2016 Survey of Service Industries: Performing Arts

Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP)

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2016 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which 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 information from this survey for statistical purposes.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

Business or organization and contact information
Reporting period information
Revenue
Expenses
Industry characteristics
Sales by type of client
International transactions
E-commerce

Business or organization and contact information

This section verifies or requests basic identifying information of the business or organization such as legal name, operating name (if applicable), contact information of the designated contact person, current operational status, and main activity(ies).

  1. Legal name and Operating name

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.

  1. Designated contact person

Verify or provide the requested contact information of the designated business or organization contact person. 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. If different than the designated contact person, the contact information of the person completing the questionnaire can be indicated later in the questionnaire.

  1. Current operational status

Verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name in question 1. If indicating the operational status of the business or organization is 'Not currently operational' then indicate an applicable reason and provide the requested information.

  1. Main activity

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 unit(s) 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.

If the current NAICS associated with this business or organizations is not correct, please provide a brief description of the main activity and provide any additional information as requested.

Reporting period information

Here are twelve common fiscal periods that fall within the targeted dates:

  • May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016
  • June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016
  • July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
  • August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016
  • September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016
  • October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016
  • November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016
  • December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016
  • January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
  • February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017
  • March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017
  • April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

Here are other examples of fiscal periods that fall within the required dates:

  • September 18, 2015 to September 15, 2016 (e.g., floating year‑end)
  • June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (e.g., a newly opened business)

Revenue

  1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., fees, commissions, 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.

  1. Rental and leasing

Include: Rental or leasing of apartments, commercial buildings, land, office space, residential housing, investments in co‑tenancies and co‑ownerships, hotel or motel rooms, long and short term vehicle leasing, machinery or equipment, storage lockers, etc.

  1. Commissions

Include: Commissions earned on the sale of products or services by businesses such as advertising agencies, brokers, insurance agents, lottery ticket sales, sales representatives, and travel agencies – compensation could also be reported under this item (for example, compensation for collecting sales tax).

  1. Subsidies (including grants, donations, fundraising and sponsorships)

Include: Non‑repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government; Revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

  1. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

Include: Revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted materials such as musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

  1. Dividends

Include: Dividend income; Dividends from Canadian sources; Dividends from foreign sources; Patronage dividends.

Exclude: Equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

  1. Interest

Include: Investment revenue; Interest from foreign sources; Interest from Canadian bonds and debentures; Interest from Canadian mortgage loans; Interest from other Canadian sources.

Exclude: Equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

  1. Other revenue ‑ specify

Include: Amounts not included in questions (1) to (7).

  1. Total revenue

The sum of sub‑questions (1) to (8).

Expenses

  1. Cost of goods sold

Many business units distinguish their costs of materials from their other business expenses (selling, general and administrative). This item is included to allow you to easily record your costs/expenses according to your normal accounting practices.

Include: Cost of raw materials and/or goods purchased for resale – net of discounts earned on purchases; Freight in and duty.

Exclude all costs associated with: salaries, wages, benefits, commissions and subcontracts from question 1. These values should be included in question 2 and 3 below.

  1. Employment costs and expenses
  1. Salaries, wages and commissions

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 (report these amounts at sub‑question (3) ‑ Subcontracts).

  1. Employee benefits

Include contributions to: Health plans; Insurance plans; Employment insurance; Pension plans; Workers' compensation; Association dues; 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.

  1. Subcontracts

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; Custom work and contract work; Subcontract and outside labour; Hired labour.

  1. Research and development fees

Expenses from activities conducted with the intention of making a discovery that could either lead to the development of new products or procedures, or to the improvement of existing products or procedures.

  1. Professional and business fees

Include: Legal services; Accounting and auditing fees; Consulting fees; Education and training fees; Appraisal fees; Management and administration fees; Property management fees; Information technology (IT) consulting and service fees (purchased); Architectural fees; Engineering fees; Scientific and technical service fees; Other consulting fees (management, technical and scientific); Veterinary fees; Fees for human health services; Payroll preparation fees; All other professional and business service fees.

Exclude: Service fees paid to Head Office (report at sub‑question (21) ‑ All other costs and expenses).

  1. Utilities

Utility expenses related to operating your business unit such as water, electricity, gas, heating and hydro.

Include: Diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane; Sewage.

Exclude: Energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts; Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication (report at sub‑question (8) ‑ Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication); Vehicle fuel (report at sub‑question (21) ‑ All other costs and expenses).

  1. Office and computer related expenses

Include: Office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines; Postage and courier (used in the day to day office business activity); Computer and peripherals upgrade expenses; Data processing.

Exclude: Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication expenses (report this amount at sub‑question (8) ‑ Telephone, Internet and other telecommunications).

  1. Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication

Include: Internet; Telephone and telecommunication; Cellular telephone; Fax machine; Pager.

  1. Business taxes, licenses and permits

Include: Property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes; Vehicle license fees; Beverage taxes and business taxes; Trade license fees; Membership fees and professional license fees; Provincial capital tax.

  1. Royalties, franchise fees and memberships

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.

Exclude: Crown royalties

  1. Crown charges

Federal or Provincial royalty, tax, lease or rental payments made in relation to the acquisition, development or ownership of Canadian resource properties.

Include: Crown royalties; Crown leases and rentals; Oil sand leases; Stumpage fees.

  1. Rental and leasing

Include: Lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses; Motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses; Studio lighting and scaffolding; Machinery and equipment rental expenses; Storage expenses; Road and construction equipment rental; Fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

  1. Repair and maintenance

Include: Buildings and structures; Machinery and equipment; Security equipment; Vehicles; Costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses; Janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

  1. Amortization and depreciation

Include: Direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements; Amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, patents, franchises, copyrights, trademarks, deferred charges, organizational costs).

