Northern Canada Internet Use Survey (NCIUS)

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The purpose of this survey is to better understand the impact of the Internet and other digital technologies on the daily lives of Canadians residing in the Territories. The survey collects information about the quality and reliability of your household Internet connection. The data can be used to help us understand gaps in services and barriers that are unique to remote communities.

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Collection period:
From July 18 to December 24, 2021
Collection methods:
Computer assisted telephone interview
Survey participation:
Voluntary
  • Block Information Confidentiality

    Confidentiality

    Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

  • Record linkage

    Record linkage

    To enhance the data from this survey and reduce response burden, Statistics Canada will combine the information you provide with data from the « Labour Force Survey ». Statistics Canada may also combine the information you provide with data from other surveys or administrative sources.

  • Block Information on Topics covered in the survey

    Topics covered in the survey

    The survey asks questions about:

    • access to the Internet
    • use of the Internet
    • e-Commerce
    • online work
    • household Internet connection
    • impacts of Internet use from COVID-19.
  • Block Information on Published data

    Published data

    Statistics Canada publishes the results of its surveys in many formats. To find all the documents related to this survey, follow the links below and type the name of the survey in the search engine located at the left of your screen to filter the results.

    Data: You will find tables, profiles of a community or region, thematic maps, public use microdata files, and data visualization tools.

    Analysis: You will have direct access to Stats in brief (e.g., releases from The Daily, fact sheets), articles and reports, and journals and periodicals.

  • Block Information on Survey-specific questions

    Survey-specific questions

    What is the Northern Canadian Internet Use Survey?

    The Northern Canada Internet Use Survey (NCIUS) measures the impact of the Internet and digital technologies on the everyday lives and well-being of Canadians residing in the Territories.

    This survey collects information about the quality and reliability of your household Internet connection which will help understand gaps in services and barriers that are unique to remote communities

    Am I obligated to take part in this survey?

    While your participation is voluntary, your household has been selected to represent hundreds of Canadians that live in the Northern regions of Canada. Your participation is very important to ensure all demographic characteristics and households are represented, so that the results of the survey accurately represent the Northern Canadian population as a whole.

    How many people are being interviewed?

    Approximately 1,500 people, 16 years of age and older, living in the 3 territories will be interviewed for this survey.

    What is the purpose of the NCIUS?

    The NCIUS will be used to gather data on how digital technologies and the Internet are transforming society, the economy, and the everyday lives of Canadians including the way we work, play and interact.

    What kinds of questions will I be asked?

    The NCIUS collects information from all respondents on topics such as household access to the Internet, and your personal use of the Internet including use of online services such as for entertainment, communication, shopping, and working. The survey also collects information on the problems and barriers to access and use.

    More specifically, the survey will ask questions about

    • your household access to the Internet, including the type, quality, reliability and barriers to access
    • your personal use of the Internet including your online activities
    • your use of online government services
    • your use of online shopping (E-commerce)
    • your Internet use for work and earning income online
    • your use of the Internet during COVID-19.

    How will I know if my information will be kept confidential?

    The Statistics Act guarantees that any information you give us remains strictly confidential. All employees of Statistics Canada are under oath and are liable to prosecution and/or severe penalties if they do not safeguard that confidentiality.

    Stringent precautions are taken during the collection and processing of survey information to ensure that no unauthorized person will be allowed access to the data. Your responses are processed and your answers combined with those of other respondents. The results are presented in summary format such as graphs, charts and statistical tables and cannot be traced back to you as an individual.

    To find out more about the measures in place to safeguard the confidentiality of your information, visit Statistics Canada's Trust Centre.

    Does Statistics Canada provide information on individuals to other organizations?

    No, Statistics Canada does not share any information that can identify individuals, such as names, addresses or telephone numbers, with other organizations.

    Statistics Canada employees are under oath and they are liable to prosecution and/or severe penalties if they divulge information on individuals or organizations.

    Statistics Canada publishes only statistical summaries of the information we collect, which cannot reveal the identity of individuals. All publications are carefully edited with confidentiality in mind. During the entire history of Statistics Canada, information provided from the public has always been safeguarded and kept confidential. Even other government departments are not able to access any personal information that can identify individuals, such as names, addresses or telephone numbers, from Statistics Canada.

    How did you select me for this survey?

    The NCIUS is collected as a supplement to the Labour Force Survey. If you completed the LFS, there was a chance you would be selected for this survey.

    How will this information be used?

    In aiding the Government of Canada develop programs and policies, the survey results will help to:

    • guide government efforts to provide households with more reliable and affordable high-speed Internet
    • develop policies to protect individuals from online privacy and security risks
    • better understand how and why people use online services, like shopping and social media, and what barriers prevent people from making the most of the internet and new technology
    • improve online government services and make them more user-friendly.

    What's in it for me? Why me? Why should I participate?

    This is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Your participation allows Statistics Canada to paint a more exact portrait of the living conditions and well-being of all Canadians. You will help policy departments make informed decisions aimed at improving the lives of all Canadians.

    Your information will influence the funding of programs and policies related to a number of issues such as where to target efforts to provide Canadians better, more reliable access to the Internet; Canadians' expectations on privacy and the protection of personal information; and Citizens' use, experiences and expectations of online government services.

    You will represent Canadians with characteristics similar to yours. These goals cannot be achieved without the highest quality data possible. For this reason, your participation has an importance that extends far beyond your household.

  • For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): survey number 5349
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