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Appendix B. 2001 Census Products and Services

The census is a reliable source for describing the characteristics of Canada's people and dwellings. The range of products and services derived from census information is designed to produce statistics that will be useful, understandable and accessible to all users. Sources, such as the 2001 Census Catalogue, the Statistics Canada Web site (http://www.statcan.ca) and, specifically, the On-Line Catalogue, contain detailed information about the full range of 2001 Census products and services.

There are several new product and service features for the 2001 Census:

• The Internet is the preferred medium for disseminating standard data products and reference products.
  
• More census data are available to the public free of charge via the Internet.

2. Content

• Data tables for the 2001 Census are released by topics, that is, groups of variables on related subjects.
  
• Wherever possible, the language and vocabulary used in 2001 Census products available on the Internet is simplified to make the information accessible to more people.
  
• Users are offered various methods of searching and navigating through census standard products (including reference products on the Internet).

3. Geography

• Geographic units such as dissemination areas, urban areas, designated places and metropolitan influenced zones were added to the standard products line. Some new units, such as dissemination areas, replace others.

4. Variables

• Information on the following new subjects was collected in the 2001 Census: birthplace of parents, other languages spoken at home and language of work. The 2001 questionnaire also included the question on religion, which is asked in every decennial census. The family structure variable was broadened to include same-sex couples.