David Price October 2011 Real Time Remote Access (RTRA) #10

Real Time Remote Access  On-line remote access facility allowing users to run more or less in real-time, data analyses on microdata located in a central, secure location.  Tabular frequencies only - SAS only  Limited to particular household surveys data sets  Confidentiality automated  No primary manual intervention  Deemed employee status not required  Ability to interrogate RTRA micro data at any time*  Access from any computer with internet access, using a secure username and password - No travel to RDCs 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 2

22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 3 RTRA system process  RTRA System comprises other corporate systems  CRMS  EFT  Pre-Scan & processing in SAS  Disclosure control post scan via custom program

22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 4 Datasets Available through the Pilot System General Social Survey (GSS) – Cycle 19, 20, and 23 National Graduates Survey (NGS) – Class of 1986, 2000 and 2005 Aboriginal Children’s Survey (ACS) – 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) and 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) – Cycle 4.1 and 4.2 Survey of Labor and Income Dynamics Labor Force Survey

How RTRA can be used  Rapid Access Allows for quick access to data in order to respond to ministerial requests Allows researchers the capacity to perform extractions to judge the feasibility of a project prior to submitting a formal proposal  Complement to projects in the FRDC Component of indirect access Speed up access in FRDC during entry into system Allow for follow up submissions when unable to enter the center 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 5

RTRA usage 2010/11 The uptake of the RTRA was underwhelming during the early part of 2010/11, however it picked up considerably during the fall and winter. Over 35 users have signed up for the RTRA system Several users making regular submissions User feedback is the key element for us to make the RTRA into a truly relevant tool for the research community. 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 6

Feedback received 2010/11 Several key issues were communicated to Statistics Canada on how to improve the service. Researchers want fast access that is uninhibited by administrative process More key data sets were required (LFS, SLID and the Census) Submission using SPSS Data Quality indicators Additional statistical output other than frequencies 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 7

Actions taken to improve the RTRA 2010/11 Streamline the application process, resulted in our “Rapid Access” for policy researchers. Custom SLID application to take advantage of SLIDRET. The use of the RTRA was made available to all federal departments. 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 8

Further Actions to Improve the RTRA 2011/12 The focus of the development for the fiscal year will address the outstanding issues communicated to the RTRA project team. Data Quality Indicators (end of October) Means, medians/percentiles Confidentiality rules for ratios and proportions Census integration plan Work with our corporate tools group on a tabulation interface. 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 9

RTRA for the Academic Community Academic pilot project objectives Establish process to manage student access Determine usage capacity Access managed through subscriptions similar to the DLI. Data librarian type role to confirm students affiliation Annual fee 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 10

Future plans for RTRA Census and small Geographies Administrative data Analytical Modeling 22/01/2016 Statistics Canada Statistique Canada 11