Release date: September 27, 2017 More Information

The objective of this toolkit is to raise awareness about
data quality assurance practices.

1. Context
2. Quality attributes
3. Data quality assurance practices
4. Checklists

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1. Context

Question: what do you get when you combine "data" and "quality"?

Answer: the Data quality toolkit!

Well, technically, you just get "data quality", but in the context of this webpage you can consider the toolkit something of an extremely useful bonus.

But, talk of bonuses aside, a question remains: what, exactly, is data quality?

To answer this question, we must first answer two more:

• What are data?
• What is quality?

Data are made up of numbers, letters and symbols. When organized into sets, phrases, or patterns, data become information. We use information to identify needs, measure impacts and inform decisions. If the data underlying that information are incorrect in some respect, then our conclusions and decisions could also be wrong or misleading.

Quality is gauged in terms of various attributes discussed in the following section, which will vary depending on from which point of view we are assessing things.

With respect to the data producer, measures of quality include reproducibility of the process, timeliness and punctuality in delivery of data and metadata, willingness and availability to support users of the data and perception of authority and trustworthiness; with respect to the actual data and metadata, quality measures include relevance and usefulness, coverage, granularity, accuracy and reliability, and standardization or conformance.

All of this leads us to data quality, a concept which is shaped by the two just outlined above and which in turn provides two ways to determine whether data are likely to be correct or not:

• describe what was done during the gathering and processing of the data to ensure that the data are correct
• observe measurable characteristics of the data

Following good data quality assurance practices does not guarantee that the data are correct, but it does reduce the likelihood of errors. Completing a data quality assessment is a way of measuring the extent to which the data are protected against errors, and sharing that assessment with data users gives them confidence in the quality of the data.

2. Quality attributes

Quality attributes related to the data producer^{Definition of data producer}

Quality assurance practices^{Examples of quality assurance practices}: The extent to which targeted and documented quality assurance practices were followed in the gathering and processing of the data, both through commitment of the data producer at an organizational level and implementation of monitoring and reporting practices at the working level.

Reproducibility of the process: The extent to which the data production process is reproducible or repeatable. Examples of non-reproducible processes would be ad-hoc processes or instances where intermediate steps or data files were not archived and cannot be recreated.

Timeliness and punctuality: Timeliness refers to the delay between the end of the reference period to which the data pertain, and when they are available to users. Ideally this delay is brief, and the data and metadata should be available at the same time. Punctuality refers to how reliably the data and metadata are available at the expected time, as scheduled or promised by the data producer.

Contactability: The willingness and accessibility of the data producer to discuss the data with potential users, and even to facilitate usage of the data.

Viability: The extent to which one can expect the data producer to continue producing these data for a reasonable length of time into the future.

Perception of authority, impartiality and trustworthiness: The extent to which the data producer is perceived as authoritative on the subject matter of the data, is immune to undue influence of its stakeholders or other external bodies and is worthy of trust.

Security: The extent to which data security is protected in all holdings and transmissions, and access to data during production is restricted to only those with appropriate training and authority. In particular, access is granted on a "need to know" basis.

Quality attributes related to the data and metadata^{Definition of metadata}

Relevance and usefulness: The extent to which the data pertain to the desired phenomenon. Data would be considered less relevant if they are too old, or do not include information about topics of interest. Usefulness of metadata refers to the extent to which it describes the data in terms of methods, concepts, limitations, assumptions made, and quality assurance practices followed.

Coverage: The extent to which the data represent the entire desired phenomenon. This could be assessed in terms of temporal or geographic coverage, or coverage of population units (i.e., people, households, businesses). Coverage is sometimes referred to as completeness (particularly when referring to metadata).

Granularity: Granularity refers to the unit or level of a single record in the dataset. For example a highly granular dataset could contain records of people, medical procedures or lakes, while a less granular dataset could contain records aggregated to the level of a province, or a year. The more granular or local a dataset, the greater the perceived value, balanced by greater need to protect data from unauthorized disclosure. It is usually straight-forward to aggregate or roll-up from granular data to a less granular level, but rolling down from an aggregate level is not usually possible.

Accuracy and reliability: Accuracy refers to the extent to which the data correctly describes the phenomenon they are supposed to measure. Reliability is the extent to which the data are accurate consistently over time. Accuracy is often decomposed into precision, which measures how similar are repeated measurements of the same thing, and bias, which measures any systematic departures from reality in the data. Other factors contributing to accuracy and reliability are validity, the extent to which variables in the dataset have values that correspond to expected outcomes, and consistency, the extent to which the data are free of contradiction.

Standardization or conformance: The extent to which the data and metadata follow recognized standards in terms of formats and naming conventions, and conform to recognized dissemination standards such as SDMX for statistical products. Other aspects of standardization and conformance are the use of industry-standard software and file formats, and controlled vocabulary for data values where appropriate.

Protection of sensitive information: Unless consent has been explicitly given, it is not acceptable to disclose sensitive information in datasets made available to users beyond those granted specific access. Sensitive information includes, but is not limited to, identifiers that would associate granular data to a person, household or business, or sufficient detail in aggregate data such that one could deduce attributes of a person, household or business. There are various methods for protecting data against disclosure of sensitive information, depending on the nature and granularity of the data. Examples include suppression of sensitive information and introduction of random disturbance to data values. Many disclosure control algorithms provide diagnostics of the level of protection achieved.

Combinability or linkability: The extent to which it is possible to integrate two or more sources of data. For example unique identifiers such as social insurance number (SIN), business number, health insurance number can be matched directly, while somewhat unique identifiers such as combinations of name, sex, date of birth, address can be linked using statistical matching algorithms based on probabilities. The success of integrating datasets is improved when the concept of what is represented by a single record from each dataset is well aligned.

Accessibility: The ease with which users can obtain and use the data and metadata. Highly accessible data and metadata have relevant and appropriate labels, keywords and tags so that they are discoverable electronically; are in commonly used formats and software; are downloadable or available through transparent or navigable processes. Accessibility also involves reducing barriers to access, including cost.

Processability and understandability: The ease with which users can manipulate, interpret, explore, analyze, or otherwise use the data and metadata. An important component of this is the extent to which metadata and other support from the data producer lead to correct use of the data, for example through the inclusion of appropriate quality indicators.

Perception of reliability and credibility: The extent to which the data are perceived to be reliable and the metadata are perceived to be credible.

3. Data quality assurance practices

This is a set of good practices that can be followed by any organization producing data. Data producers can adapt these practices to their own environment, and are encouraged to document the data quality assurance practices that they follow and to share that documentation with their data users. Knowing what data quality assurance practices were followed in the production of data builds confidence that the data themselves are of good quality. These quality assurance practices are a subset of those found in Statistics Canada's Quality Assurance Framework and Quality Guidelines.

