Fifty-third plenary session (Geneva, 13-15 June 2005) STATISTICAL COMMISSION and ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN STATISTICIANS STATISTICS CANADA – CENSUS ON THE NET Invited paper submitted by Statistics Canada Fifty-third plenary session (Geneva, 13-15 June 2005)

Canadian Census Legal requirement every 5 years Next Census May 16th, 2006; 13 million dwellings 80%-short form (8 questions); 20%-long form (53 questions) Traditionally benefited from a high (77% in 2001) response rate prior to field follow-up Targeting 20% on-line response The internet response option is one of a number of other significant technological and methodological changes – the largest set of changes in 30 years Conducted a comprehensive/successful test of the systems and processes in May 2004

Pre-conditions and Strategic Considerations Connectivity and public expectations Mature security infrastructure Collection Methodology Statistical agency experience with Internet Strategic Considerations Investments Potential Savings In-house development or contracting out Capitalizing on Opportunities Public Communications

Response Pattern

Follow-up Rates

Issues and Lessons Learned Integration and testing are key Long term investment with risks Potential for increased quality and timeliness Communications challenges Complicates message Intentions not necessarily result in desired action Response pattern and volumes are difficult to predict/control Security and accessibility trade-offs Evolving medium with new risks

Questions Questions?