  1. Insurance

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

Include: Professional and other liability insurance; Motor vehicle and property insurance; Executive life insurance; Bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

  1. Advertising, marketing, promotion, meals and entertainment

Include: Newspaper advertising and media expenses; Catalogues, presentations and displays; Tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion; Fundraising expenses; Meals, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

  1. Travel, meetings and conventions

Include: Travel expenses; Meeting and convention expenses, seminars; Passenger transportation (e.g., airfare, bus, train, etc.); Accommodations; Travel allowance and meals while travelling; Other travel expenses.

  1. Financial services

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 (report at sub‑question (19) ‑ Interest expense).

  1. Interest expense

Report the cost of servicing your company's debt.

Include: Interest; Bank charges; Finance charges; Interest payments on capital leases; Amortization of bond discounts; Interest on short‑term and long‑term debt, mortgages, bonds and debentures.

  1. Other non‑production‑related costs and expenses

Include: Charitable donations and political contributions; Bad Debt expense; Loan losses; Provisions for loan losses (minus Bad debt recoveries); Inventory adjustments

  1. All other costs and expenses (including intracompany expenses)

Include: Production costs; Pipeline operations, drilling, site restoration; Gross overriding royalty; Other producing property rentals; Well operating, fuel and equipment; Other lease rentals; Other direct costs; Equipment hire and operation; Log yard expense, forestry costs, logging road costs; Freight in and duty; Overhead expenses allocated to costs of sales; Other expenses; Cash over/short (negative expense); Reimbursement of parent company expense; Warranty expense; Recruiting expenses; General and administrative expenses; Interdivisional expenses; Interfund transfer (minus expense recoveries); Exploration and Development (including prospect/geological, well abandonment & dry holes, exploration expenses, development expenses); Amounts not included in sub‑questions (1) to (20) above.

  1. Total expenses

(sum of questions 1 to 21)

Industry characteristics

  1. What were this business's sales for each of the following goods and services?

Single ticket sales

Include: gift certificates.

Contract production of live performances/on tour

Revenues from sale of a live performance or production.

  1. Licensing of right to use or broadcast copyrighted works e.g., dramatic work, musical works, performances, sound recording

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

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.

  1. What were this business's grants, subsidies, donations, corporate sponsorships and fundraising?

Government support

  1. Federal
  2. Provincial/Territorial
  3. Municipal
  4. Other government 
    e.g., foreign

Include:

  • funding from lotteries and arts councils
  • non‑repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government.

Exclude: funding received for capital projects.

Private sector support 

  1. Corporate donations
  2. Corporate sponsorships
  3. Individual donations
  4. Fundraising events (gross)
  5. Foundations (An institution financed by a donation or legacy to aid research, education, arts, etc.)
  6. Other private sector support

Include: revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

  1. Sales, wages, and benefits and contract fees

Include: honoraria i.e., payments or fees rendered in recognition of professional services.

  1. 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.

  1. Percentage of paid employees 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.

  1. Touring costs

Salaries and benefits for all of the people on the road e.g., performers, technical crew, company manager, drivers.

Include:

  • fees
  • transportation of personnel and equipment
  • accommodations
  • meals
  • per diems.
  1. Live performances and attendees

Home

  1. Main season

Productions throughout the company's regular season.

  1. Performances for young audiences

Include: all non‑adult performances i.e., the audience might be mixed, but the performance is geared to non‑adults.

Note: Young audience would include children up to 14 years of age and youth 15 to 24 years of age.

  1. Other performances e.g., run‑outs and guarantees

Run‑outs refer to live performances which might be beyond the normal home area but which do not require the payment of per diems.

Guarantees are performances where payment to the performing company is paid regardless of attendance at the performance. For most touring engagements, the sponsoring organization guarantees a fixed fee, known as a "guarantee", for the performance. For these fixed fee engagements, the presenter determines ticket prices, promotes the engagement and sells tickets. Even if sales do not cover the total cost of the fee agreed upon, the presenter is still responsible for full payment.

Touring – Inside and outside of Canada

Live performances outside your normal home area and which require the payment of per diems.

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
  1. Individuals and households

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

  1. Businesses

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

Include: Sales to Crown corporations.

  1. 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.

  1. Clients outside of Canada

Please report the percentage 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.

International transactions

This section is intended to measure the value of international transactions on goods, services, royalties and licenses 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.

E‑commerce

Mobile app

Include sales through any app, or application, that is downloaded and designed to run on a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet (for example, places where a user may download these apps include Apple's App Store, Google Play or Blackberry App World).

Company website

Include sales through a browser‑based website where your organization maintains control of the content.

Third‑party website

Include sales through a browser‑based website where a third‑party maintains the structure of the website and control of the look and feel while your company only provides the product to be sold (for example, Amazon, Expedia, Etsy).

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

A standard format for exchanging business data. EDI is based on the use of message standards, ensuring that all participants use a common language.

2016 Annual Survey of Service Industries: Motion Picture Theatres

Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP)

Reporting Guide

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2016 Survey of Service Industries. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which 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 information from this survey for statistical purposes.

Help Line: 1-800-972-9692

Table of contents

Business or organization and contact information
Reporting period information
Revenue
Expenses
Industry characteristics
E-commerce

Business or organization and contact information

This section verifies or requests basic identifying information of the business or organization such as legal name, operating name (if applicable), contact information of the designated contact person, current operational status, and main activity(ies).