Data quality assurance practices for producing registers and databases

• Use known unique identifiers (SIN, Business Number, health card number, …), with appropriate protection of sensitive information
• Use check-digits on known unique identifiers to ensure valid values
• Use drop-down menus, look-up tables or reference lists for variables that should have a fixed codeset^{Definition of codeset}
• Use recognized standard formats wherever possible, i.e., ISO 8601 for dates (YYYYMMDD) and time (HH:MM), standard province abbreviations (ON, MB, etc.)
• Include built-in edits to alert when outliers or unexpected entries are made
• Validate aggregated or tabulated data against other sources
• Use a logical, documented naming convention for variables and files
• Document inclusion and exclusion rules, procedures to be followed and quality checks
• Produce output datasets at regular, predictable intervals (the last day of every month, the last day of the year)
• Define and implement a strategy for back-up, storage and retention

Data quality assurance practices for survey data (sample or census)

• Use statistically sound methods for sampling, weighting and estimation
• Ensure all methods are documented and reproducible
• Ensure survey frame is as up to date, complete and as accurate as possible
• Document frame and sample coverage with respect to time period, geographic coverage and population units
• Test questionnaire flow and interpretability
• Choose a collection method appropriate for the target population and the subject matter, given cost considerations and other factors
• Use a quality control technique such as Statistical Process Control^{Definition of Statistical Process Control} to ensure that collected data are accurate
• Make at least one attempt to contact every sampled unit, and track contact attempts
• Use editing resources efficiently and effectively; in other words, make data fit for purpose^{Definition of fit for purpose}, not perfect
• Validate aggregated or tabulated data against other sources

Data quality assurance practices for producing scanned data, satellite data or meter data

• Use a quality control technique such as Acceptance Sampling^{Definition of acceptance sampling} or "ground truthing"^{Definition of ground truthing} to ensure that data are accurate
• Ensure that changes are conveyed to all users e.g., when a new UPC code is introduced for a product

Data quality assurance practices for combining data from different sources

• Ensure that definitions align for: concepts; populations of interest; units of observation; reference periods
• Report all data sources and what contribution they make to the final product
• Analyze non-matching or leftover data to see why they did not match
• Ensure all methods are documented and reproducible

Data quality assurance practices for metadata (documentation)

• Include documentation needs in project planning and resource allocation
• Document as you go; don't leave it all to the end
• Use templates and standard naming conventions
• Describe all concepts: the population covered by the data; any limitations or exceptions in the data; the reference period
• Describe all methods used in sampling, data collection, data entry, editing, combining data from various sources, tabulation
• Describe data security measures
• Describe quality assurance practices followed
• Describe measures to protect against the disclosure of sensitive information
• Provide summary statistics on key variables (mean, median, mode, range, set of valid values)
• Provide a data dictionary or controlled vocabulary set for variables, where appropriate
• Use recognized standard formats wherever possible, i.e., ISO 8601 for dates (YYYYMMDD) and time (HH:MM), standard province abbreviations (ON, MB, etc.)
• Make documentation available to data users
• Use relevant and appropriate labels, keywords and tags so that the data and associated metadata are discoverable electronically
• Track and document updates and revisions

Data quality assurance practices for data security, accessibility and protecting against the disclosure of sensitive information

• In the data production process, restrict access to only those who have appropriate training and authority and a defined need to access the information ("need to know")
• In the data production process, protect security of data in all holdings and all transmissions through encryption and other techniques
• Adopt the "single source of truth" strategy for minimizing duplication of information and effort, in part through efficient database structures
• Use standard formats for names, dates, addresses, and other commonly used variables (international, regional or national standards where appropriate, for example ISO 8601 for dates and time (YYYYMMDD HH:MM using the 24 hour clock)
• Use standard software and file formats for files made available to other users
• Plan and prepare to share datasets at the lowest possible level of granularity (detail)
• Do regular backups
• Define and implement a retention and storage strategy
• Protect against the disclosure of sensitive information (the identity or attributes of any person or business), by masking values^{Definition of masking values} and other techniques

4. Checklists

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Thank-you for reading the toolkit! We want to make it better for you. Please take a moment to let us know which parts of it you find useful, what's missing, how we can make it better. We're also happy to answer your questions. Please send an email to the Statistics Canada Quality Secretariat.

Definition of data producer

The entity responsible for generating, collecting, gathering, processing or manipulating the data, and making it available to others.

Examples of quality assurance practices

Use recognized standards for date and time, such as YYMMDD HH:MM; validate tabulated data against other sources.

Definition of metadata

Metadata are data that describes other data. Metadata summarize basic information about data, making it easier to find and to work with.

Definition of codeset

The set of values that the variable can take on; for example the codeset for a traffic light is red, amber, green.

Definition of Statistical Process Control

A particular type of Quality Control, Statistical Process Control is a way of monitoring the variation in a process and detecting deviations from normal, to be expected variation using control charts.

Definition of fit for purpose

The expression "fit for purpose" or "fit for use" is used to represent the concept of meeting the needs of a client or user of a product, but not exceeding them. An example of a "fit for purpose" commuter vehicle would be a Honda or Mazda, not a Lamborghini.

Definition of Acceptance Sampling

A particular type of Quality Control, acceptance sampling uses statistical sampling to determine whether to accept or reject a production lot of material.

Definition of ground truthing

The process of gathering the proper objective (provable) data as opposed to information provided by inference.

Definition of masking values

Simple methods for protecting against disclosure of sensitive information are rounding, grouping values together or adding random "noise".

More information

Note of appreciation

Canada owes the success of its statistical system to a long-standing partnership between 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.

Standards of service to the public

Statistics Canada is committed to serving its clients in a prompt, reliable and courteous manner. To this end, the Agency has developed standards of service which its employees observe in serving its clients.

Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2017

All rights reserved. Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 12-606-X

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

Day 1: February 24, 2025 from 8:30am to 4:00pm

Attendance

CSAC Members

Dr. Howard Ramos (Chairperson), Catherine Beaudry, David Chaundy, Benoit Dostie, Annette Hester, Anke Kessler, André Loranger, Vinamra Mathur, Stephen Tapp, Rosemary Bender

Statistics Canada

Josée Bégin, Geoff Bowlby, Kathleen Mitchell, Katy Champagne, Jennifer Withington, Eric Rancourt, Étienne Saint-Pierre

Time	Agenda	Presenter(s)
8:30 – 8:50	Members meet-and-greet	All members
8:50 – 9:00	Chairperson introductory remarks	Howard Ramos Chairperson, CSAC
9:00 – 9:55	Process for defining official statistics at Statistics Sweden	Heather Bergdahl Statistics Sweden
9:55 – 10:15	Break
10:15 – 11:00	Chief Statistician updates and hot files	André Loranger Chief Statistician of Canada
11:00 – 12:00	Data linkages and data transfers at Statcan	Presenters (in order) Julio Rosa, Section Manager, Centre for Special Business Projects Winnie Chan, Chief, Social Analysis and Modelling Division Guests Chris Li, Director, Centre for Special Business Projects Li Xue, Director, Social Analysis and Modelling Division Shelly Jeglic, Assistant Director, Data Access Division
12:00 – 13:00	Working lunch – Discussion on the Terms of Reference
13:00 – 14:00	Advancing the Government of Canada’s Data Landscape	Stephen D. Burt Chief Data Officer of Canada, Data & Digital Policy Sector, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat
14:00 – 14:45	Update on Censuses	Census of Population Patrice Mathieu Director, Census Operations, Census Program Division Census of Agriculture Erin Kumar Assistant Director, Agriculture Division Guests: Augustine Akuoko-Asibey, Director General, Agriculture, Energy and Environment Statistics Cindy St-Germain, Director, Agriculture
14:45 – 15:05	Break
15:05 – 15:55	Roundtable discussion In camera	All members
15:55 – 16:00	Chairperson closing remarks	Howard Ramos Chairperson, CSAC

Day 1 Summary

1. Chairperson introductory remarks - Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos opened the meeting by welcoming members and Assistant Chief Statisticians (ACS) and provided an overview of the agenda for the day.

2. Process for defining official statistics at Statistics Sweden – Heather Bergdahl

Ms. Bergdahl presented Statistics Sweden’s framework for defining official statistics, grounded in the Official Statistics Act and Ordinance, which require standardized methods, quality documentation, public access, annual evaluations, and gender-based breakdowns.

She outlined relevant government directives, key quality concepts, and criteria for determining official statistics, and addressed implementation challenges. An open Q&A followed. CSAC members asked about the roles of Statistics Sweden and other authorized organizations, focusing on guidance, oversight, and compliance. Ms. Bergdahl clarified that while exceptions may be granted, data quality remains essential.

3. Chief Statistician updates and hot files – André Loranger

Chief Statistician André Loranger briefed CSAC members on key priorities and challenges, including the agency’s financial position, 2026 Census planning, Canada–U.S. data relations, the role of artificial intelligence, and upcoming initiatives. He concluded by providing a summary of his recent international engagements.

Members asked about Statistics Canada’s authority during government prorogation. Mr. Loranger addressed these questions, reaffirming the agency’s international leadership and the importance of sustaining it through responsible budgeting.

4. Data linkages and data transfers at Statcan – Julio Rosa, Winnie Chan

Mr. Rosa and Ms. Chan presented on Data Linkage and Integration, outlining key drivers and two primary environments: the Business Linkable File Environment (B-LFE) and the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE), along with supporting analytical platforms.

CSAC members inquired about interconnections between the environments and recommended considering provincial models. The presenters confirmed ongoing collaboration with provinces and reaffirmed Statistics Canada’s responsibility under the Statistics Act to ensure strong data governance.

5. Working Lunch – CSAC Member Discussion on the Terms of Reference

The Canadian Statistics Advisory Council (CSAC) met to discuss its future composition and structure, including the anticipated departure of three members and potential vacancy in the Chair position in 2025. Members reviewed the current Terms of Reference, considering possible amendments to better reflect the Council’s evolving needs.

6. Advancing the Government of Canada’s Data Landscape – Stephen Burt

Mr. Burt presented Canada’s policy, legislative, and digital landscape, with a focus on the 2023–2026 Data Strategy, including year one achievements and year two priorities.

CSAC members raised questions about short-term challenges and long-term cultural change. Mr. Burt emphasized the need for a more unified approach across departments. The discussion also addressed the role of a national statistical system, the value of data reference standards, and potential legislative adjustments linked to budget and government-wide support.

7. Update on Censuses – Patrice Mathieu and Erin Kumar

Mr. Mathieu and Ms. Kumar provided an update on the Censuses. Topics included the start of operations, communication strategy, reducing respondent burden, and promoting job opportunities. They also outlined the content determination process, with tentative approval expected in May 2025, pending Cabinet approval.

The discussion explored potential automation options, such as notification systems and chatbots. The presenters also shared future strategies, including analysis to support recruitment and data collection.

8. Chairperson closing remarks – Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos provided closing remarks for the day.

Day 2: February 25, 2025 from 8:50am to 12:30pm

Attendance

CSAC Members

Dr. Howard Ramos (Chairperson), Catherine Beaudry, David Chaundy, Benoit Dostie, Annette Hester, Anke Kessler, André Loranger, Vinamra Mathur, Stephen Tapp, Rosemary Bender

Statistics Canada

Geoff Bowlby, Katy Champagne, Jennifer Withington, Eric Rancourt, Étienne Saint-Pierre

Day 2 Summary

1. Chairperson Opening Remarks – Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos welcomed members back and provided an overview of the agenda for the day.

2. Introduction to the regulation of UK Official Statistics – Helen Miller-Bakewell and Penny Babb

Ms. Miller-Bakewell, joined by Ms. Babb presented on the regulation of UK official statistics. They outlined the structure of the UK Statistical System, highlighting the role of the Office for Statistics Regulation, and described the 2007 introduction of official statistics and the accreditation process based on the principles of Trustworthiness, Quality, and Value (TQV).

CSAC members asked about the impact of the official statistics framework on public trust and sought clarification on the relationship between the National Statistician and the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA).

3. Using citizen data to report on the Sustainable Development Goals - Cara Williams and Catherine Michaud

Ms. Williams and Ms. Michaud presented the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and potential role of citizen-generated data in addressing current data gaps. They discussed the origins of such data, the role of national statistical offices (NSOs), reporting capabilities, and considerations around data quality.

CSAC members raised questions about data quality evaluation and fit-for-use thresholds and sought further clarity on how Statistics Canada might use this data.

4. Chairperson closing remarks – Howard Ramos

Mr. Ramos thanked CSAC members, including the Chief Statistician, the Assistant Chief Statisticians and their teams and the CSAC Secretariat for their support.

Business or organization information

1. Which of the following categories best describes this business or organization?

• Government agency
• Private sector business
• Non-profit organization
  • Who does this organization primarily serve?
    • Households or individuals
      e.g., child and youth services, community food services, food bank, women's shelter, community housing services, emergency relief services, religious organization, grant and giving services, social advocacy group, arts and recreation group
    • Businesses
      e.g., business association, chamber of commerce, condominium association, environmental support or protection services, group benefit carriers (pensions, health, medical)
• Don't know

Business or organization information

2. In what year was this business or organization first established?

Please provide the year this business or organization first began operations.
Year business or organization was first established:
OR
Don’t know

• Approximately how long ago was this business or organization first established?
  • 2 years ago or less
    Established in 2025, 2024, or 2023.
  • 3 to 10 years ago
    Established in 2015 to 2022.
  • 11 to 20 years ago
    Established in 2005 to 2014.
  • More than 20 years ago
    Established in 2004 or earlier.
  • Don't know

3. Over the last 12 months, which of the following international activities did this business or organization conduct?

Select all that apply.

