=================== POPULATION UNIVERSE =================== Introduction ------------ The Population Universe includes variables that provide information about individuals, covering demographic, ethnocultural, language, mobility, schooling, income and labour force characteristics. A complete list of these variables is found in the Table of Contents. Some variables within this universe are collected for the entire population of Canada; others are collected for a 20% sample of the population only. The Population Universe of the 1996 Census includes the following groups: - Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization) and landed immigrants with a usual place of residence in Canada; - Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization) and landed immigrants who are abroad, either on a military base or attached to a diplomatic mission; - Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization) and landed immigrants at sea or in port aboard merchant vessels under Canadian registry; - persons in Canada claiming refugee status and members of their families living with them; - Persons in Canada who hold student authorizations (student visas or student permits) and members of their families living with them; - Persons in Canada who hold employment authorizations (or work permits) and members of their family living with them; - Persons in Canada who hold Minister's permits (including extensions) and members of their family living with them. For census purposes, the last four groups in this list are referred to as "non-permanent residents". For further information, refer to the variable Immigration: Non-permanent Resident. The Population Universe of the 1996 Census does not include foreign residents because they were not enumerated in 1996. Foreign residents are persons who belong to the following groups: - Government representatives of another country attached to the embassy, high commission or other diplomatic body of that country in Canada, and members of their families living with them; - Members of the Armed Forces of another country who are stationed in Canada, and members of their families living with them; - Residents of another country visiting Canada temporarily (for example, a foreign visitor on vacation or on business with or without a visitor's permit). Aboriginal: Aboriginal Population --------------------------------- Refers to those persons who reported identifying with at least one Aboriginal group, i.e. North American Indian, Métis or Inuit (Eskimo) and/or those who reported being a Treaty Indian or a Registered Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada and/or who were members of an Indian Band or First Nation. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 18, 20 and 21 Responses: The Aboriginal Population variable will be depicted in the 1996 Census output in a variety of forms. Included in the derived Aboriginal population are the following Total Aboriginal population North American Indian response only Métis response only Inuit response only Multiple Aboriginal responses Registered Indian or Treaty Indian without Aboriginal response(s) Member of an Indian Band/First Nation Remarks: In 1991 and previous censuses, Aboriginal persons were determined using the ethnic origin question, based primarily on the ancestry dimension. Rather than determining Aboriginal status based on the cultural group of one's ancestors, respondents in 1996 defined themselves as Aboriginal if they personally identified with at least one Aboriginal group. This is the first time that the Aboriginal population includes members of an Indian Band/First Nation who are not Treaty Indians or Registered Indians. Aboriginal: Aboriginal Self-reporting ------------------------------------- Refers to those persons who reported identifying with at least one Aboriginal group, i.e. North American Indian, Métis or Inuit (Eskimo). In 1991 and previous censuses, Aboriginal persons were determined using the ethnic origin question, based primarily on the ancestry dimension. The 1996 Census shifts the focus away from the background of one's ancestors to the individual's own perception of their Aboriginal identity. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 18 Responses: No (not an Aboriginal person); Yes, North American Indian; Yes, Métis; Yes, Inuit (Eskimo) Remarks: The concept of "Aboriginal identity" was first used in the 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) and differs slightly from the concept used in the 1996 Census. The APS question asked "with which Aboriginal group do you identify" while the census question asks, "Is this person an Aboriginal person, that is, North American Indian, Métis or Inuit (Eskimo)". Despite these wording differences, the questions yield comparable results, as shown in the 1993 National Census Test. Aboriginal: Member of an Indian Band or First Nation ---------------------------------------------------- Refers to those persons who reported being a member of an Indian Band or a First Nation of Canada. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 20 Responses: As of March 31, 1996, there were 608 different Indian Bands in Canada. Selected groupings of Indian Bands will be published. The unpublished information will be available upon special request, subject to confidentiality and data quality constraints. Remarks: Although there was a question on Band membership on the 1991 Census, the layout of the 1996 question is somewhat different. In 1991, Band membership was a subcomponent of Question 16. In the first part of this question, respondents were asked about registration status while the second part of the question dealt with Band membership. In 1996, one direct question was developed to collect data on Band/First Nation membership. Many Indian Bands have elected to call themselves a First Nation and have changed their Band name to reflect this. Also, with the 1985 amendment to the Indian Act of Canada (Bill C-31), many Indian Bands exercised the right to establish their own membership code, whereby it was not always necessary for a Band member to be a Registered Indian according to the Indian Act. Aboriginal: Registered or Treaty Indian --------------------------------------- Registered Indians refer to those persons who reported they were registered under the Indian Act of Canada. Treaty Indians are persons who are registered under the Indian Act and can prove descent from a Band that signed a treaty. Although there was a question in the 1991 Census on registration status, the layout of the 1996 question is somewhat different. In 1991, registration status was a subcomponent of Question 16. In the first part of the question, respondents were asked about their registration status while the second part of the question dealt with Band membership. In 1996, one direct question was developed to collect data on registration or treaty status. The wording of the 1996 question is also slightly different from previous years. Prior to 1996, the term "treaty" was excluded from the question. It was added in 1996 at the request of individuals from the Western provinces, where the term is more widely used. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 21 Responses: Treaty or Registered Indian, under the Indian Act; Not a Treaty or Registered Indian, under the Indian Act Remarks: The following instructions were provided to respondents: Mark Yes for persons who: * are registered as Indians under the Indian Act of Canada; * are Treaty Indians, only if they are registered as Indians under the Indian Act of Canada; * have become registered as Indians since June 1985, when Bill C-31 changed the Indian Act of Canada. All other persons should answer No to this question. Also answer No to this question for persons who may be entitled to, but for some reason have not registered, under provisions of the Indian Act. Age --- Refers to the age at last birthday (as of the census reference date, May 14, 1996). This variable is derived from date of birth. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Total population Question No.: Derived variable: Question 3 Responses: Range of values: Single years 0-121 Remarks: In 1966 and 1961, respondents were asked to state their age in completed years as of their last birthday before the census date. For more information, see Date of Birth. Citizenship ----------- Refers to legal citizenship status of the respondent. Persons who are citizens of more than one country were instructed to indicate this fact. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 14 Responses: Canada, by birth; Canada, by naturalization; Country of citizenship other than Canada (write-in response). Remarks: Canadian citizens were asked to distinguish between Canadian citizenship by birth and Canadian citizenship by naturalization. Persons who were born outside Canada and who are Canadian citizens by birth were requested to report "Canada, by birth". In 1996, a space was provided for a write-in response as well as the mark-in responses of "Canada, by birth" and "Canada, by naturalization". Respondents could write in a country of citizenship other than Canada. Multiple responses to the citizenship question were also accepted. Valid response combinations for dual citizenship were Canada, by birth and another country or Canada, by naturalization and another country. In 1971, respondents were asked to indicate their country of citizenship, and specific countries reported were then coded. In 1981, 1986 and 1991, this coding operation was eliminated. For those censuses, citizenship information for specific countries is available, but only for respondents who indicated the same country for citizenship and place of birth. Data from the 1996 Census will not be published for all countries of citizenship and dual citizenships. Unpublished data relating to persons who indicated dual citizenship are available upon special request, subject to confidentiality constraints. Common-law Status ----------------- Refers to two people who live together as husband and wife but who are not legally married to each other. Censuses: 1996, 1991 Reported for: Total population Question No.: Direct variable: Question 6 Responses: Yes; No Remarks: In 1986 and 1981, common-law status was derived based on the relationship to Person 1 question. Common-law status was not measured in censuses prior to 1981. Data for persons in common-law unions, classified by legal marital status, are available for 1991 and 1996. In 1986 and 1981, such persons were included among the "married" population. Historical comparability of the marital status variable can be maintained with the 1991 and 1996 data by including persons in common-law unions with the "married (including common-law)" population. See Marital Status. Date of birth ------------- Refers to the day, month and year of birth, collected for the purpose of determining the person's age as of the census reference date. Persons who were unable to give the exact date of birth were asked to give the best possible estimate. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976,* 1971* Reported for: Total population Question No.: Direct variable: Question 3 Responses: January 1, 1875 to May 13, 1996 Remarks: In 1966 and 1961, respondents were asked to state their age in completed years as of their last birthday before the census date. In 1961, published data for single years of age were graduated (or smoothed) within each five-year age group to counteract the tendency towards "heaping" at certain specific ages. In 1966, this was not done, and the published tables represent the date as reported. In 1991, 1986 and 1981, the date of birth components (i.e. day, month and year) were not available. In 1996, all components are available. * In 1976 and 1971, the question on date of birth was answered in groups of months: January-May, June-December. Disability ---------- Refers to the limitation in the kind or amount of a person's activity because of a long-term physical condition, mental condition or health problem. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 7 and 8 Responses: Question 7: (a) Limited at home: No, not limited Limited at home: Yes, limited (b) Limited at school or at work: No, not limited Limited at school or at work: Yes, limited Limited at school or at work: Not applicable (c) Limited in other activities: No, not limited Limited in other activities: Yes, limited Question 8: No long-term disabilities or handicaps Some long-term disabilities or handicaps Remarks: In 1996, two disability questions were asked. Question 7 was a three-part question which asked if the person was limited in activities at home, at school or at work, or in other activities. Question 8 asked if the person had any long-term disabilities or handicaps. The following instructions were provided to respondents: Each adult should answer for himself/herself whenever possible. A parent or guardian should answer for persons less than 15 years of age. Include long-term physical conditions, mental conditions, health problems, disabilities or handicaps that have lasted or are expected to last six months or more. Measure the period from the time the condition or problem began. The disability question was added to the census for the first time in 1986 to provide a sample frame to enable the conduct of the postcensal Health and Activity Limitation Survey (HALS). The same question was used in 1986, 1991 and 1996; however, in 1991 and 1996, the question was split and presented as two questions. The HALS was the primary source of disability data in 1986 and 1991 since this survey provided a better identification of the target population of persons with disabilities than the census alone. Questions 7 and 8 were included in the 1996 Census to provide a means of carrying out a postcensal survey in 1996. However, the HALS was not undertaken in 1996 due to a lack of funding and budgetary constraints. Disability data from the 1996 Census will be available upon special request only. Comparisons of 1986 and 1991 disability data from the HALS and from the census indicated that there are major differences between the two data sources. Furthermore, the 1996 Census data have not been edited or imputed and should be used with caution. Employment Equity ----------------- See Population Group. Ethnic Origin ------------- Refers to the ethnic or cultural group(s) to which the respondent's ancestors belong. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 17 Responses: Respondents were asked to specify as many groups as applicable. Four write-in boxes were provided. See Figures 3, 4 and 5 for ethnic origins and categories. Remarks: In 1996, the following instructions were provided to respondents: This question refers to the ethnic or cultural origins of a person's ancestors. An ancestor is someone from whom a person is descended and is usually more distant than a grandparent. Other than Aboriginal persons, most people can trace their origins to their ancestors who first came to this continent. Ancestry should not be confused with citizenship or nationality. For all persons, report the specific ethnic or cultural group or groups to which their ancestors belonged, not the language they spoke. For example, report "Haitian" rather than "French", or "Austrian" rather than "German". For persons of East Indian or South Asian origins, report a specific group, do not report Indian. For example, report "East Indian from India", "East Indian from Guyana", or indicate the specific group, such as "Punjabi" or "Tamil". For persons with Aboriginal ancestors, report a specific group. For example, report "Cree", "Micmac", "Ojibway", "North American Indian", "Métis". Do not report Indian. In both 1996 and 1991 the respondent was asked "To which ethnic or cultural group(s) did this person's ancestors belong?". However, in 1996, the format of the ethnic origin question was changed. The 1991 Census question included 15 mark-in categories and two write-in boxes. The 1996 question did not include any mark-in categories. Respondents were required to write in their ethnic origin(s) in four write-in boxes. In 1996, the ethnic origin question gave 24 examples: French, English, German, Scottish, Canadian, Italian, Irish, Chinese, Cree, Micmac, Métis, Inuit (Eskimo), Ukrainian, Dutch, East Indian, Polish, Portuguese, Jewish, Haitian, Jamaican, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Chilean and Somali. The first twenty examples were based on the frequency (largest number) of single ethnic origin counts from the 1991 Census. In addition, terms which tended to be confusing to some respondents in 1991 were replaced with more specific groups in 1996. For instance, "North American Indian" was replaced by "Cree" and "Micmac", and "Black" was replaced by "Haitian" and "Jamaican" which were the most frequent write-in responses provided by the Black population in 1991. The last four examples were added to the 1996 ethnic origin question to ensure that at least one group from each ethnic category and geographic area was included on the questionnaire. Vietnamese, Lebanese, Chilean and Somali were added to the list of examples because they were the largest groups among those with South East Asian, Arab, Latin American and African origins in 1991. Comparability of ethnic origin data between the 1996 Census and previous censuses has been affected by several factors including changes in the question wording, format, examples, instructions and data processing, as well as by the social environment at the time of the census. In 1996, comparability with previous census data will be affected by the change in format and the examples provided on the questionnaire. The change in format to an open-ended question in 1996 is likely to affect response patterns especially for groups which had been included as mark-in response categories in 1991. In addition, the presence of examples such as "Canadian", which were not included in previous censuses, may also affect response patterns. Since 1981, changes in question format and examples may have particularly affected comparability of data for "Black" and "North American Indian". In 1981, "Black" was not listed on the census questionnaire though respondents could specify Black ethnic origin in the write-in box. In light of the recommendations of the Special Committee on the Participation of Visible Minorities in Canadian Society in the report Equality Now! and of the Abella Commission of Inquiry on Equality in Employment, the mark-in response "Black" was added to the 1986 Census questionnaire and included again in 1991. In 1996, "Black" was replaced by the examples "Haitian" and "Jamaican" in the ethnic origin question. "Black" was, however, listed as a separate mark-in category in the population group question in 1996 (see Population Group). In the 1981 Census, respondents with Aboriginal origins were to mark in status or registered Indian, non-status Indian, Métis, or Inuit. In 1986 and 1991, Aboriginal respondents were asked to indicate North American Indian, Métis, or Inuit by checking the appropriate mark-in circles. In 1996, "Métis" and "Inuit" again appeared in the ethnic origin question, while "North