  1. Legal name and Operating name

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.

  1. Designated contact person

Verify or provide the requested contact information of the designated business or organization contact person. 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. If different than the designated contact person, the contact information of the person completing the questionnaire can be indicated later in the questionnaire.

  1. Current operational status

Verify or provide the current operational status of the business or organization identified by the legal and operating name in question 1. If indicating the operational status of the business or organization is 'Not currently operational' then indicate an applicable reason and provide the requested information.

  1. Main activity

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 unit(s) 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.

If the current NAICS associated with this business or organizations is not correct, please provide a brief description of the main activity and provide any additional information as requested.

Reporting period information

Here are twelve common fiscal periods that fall within the targeted dates:

  • May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016
  • June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016
  • July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
  • August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016
  • September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016
  • October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016
  • November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016
  • December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016
  • January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
  • February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017
  • March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017
  • April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

Here are other examples of fiscal periods that fall within the required dates:

  • September 18, 2015 to September 15, 2016 (e.g., floating year‑end)
  • June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (e.g., a newly opened business)

Revenue

  1. Sales of goods and services (e.g., fees, commissions, 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.

  1. Rental and leasing

Include: Rental or leasing of apartments, commercial buildings, land, office space, residential housing, investments in co‑tenancies and co‑ownerships, hotel or motel rooms, long and short term vehicle leasing, machinery or equipment, storage lockers, etc.

  1. Commissions

Include: Commissions earned on the sale of products or services by businesses such as advertising agencies, brokers, insurance agents, lottery ticket sales, sales representatives, and travel agencies – compensation could also be reported under this item (for example, compensation for collecting sales tax).

  1. Subsidies (including grants, donations, fundraising and sponsorships)

Include: Non‑repayable grants, contributions and subsidies from all levels of government; Revenue from private sector (corporate and individual) sponsorships, donations and fundraising.

  1. Royalties, rights, licensing and franchise fees

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

Include: Revenue received from the sale or use of all intellectual property rights of copyrighted materials such as musical, literary, artistic or dramatic works, sound recordings or the broadcasting of communication signals.

  1. Dividends

Include: Dividend income; Dividends from Canadian sources; Dividends from foreign sources; Patronage dividends.

Exclude: Equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

  1. Interest

Include: Investment revenue; Interest from foreign sources; Interest from Canadian bonds and debentures; Interest from Canadian mortgage loans; Interest from other Canadian sources.

Exclude: Equity income from investments in subsidiaries or affiliates.

  1. Other revenue ‑ specify

Include: Amounts not included in questions (1) to (7).

  1. Total revenue

The sum of sub‑questions (1) to (8).

Expenses

  1. Cost of goods sold

Many business units distinguish their costs of materials from their other business expenses (selling, general and administrative). This item is included to allow you to easily record your costs/expenses according to your normal accounting practices.

Include: Cost of raw materials and/or goods purchased for resale – net of discounts earned on purchases; Freight in and duty.

Exclude all costs associated with: salaries, wages, benefits, commissions and subcontracts from question 1. These values should be included in question 2 and 3 below.

  1. Employment costs and expenses
  1. Salaries, wages and commissions

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 (report these amounts at sub‑question (3) ‑ Subcontracts).

  1. Employee benefits

Include contributions to: Health plans; Insurance plans; Employment insurance; Pension plans; Workers' compensation; Association dues; 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.

  1. Subcontracts

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; Custom work and contract work; Subcontract and outside labour; Hired labour.

  1. Research and development fees

Expenses from activities conducted with the intention of making a discovery that could either lead to the development of new products or procedures, or to the improvement of existing products or procedures.

  1. Professional and business fees

Include: Legal services; Accounting and auditing fees; Consulting fees; Education and training fees; Appraisal fees; Management and administration fees; Property management fees; Information technology (IT) consulting and service fees (purchased); Architectural fees; Engineering fees; Scientific and technical service fees; Other consulting fees (management, technical and scientific); Veterinary fees; Fees for human health services; Payroll preparation fees; All other professional and business service fees.

Exclude: Service fees paid to Head Office (report at sub‑question (21) ‑ All other costs and expenses).

  1. Utilities

Utility expenses related to operating your business unit such as water, electricity, gas, heating and hydro.

Include: Diesel, fuel wood, natural gas, oil and propane; Sewage.

Exclude: Energy expenses covered in your rental and leasing contracts; Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication (report at sub‑question (8) ‑ Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication); Vehicle fuel (report at sub‑question (21) ‑ All other costs and expenses).

  1. Office and computer related expenses

Include: Office stationery and supplies, paper and other supplies for photocopiers, printers and fax machines; Postage and courier (used in the day to day office business activity); Computer and peripherals upgrade expenses; Data processing.

Exclude: Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication expenses (report this amount at sub‑question (8) ‑ Telephone, Internet and other telecommunications).

  1. Telephone, Internet and other telecommunication

Include: Internet; Telephone and telecommunication; Cellular telephone; Fax machine; Pager.

  1. Business taxes, licenses and permits

Include: Property taxes paid directly and property transfer taxes; Vehicle license fees; Beverage taxes and business taxes; Trade license fees; Membership fees and professional license fees; Provincial capital tax.

  1. Royalties, franchise fees and memberships

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.

Exclude: Crown royalties

  1. Crown charges

Federal or Provincial royalty, tax, lease or rental payments made in relation to the acquisition, development or ownership of Canadian resource properties.

Include: Crown royalties; Crown leases and rentals; Oil sand leases; Stumpage fees.