• Export or sell goods outside of Canada
  Include both intermediate and final goods.
• Export or sell services outside of Canada
  Include services delivered virtually and in person.
  e.g., software, cloud services, legal services, environmental services, architectural services, digital advertising
• Make investments outside of Canada
• Sell goods to businesses or organizations in Canada who then resold them outside of Canada
• Import or buy goods from outside of Canada
  Include both intermediate and final goods.
• Import or buy services from outside of Canada
  Include services received virtually and in person.
  e.g., software, cloud services, legal services, environmental services, architectural services, digital advertising
• Relocate any business or organizational activities or employees from another country into Canada
  Exclude temporary foreign workers.
• Relocate any business or organizational activities or employees from Canada to another country
• Engage in other international business or organizational activities
• OR
• None of the above

4. Over the next three months, how are each of the following expected to change for this business or organization?

Exclude seasonal factors or conditions.

• Number of employees
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Vacant positions
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Sales of goods or services offered by this business or organization
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Selling price of goods or services offered by this business or organization
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Demand for goods or services offered by this business or organization
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Imports of goods or services
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Exports of goods or services
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Operating income
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Operating expenses
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Profitability
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Cash reserves
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Capital expenditures
  e.g., machinery, equipment
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Training expenditures
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Marketing and advertising budget
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know
• Expenditures in research and development
  • Increase
  • Stay about the same
  • Decrease
  • Not applicable
  • Don't know

Business or organization obstacles

5. Over the next three months, which of the following are expected to be obstacles for this business or organization?

Select all that apply.

• Shortage of labour force
• Recruiting skilled employees
• Retaining skilled employees
• Shortage of space or equipment
• Cost of inputs
  An input is an economic resource used in a firm's production process.
  e.g., labour, capital, energy and raw materials
• Costs in real estate, leasing or property taxes
• Inflation
• Interest rates and debt costs
  e.g., borrowing fees, interest payments
• Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada
• Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad
• Maintaining inventory levels
• Insufficient demand for goods or services offered
• Fluctuations in consumer demand
• Attracting new or returning customers
• Lack of financial resources
• Technological limitations
• Regulatory constraints
• Cost of insurance
• Transportation costs
• Obtaining financing
• Increasing competition
• Challenges related to exporting or selling goods and services to customers in other provinces or territories
• Challenges related to exporting or selling goods and services outside of Canada
• Maintaining sufficient cash flow or managing debt
• Attract local investment
• Attract foreign direct investment
• Other obstacle
  • Specify other obstacle:
• OR
• None of the above

Flow condition: If at least two obstacles are selected in Q5, go to Q6. Otherwise, go to Q7.

Display condition: Display in Q6 the obstacles selected in Q5.

6. Of the obstacles selected in the previous question, which obstacle is expected to be the most challenging over the next three months?

• Shortage of labour force
• Recruiting skilled employees
• Retaining skilled employees
• Shortage of space or equipment
• Cost of inputs  
  An input is an economic resource used in a firm's production process.
  e.g., labour, capital, energy and raw materials
• Costs in real estate, leasing or property taxes
• Inflation
• Interest rates and debt costs
  e.g., borrowing fees, interest payments
• Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada
• Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad
• Maintaining inventory levels
• Insufficient demand for goods or services offered
• Fluctuations in consumer demand
• Attracting new or returning customers
• Lack of financial resources
• Technological limitations
• Regulatory constraints
• Cost of insurance
• Transportation costs
• Obtaining financing
• Increasing competition
• Challenges related to exporting or selling goods and services to customers in other provinces or territories
• Challenges related to exporting or selling goods and services outside of Canada
• Maintaining sufficient cash flow or managing debt
• Attract local investment
• Attract foreign direct investment
• Other obstacle

Flow condition: If “Cost of inputs” is selected in Q5, go to Q7. Otherwise, go to Q8.

7. Over the next three months, which of the following costs of inputs are expected to be obstacles for this business or organization?

Select all that apply.

• Cost of labour
• Cost of capital
• Cost of energy
• Cost of raw materials
• OR
• Don't know

Flow condition: If “Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada”, “Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad”, or “Maintaining inventory levels” is selected in Q5, go to Q8. Otherwise, go to Q11. 
Display condition: If “Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada”, “Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad”, or “Maintaining inventory levels” is selected in Q5, display in Q8. 

Supply chain challenges

8. How long does this business or organization expect the following to continue to be an obstacle?

• Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada
  • Less than 3 months
  • 3 months to less than 6 months
  • 6 months to less than 12 months
  • 12 months or more
  • Don't know
• Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad
  • Less than 3 months
  • 3 months to less than 6 months
  • 6 months to less than 12 months
  • 12 months or more
  • Don't know
• Maintaining inventory levels
  • Less than 3 months
  • 3 months to less than 6 months
  • 6 months to less than 12 months
  • 12 months or more
  • Don't know

 9. Over the last three months, how have supply chain challenges experienced by this business or organization changed?

Supply chain challenges include difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada or abroad and difficulty maintaining inventory levels.

Exclude seasonal factors or conditions

• Supply chain challenges have worsened
  • Which of the following factors have contributed to these challenges?
    Select all that apply.
    • Increased prices of inputs, products or supplies
    • Increased delays in deliveries of inputs, products or supplies
    • Supply shortages resulted in fewer inputs, products or supplies being available
    • Supply shortages resulted in no inputs, products or supplies available
    • Other factor
      • Specify other factor:
    • OR
    • Don't know
• Supply chain challenges have remained about the same
• Supply chain challenges have improved

10. Over the next three months, how does this business or organization expect supply chain challenges to change?

Supply chain challenges include difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada or abroad and difficulty maintaining inventory levels.
Exclude seasonal factors or conditions.

• Supply chain challenges are expected to worsen
• Supply chain challenges are expected to remain about the same
• Supply chain challenges are expected to improve

Flow condition: If “Government agency” was selected in Q1, go to Q12. Otherwise, go to Q11.
Display condition: If “Non-profit organization” is selected in Q1, do not display “Transfer the business” or “Sell the business” in Q11.

Expectations for the next year

11. Over the next 12 months, does this business or organization plan to do any of the following? 

Select all that apply.

• Expand current location of this business or organization
• Expand operations of this business or organization internationally
• Expand operations of this business or organization into a new province or territory within Canada
• Move operations of this business or organization to another location within the province or territory
• Move operations of this business or organization to another province or territory within Canada entirely
• Expand this business or organization to other locations within the same province or territory
• Expand this business or organization without increasing physical space
  i.e., hiring more staff who will work remotely, or expanding online sales capacity
• Restructure this business or organization
  Restructuring involves changing the financial, operational, legal or other structures of the business or organization to make it more efficient or more profitable.
• Acquire other businesses, organizations or franchises
• Invest in other businesses or organizations
• Merge with other businesses or organizations
• Reduce the physical space of this business or organization
• Scale down operations of this business or organization to within a single province or territory within Canada
• Transfer the business
• Sell the business
• OR
• Close the business or organization
• OR
• Don't know
• OR
• None of the above

Flow condition: If “Export or sell goods outside of Canada” or “Export or sell services outside of Canada” was selected in Q3, go to Q12. Otherwise, go to Q13.

