The Canadian Census of Population: a Review in Preparation for 2016

1. The Canadian Census of Population: a Review in Preparation for 2016 UNECE Group of Experts on Population and Housing Censuses May 23, 2012

2. Mandate and Scope of Review • Mandate • Study options on the methodology and ultimately deliver a recommendation to the federal government for the 2016 Census program • In scope : Four components assessed and integrated into an option analysis report • Legislative • Content determination framework • “Canadian context” • Methodology • Out of scope: detailed methods, content and costing Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

3. Legislative • Decennial Census • A requirement under the Canadian Constitution Act • Quinquennial census • Constitution Act requires quinquennial census for the Prairie Provinces • Statistics Act requires Canadian quinquennial census since 1970 • Definition of a census of population Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

4. Framework • Sequential approach to assess or build census/NHS methodology options incl. content * External and internal needs Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

5. Consultation on uses • Feedback sought from • Federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments • Aboriginal organizations • Selected direct end-users and secondary distributors and 'umbrella' org. in non-profit and business sectors • Uses/data requirements • Statutory, program and other requirements • Topics (by order of priority) • Level of geography / Sub-populations • Trends • Multivariate Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

6. Methodology • Approach 1 – traditional census • A collection of data from all households on individuals, at a specific point-in-time, constitutes the spine • May involve some sampling for characteristics • The collection modes may vary; some data may be replaced by administrative data Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

7. Methodology • Approach 2 – census employing existing administrative registers • A set of data first collected for administrative purposes and linked together constitutes the spine • Can be supplemented by surveys (census or sample) Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

8. Methodology • Approach 3 – census employing continuous measurements • A collection of data from the individuals, where all or a part of it is collected on a continuous basis • May involve some sampling • The collection modes may vary; some data may be replaced by administrative data Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

9. Conclusion • A traditional census is the only possible option for 2016 • The presence or absence of a voluntary component remains an open question until the data qualities studies are completed for the National Household Survey. Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

10. Lessons Learned • Such a review requires a dedicated team (separate from production teams) • Requires key knowledgeable resources • Organisational buy-in is important – senior management governance • External validation is desirable • Highlighted the importance of international networks Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada

11. Project contacts For more information, please contact: Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada