The science behind our surveys: How we ensure quality and reduce burden
Every survey matters, and every response helps paint a more complete picture of Canada.
When you or your business is selected to take part in a Statistics Canada survey, it’s because you represent others with similar experiences. Your input helps ensure that everyone’s voice is counted, not just the loudest or most visible ones.
Statistics Canada uses scientific methods to choose participants in a fair and unbiased way. Each person or business selected plays an important role in making sure the results accurately reflect the population as a whole. We don’t add, swap, or remove people or businesses once a sample is chosen; this keeps results unbiased and representative.
How we make sure your time counts
We know your time is valuable. That’s why we use sampling—a scientific way to learn about the whole by asking a smaller, representative group. We also use existing information whenever possible from government programs or other reliable public sources, so fewer people need to respond. This approach
- keeps surveys shorter and less frequent
- reduces the time and effort needed from participants
- produces accurate, balanced results that reflect all of Canada.
In some rare cases, such as the Census of Population, we need to reach everyone. But for most surveys, we ask only as many people or businesses as needed to ensure quality results.
The science behind the numbers
Behind every survey is a team of experts using methods built on decades of statistical theory and research. These methods make sure that
- data are collected efficiently and fairly
- results are accurate and unbiased
- everyone in Canada has a fair chance to be represented.
As new technology and analytical tools evolve, we continue to refine our processes to reduce effort for participants while maintaining the highest standards of quality. All our work is guided by a quality framework that focuses on relevance, accuracy, timeliness, coherence, accessibility and interpretability.
Your privacy is always protected
Every survey follows strict rules to protect your personal information. Your responses are confidential and used only for statistical purposes. Before any survey is launched, we carefully review what data are needed to make sure the benefit to Canadians justifies the time and privacy involved.
We use strong privacy safeguards and disclosure controls, alongside secure systems and proven methods, so no individual or business can be identified in the statistics we publish.
Why your participation matters
The information you provide shapes the statistics that support programs, policies and services across Canada, from schools and hospitals to jobs and housing. It isn’t always obvious, but many important decisions that impact the day-to-day lives and long-term well-being of Canadians are made based on information produced by Statistics Canada.
By taking part, you’re helping ensure that decisions made by governments, businesses and communities are based on accurate, complete and representative information. We collect data to help better understand our country—its population, resources, economy, environment, society and culture.
If you or your business is selected to participate in a Statistics Canada survey, please take part. Your contribution helps create trustworthy data that reflect the experiences of all Canadians.