Data and Statistics

The Census of Population is the primary source of socioeconomic data and for detailed or small geographies. For detailed information: Census of Population

Reference materials
Reference materials are designed to help users make the most of census data. They cover various aspects of the census and are intended to support the use of data. 

• Census Dictionary
• Guide to the Census of Population, 2016
• 2016 Census of Population questionnaires and reporting guides
• Technical note: Putting 2016 Census results in context

2016 Public Use Microdata File
The 2016 Census public use microdata file (PUMF) on individuals contains 930,421 records, representing 2.7% of the Canadian population. These records were drawn from a sample of one quarter of the Canadian population (sample data from questionnaire 2A-L). The 2016 PUMF contains 123 variables. Of these, 92 variables, or 75%, come from the individual universe and 31 variables, or 25%, are drawn from the family, household and dwelling universes.

2006 Public Use Microdata File
The 2006 Census PUMF on individuals contains 844,476 records, representing 2.7% of the Canadian population. These records were drawn from a sample of one-fifth of the Canadian population (sample data from questionnaire 2B). The 2006 PUMF includes 123 variables. Of these, 102 variables (83%) come from the individual universe and 21 variables (17%) are drawn from the family, household and dwelling universes. 

The CCHS is a cross-sectional survey that collects information related to health status, health care utilization and health determinants for the Canadian population. For detailed information about the survey: Canadian Community Health Survey - Annual Component (CCHS).

Reference materials

• CCHS, 2017-2018, Annual Component: Questionnaire

CCHS 2017-2018 Public Use Microdata File (PUMF)

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) provides data for health regions and combinations of health regions across Canada. Over the two year period, data are based on interviews with approximately 130,000 respondents aged 12 or older, residing in households in all provinces and territories.  The files include information on a wide range of topics, including: physical activity, height and weight, smoking, exposure to second hand smoke, alcohol consumption, general health, chronic health conditions, injuries, and use of health care services. It also provides information on the socio-demographic, income and labour force characteristics of the population.

General Social Survey (GSS) is a series of independent, annual, voluntary, cross-sectional surveys, each covering one topic in-depth. The survey gathers data on social trends in order to monitor changes in the living conditions and well-being of Canadians, and to provide information on specific social policy issues. For more information, refer to GSS: An Overview

General Social Survey - Social Networks (GSS) (Cycle 22) collected data on social networks, and social and civic participation. For detailed information: GSS cycle 22.

Reference materials

• Questionnaire

GSS Cycle 22 Public Use Microdata File (PUMF)