Suitability of alternative data sources / Multivariate analysis

Suitability of alternative data sources: Among the input received, participants indicated that there were no suitable alternative data sources within their organization for over 90% of reported data uses. While possible administrative data sources were identified (such as, Canada Revenue Agency tax records, the Indian Register, Citizenship and Immigration Canada landing files and provincial administrative files), limitations were also mentioned. These include conceptual differences, reduced sample and coverage, possible costs, lack of granularity (important for evidence-based policy research) and reduced socioeconomic detail that is only available from Census Program topics.

Chart 6
Distribution of reported data uses showing suitability of alternative data sources, by sector

Description

This horizontal bar graph shows the distribution of reported data uses showing suitability of alternative data sources by sector. The categories of suitability of data sources are: no alternative data source; alternative data source with barriers; alternative data source - no barriers. The x-axis displays the percentage of distribution from zero percent to one hundred percent. The y-axis displays the sectors including: federal government; provincial/territorial government; local government; and other sectors.

Percentile distribution of reported data uses showing suitability of alternative data sources by sector
Suitability of data sources Federal government Provincial/territorial government Local government Other sectors
No alternative data source 95 93 93 90
Alternative data source with barriers 2 5 4 3
Alternative data source - no barriers 3 2 2 7
Chart 6 Distribution of reported data uses showing suitability of alternative data sources, by sector

Source: Statistics Canada, Census Operations Division, 2016 Census Program content consultation.

Multivariate analysis: A requirement was stated for multiple Census Program topics in approximately 80% of reported data uses, with basic demographics, labour market activity, income and earnings, education, and families and households characteristics cited in over 550 data uses, followed by topics on language, Aboriginal peoples, housing and shelter costs and visible minorities referred to in almost 500 data uses.

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