  1. Rental and leasing

Include: Lease rental expenses, real estate rental expenses, condominium fees and equipment rental expenses; Motor vehicle rental and leasing expenses; Studio lighting and scaffolding; Machinery and equipment rental expenses; Storage expenses; Road and construction equipment rental; Fuel and other utility costs covered in your rental and leasing contracts.

  1. Repair and maintenance

Include: Buildings and structures; Machinery and equipment; Security equipment; Vehicles; Costs related to materials, parts and external labour associated with these expenses; Janitorial and cleaning services and garbage removal.

  1. Amortization and depreciation

Include: Direct cost depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of leasehold improvements; Amortization of intangible assets (e.g., amortization of goodwill, patents, franchises, copyrights, trademarks, deferred charges, organizational costs).

  1. Insurance

Insurance recovery income should be deducted from insurance expenses.

Include: Professional and other liability insurance; Motor vehicle and property insurance; Executive life insurance; Bonding, business interruption insurance and fire insurance.

  1. Advertising, marketing, promotion, meals and entertainment

Include: Newspaper advertising and media expenses; Catalogues, presentations and displays; Tickets for theatre, concerts and sporting events for business promotion; Fundraising expenses; Meals, entertainment and hospitality purchases for clients.

  1. Travel, meetings and conventions

Include: Travel expenses; Meeting and convention expenses, seminars; Passenger transportation (e.g., airfare, bus, train, etc.); Accommodations; Travel allowance and meals while travelling; Other travel expenses.

  1. Financial services

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 (report at sub‑question (19) ‑ Interest expense).

  1. Interest expense

Report the cost of servicing your company's debt.

Include: Interest; Bank charges; Finance charges; Interest payments on capital leases; Amortization of bond discounts; Interest on short‑term and long‑term debt, mortgages, bonds and debentures.

  1. Other non‑production‑related costs and expenses

Include: Charitable donations and political contributions; Bad Debt expense; Loan losses; Provisions for loan losses (minus Bad debt recoveries); Inventory adjustments

  1. All other costs and expenses (including intracompany expenses)

Include: Production costs; Pipeline operations, drilling, site restoration; Gross overriding royalty; Other producing property rentals; Well operating, fuel and equipment; Other lease rentals; Other direct costs; Equipment hire and operation; Log yard expense, forestry costs, logging road costs; Freight in and duty; Overhead expenses allocated to costs of sales; Other expenses; Cash over/short (negative expense); Reimbursement of parent company expense; Warranty expense; Recruiting expenses; General and administrative expenses; Interdivisional expenses; Interfund transfer (minus expense recoveries); Exploration and Development (including prospect/geological, well abandonment & dry holes, exploration expenses, development expenses); Amounts not included in sub‑questions (1) to (20) above.

  1. Total expenses

(sum of questions 1 to 21)

Industry characteristics

1 c. Total admission receipts

Please report revenue from admissions.

1 d. Advertising revenue

Please report revenue earned from business promotion activities.

Include:

  • on-screen advertising of products
  • distribution of sample products and newspapers,
  • display of posters in the lobby,
  • revenue from government advertising (e.g., military recruiting or anti-smoking messages)
  • revenue received from selling advertising for smaller theatre chains.

3. Amusement taxes collected

Please report the total amount of amusement taxes (municipal, provincial, territorial, etc.) collected by you on admissions.

4 f. Total number of seats in theatre

Include: the total number of seats in all auditoriums of the theatre or hall.

E‑commerce

Mobile app

Include sales through any app, or application, that is downloaded and designed to run on a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet (for example, places where a user may download these apps include Apple's App Store, Google Play or Blackberry App World).

Company website

Include sales through a browser‑based website where your organization maintains control of the content.

Third‑party website

Include sales through a browser‑based website where a third‑party maintains the structure of the website and control of the look and feel while your company only provides the product to be sold (for example, Amazon, Expedia, Etsy).

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

A standard format for exchanging business data. EDI is based on the use of message standards, ensuring that all participants use a common language.

CVs for Total Sales by Geography

CVs for Total Sales by Geography
Table summary
This table displays the results of CVs for Total Sales by Geography Month, 201602, 201603, 201604, 201605, 201606, 201607, 201608, 201609, 201610, 201611, 201612, 201701 and 201702, calculated using percentage units of measure (appearing as column headers).
  Month
201602 201603 201604 201605 201606 201607 201608 201609 201610 201611 201612 201701 201702
percentage
Geography  
Canada 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0
Newfoundland and Labrador 1.0 1.2 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 0.9 1.2 0.6 0.9 0.8 0.8
Prince Edward Island 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5
Nova Scotia 2.2 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.4 1.6 1.5 2.5 2.4 2.7 2.3 2.9
New Brunswick 1.2 1.2 0.8 1.0 1.1 0.8 1.6 1.4 1.0 3.9 1.3 1.1 1.1
Québec 2.4 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.3 2.6 2.8 2.3 2.5 2.5
Ontario 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.7 1.6
Manitoba 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.1 2.5 2.3 2.1 1.9 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.3 2.2
Saskatchewan 2.7 2.4 4.1 3.6 3.2 3.4 4.1 3.3 3.8 2.2 1.2 2.3 2.1
Alberta 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.5 1.8 1.7 1.4
British Columbia 1.7 1.6 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.6
Yukon Territory 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Northwest Territories 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Nunavut 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Statistics Canada's Website Evaluation 2017

Consultation objectives

In January 2017, Statistics Canada conducted an evaluation of its website to seek feedback from visitors on a number of topics, including:

  • task completion success rates
  • overall satisfaction with the website

Consultation methodology

Statistics Canada used an intercept technology deployed across the website to invite visitors to participate by completing a short questionnaire.

