Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M) training

The Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M) is a microsimulation tool specifically designed for analyzing the tax and transfer system in Canada. It is a complex multidisciplinary analytical tool which, while easily used, requires significant experience to master. Statistics Canada is committed to working with licensees of the SPSD/M in order to help them get the maximum benefit from the model and to do so in a flexible way that is most beneficial to individual client's research and personnel needs. The SPSD/M training will assist those interested in analyzing financial interactions of federal/provincial governments and individuals in Canada. To this end we have two training options to help develop the knowledge and skills to effectively employ the model and provide advice on how to best apply the SPSD/M to approach your policy research questions.

Target participants

Individuals who are interested in using microsimulation to analyze Canadian tax and transfer policies. Participants should have some understanding of the Canadian tax and transfer system.

This tool is specifically designed for analyzing the tax and transfer policies in Canada and can't be used to analyze policies for other countries. Please contact us directly if you have questions.

Training seminars

These courses are offered in English and French twice per year. A minimum of participants is required to hold a course (courses will be cancelled if there is not enough registrations less than 10 working days prior to the date of the course). This training can also been given at a client's site if suitable facilities are available.

To register, simply send an e-mail message to spsdm@statcan.gc.ca
(Please note that, generally, our seminars are offered in the spring and fall of each year.)

Course descriptions

The next scheduled courses

SPSD/M Black Box Training (English)

Course description for Black Box Training

Language:

English

Dates:

Course duration is 4 days: February 9 2024 (1pm-3pm EST), February 12 2024 (10:30am-4pm EST), February 13 2024 (10:30am-4pm EST), February 16 2024 (10:30am-4pm EST)

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

$800.00 for external participants

SPSD/M Black Box Training (French)

Course description for Black Box Training

Language:

French

Dates:

Course duration is 4 days: February 16 2024 (1pm-3pm EST), February 20 2024 (10:30am-4pm EST), February 21 2024 (10:30am-4pm EST), February 28 2024 (10:30am-4pm EST)

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

$800.00 for external participants

SPSD/M Glass Box Training (English)

Course description for Glass Box Training

Language:

English

Dates:

TBD

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

TBD

Prerequisites:

Persons planning on attending the seminar should already be familiar with the use of the SPSD/M in Black box mode. They should know how to create new user variables and custom tables at various family levels.

SPSD/M Glass Box Training (French)

Course description for Glass Box Training

Language:

French

Dates:

TBD

Location:

MS Teams

Course cost:

TBD

Prerequisites:

Persons planning on attending the seminar should already be familiar with the use of the SPSD/M in Black box mode. They should know how to create new user variables and custom tables at various family levels.

In-house training

If an organization or individual has either a special project they wish to use the model for, or a specific advanced aspect of model use they wish to master (i.e. stochastic imputation) arrangements can be made for one-on-one training. In most of these cases an analyst works with our microsimulation team in Ottawa. The access to a group of microsimulation and quantitative policy analysis oriented professionals is an added benefit of this type of training. It is also possible for a Statistics Canada microsimulation analyst to visit a client's site.