Brochure - International Study of Adults (PDF, 2.43 MB)
What is the International Study of Adults?
The International Study of Adults (ISA) has been designed to gain insight into the abilities of adults, such as reading, finding information, using computers and technology, and to learn about their education and work experience.
This information will help provide a clear picture of Canadians and the challenges we face as a country, in order to support the development of a more skilled work force that is equipped to deal with the future and compete in a global economy. In Canada, the ISA is being conducted by Statistics Canada in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC).
Why is your participation important?
Although participation is voluntary, the success of the study depends upon receiving input from as many adults as possible to reflect diverse life situations, education and abilities. Additionally, participants are chosen randomly in order to ensure the study sample represents the Canadian population and the information collected is as reliable and accurate as possible. We cannot substitute any other individual for you if you do not participate.
Why is Canada conducting this study?
- To provide valuable information to educators, policymakers and educational researchers on the current skills and experiences of Canadian adults.
- To develop programs to improve the skills that adults in Canada need in order to participate more successfully in today's economy and society.
How can I make a difference in the world?
Your participation in this study will help ensure Canada is:
- preparing for future learning demands
- providing the skills Canadians need to succeed at work
- shaping a new path for technological advancement
- understanding how their adult population is faring in comparison to other countries
This study is being conducted in 32 countries around the world, including Canada.
Australia, Austria, Belgium (Flanders), Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (England), United States.
How will the interview take place?
In the next few weeks, a Statistics Canada interviewer wearing photo ID, will contact you. We need to see if you or someone in your home is eligible for the study. One eligible household member will be selected to participate.
The interview can be scheduled for a date and time that is convenient.
The interview consists of two main parts:
- The first part covers questions about education, work experience, technology use, etc.
- Participants will then be given a tablet and asked to complete exercises similar to everyday life, such as reading a flight schedule at the airport, choosing a car route, or returning a product.
Will my information remain confidential?
All information collected by Statistics Canada is strictly confidential and is protected by the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada cannot release any information that would identify you or any member of your household without your consent. For more information on how your privacy is a top priority, please visit www.statcan.gc.ca/en/trust.
Additional information
Our agents are available Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-833-977-8287
To see what surveys are currently in collection, and learn more about ISA, visit our list of surveys in collection page https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/survey/index