In total, 10,070 visitors participated in the consultation from January 8 to 23, 2017.

How to get involved

This consultation is now closed.

Individuals who wish to obtain more information or to take part in a consultation should contact Statistics Canada by sending an email to statcan.consultations-consultations.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Please note that Statistics Canada selects participants for each consultation to ensure feedback is sought from a representative sample of the target population for the study. Not all applicants will be asked to participate in a given consultation.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of consultation participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the Agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada's privacy policies, please consult the Privacy notice.

Results

Overall satisfaction

In 2017, 73% of consultation participants expressed overall satisfaction, down from 75% in 2016.

Information sought

Consultation results show that 67% of visitors were looking for data and data tables on a specific topic, while 9% searched for studies, articles or publications on a specific topic.

Task completion success

In 2017, 77% of participants completed their task successfully, down from 81% in 2016.

Among successful participants, 80% took 5 minutes or less to find the information they were seeking and 80% reported that finding information was easy.

In addition, 83% of frequent visitors (those who visited the website six or more times in the last six months) and 74% of infrequent visitors (those who visited the website fewer than six times in the last six months) indicated that they found what they were looking for. The success rate was highest for participants looking for information in The Daily (92%).

Participants in the provincial (82%) and federal government (81%) sectors were most successful in finding information. Of all the respondents, 54% were employed and 24% were students; the remainder were self-employed (8%), retired (7%), unemployed (5%) or not in the workforce (2%).

Consultation participant profile

Most employed participants worked in the business/private sector (48%), government (33%), or non-governmental organizations (12%). In 2017, 69% all participants were infrequent visitors.

Participants were also asked how they would rate their statistical proficiency: 25% said they had a high proficiency (can manipulate datasets and do univariate or multivariate analysis); 60% said medium (can analyze and interpret data tables and turn them into useable information); 12% said low (can calculate a percentage and can display in a graph); and 3% indicated that they have no statistical proficiency at all.

Statistics Canada thanks participants for their participation in this consultation. Their insights guide the agency’s web development and ensure that the final products meet users’ expectations.

Report a problem or mistake on this page
Date modified:

Table 1: CVs for Revenue from goods manufactured by NAICS and by Region

Table 1: CVs for Revenue from goods manufactured by NAICS and by Region
Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 1: CVs for Revenue from goods manufactured by NAICS and by Region. The information is grouped by NAICS : Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) (appearing as row headers), (appearing as column headers).
NAICS : Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
Regions CV(%) for Revenue from goods manufactured
Canada 0.25%
Newfoundland and Labrador 0.05%
Prince Edward Island 0.02%
Nova Scotia 0.49%
New Brunswick 0.03%
Quebec 0.32%
Ontario 0.49%
Manitoba 0.11%
Saskatchewan 0.23%
Alberta 0.30%
British Columbia 0.39%
Yukon 0.00%
Northwest Territories 0.00%
Nunavut 0.00%

CV's for Total Sales

CVs for Total Sales
Table summary
This table displays the results of CVs for Total Sales. The information is grouped by NAPCS-CANADA (appearing as row headers), Quarter, 2016Q3 and 2016Q4, calculated using percent units of measure (appearing as column headers).
NAPCS-CANADA Quarter
2016Q3 2016Q4
percent
Total commodities, retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services 1.19 1.37
Retail Services (except commissions) [561] 1.21 1.39
Food at retail [56111] 2.45 2.76
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, at retail [56112] 1.26 1.27
Clothing at retail [56121] 2.14 2.26
Footwear at retail [56122] 2.03 2.01
Jewellery and watches, luggage and briefcases, at retail [56123] 2.19 2.55
Home furniture, furnishings, housewares, appliances and electronics, at retail [56131] 2.65 2.82
Sporting and leisure products, at retail [56141] 3.39 3.23
Motor vehicles at retail [56151] 1.57 1.53
Recreational vehicles at retail [56152] 3.86 4.73
Motor vehicle parts, accessories and supplies, at retail [56153] 1.99 2.15
Automotive and household fuels, at retail [56161] 3.11 3.06
Home health products at retail [56171] 2.01 2.16
Infant care, personal and beauty products, at retail [56172] 2.76 2.84
Hardware, tools, renovation and lawn and garden products, at retail [56181] 3.25 3.11
Miscellaneous products at retail [56191] 1.85 1.78
Total retail trade commissions and miscellaneous services CVs for Note 1 1.26 1.30
Note 1

Comprises the following North American Product Classification System (NAPCS): 56211, 58122, 58141, 57111, 841, 58121, 58111, 53112 and 58131.

1Return to note 1 referrer

Canadian Classification of Institutional Units and Sectors (CCIUS) 2012

Status

This standard was approved as a departmental standard on June 15, 2015.

2012 version of the Canadian Classification of Institutional Units and Sectors (CCIUS)

Statistics Canada's Classification of Institutional Units by Sector (CIUS) that was based on the 1993 System of National Accounts (SNA) has been updated and replaced by the 2012 version of Canadian Classification of Institutional Units and Sectors (CCIUS) based on SNA 2008.

HTML format

Census of Agriculture FAQS

1. Who needs to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire?

Any of the persons responsible for operating a farm or an agricultural operation should fill in a Census of Agriculture questionnaire.

2. What is the definition of an agricultural operator?

The Census of Agriculture uses the word operator to define a person responsible for the management and/or financial decisions made in the production of agricultural commodities. An agricultural operation can have more than one operator, such as a husband and wife, a father and son, two sisters, or two neighbours.