Trade

12. Over the last 12 months, what percentage of this business’ or organization’s sales were made directly to clients or customers in the United States?

Provide your best estimate rounded to the nearest percentage.

Percentage of sales made directly to clients or customers in the United States:
OR
Don’t know

Flow condition: If “Import or buy goods from outside of Canada” or “Import or buy services from outside of Canada” was selected in Q3, go to Q13. Otherwise, go to Q14. 

13. Over the last 12 months, what percentage of this business’ or organization’s purchases were made directly from suppliers in the United States?

Provide your best estimate rounded to the nearest percentage.

Percentage of purchases made directly from suppliers in the United States:
OR
Don’t know

14. What is the impact of the following on this business or organization?

• U.S. tariffs on goods sold by businesses in Canada
  • High negative impact
  • Minor negative impact
  • No impact
  • Minor positive impact
  • Major positive impact
  • Don’t know
• Canadian tariffs on goods sold by businesses in Canada
  • High negative impact
  • Minor negative impact
  • No impact
  • Minor positive impact
  • Major positive impact
  • Don’t know
• The elimination of trade barriers between provinces or territories
  • High negative impact
  • Minor negative impact
  • No impact
  • Minor positive impact
  • Major positive impact
  • Don’t know

15. Over the next 12 months, does this business or organization plan to take any of the following actions as a result of any tariffs applied by the United States on goods sold from Canada?

Select all that apply.

• Seek alternative customers outside the United States 
• Seek alternative suppliers outside the United States
• Increase domestic sourcing
• Delay major investments or expenditures
• Delay Canadian investment or expansion plans
• Acquire or partner with United States-based businesses as a beachhead strategy
• Explore trade-related financial tools
  e.g., currency hedging, insurance
• Establish operations in the United States
• Increase inventory or stockpiled goods
• Invest in technology improvements 
  e.g., technology adoption, automation
• Lay off employees
• Hire employees
• Raise prices of goods or services
• Lower prices of goods or services
• Other action
  • Specify other action:
• OR
• None of the above
• OR
• Don’t know

United States administration

16. Over the next 12 months, how is this business or organization expected to be impacted for each of the following as a result of the new United States administration? 

• Business uncertainty
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Sales in Canada
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Sales to the United States
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Sales to other countries excluding the United States
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Cost of domestic material inputs    
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Cost of imported material inputs     
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Cost of domestic service inputs
  e.g., lawyer fees, accountant fees, IT support, transportation costs 
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Cost of imported service inputs
  e.g., lawyer fees, accountant fees, IT support, transportation costs
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know
• Selling price of goods or services offered by this business or organization
  • Higher
  • Unchanged
  • Lower
  • Not applicable
  • Don’t know

Flow condition: If the percentage of sales made directly to clients or customers in the United States reported in Q12 was greater than 0, go to Q17. Otherwise, go to Q18.

17. Over the last three months, has the United States imposed any tariffs specifically on any goods that this business or organization sells to the United States?

• Yes
• No 
• Don’t know

Flow condition: If the percentage of purchases made directly from suppliers in the United States reported in Q13 was greater than 0, go to Q18. Otherwise, go to Q19.

18. Over the last three months, has Canada imposed any tariffs on any goods that this business or organization specifically purchases from the United States?

• Yes
• No 
• Don’t know

19. If tariffs imposed by the United States and Canada remained at their current level, for how long would this business or organization be able to continue to operate?

• Less than 3 months
• 3 months to less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 12 months
• 12 months or more
• Don’t know

20. If tariffs imposed by the United States and Canada remained at their current level, for how long would this business or organization be able to maintain their current level of staffing?

• Less than 3 months
• 3 months to less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 12 months
• 12 months or more
• Don’t know

21. Over the last six months, has this business or organization experienced negative consequences because of the direct impact of tariffs on other businesses in the community? 

• Yes
  • What negative consequences did this business or organization experience?
    Select all that apply.
    • Other businesses had to raise their prices
    • Lower sales to business customers
    • Lower sales to individual customers
    • Had to lay off staff
    • Had to temporarily close business
    • Unable to acquire inputs from the other business
    • Other consequence
      • Specify other consequences:
    • OR
    • Don't know
• No
• Don’t know

22. Over the last six months, has this business or organization passed on any increases in its costs due to tariffs to its customers?

• Yes
• No
• This business or organization has not experienced any cost increases due to tariffs
• Don’t know

23. Over the next 12 months, how likely is this business or organization to pass on cost increases due to tariffs to its customers?

Include increases in costs related to inputs, products, or supplies.

• Very likely
• Somewhat likely
• Somewhat unlikely
• Very unlikely
• This business or organization does not expect any cost increases due to tariffs
• Don't know

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

Flow condition: If the percentage of sales made directly to clients or customers in the United States reported in Q12 was greater than 0, go to Q24. Otherwise, go to Q25.

24. Over the last 12 months, were any of the goods sold by this business or organization to the United States compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)?

• Yes
  • What percentage of the goods sold by this business or organization to the United States were compliant with CUSMA?
    Provide your best estimate rounded to the nearest percentage.
    Percentage of goods this business or organization sold to the United States that were compliant with CUSMA:
    OR
    Don't know
• No
• This business or organization does not sell goods to the United States
• Don’t know

Flow condition: If the percentage of purchases made directly from suppliers in the United States reported in Q13 was greater than 0, go to Q25. Otherwise, go to Q26.

25. Over the last 12 months, were any of the goods purchased by this business or organization from the United States compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)?

• Yes
  • What percentage of goods purchased by this business or organization from the United States were compliant with CUSMA?
    Provide your best estimate rounded to the nearest percentage.
    Percentage of goods purchased by this business or organization from the United States that were compliant with CUSMA:
    OR
    Don't know
• No
• This business or organization does not purchase goods from the United States 
• Don’t know

Flow condition: If “No” was selected in both Q24 and Q25, go to Q26. Otherwise, go to Q27.

26. Has this business or organization arranged for the certification under CUSMA of any goods it purchases from or sells to the United States?

