Introduction

The next Census of Population will be held on May 10, 2011. With each census, Statistics Canada improves its methods of dissemination to the public by seeking ways of publishing census results in a timely and accessible manner, while maintaining high data quality standards. A primary goal of the dissemination process is to ensure that users receive the maximum benefit from census and geography products and services.

Suggestions, ideas and opinions expressed during consultation ensure that census data are accessible and relevant. When developing the census and geography dissemination program, data users are invited to communicate their experiences and provide recommendations. We also review many different aspects of the dissemination program, such as release dates, census and geography products and services, the output media, levels of geography and the census web pages. Statistics Canada carefully considers this input to produce a products and services line that will meet users' requirements.

The 2011 Census and geography dissemination consultation's four objectives are to

  1. measure client satisfaction with the 2006 Census and geography products and services line
  2. determine the demand for user-defined tables (i.e. users could select and manipulate standard variables based on their research requirements, for various geographic areas from predefined parameters)
  3. seek ideas for additional census data integration within GeoSearch
  4. find ways to promote access and distribute more web-based content–and meet the proposed goal of eliminating print products in 2011.

While the focus for this wave of consultations is 2006 and 2011 census and geography dissemination, your views on any aspect of the census, including census content, geography concepts and census communications, are also welcome.

Your input is important - make a difference!

How your comments influenced the 2006 Census dissemination strategy

In 2006, many enhancements and new products were introduced. The following are some examples of how the feedback you contributed during the 2006 Census dissemination consultation made a difference:

  • The Internet continues to be the primary dissemination vehicle.
  • Variables used in standard and semi-custom profiles have been harmonized for consistency.
  • Digital boundary files have been reintroduced, as of 2006.
  • GeoSearch has been redesigned to include a larger map view and greater access to basic census data.
  • A keyword search function can be found on the census landing page.
  • Community profiles allow users to view and compare two communities at a time.