The terms "agricultural operator" and "operation" are used in the census because they are broader in scope than "farmer" and "farm", and better reflect the range of agricultural businesses from which the Census of Agriculture collects data. For example, the term farm would not usually be associated with operations such as maple sugar bushes, mushroom houses, ranches or feedlots.

3. How is an agricultural operation defined?

An agricultural operation is defined as a farm, ranch or other operation that produces agricultural products intended for sale.

The Census of Agriculture considers an agricultural operation to be:

Any operation that grows or produces any of the agricultural products listed below with the intent to sell these products (it is not necessary to have had sales of the products, only that they are being produced with the intent of selling them).

Crops:

  • hay and field crops (hay, grains, field peas, beans, potatoes, coriander and other spices, etc.)
  • vegetables (all vegetables, herbs, rhubarb, melons, garlic, gourds, etc.)
  • sod, nursery products and Christmas trees
  • fruits, berries or nuts (apples, other fruit trees, grapes, blueberries and other berries, saskatoons, hazelnuts, etc.)
  • seed

Poultry:

  • laying hens and pullets
  • layer and broiler breeders
  • broilers, roasters and Cornish
  • turkeys
  • other poultry (geese, ducks, roosters, ostriches, emus, pheasants, quail, pigeons, etc.)
  • commercial poultry hatcheries

Livestock:

  • cattle and calves
  • pigs
  • sheep and lambs
  • other livestock (horses, goats, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, bison, elk, deer, wild boars, mink, fox, donkeys, mules, chinchillas, etc.)

Animal products:

  • milk or cream
  • eggs
  • wool
  • fur
  • meat

Other agricultural products:

  • greenhouse products
  • mushrooms
  • maple products
  • bees owned (for honey or pollination)

Other products or activities considered agricultural operations according to the Census of Agriculture are:

  • harvesting wild rice
  • sprouting alfalfa or beans
  • growing legal cannabis
  • growing mushrooms on logs in a controlled environment
  • wineries, if they grow any grapes or fruit
  • garden centres if they grow any of their products
  • hay processing or dehydration plants if they grow hay on land they own or lease
  • horse operations that do not sell agricultural products but offer boarding, riding or training services.

The following are NOT considered agricultural operations according to the Census of Agriculture:
Operations that harvest or grow only:

  • peat moss
  • top soil
  • gravel
  • fish (wild or aquaculture)
  • silviculture products
  • wild cones, wild Christmas trees, logs, firewood, pulpwood, evergreen boughs, etc.
  • wild berries, wild plants, wild mushrooms, etc.
  • all wild animals
  • racing pigeons
  • worms
  • crickets, rats, mice, etc. for pet stores
  • laboratory animal production
  • all pets (dogs, cats, pot-bellied pigs, guinea pigs, finches, budgies, etc.), including kennels for pets.

For the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories only, the following activities qualify as an agricultural operation for the Census of Agriculture:

  • herding wild animals (such as caribou and muskox)
  • breeding sled dogs
  • horse outfitting and rigging
  • harvesting indigenous plants and berries.

4. Are hobby farms included in the Census of Agriculture?

Yes. Farms with very low farm revenues—commonly called "hobby" farms—are included as long as the agricultural products produced are intended for sale.

5. Why do operators of very small operations have to fill in the Census of Agriculture questionnaire?

The Census of Agriculture enumerates small operations because it is important that the total farm area and the total inventory of all crops, livestock and other agricultural products in Canada be counted. There are many small agricultural operations that as a group contribute significantly to agricultural inventories.

6. How does the Census of Agriculture benefit operators?

When an agricultural operator fills out and sends back his or her census questionnaire, it adds another voice to the quarter of a million answers that are reflected in census data. In combination they provide the only definitive statistical picture of Canada's farm sector available to farmers' own organizations and to agriculture policy-makers. The media also interpret census data, bringing current issues to the forefront of public attention.

Although there are other agriculture surveys, only the Census of Agriculture gives data at the local level. Its community-level data ensure that the issues affecting farmers, farm communities and agricultural operations are included when making decisions that affect them and their livelihood.

Operators can use census data to make production, marketing and investment decisions.Producer groups and marketing agencies use census data in their non-government organizations to tell Canadians and government how they are doing economically.

Companies supplying agricultural products and services use the data to determine locations for their service centres.

Government policy advisors use the data to help develop programs related to safety nets and agricultural workers for the agriculture sector.

Operators can keep abreast of trends through the analysis of Census of Agriculture data published by the agriculture media.

Agriculture websites can target their information based on current trends and needs in the sector identified by census data.

Governments and farm organizations use census data to evaluate the impact of natural disasters on agriculture (such as floods, drought and storms) and react quickly.

7. What is the legal authority for the Census of Agriculture?

The mandate to conduct the Census of Agriculture every 10 years comes from the Constitution Act–1867 (formerly the British North America Act [BNA]).

Over the decades the mandate to conduct a census in the Constitution Act–1867 was augmented by the Statistics Act–1970, which stipulates that
"A census of agriculture of Canada shall be taken by Statistics Canada

  1. in the year 1971 and in every tenth year thereafter; and
  2. in the year 1976 and in every tenth year thereafter, unless the Governor in Council otherwise directs in respect of any such year, 1970-71-72, c. 15, s. 19."

8. Is it mandatory to answer and return the questionnaire?

Yes. Under the Statistics Act, agricultural operators are required to complete a Census of Agriculture form.

