Application process and guidelines - RTRA

Step 1: Preparing an application

To determine if your organization already has a subscription, please visit the contact information page to contact the Real Time Remote Access team.

  • If you are not a member, download these two applications – one for your organization application form and one for the researcher application form. Each researcher must complete their own application. Go to Step 2.
  • If you are a member, download the researcher application form and have your main contact sign it. Submit it by email by visiting the contact information page. You will need to briefly describe your objectives for accessing microdata through Real Time Remote Access (RTRA).

Step 2: Purchase confirmation

The approved organizational application becomes a Purchase Confirmation between Statistics Canada and the sponsoring organization. It specifies that the researchers agree to abide by the Statistics Canada Open Licence and the terms and conditions for Real Time Remote Access.

Step 3: Accessing the Real Time Remote Access system

Once the individual application is approved, the applicant will receive an email notification containing access instructions. Visit the following site for the Real Time Remote Access system user guide.

For new RTRA users, a training session will be offered.