Occupation (based on the 2001 National Occupational Classification for Statistics [NOC-S 2001])
Part A - Plain Language Definition
Kind of work done by persons aged 15 and over. Occupation is based on the type of job the person holds and the description of his or her duties. The 2001 data on occupation are classified according to the 2001 National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S 2001). For comparisons with data from the 1991 and 1996 Censuses, the variable Occupation (Historical) should be used.
Part B - Detailed Definition
Refers to the kind of work persons were doing during the reference week, as determined by their kind of work and the description of the main activities in their job. If the person did not have a job during the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to enumeration (May 15, 2001), the data relate to the job of longest duration since January 1, 2000. Persons with two or more jobs were to report the information for the job at which they worked the most hours.

The 2001 occupation data are classified according to the 2001 National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S 2001). This classification is composed of four levels of aggregation. There are 10 broad occupational categories containing 47 major groups that are further subdivided into 140 minor groups. At the most detailed level, there are 520 occupation unit groups. Occupation unit groups are formed on the basis of the education, training, or skill level required to enter the job, as well as the kind of work performed, as determined by the tasks, duties and responsibilities of the occupation.

For information on the NOC-S 2001, see the National Occupational Classification for Statistics, 2001, Catalogue No. 12-583-XPE.