9. Can a person be identified by the information they provide?

No. All published data are subject to confidentiality restrictions, and any data in which an individual or agricultural operation could be identified are suppressed.

10. Why does Statistics Canada conduct the Census of Agriculture?

The Census of Agriculture collects a wide range of data on the agriculture industry such as number of farms and farm operators, farm area, business operating arrangements, land management practices, livestock inventories and crop area, total operating expenses and receipts, farm capital and farm machinery and equipment.

These data provide a comprehensive picture of the agriculture industry across Canada every five years at the national, provincial and sub-provincial levels.

11. Why doesn't the Census of Agriculture use sampling?

The Statistics Act requires that a census of all farm operations in Canada be conducted every five years. Since a census includes, by definition, every farm operation, sampling only a portion of operations would not honour the Act nor would it provide the complete picture a census can.

The Census of Agriculture is the primary source for small-area data and for survey sampling and it is important that each agricultural operation complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire, regardless of size or geographic location. Samples are used for making agriculture estimates between census years.

12. Why aren't there different questionnaires for different types of agricultural operations?

The Census of Agriculture uses a generalized form for operators across Canada, since all respondents need to answer some questions. Using one form nation-wide ensures consistency across Canada, while tick boxes and different sections for specific types of operations allow operators to answer only those questions pertinent to their type of operation. A single form also keeps development costs down. Every effort is made to keep the questionnaire as concise as possible to minimize respondent burden.

13. How much does the Census of Agriculture cost?

The projected total cost for the 2016 Census of Agriculture over the six-year cycle is $46.9 million. An independently conducted Census of Agriculture would cost at least $13 million more in total than it does by combining it with the Census of Population.

14. Why is the Census of Agriculture taken in May, such a busy time for farmers?

In this particularly busy and stressful period the arrival of the 2016 Census of Agriculture questionnaire in May might seem ill-timed. But by working with the Census of Population, the Census of Agriculture is afforded an opportunity to save millions of taxpayers' dollars by sharing many aspects of collection, including postal costs and the processing centre. The timing of the larger Census of Population is driven by the need to maximize the number of Canadians who are home during enumeration. During the winter our retired “snowbirds” migrate south, and the moment school lets out many Canadian families with school children go on vacation. These factors have led the Census of Population to decide that May 10 will be Census Day. While it may take farm operators away from their work, filling in the questionnaire yields its own benefits.

15. Is Statistics Canada conducting a Farm Financial Survey in addition to the Census of Agriculture?

The Farm Financial Survey is conducted every two years. In 2016, the collection period is in July and August and coincides with the census collection period. To lighten the burden on respondents, overlap with other agriculture surveys is minimized and the sample size is reduced. In 2016 the sample size will be approximately 10,200 farms nationally.

16. What about my income tax return? The census seems to be asking for exactly the same information that I've already given the government.

In 2016 respondents must provide only total operating expenses and total sales for their agricultural operation on the Census of Agriculture questionnaire. In order to reduce the response burden for farmers the detailed expense questions were removed from the 2016 Census of Agriculture questionnaire.

17. Why are other agriculture surveys taken at the same time as the census?

Because timely information on the agriculture industry is required by governments and other users, it is necessary to conduct sample surveys with a shorter time frame than the census. The Census of Agriculture is a national activity that involves collecting information from every agricultural operation in Canada. The collection, follow-up, quality checks, tabulation and publication of data from such an extensive operation take about one year. The census could not replace small-scale surveys, which have a much more rapid turnaround time. It is also more economical to collect certain types of information on a sample basis, especially if the required data are only for specific provinces or population groups. Once available, Census of Agriculture data are used to benchmark farm surveys.

18. What other agriculture surveys are being conducted during the 2016 Census window?

Between mid-April and the end of June Statistics Canada conducts these agriculture surveys:

  • the Maple Survey (sample size approximately 600 in Ontario and New Brunswick)
  • the National Potato Area and Yield Survey (sample size approximately 250 in the Atlantic Region, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia)
  • the Fur Farm Report – Mink and Foxes (sample size approximately 300 nationally)
  • the June Farm Survey (Field Crop Reporting Series) (sample size approximately 24,500 nationally)
  • the July Livestock Survey (sample size approximately 11,000 nationally)
  • the Hay and Straw Prices Survey (Ontario only, sample size approximately 125).

19. How is response burden being reduced?

During the Census of Agriculture collection period, the Agriculture Division cancels some smaller surveys, reduces the sample size for others, and minimizes the overlap with big surveys like the Farm Financial Survey.

Offering farm operators choices in the way they respond to the Census of Agriculture—on paper with return by mail, online, or by telephone—can also make responding easier and faster. A toll-free help line to answer respondents' questions about the Census of Agriculture is also available.

20. How many agricultural operations were counted in the last Census of Agriculture?

The 2016 Census of Agriculture recorded 193,492 census farms.

Table 1 
Number of agricultural operations in 2016 and 2011, Canada and provinces
Table summary
This table displays the results of Number of agricultural operations in 2016 and 2011. The information is grouped by Province (appearing as row headers), 2016 and 2011 (appearing as column headers).
Province 2016 2011
Newfoundland and Labrador 407 510
Prince Edward Island 1,353 1,495
Nova Scotia 3,478 3,905
New Brunswick 2,255 2,611
Quebec 28,919 29,437
Ontario 49,600 51,950
Manitoba 14,791 15,877
Saskatchewan 34,523 36,952
Alberta 40,638 43,234
British Columbia 17,528 19,759
Canada 193,492 205,730
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Agriculture.

