2006 Aboriginal Population Profile

Why are there different counts for population totals?

Where totals are reported in the statistical profile, they are identified as being either based on 100% data or based on 20% data.

Statistics Canada asks the same basic questions to every household and individual in Canada. Information drawn from these basic questions is referred to as 100% data, as they are collected for every individual and household in Canada. A more comprehensive set of questions are asked to a 1 in 5 sample of Canadian households to collect information on education, income, employment, etc. Information drawn from the extended set of questions is referred to as 20% data. Results of the 20% sample are weighted to provide estimates for the total population.

In the process of assigning weights, it is possible, particularly for smaller areas, that the estimates for a community will not match the 100% population. The estimate may in fact be larger or smaller, depending on the population of the area involved.