• Yes
• No
  • Why not?
    Select all that apply.
    • Too costly or complex to meet the requirements
    • Lack of information or support
    • Products contain too much foreign content
    • Other reason
      • Specify other reason:
    • OR
    • Don't know
• Don’t know

Canadian products

27. Over the last six months, has this business or organization changed its marketing practices to promote Canadian products?

e.g., labeling products that are either “Canadian”, “Made in Canada” or are a “Product of Canada”

• Yes
• No 
• Don’t know

28. Over the last six months, has this business or organization experienced an increase in sales of Canadian products?

e.g., products that are either “Canadian”, “Made in Canada” or are a “Product of Canada”

• Yes
• No 
• Don’t know

Change in suppliers

29. Over the last three months, did this business or organization change suppliers as a result of tariffs imposed by either Canada or the United States?

• Yes
• No 
• Don’t know

30. How challenging would it be for this business or organization to switch the main suppliers of its inputs, products or supplies, while minimizing impacts on customers or operations? 

• Very easy
• Somewhat easy
• Somewhat difficult
• Very difficult
• Don’t know

Question 31 was skipped for all respondents.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

32. Over the next 12 months, does this business or organization plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) in producing goods or delivering services?

e.g., machine learning, virtual agents, voice recognition

• Yes
  • What types of AI applications is this business or organization planning to use in producing goods or delivering services?
    Select all that apply.
    • Machine learning
    • Natural language processing
    • Virtual agents or chat bots
    • Speech or voice recognition using AI 
    • Recommendation systems based on AI 
    • Large language models
    • Text analytics using AI 
    • Data analytics using AI 
    • Neural networks
    • Augmented reality
    • Decision making systems based on AI 
    • Deep learning
    • Image or pattern recognition
    • Machine or computer vision
    • Robotics process automation
    • Biometrics
    • Marketing automation using AI 
    • Other type
      • Specify other type:     
    • OR
    • Don't know

• No
  • Why does this business or organization not plan to use AI in producing goods or delivering services over the next 12 months?
    Select all that apply.
    • Too expensive
    • AI is not a mature enough technology yet
    • Lack of knowledge on the capabilities of AI
    • Concerns about privacy or security
    • Concerns about bias 
    • Lack of skilled workforce 
    • Lack of required data 
    • Laws and regulations prevent or restrict use of AI 
    • Previous or current use of AI did not meet expectations 
    • Other reason
      • Specify other reason:
    • OR
    • AI is not relevant to the goods produced or services delivered by this business or organization
    • OR
    • Don't know
• Don't know

Flow condition: If “Yes” was selected in Q32, go to Q33. Otherwise, go to Q35.

33. How does this business or organization expect AI to affect total employment?

• Increase
• Decrease
• No change
• Don’t know

34. Which of the following changes will this business or organization make when using AI to produce goods or deliver services?

Select all that apply.

• Train current staff to use AI
• Hire staff trained in AI
• Purchase computing power or specialized equipment
• Purchase cloud services or cloud storage
• Change data collection or data management practices
• Develop new workflows
• Use vendors or consulting services to install or integrate AI
• Other change
  • Specify other change:
• OR
• Don't know
• OR
• None of the above

Liquidity

35. Does this business or organization have the cash or liquid assets required to operate for the next three months? 

• Yes
• No
  • Will this business or organization be able to acquire the cash or liquid assets required?
    • Yes
    • No
    • Don't know
• Don’t know

Debt

36. Over the next three months, does this business or organization plan to apply to a financial institution for a new line of credit, a new term loan, a new non-residential mortgage, or refinancing of an existing non-residential mortgage?

Include commercial mortgages.
Exclude residential mortgages.

• Yes
  • What are the intended uses of this funding?
    Select all that apply.
    • Refinancing of existing debt
    • Non-residential investments
      i.e., machinery, equipment, R&D
    • Current expenditure
    • Business expansion
    • Financing the acquisition of another business
    • Other use
      • Specify other use:
    • OR
    • Don't know

• No
  • Does this business or organization have the ability to take on more debt?
    Answer based on this business' or organization's ability, even if there are no plans to take on more debt.
    • Yes
    • No
      • For which of the following reasons is this business or organization unable to take on more debt?
        Select all that apply.
        • Cash flow
        • Lack of confidence or uncertainty in future sales
        • Request would be turned down
        • Too difficult or time consuming to apply
        • Interest rates are unfavourable
        • Payment terms are unfavourable
        • Credit rating
        • Other reason
          • Specify other reason:
        • OR
        • Not applicable
        • OR
        • Don't know
    • Don't know
• Don't know

Flow condition: If “Yes” was selected when asked if the business of organization plans to apply to a financial institution for a new line of credit, a new term loan, a new non-residential mortgage, or refinancing of an existing non-residential mortgage in Q36, go to Q37. Otherwise, go to Q38.

37. Who will provide the debt financing this business or organization plans to request?

Select all that apply.

• Private financial institution 
  e.g., chartered banks
• Government agency
• Private markets
• Other source
  • Specify other source:    
• OR
• Don't know

Payments

38. Over the next three months, how confident is this business or organization in its ability to make its payments to suppliers and service providers in full and on time?

Exclude payments made to financial institutions.

• Very confident 
• Somewhat confident 
• Not at all confident
• Don't know

Working arrangements

39. Over the next three months, what percentage of the employees of this business or organization is anticipated to work on-site or work remotely?

Exclude employees that are primarily engaged in providing driving or delivery services or employees that primarily work at client premises, and contractors.

Working on-site refers to working from an office or job site, while working remotely refers to an employee working from home or another location of the employee’s choosing, other than their regular on-site location.

Provide your best estimate rounded to the nearest percentage.
If the percentages are unknown, leave the question blank.

a. Work on-site exclusively 
Percentage of employees:
b. Work on-site most hours 
Percentage of employees:
c.  Work approximately the same number of hours on-site and remotely 
i.e., 2 to 3 days per week on site        
Percentage of employees:
d. Work remotely most hours
Percentage of employees:
e. Work remotely exclusively 
Percentage of employees:

Future outlook

40. Over the next 12 months, what is the future outlook for this business or organization? 

• Very optimistic
• Somewhat optimistic
• Somewhat pessimistic
• Very pessimistic
• Don’t know

Flow condition: If “Private sector business” was selected in Q1, go to Q41. Otherwise, go to “Contact Person”.

Ownership

(i) The groups identified within the following questions are included in order to gain a better understanding of businesses owned by members of various communities across Canada. 

41. What percentage of this business or organization is owned by each of the following groups?

Provide your best estimate rounded to the nearest percentage.

If the business or organization is not owned by anyone that falls under that group, please enter “0”.

What percentage of this business or organization is owned by women?
Percentage of business or organization owned by women:
OR
Don’t know

What percentage of this business or organization is owned by First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples?
Percentage of business or organization owned by First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples:
OR
Don’t know

What percentage of this business or organization is owned by immigrants to Canada?
Percentage of business or organization owned by immigrants to Canada:
OR
Don’t know

What percentage of this business or organization is owned by persons with a disability?
Percentage of business or organization owned by persons with a disability:
OR
Don’t know

What percentage of this business or organization is owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or two-spirited (LGBTQ2) people?
Percentage of business or organization owned by LGBTQ2 people:
OR
Don’t know

What percentage of this business or organization is owned by members of visible minorities?
A member of a visible minority in Canada may be defined as someone (other than an Indigenous person) who is non-white in colour or race, regardless of place of birth.
Percentage of business or organization owned by visible minorities:
OR
Don’t know

Flow condition: If more than 50% of this business or organization is owned by members of visible minorities, go to Q42. Otherwise, go to “Contact person”.

42. It was indicated that at least 51% of this business or organization is owned by members of visible minorities. Please select the categories that describe the owner or owners.

Select all that apply.

• South Asian 
  e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan
• Chinese
• Black
• Filipino
• Latin American
• Arab
• Southeast Asian 
  e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai
• West Asian 
• e.g., Afghan, Iranian
• Korean
• Japanese
• Other group
  • Specify other group:
• OR
• Prefer not to say

Public consultations and notices associated with specific standards. Includes information on Statistics Canada's variables; statistical units; geographic, industry, instructional program, occupational, product, and research and development classifications.

On this page

• Geographic classifications
• Industry classifications
• Instructional program classifications
• Occupational classifications
• Product classifications
• Research and development classifications
• Variables and statistical units

Permanent consultation processes for classifications are marked with an asterisk (*).

Geographic classifications

General notice

• Notice of release of Health Regions (HR) 2017 December 21, 2017
• From urban areas to population centresArchived February 07, 2011

Standard Geographical Classification (SGC)

SGC 2006

• Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2006 - Supplement no. 3Archived July 14, 2010
• Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2006 - Supplement no. 2Archived May 25, 2009
• Proposed Revision of the Census Metropolitan Area Naming ConventionArchived April 08, 2009
• Proposed New Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) Naming Convention and Guidelines for (CMA) Name Change RequestsArchived December 12, 2008
• Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2006 - Supplement no. 1Archived October 20, 2008

Industry classifications

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada

• Invitation to participate in the revision of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada August 25, 2023 (*)

NAICS Canada 2022

• Notice of release of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0 January 27, 2022
• What We Heard Report, NAICS Canada 2022 Consultation April 20, 2021

NAICS Canada 2017

• Participate in the revision of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada Updated on: December 20, 2019
• Notice of release of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 2.0 March 6, 2017
• Notice of changes to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2017 Version 1.0 December 16, 2016

NAICS Canada 2012

• Revision of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2012 July 30, 2013
• Notice of discontinuation of the Industry Classification Coding System (ICCS) January 11, 2012
• Notice of provisional NAICS changes for 2012 March 1, 2011

NAICS Canada 2007

• Revision of the North American Industry Classification System for 2012Archived March 9, 2010
• Revision of the North American Industry Classification SystemArchived July 3, 2008

Instructional program classifications

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada

• Invitation to participate in the revision of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada April 9, 2024 (*)

CIP Canada 2021 Version 1.0

• Notice of release of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada 2021 Version 1.0 November 8, 2022

CIP Canada 2016

• Participate in the revision of the Classification of Instructional Programs! March 20, 2018

CIP Canada 2011

• Update of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada 2011 April 1, 2014

CIP Canada 2000

• Revision of the Classification of Instructional ProgramsArchived November 10, 2007

Occupational classifications

National Occupational Classification (NOC)

• Invitation to participate in the revision of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Updated on: October 28, 2025 (*)

NOC 2026

• Revising the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 to NOC 2026 Version 1.0: What we Asked, What we Learned and What we Did Report October 28, 2025

NOC 2021

• Notice of release of a new Variant of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 with Aggregates for Analysis of Labour force October 25, 2023
• Notice of Changes to the Correspondence Table: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 V1.3 to National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 V1.0 based on GSIM September 14, 2023
• Notice of release of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 September 21, 2021
• Notice of Release – Redesign of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 November 5, 2020

NOC 2016

• Notice of release of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.3 December 20, 2019
• Participate in the consultation for the Variant of NOC 2016 Version 1.2 - STEM Perspective May 15, 2019
• Participate in the update of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Version 1.2 March 20, 2019
• Notice of release of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.2 December 19, 2018
• Participate in the update of the National Occupational Classification July 4, 2018
• Notice of release of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1 December 14, 2017
• Notice of Changes to the NOC 2016 May 31, 2017
• Participate in the update of the National Occupational Classification! May 17, 2017

NOC 2011

• Supplement no.1, Adding occupational titles to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 March 10, 2016
• Update of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 July 30, 2013
• Notice of update of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 May 31, 2012
• National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 - Preliminary release August 10, 2011
• Archived Revision of the National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S) April 06, 2009 Archived

Product classifications

North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada

• Invitation to participate in the revision of the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada August 25, 2023 (*)

NAPCS Canada 2022

• Notice of release of the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2022 Version 1.0 March 31, 2022
• What We Heard Report, NAPCS Canada 2022 Consultation April 20, 2021

NAPCS Canada 2017

• Notice of changes to the Manufacturing and Logging variant of NAPCS Canada 2017 version 2.0 December 11, 2020
• Notice of Changes to the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2017 Version 2.0 April 12, 2019
• Invitation to participate in the revision of the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada Updated on: December 20, 2019
• North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) Canada 2017 Version 2.0 October 11, 2018

NAPCS Canada 2012

• Notice of release of a new Variant Version 1.0 of NAPCS Canada 2012 Version 1.1 - Manufacturing and Logging January 16, 2017

NAPCS Canada 2007

• Notice of introduction of a new aggregation structure for the classification of imports and exports of goods May 29, 2012 (Revised, previously released August 8, 2011)
• Notice of introduction of a new aggregation structure for the classification of imports and exports of goods August 8, 2011

Research and development classifications

Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC)

• Participate in the permanent consultation for the revision of the Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) January 27, 2025 (*)

CRDC 2020

• Notice of release of the Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) 2020 Version 2.0 April 30, 2024
• Participate in the consultation for the update of the Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) 2020 V1.0 August 8, 2023 Closed
• Development of the Canadian Research and Development Classification - What we heard August 13, 2020

CRDC 2019

• Participate in the consultation for the new Canadian Classification of Research and Development (CRDC) February 11, 2019 Closed

Variables and statistical units

Population and demography

• Participate in the consultation on gender and sexual diversity statistical metadata standards January 29, 2021 Closed

Why do we conduct this survey?

The purpose of this survey is to collect data on commercial stocks of raw unprocessed corn for grain, and soybeans, stored in your operation's elevators. This survey gathers information on stocks intended for use by your operation or intended for sale to grain or oilseed processing operations for human or animal consumption or for industrial use.

The estimates produced will be used in national supply-disposition analyses to verify production and farm stocks. The data are also used by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and by grain analysts in the public and private sectors.