21. How are Census of Agriculture data used?

Census of Agriculture data are used by:

  • farm operators, to formulate production, marketing and investment decisions
  • agricultural producer groups, to inform their members about industry trends and developments, to put the viewpoint of operators before legislators and the Canadian public, and to defend their interests in international trade negotiations
  • governments, to make policy decisions concerning agricultural credit, crop insurance, farm support, transportation, market services and international trade
  • Statistics Canada, to produce annual estimates between censuses for the agriculture sector
  • businesses, to market products and services and to make production and investment decisions
  • academics, to conduct research on the agriculture sector
  • the media, to portray the agriculture sector to the broader Canadian public.

22. What is different about the 2016 Census of Agriculture from 2011?

The 2016 Census of Agriculture questionnaire contains questions asked in 2011 as well as new ones. Some questions remain unchanged to maintain consistency and comparability of data over time. Other questions have been added or deleted to reflect changes in the agriculture industry. For example:

  • Technology: A new step (section) was added to request the different technologies used on the farm.
  • Direct Marketing: A new step was added to collect information on direct marketing practices farms may have.
  • Succession Planning: A new step (section) was added on whether the farm has a formal, written succession plan, and if so, who the successor would be in that plan.
  • On-farm practices and land features: Several response categories were eliminated to reduce burden on respondents and to simplify the questions on manure, irrigation and land practices
  • Land inputs: A new response category was added: Trace minerals and nutrients (copper, manganese, etc.)
  • Organic: This category was simplified to reduce burden on respondents and to allow for emerging issues, such as succession planning, to be added to the questionnaire.
  • Renewable energy producing systems: A new step was added to collect information on which renewable energy producing systems, if any, are being used on farms.
  • Farm operating expenses: Only the total farm operating expenses is requested in 2016. All the detailed expenses have been removed from the questionnaire.

A detailed explanation of other changes, deletions or additions to the 2016 questionnaire is available by step in the order they appear on the 2016 questionnaire. Please consult “The 2016 Census of Agriculture in detail ”. These changes are a result of user consultations and testing as well as the goal of reducing respondent burden for 2016. Some questions were slightly re-worded in response to suggestions that doing so would make these questions more understandable and easier to answer.

23. Does the Census of Agriculture ask any questions that could be used to assess farming's impact on the environment?

Many of the questions on the census can contribute in some way to forming a picture of Canadian farms and the manner in which they shape the environment.

The Census of Agriculture asks questions about farming practices that conserve soil fertility and prevent erosion, pesticide and fertilizer use, and the land features used to prevent wind or water damage. There is a section on manure use, another on irrigation, one on tillage practices and one on baling crop residue. Data from these questions present a picture of farmers' relationship with the environment and, by evaluating and comparing the data over time, analysts can assess how operators are adapting their methods and fulfilling their role as stewards of the land.

24. Where will Census of Agriculture data be processed?

Once completed paper questionnaires are received by Canada Post, they go to a central processing centre in the National Capital Region where they are scanned and electronically imaged for data capture. Questionnaires submitted online to Statistics Canada are captured automatically. Processing Census of Agriculture questionnaires includes many checks and balances to ensure high quality data. Its many steps—including several kinds of edits (clerical, subject-matter, geographic), matching and unduplicating individual farms, adjusting for missing data, validating data by comparing them to several benchmarks, and providing estimates—have evolved into a sophisticated system that ensures high-quality data. The data that emerge at the other end are stored on a database and used to generate publications and users' custom requests.

25. What steps are taken to ensure that all agricultural operations are counted?

In 2016, Canada Post delivers an invitation letter to fill out a Census of Agriculture questionnaire on the internet to addresses where it is believed a farm operator lives. The addresses are determined from Statistics Canada’s business register, populated from the previous census and other agriculture surveys. Census of Population questionnaires were delivered by Canada Post as well, but may have been delivered by an enumerator in rural areas.

On the Census of Population questionnaire respondents are asked if there is a farm operator living in the household. This question triggers a follow-up from Head Office to help ensure that new farms are identified and counted.

Respondents were able to complete their questionnaires on paper, by telephone or via the Internet. Telephone follow-up will be conducted with those respondents who received invitation letters or questionnaires but did not return them.

In addition, the data processing sequence includes several safeguards that can find “missing” farms that were counted in 2011 but did not return a questionnaire in 2016 or, conversely, farms that did not exist in 2011 but have been identified on subsequent agriculture surveys since then.

26. When will the 2016 Census of Agriculture data be available to the public, and how can I keep track of releases?

First release: May 10, 2017 from the Census of Agriculture database.

Statistics Canada's official release bulletin, The Daily, lists the full range of census data with highlights on major trends and findings.

Data from both the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture will appear in the general media and farm media. Users may also contact Statistics Canada general enquiries toll free number at 1-800-263-1136.

27. Why does it take a year to release results from the Census of Agriculture?

The Census of Agriculture is a national activity that involves collecting information from every agricultural operation in Canada. The collection, follow-up, quality checks, processing, tabulation and publication of data from such an extensive operation take about one year.

All of these steps must be made to assure that data are accurate, even at very low levels of geography. This is critical since census data are used to benchmark estimates and draw survey samples between censuses.

28. For what geographic areas are Census of Agriculture data available?

Census of Agriculture data are available for Canada, the provinces and territories, and for areas corresponding to counties, crop districts and rural municipalities. User-defined areas are also available by calling Statistics Canada general enquiries toll free number at 1-800-263-1136. All tabulated data are subjected to confidentiality restrictions, and any data that could result in the disclosure of information concerning any particular individual or agricultural operation are suppressed.

Subscribe to
Date modified: