uses an X in the fourth position to indicate that the variable comes from the SLCDC.

The example below shows the age variable from the SLCDC and CCHS:
SLCDC: DHHX_AGE
CCHS: DHH_AGE

Users should therefore be aware which variables they are using in order to ensure consistency in their estimates.