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

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

Other important information

Authorization to collect this information

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

Confidentiality

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

Record linkages

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

Data-sharing agreements

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

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

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

Business or organization and contact information

1. Verify or provide the business or organization's legal and operating name and correct where needed.

Note: Legal name modifications should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

Legal Name
The legal name is one recognized by law, thus it is the name liable for pursuit or for debts incurred by the business or organization. In the case of a corporation, it is the legal name as fixed by its charter or the statute by which the corporation was created.

Modifications to the legal name should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

To indicate a legal name of another legal entity you should instead indicate it in question 3 by selecting 'Not currently operational' and then choosing the applicable reason and providing the legal name of this other entity along with any other requested information.

Operating Name
The operating name is a name the business or organization is commonly known as if different from its legal name. The operating name is synonymous with trade name.

Legal name

Operating name (if applicable)

2. Verify or provide the contact information of the designated business or organization contact person for this questionnaire and correct where needed.

Note: The designated contact person is the person who should receive this questionnaire. The designated contact person may not always be the one who actually completes the questionnaire.

First name

Last name

Title

Preferred language of communication

• English
• French

Mailing address (number and street)

City

Province, territory or state

Postal code or ZIP code

Country

• Canada
• United States

Email address

Telephone number (including area code)

Extension number (if applicable)
The maximum number of characters is 5.

Fax number (including area code)

3. Verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name above.

• Operational
• Not currently operational
  Why is this business or organization not currently operational?
  • Seasonal operations
    • When did this business or organization close for the season?
      • Date
    • When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?
      • Date
  • Ceased operations
    • When did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Date
    • Why did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Bankruptcy
      • Liquidation
      • Dissolution
      • Other - Specify the other reasons for ceased operations
  • Sold operations
    • When was this business or organization sold?
      • Date
    • What is the legal name of the buyer?
  • Amalgamated with other businesses or organizations
    • When did this business or organization amalgamate?
      • Date
    • What is the legal name of the resulting or continuing business or organization?
    • What are the legal names of the other amalgamated businesses or organizations?
  • Temporarily inactive but will re-open
    • When did this business or organization become temporarily inactive?
      • Date
    • When does this business or organization expect to resume operations?
      • Date
    • Why is this business or organization temporarily inactive?
  • No longer operating due to other reasons
    • When did this business or organization cease operations?
      • Date
    • Why did this business or organization cease operations?

4. Verify or provide the current main activity of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name above.

Note: The described activity was assigned using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

This question verifies the business or organization's current main activity as classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Created 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. NAICS is based on supply-side or production-oriented principles, to ensure that industrial data, classified to NAICS, are suitable for the analysis of production-related issues such as industrial performance.

The target entity for which NAICS is designed are businesses and other organizations engaged in the production of goods and services. They include farms, incorporated and unincorporated businesses and government business enterprises. They also include government institutions and agencies engaged in the production of marketed and non-marketed services, as well as organizations such as professional associations and unions and charitable or non-profit organizations and the employees of households.

The associated NAICS should reflect those activities conducted by the business or organizational units targeted by this questionnaire only, as identified in the 'Answering this questionnaire' section and which can be identified by the specified legal and operating name. The main activity is the activity which most defines the targeted business or organization's main purpose or reason for existence. For a business or organization that is for-profit, it is normally the activity that generates the majority of the revenue for the entity.

The NAICS classification contains a limited number of activity classifications; the associated classification might be applicable for this business or organization even if it is not exactly how you would describe this business or organization's main activity.

Please note that any modifications to the main activity through your response to this question might not necessarily be reflected prior to the transmitting of subsequent questionnaires and as a result they may not contain this updated information.

The following is the detailed description including any applicable examples or exclusions for the classification currently associated with this business or organization.

Description and examples

• This is the current main activity
• This is not the current main activity

Provide a brief but precise description of this business or organization's main activity

e.g., breakfast cereal manufacturing, shoe store, software development

Main activity

5. You indicated that is not the current main activity.

Was this business or organization's main activity ever classified as: ?

• Yes
  When did the main activity change?
• No

6. Search and select the industry classification code that best corresponds to this business or organization's main activity.

How to search:

• if desired, you can filter the search results by first selecting this business or organization's activity sector
• enter keywords or a brief description that best describes this business or organization main activity
• press the Search button to search the database for an activity that best matches the keywords or description you provided
• then select an activity from the list.

Select this business or organization's activity sector (optional)

• Farming or logging operation
• Construction company or general contractor
• Manufacturer
• Wholesaler
• Retailer
• Provider of passenger or freight transportation
• Provider of investment, savings or insurance products
• Real estate agency, real estate brokerage or leasing company
• Provider of professional, scientific or technical services
• Provider of health care or social services
• Restaurant, bar, hotel, motel or other lodging establishment
• Other sector

7. You have indicated that the current main activity of this business or organization is:

Main activity

Are there any other activities that contribute significantly (at least 10%) to this business or organization's revenue?

• Yes, there are other activities
  Provide a brief but precise description of this business or organization's secondary activity
  e.g., breakfast cereal manufacturing, shoe store, software development
• No, that is the only significant activity

8. Approximately what percentage of this business or organization's revenue is generated by each of the following activities?

When precise figures are not available, provide your best estimates.

Example

	Percentage of revenue
Main activity
Secondary activity
All other activities
Total percentage

Physical stocks of unprocessed grains

1. On the reference date, what were the physical stocks in metric tonnes of raw unprocessed grains held in your company's elevators?

Include imports.

Exclude stocks held in elevators licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission.

Example

	Stocks on December 31, 2024 (Metric tonnes)
Grain Corn
a. Owned by this company
b. Held for other companies
Total grain corn
Soybeans
c. Owned by this company
d. Held for other companies
Total soybeans

Quantity of grain used for manufacturing or industrial purposes

2. From the beginning of the crop year to the reference date, how many metric tonnes of grain corn did this company use for manufacturing or industrial purposes?

Grain corn

Changes or events

1. Indicate any changes or events that affected the reported values for this business or organization, compared with the last reporting period.

Select all that apply.

• Strike or lock-out
• Exchange rate impact
• Price changes in goods or services sold
• Contracting out
• Organizational change
• Price changes in labour or raw materials
• Natural disaster
• Recession
• Change in product line
• Sold business or business units
• Expansion
• New or lost contract
• Plant closures
• Acquisition of business or business units
• Other
  Specify the other changes or events:
• No changes or events

Contact person

1. Statistics Canada may need to contact the person who completed this questionnaire for further information.

Is the provided given names and the provided family name the best person to contact?

• Yes
• No

Who is the best person to contact about this questionnaire?

First name:

Last name:

Title:

Email address:

Telephone number (including area code):

Extension number (if applicable):
The maximum number of characters is 5.

Fax number (including area code):

Feedback

1. How long did it take to complete this questionnaire?

Include the time spent gathering the necessary information.

Hours:

Minutes:

2. Do you have any comments about this questionnaire?