American Indian" was replaced by the examples "Cree" and "Micmac". Since 1986, an instruction to specify as many ethnic groups as applicable has been included in the ethnic origin question. This has affected data comparability for all ethnic groups and categories because of the increase in multiple responses. Prior to the 1981 Census, only the respondent's paternal ancestry was to be reported. If multiple ethnic origins were provided, only one origin was captured, resulting in one ethnic origin per respondent. In 1981, multiple origins were allowed and a write-in space was added to the question, although respondents were not instructed to provide more than one origin. In 1986, respondents were permitted to write in up to three origins other than those shown in the mark-in circles. In 1991, they were permitted to write in up to two additional origins. In 1996, four write-in boxes were provided on the questionnaire and up to six ethnic origins were captured. As a result of changing immigration patterns and increasing diversity in Canada, modifications are made to the specific ethnic groups and categories captured each census. In 1991, several ethnic origins were added to the list of origins captured in 1986. Ethnic origins were added again in 1996 where sufficient counts were obtained. These changes have affected the composition of some ethnic categories. In particular, users should be aware of changes made to the Aboriginal, Arab, African/Black, Asian, Eastern European, French and Latin/Central/South American ethnic groups and categories. In addition to the factors discussed above, the measurement of ethnicity is affected by changes in the social environment in which the questions are asked and changes in the respondent's understanding or views about the topic. Awareness of family background or length of time since immigration can affect responses to the ethnic origin question, as can confusion with other concepts such as citizenship, nationality, language or cultural identity. Ethnic origin response patterns may be influenced by both social and personal considerations. The choices that respondents make can affect ethnic origin counts and impact comparability of data between censuses. Not all combinations of multiple ethnic origins available from the 1996 Census will be published. Unpublished data will be available upon special request, subject to confidentiality and data quality constraints. Farm Operators -------------- Refers to those persons responsible for the day-to-day management decisions made in the operation of the census farm or agricultural operation. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986,* 1981,* 1976,* 1971,* 1966,* 1961* Reported for: Total population Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 6, 13 and 20 of Form 6, Agriculture Questionnaire Responses: Not applicable Remarks: * Prior to the 1991 Census, the farm operator referred to only one person who was responsible for the day-to-day decisions made in the operation of an agricultural holding. Because only one operator was listed for each census farm, the number of operators was the same as the number of census farms. Note: A census farm refers to a farm, ranch or other agricultural operation which produces at least one of the following products intended for sale: crops, livestock, poultry, animal products, greenhouse or nursery products, Christmas trees, mushrooms, sod, honey and maple syrup products. Geography: Workplace Location ----------------------------- Refers to the geographic location of the workplace of non-institutional residents 15 years of age and over who have worked since January 1, 1995. The variable usually relates to the individual's job held in the week prior to enumeration. However, if the person had not worked during that week but had worked at some time since January 1, 1995, the information relates to the job held longest during that period. Workplace locations are available for most standard geographic areas. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Not applicable Question No.: Not applicable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Census data are usually tabulated by residence. By using the Journey to Work: Workplace Location variable, census data may be tabulated based on workplace location only or by residence and workplace location. For detailed information, see Journey to Work: Workplace Location. Household Activities: Hours Spent Doing Unpaid Housework -------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the number of hours persons spent doing unpaid housework, yard work or home maintenance in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. It includes hours spent doing housework for one's own household or the household of others. Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 30 (a) Responses: None; Less than 5 hours; 5 to 14 hours; 15 to 29 hours; 30 to 59 hours; 60 hours or more Remarks: Hours spent doing unpaid housework was asked for the first time in the 1996 Census. It includes hours spent doing unpaid work for members of one's own household, other family members outside the household, friends or neighbours. Persons who worked without pay in the operation of a family farm or business owned or operated by a relative who is a member of the same household were to report their hours in Question 31, "Hours worked for pay or in self-employment". Voluntary work for a non-profit organization, religious organization, charity or community group is not included. Overlapping activities were to be reported in more than one question. For example, a respondent who spent one hour preparing a meal, while at the same time looked after his/her children, would report one hour in Question 30 (a) and one hour in Question 30 (b). It does not matter if these activities took place at the same time. Household Activities: Hours Spent Looking After Children, Without ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pay --- Refers to the number of hours persons spent taking care of their own or someone else's children without pay in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 30 (b) Responses: None; Less than 5 hours; 5 to 14 hours; 15 to 29 hours; 30 to 59 hours; 60 hours or more Remarks: Hours spent looking after children, without pay, was asked for the first time in the 1996 Census. It includes hours spent doing unpaid childcare for members of one's own household, other family members outside the household, friends or neighbours. Persons who worked without pay in the operation of a family farm or business owned or operated by a relative who is a member of the same household were to report their hours in Question 31, "Hours worked for pay or in self-employment". Voluntary work for a non-profit organization, religious organization, charity or community group is not included. Overlapping activities were to be reported in more than one question. For example, a respondent who spent one hour preparing a meal, while at the same time looked after his/her children, would report one hour in Question 30 (a) and one hour in Question 30 (b). It does not matter that these activities took place at the same time. Household Activities: Hours Spent Providing Unpaid Care or ---------------------------------------------------------- Assistance to Seniors --------------------- Refers to the number of hours persons spent providing unpaid care or assistance to seniors in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 30 (c) Responses: None; Less than 5 hours; 5 to 9 hours; 10 hours or more Remarks: Hours spent providing unpaid care or assistance to seniors was asked for the first time in the 1996 Census. It includes hours spent providing unpaid care for senior members of one's own household, other senior family members outside the household, friends or neighbours. No formal definition of seniors was provided on the census questionnaire. The following definition appeared in the 1996 Census Guide: Seniors are all persons 65 years of age and over and some individuals close to 65 suffering from age-related infirmities. Persons who worked without pay in the operation of a family farm or business owned or operated by a relative who is a member of the same household were to report their hours in Question 31, "Hours worked for pay or in self-employment". Voluntary work for a non-profit organization, religious organization, charity or community group is not included. Overlapping activities were to be reported in more than one question. For example, a respondent who spent one hour taking an elderly parent to an appointment, while at the same time looked after his/her own children, would report one hour in Question 30 (b) and one hour in Question 30 (c). It does not matter that these activities took place at the same time. Immigration: Age at Immigration ------------------------------- Refers to the age at which the respondent first obtained landed immigrant status. A landed immigrant is a person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population who are, or have been, landed immigrants, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 3 and 16 Responses: Single age from 0 to 121 Remarks: This is a derived variable based on year of immigration, year of birth and an estimated month of immigration. Respondents who answered "Yes" to Question 15 (Landed Immigrant Status) were to answer Question 16 (Year of Immigration) by reporting the year in which they first obtained landed immigrant status. People who answered "No" to Question 15 will not have gone through the immigration process and, thus, do not have a year of immigration or an age at immigration. These people are Canadian citizens by birth and non-permanent residents (refugee claimants and holders of student authorizations, employment authorizations and Minister's permits). Age at immigration data are available for the 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 Censuses. Due to processing restrictions, censuses earlier than 1981 had only pre-defined periods of immigration which made it impossible to calculate age at immigration. Immigration: Immigrant Population --------------------------------- Refers to people who are, or have been, landed immigrants in Canada. A landed immigrant is a person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Some immigrants have resided in Canada for a number of years, while others are recent arrivals. Most immigrants are born outside Canada, but a small number were born in Canada. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 15 Responses: Immigrants were asked to mark "Yes" to this question. Remarks: The derivation of the immigrant population was slightly different in 1991 and 1996, compared with the 1981 and 1986 Censuses. In the 1981 and 1986 Censuses, the immigrant population was defined as people who were not Canadian citizens by birth. In the 1991 and 1996 Censuses, a direct question, Question 15 (Landed Immigrant Status), was used to identify the immigrant population because the census universe was expanded to include non-permanent residents. This change should not affect the comparability of immigration data collected in the 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 Censuses. Children born in Canada to immigrant parents are considered to be non-immigrants in census data. Immigration: Landed Immigrant Status ------------------------------------ Refers to people who have been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 15 Responses: No; Yes Remarks: Respondents who are Canadian citizens by birth and non-permanent residents (refugee claimants and holders of student authorizations, employment authorizations and Minister's permits) were to mark "No" to Question 15 (Landed Immigrant Status). Respondents who at the time of the census were, or had ever been, landed immigrants to Canada were to mark "Yes". Respondents who are Canadian citizens by naturalization, but who have been landed immigrants to Canada, were to mark "Yes" to Question 15 and are included in the immigrant population in census data. The landed immigrant status question, in conjunction with the citizenship question, is used to identify the non-immigrant population (Canadian citizens by birth), the immigrant population (landed immigrants) and the non-permanent residents (refugee claimants and holders of student authorizations, employment authorizations and Minister's permits). Immigration: Non-immigrant Population ------------------------------------- Refers to people who are Canadian citizens by birth. Although most were born in Canada, a small number were born outside Canada to Canadian parents. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable: Question 14 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Non-immigrants are defined using the citizenship question (Question 14) as Canadian citizens by birth. Immigration: Non-permanent Resident ----------------------------------- Refers to people who held a student authorization, an employment authorization, a Minister's permit or who were refugee claimants at the time of the 1996 Census. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived from: Questions 14 and 15 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: As in 1991, the 1996 Census includes non-permanent residents. Previous censuses excluded persons holding authorizations, visas and permits, as well as refugee claimants, except in the 1941 Census when persons who did not plan to live permanently in Canada were included. In 1991 and 1996, this is a derived population based on citizenship and landed immigrant status. Non-permanent residents are identified as persons who are not Canadian citizens by birth (Question 14) and who answered "No" to the landed immigrant status question (Question 15). Estimates of the non-permanent residents are only available for the non-institutional population. Immigration: Period of Immigration ---------------------------------- Refers to groupings of years derived from the year of immigration question. Year of immigration refers to the year landed immigrant status was first obtained. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 Reported for: Population who are, or have been, landed immigrants, excluding institutional residents. A landed immigrant is a person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Question No.: Derived variable: Question 16 Responses: Groupings of years as desired for the years 1875 to 1996 Remarks: This is a derived variable based on year of immigration. Respondents who answered "Yes" to Question 15 (Landed Immigrant Status) were to answer Question 16 (Year of Immigration) by reporting the year in which they first obtained landed immigrant status. Respondents who answered "No" to Question 15 will not have gone through the immigration process and, thus, do not have a year when landed immigrant status was obtained. These people include Canadian citizens by birth and non-permanent residents (refugee claimants and holders of student authorizations, employment authorizations and Minister's permits). Immigration: Year of Immigration -------------------------------- Refers to the year landed immigrant status was first obtained. A landed immigrant is a person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population who are, or have been, landed immigrants, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 16 Responses: Single years from 1875 to 1996 (includes January to Census Day, May 14, for the year 1996) Remarks: Respondents who answered "Yes" to Question 15 (Landed Immigrant Status) were to answer Question 16 (Year of Immigration) by reporting the year in which they first obtained landed immigrant status. People who immigrated to Canada more than once were to report the year in which they first received landed immigrant status. Respondents who answered "No" to Question 15 will not have gone through the immigration process, and thus, do not have a year when landed immigrant status was obtained. These people include Canadian citizens by birth and non-permanent residents (refugee claimants and holders of student authorizations, employment authorizations and Minister's permits). Year of immigration data are available only for the 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 Censuses. Due to processing restrictions, the 1971 Census and earlier censuses had only pre-defined periods of immigration. Income: Average Income of Individuals ------------------------------------- Average income of individuals refers to the weighted mean total income of individuals 15 years of age and over who reported income for 1995. Average income is calculated from unrounded data by dividing the aggregate income of a specified group of individuals (e.g., males 45 to 54 years of age) by the number of individuals with income in that group. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over with income, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived statistic Responses: Dollar value Remarks: Average and median incomes and standard errors for average income of individuals will be calculated for those individuals who are at least 15 years of age and who have an income (positive or negative). For all other universes, these statistics will be calculated over all units whether or not they reported any income. Income: Benefits from Canada or Quebec Pension Plan --------------------------------------------------- Refers to benefits received during calendar year 1995 from the Canada or Quebec Pension Plan (e.g., retirement pensions, survivors' benefits and disability pensions). Does not include lump-sum death benefits. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (e) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: In 1981 and 1971, this source was combined with the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). In 1996, 1991 and 1986, information on OAS and GIS was collected in a separate question. See Income: Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement. See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Benefits from Unemployment Insurance -------------------------------------------- Refers to total Unemployment Insurance benefits received during calendar year 1995, before income tax deductions. It includes benefits for unemployment, sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption, work sharing, retraining and benefits to self-employed fishermen received under the federal Unemployment Insurance Program. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (f) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: The 1971 and 1961 Censuses included Unemployment Insurance benefits as a component of "Other Government Income". See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Composition of Income ----------------------------- The composition of the total income of a population group or a geographic area refers to the relative share of each income source or group of sources, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate total income of that group or area. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over with income, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived statistic Income: Constant Dollars Income ------------------------------- Refers to the presentation of income statistics from two or more censuses in terms of the value of the dollar in one of those censuses. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over with income, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived statistic Responses: Dollar value Remarks: To convert the 1990 incomes into 1995 dollars, the 1990 values are revised upwards by the change in the Consumer Price Index between 1990 and 1995. Income: Dividends, Interest on Bonds, Deposits and Savings ---------------------------------------------------------- Certificates, and Other Investment Income ----------------------------------------- Refers to interest received during calendar year 1995 from deposits in banks, trust companies, cooperatives, credit unions, caisses populaires, etc., as well as interest on savings certificates, bonds and debentures and all dividends from both Canadian and foreign corporate stocks and mutual funds. Also included is other investment income from either Canadian or foreign sources such as net rents from real estate, mortgage and loan interest received, regular income from an estate or trust fund, and interest from insurance policies. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (h) Responses: Positive or negative dollar value or nil Remarks: In 1971 and 1961, separate information was collected on (a) interest and dividends and (b) other investment income. See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Employment Income ------------------------- Refers to total income received by persons 15 years of age and over during calendar year 1995 as wages and salaries, net income from non-farm unincorporated business and/or professional practice and net farm self-employment income. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 47 (a), (b) and (c) Responses: Positive or negative dollar value or nil Remarks: See "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. See also the detailed definitions for each of the components. Income: Federal Child Tax Benefits ---------------------------------- Refers to federal Child Tax benefits paid during calendar year 1995 to parents with dependent children under 18 years of age. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: No information was collected from respondents on Child Tax benefits. Instead, these were calculated in the course of processing and assigned, where applicable, to one of the parents in the census family on the basis of information on children in the family and the family income. These calculations took into account the variations in the benefit rates in Quebec and Alberta, as well as the supplementary family allowances in Quebec. See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. * Prior to 1995, there were two separate allowances for children (family allowances and child tax credit). These have since been amalgamated into a single Child Tax benefit. Income: Government Transfer Payments ------------------------------------ Refers to total income from all transfer payments received from federal, provincial or municipal governments during calendar year 1995. This variable is derived by summing the amounts reported in: - the Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement; - benefits from Canada or Quebec Pension Plan; - benefits from Unemployment Insurance; - federal Child Tax benefits; - other income from government sources. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: See the detailed definitions and "Remarks" for each of the components. This variable can be derived for any of the above census years by summing the various government transfer payments. Income: Major Source of Income ------------------------------ Refers to that component which constitutes the largest proportion of an income recipient's total income. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable Responses: See "Remarks". Remarks: Various combinations of income sources can be used to derive this classification. For example, at the most detailed level, the income sources are combined into five components: wages and salaries, self-employment (farm and non-farm), government transfer payments, investment income and other income. The absolute values for these components are compared and the one with the largest absolute value is designated as the major source of income. This variable is not resident on the database. Income: Median Income of Individuals ------------------------------------ The median income of a specified group of income recipients is that amount which divides their income size distribution into two halves, i.e. the incomes of the first half of individuals are below the median, while those of the second half are above the median. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over with income, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived statistic Responses: Dollar value Remarks: (1) Average and median incomes and standard errors for average income of individuals will be calculated for those individuals who are at least 15 years of age and who have an income (positive or negative). For all other universes, these statistics will be calculated over all units whether or not they reported any income. Income: Net Farm Income ----------------------- Refers to net income (gross receipts from farm sales minus depreciation and cost of operation) received during calendar year 1995 from the operation of a farm, either on own account or in partnership. In the case of partnerships, only the respondent's share of income was reported. Also included are cash advances, dividends from cooperatives, gross insurance proceeds and all rebates and farm-support payments to farmers from federal, provincial and regional agricultural programs (e.g., milk subsidies and marketing board payments). However, the value of income "in kind", such as agricultural products produced and consumed on the farm, is excluded. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (b) Responses: Positive or negative dollar value or nil Remarks: See "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Net Non-farm Income from Unincorporated Business and/or --------------------------------------------------------------- Professional Practice --------------------- Refers to net income (gross receipts minus expenses of operation such as wages, rents and depreciation) received during calendar year 1995 from the respondent's non-farm unincorporated business or professional practice. In the case of partnerships, only the respondent's share was reported. Also included is net income from persons babysitting in their own homes, self-employed fishermen, hunters and trappers, operators of direct distributorships such as those selling and delivering cosmetics, as well as from freelance activities of artists, writers, music teachers, hairdressers, dressmakers, etc. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (c) Responses: Positive or negative dollar value or nil Remarks: See "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement ----------------------------------------------------------------- Refers to Old Age Security pensions and Guaranteed Income Supplements paid to persons 65 years of age and over, and spouses' allowances paid to 60- to 64-year-old spouses of old age security recipients or widow(er)s by only the federal government during the calendar year 1995. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (d) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: In 1971 and 1981, this source was combined with "Benefits from Canada/Quebec Pension Plan". For 1996, 1991 and 1986, information on these benefits was collected in a separate question. See Income: Benefits from Canada or Quebec Pension Plan. In 1961, neither the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan nor the guaranteed income supplement existed. The relevant source was "Old Age Pensions and Old Age Assistance". Provincial income supplements are included in Income: Other Income from Government Sources. Retirement pensions to civil servants, RCMP and military personnel are included in Income: Retirement Pensions, Superannuation and Annuities, Including Those from RRSPs and RRIFs. See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Other Income from Government Sources -------------------------------------------- Refers to all transfer payments, excluding those covered as a separate income source (federal Child Tax benefits, Old Age Security pensions and Guaranteed Income Supplements, Canada or Quebec Pension Plan benefits and Unemployment Insurance benefits) received from federal, provincial or municipal programs during calendar year 1995. This source includes social assistance payments received by persons in need, such as mothers with dependent children, persons temporarily or permanently unable to work, elderly individuals, the blind and the disabled. Included are provincial income supplement payments to the elderly and provincial payments to the elderly to help offset accommodation costs. Also included are other transfer payments such as payments received from training programs sponsored by the federal and provincial governments, TAGS payments for employees in the fishing industry, regular payments from provincial automobile insurance plans, veterans' pensions, war veterans' allowance, pensions to widows and dependants of veterans, and workers' compensation. Additionally, any amounts received in 1995 for refundable provincial tax credits and the federal goods and services tax credits are included. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (g) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: The 1961 and 1971 Censuses included Unemployment Insurance benefits as a component of this source, while for 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996, information on these benefits was collected in a separate question. In 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996, provincial income supplements to the elderly were included in this item, while for the earlier censuses, provincial old age assistance was included with "Government Old Age Pensions". See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Other Money Income -------------------------- Refers to regular cash income received during calendar year 1995 and not reported in any of the other nine sources listed on the questionnaire, e.g., alimony, child support, periodic support from other persons not in the household, net income from roomers and boarders, income from abroad (excluding dividends and interest), non-refundable scholarships and bursaries, severance pay, royalties, wage-loss replacement benefits and strike pay. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (j) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: In 1981, this variable was combined with "Retirement Pensions, Superannuation and Annuities". In other censuses, information on these pensions was collected separately. See Income: Retirement Pensions, Superannuation and Annuities, Including Those from RRSPs and RRIFs. See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Retirement Pensions, Superannuation and Annuities, ---------------------------------------------------------- Including Those from RRSPs and RRIFs ------------------------------------ Refers to all regular income received during calendar year 1995 as the result of having been a member of a pension plan of one or more employers. It includes payments received from all annuities, including payments from a matured Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) in the form of a life annuity, a fixed term annuity, a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) or an income-averaging annuity contract; pensions paid to widow(er)s or other relatives of deceased pensioners; pensions of retired civil servants, Armed Forces personnel and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers; annuity payments received from the Canadian Government Annuities Fund, an insurance company, etc. Does not include lump-sum death benefits, lump-sum benefits or withdrawals from a pension plan or RRSP, or refunds of overcontributions. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (i) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: In 1981, this variable was combined with "Other Money Income". See also "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Standard Error of Average Income ---------------------------------------- Refers to the estimated standard error of average income for an income size distribution. If interpreted as shown below, it serves as a rough indicator of the precision of the corresponding estimate of average income. For about 68% of the samples which could be selected from the sample frame, the difference between the sample estimate of average income and the corresponding figure based on complete enumeration would be less than one standard error. For about 95% of the possible samples, the difference would be less than two standard errors and, in about 99% of the samples, the difference would be approximately two and a half standard errors. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over with income, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived statistic Responses: Dollar value Remarks: This statistic is not resident on the database. Income: Total Income -------------------- Refers to the total money income received from the following sources during calendar year 1995 by persons 15 years of age and over: - wages and salaries (total); - net farm income; - net non-farm income from unincorporated business and/or professional practice; - federal Child Tax benefits; - Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement; - benefits from Canada or Quebec Pension Plan; - benefits from Unemployment Insurance; - other income from government sources; - dividends, interest on bonds, deposits and savings certificates, and other investment income; - retirement pensions, superannuation and annuities, including those from RRSPs and RRIFs; - other money income. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable Responses: Positive or negative dollar value or nil Remarks: Although the respondents were asked a direct question on their total income excluding the federal Child Tax benefit, the reported total income is replaced by a derived total income which includes an assigned amount for the federal child tax benefit. Information on total money income was collected in the 1961, 1971, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 Censuses. The major differences between censuses with respect to income are summarized below. Concept ------- (a) The 1961 Census did not collect data on income from farming. Therefore, this source of income was excluded from "Total Income" in that census. (b) The 1986 Census included, for the first time, federal Child Tax credits in "Total Money Income". These credits and family allowances are replaced in 1996 by the federal Child Tax benefit. (c) In all censuses, income received by immigrants prior to their arrival in Canada was not included in "Total Income". (d) In all censuses, the income concept excluded gambling gains and losses, lottery prizes, money inherited during the year in a lump sum, capital gains or losses, receipts from the sale of property, income tax refunds, loan payments received, lump-sum settlements of insurance policies, rebates received on property taxes, refunds of pension contributions as well as all income "in kind" such as free meals, living accommodations, or agricultural products produced and consumed on the farm. Reference Period ---------------- Except for 1961, respondents were asked to report their income for the calendar year prior to the census. The 1961 Census gave the respondents the option to report their income either for the 12 months preceding the census or for the calendar year 1960. Coverage -------- (a) The 1961 Census excluded all farm households, all collective households and all households in the Northwest Territories. (b) Only the 1971 Census collected information on income from institutional residents. (c) In 1991 and 1996, income information was collected from non-permanent residents. (See the definition for Immigration: Non-permanent Population.) Methodology ----------- (a) In 1971, income data were collected from a 1/3 sample of households. In all other censuses, the sample size was 1/5. (In certain selected areas, sampling was replaced by 100% enumeration.) (b) The data were collected by canvassers in 1961. In subsequent censuses, the main collection method used was self-enumeration. (c) Because of inconsistent reporting, members of Hutterite colonies were assigned zero income in the 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 Censuses. (d) Various censuses differed in respect of combination of income sources. (e) No information was collected from respondents on Family Allowances and Child Tax credits in 1986 and 1991 or Child Tax benefits in 1996. These were calculated on the basis of other information on families and assigned, where applicable, to appropriate individuals. Income: Wages and Salaries -------------------------- Refers to gross wages and salaries before deductions for such items as income tax, pensions and Unemployment Insurance. Included in this source are military pay and allowances, tips, commissions and cash bonuses, as well as all types of casual earnings during calendar year 1995. The value of taxable allowances and benefits provided by employers, such as free lodging and free automobile use, is excluded. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 47 (a) Responses: Dollar value or nil Remarks: See "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Institutional Resident ---------------------- Refers to a resident of an "institutional" collective dwelling, other than staff members and their families. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971 Reported for: Total population Question No.: Derived variable: Question 2 Responses: Patient, resident, young offender, inmate Remarks: "Institutional" collective dwellings are children's group homes (orphanages), nursing homes, chronic care hospitals, residences for senior citizens, hospitals, psychiatric institutions, treatment centres and institutions for the physically handicapped, correctional and penal institutions, young offenders' facilities and jails. In the 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 Censuses, only basic data were collected for institutional residents: age, sex, marital status and mother tongue. Therefore, any tabulations containing other variables collected from the one-fifth sample of households will not include institutional residents. In contrast, the 1976 and 1971 Censuses did include institutional residents in many tabulations based on sample variables. In 1981, the term "Inmates" was used. Journey to Work: Commuting Distance ----------------------------------- Refers to the distance, in kilometres, between the respondent's residence and his or her usual workplace location. The variable relates to non-institutional residents 15 years of age and over who have worked since January 1, 1995. The variable usually relates to the individual's job held in the week prior to enumeration. However, if the person had not worked during that week but had worked at some time since January 1, 1995, the information relates to the job held longest during that period. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked at some time since January 1, 1995, and who work at a usual place of work Question No.: Derived variable: Question 43 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Workplace locations are coded to a geographic point location. This geographic point location is either a block-face, an enumeration area or a census subdivision representative point. Commuting distance is calculated as the straight line distance between the residential enumeration area representative point and the workplace location representative point. Persons working in large urban centres within the coverage of Street Network Files are coded to a block-face representative point. Persons working in small urban centres which are not covered by Street Network Files are coded to an enumeration area representative point. Persons working in rural areas or small urban centres which are not covered by Street Network Files are coded to a census subdivision representative point when it is not possible to code to the enumeration area representative point. Journey to Work: Mode of Transportation --------------------------------------- Refers to the mode of transportation to work of non-institutional residents 15 years of age and over who have worked since January 1, 1995. Persons who indicated in the place of work question that they either had no fixed workplace address, or specified a usual place of work address, were asked to identify the mode of transportation they most frequently used to commute between home and work. The variable usually relates to the individual's job in the week prior to enumeration. However, if the person had not worked during that week but had worked at some time since January 1, 1995, the information relates to the job held longest during that period. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked at some time since January 1, 1995 at a usual place of work, or had no fixed workplace address Question No.: Direct variable: Question 44 Responses: Car, truck or van as driver; Car, truck or van as passenger; Public transit (e.g., bus, street car, subway, light rail transit, commuter train, ferry); Walked to work; Bicycle; Motorcycle; Taxicab; Other method Remarks: Persons who use more than one mode of transportation were asked to identify the single mode they used for most of the travel distance. As a result, the question provides data on the primary mode of transportation to work. It does not measure multiple modes of transportation, nor does it measure seasonal variation in mode of transportation or trips made for purposes other than the commute between home and work. Journey to Work: Place of Work Status ------------------------------------- Refers to the place of work of non-institutional residents 15 years of age and over who have worked since January 1, 1995. The variable usually relates to the individual's job held in the week prior to enumeration. However, if the person had not worked during that week but had worked at some time since January 1, 1995, the information relates to the job held longest during that period. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked at some time since January 1, 1995 Question No.: Direct variable: Question 43 Responses: Worked at home (including farms); Worked outside Canada; No fixed workplace address; Worked at the address specified below Remarks: Respondent-completed Responses Worked at home - Persons whose job is located in the same building as their place of residence, persons who live and work on the same farm, and teleworkers who spend most of their work week working at home. Worked outside Canada - Persons who work as diplomats, Armed Forces personnel and other persons enumerated abroad. Includes also recent immigrants who may not currently be employed but whose job of longest duration since January 1, 1995 was held outside Canada. No fixed workplace address - Persons who do not go from home to the same workplace location at the beginning of each shift. Such persons include building and landscape contractors, travelling salespersons, independent truck drivers, etc. Worked at the address specified below - Persons who are not included in the categories described above and who report to the same (usual) workplace location at the beginning of each shift are included here. Respondents were asked to provide the street address, city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve, province/territory and postal code of their workplace. If the full street address was not known, the name of the building or nearest street intersection could be substituted. Teleworkers who spend less than one-half of their work week working at their home office were asked to report the full address of their employer. Persons whose actual workplace location varied but who reported regularly to an employer's headquarters at the beginning of each shift were asked to report the full address of the headquarters. The chart below indicates which "journey to work" data are available for each place of work status. Place of Workplace Distance Mode of Work Status Location Commuting Transporta tion ----------------------------------------------------------------- Worked at home Available Not applicable Not appli cable Worked outside Canada Not applicable Not applicable Not appli cable No fixed workplace address Not applicable Not applicable Available Usual place of work Available Available Available Journey to Work: Workplace Location ----------------------------------- Refers to the geographic location of the workplace of non-institutional residents 15 years of age and over who have worked since January 1, 1995. The variable usually relates to the individual's job held in the week prior to enumeration. However, if the person had not worked during that week but had worked at some time since January 1, 1995, the information relates to the job held longest during that period. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked at some time since January 1, 1995, and who either work at home or at a usual place of work Question No.: Derived variable: Question 43 Responses: For persons who indicated that they "Worked at home" or "Worked at the address specified below" (a usual place of work), the street address, city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve, province/territory and postal code of their workplace was used to assign geographic codes identifying the workplace location. Several workplace location geographic codes are available, including province, census division, census subdivision, census metropolitan area, census agglomeration, census tract and federal electoral district. Data on workplace locations are usually disseminated at the census subdivision and census tract levels of geography but can be produced at other levels on request. Non-standard or user-defined query areas such as traffic zones can be approximated by aggregating block-face or enumeration area representative points. Remarks: Persons working in large urban centres within the coverage of Street Network Files are coded to a block-face representative point. Persons working in small urban centres which are not covered by Street Network Files are coded to an enumeration area representative point. Persons working in rural areas or small urban centres which are not covered by Street Network Files are coded to a census subdivision representative point when it is not possible to code to the enumeration area representative point. Labour Market Activities: Class of Worker ----------------------------------------- This variable classifies persons who reported a job into those who (a) worked mainly for wages, salaries, commissions or payments "in kind" (payments in goods or services rather than money), (b) worked without pay in a family farm, business or professional practice owned or operated by a related household member, (c) worked mainly for themselves, with or without paid help. The job reported was the one held in the week prior to enumeration if the person was employed, or the job of longest duration since January 1, 1995, if the person was not employed during the reference week. Persons with two or more jobs in the reference week were to provide information for the job at which they worked the most hours. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked since January 1, 1995 Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 41 and 42 Responses: Wage and salary earners Unpaid family workers (worked without pay for a relative in a family business or farm) Self-employed without paid help in unincorporated companies Self-employed with paid help in unincorporated companies Self-employed without paid help in incorporated companies Self-employed with paid help in incorporated companies Note: Self-employed persons with paid help are often grouped under the category "employers". Self-employed persons without paid help are classified as "own account" or "independent" workers. Remarks: (1) Wage and Salary Earners Includes persons 15 years of age and over who worked since January 1, 1995 and indicated that, in the job reported, they were working mainly for wages, salaries, tips or commissions. Also included are persons who worked for a piece-rate; those who worked for payment "in kind" in non-family enterprises, such as members of a religious order, who received free room and board or other supplies in lieu of cash; salespersons on commission working for only one company and not maintaining an office or staff; and those who worked in someone else's private household at such jobs as baby-sitting and cleaning. (2) Self-employed Includes persons 15 years of age and over who worked since January 1, 1995 and for whom the job reported consisted mainly of operating a business or professional practice, alone or in a partnership. This includes operating a farm whether the land is rented or owned, working on a freelance or contract basis to do a job (e.g., architects, private duty nurses). It also includes operating a direct distributorship selling and delivering products such as cosmetics, newspapers, brushes and soap products, and fishing with own equipment or with equipment in which the person has a share. Respondents were to specify if their business was incorporated or unincorporated as well as if they had paid help or no paid help. It should be noted that new tax laws in 1980 permitted for the first time to deduct a spouse's wages as expenses. Consequently, self-employed persons who decided to pay wages to their spouse to take advantage of the new law changed status from "without paid help" to "with paid help" between 1971 and 1981. This change should be kept in mind when comparing data between the 1971 Census and subsequent censuses. (3) Unpaid Family Workers (Worked Without Pay for a Relative in a Family Business or Farm) Includes persons 15 years of age and over who worked since January 1, 1995, for whom the job reported consisted mainly of work without regular money wages for a relative who was a member of the same household, at tasks contributing to the operation of the business or farm owned or operated by the relative. The unpaid family worker concept does not refer to the work done in unpaid household activities. While 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 Census data are directly comparable for this category, the data between 1971 and the other census years may not be strictly comparable because of small changes in definitions. For instance, females who were unpaid family workers, worked as farm labourers and did less than 20 hours of unpaid work a week, were excluded from the labour force according to the 1971 definitions. These persons are included in the employed labour force in 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996. Also, new tax laws, mentioned earlier, changed the status of some people from "unpaid family workers" to "paid workers" between 1971 and 1981. In addition, there were some data quality problems with the 1981 data which led to undercounting the unpaid family worker category. In 1986, an apparent dramatic increase from 1981 in this category of worker was due more to better reporting in 1986 than an actual increase in the number of unpaid family workers. (4) Census Products Data users should note that census products often present the class of worker data classified as follows: (a) paid workers; this includes wage and salary earners and self-employed in incorporated companies. The latter are included because they are considered employees of their own companies and thus, paid workers; (b) self-employed in unincorporated companies. A breakdown of "with paid help" and "without paid help" can be provided; (c) unpaid family workers. (5) Comparability Between Census Data and Labour Force Survey Data Some people who are considered as paid workers in the census are considered as self-employed without a business (and therefore without paid help) in the Labour Force Survey. These are persons working for various private households at such jobs as baby-sitting and cleaning. Labour Market Activities: Employed ---------------------------------- Refers to persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who, during the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day: (a) did any work at all for pay or in self-employment; or (b) were absent from their job or business for the entire week because of vacation, illness, a labour dispute at their place of work or other reasons. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 and 32 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: The "Employed" includes all persons who "worked for pay or in self-employment" in the paid labour force in the week prior to enumeration. This includes all persons working for wages or salaries, all self-employed persons (with or without paid help) working in their own business, farm or professional practice, and all persons working without pay in a family farm or business during the reference week. (The "Employed" also includes persons who were absent from their job or business for a variety of reasons.) "Work for pay or in self-employment" does not include unpaid household activities or voluntary work. Work for wages or salaries includes work for wages, salaries, piece-rates, tips, commissions, payments "in kind" (payments in goods or services rather than money), service as a member of a religious order, active duty in the Armed Forces and casual work for pay such as baby-sitting in other people's homes. Self-employed persons who worked in their own farm, business or professional practice include persons who: - spent time in the operation or setting up of such enterprises, whether or not goods were sold or services were rendered and whether or unot a profit was made; - did work on a freelance or contract basis; - operated a direct distributorship selling and delivering products such as cosmetics, newspapers, brushes or soap products; - fished, hunted or trapped, whether for profit or for maintenance of their community. Persons who directly contributed, without formal pay arrangements, towards the operation of a family farm or business owned or operated by a relative who was a member of the same household are included in the "Employed" as "unpaid family workers". In addition to the reasons given on the questionnaire in Question 32 for absence from a job or business in the week prior to enumeration, which included illness, disability, vacation and a labour dispute at the respondent's place of work, the other reasons mentioned in the 1996 Census Guide were maternity leave, bad weather, fire and personal or family responsibilities. In all cases, respondents must have been absent from their job or business for the entire week, with or without pay. Absences for training courses could also be included if wages or salary were received from the respondent's employer. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Labour Force Activity definition. - See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Employment-population Ratio ----------------------------------------------------- Refers to the number of persons employed in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day, expressed as a percentage of the total population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Statistic derived from the Labour Force Activity variable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Employment-population ratio Employed X 100 = ------------------------------------ Population 15 years of age and over The employment-population ratio for a particular group (age, sex, marital status, geographic area, etc.) is the number employed in that group, expressed as a percentage of the population 15 years of age and over in that group. In 1976 and 1971, institutional residents were included in the population 15 years of age and over, but were excluded from the labour force. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Employed definition. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Experienced Labour Force -------------------------------------------------- Refers to persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who were employed or unemployed during the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day, and who had last worked for pay or in self-employment in either 1995 or in 1996. The experienced labour force can be derived by excluding from the total labour force those unemployed persons 15 years of age and over who have never worked or who had last worked prior to January 1, 1995 only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 to 36 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: The experienced labour force is frequently used when tabulating industry, occupation and class of worker data. Only respondents who worked since January 1, 1995 were required to respond to the industry, occupation and class of worker questions. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Full-time or Part-time Weeks Worked in ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 ---- Refers to persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked for pay or in self-employment in 1995. These persons were asked to report whether the weeks they worked in 1995 were full-time weeks (30 hours or more per week) or not, on the basis of all jobs held. Persons with a part-time job for part of the year and a full-time job for another part of the year were to report the information for the job at which they worked the most weeks. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked for pay or in self-employment in 1995 Question No.: Direct variable: Question 46 Responses: Full time (30 hours or more per week); Part time (less than 30 hours per week) Remarks: In the censuses prior to 1991, no specific definition was given to respondents for full-time work. Respondents were instructed in the Guide to consider part-time work as work which involved fewer hours than the normally scheduled weekly hours performed by persons doing similar work. The 1971 data for this variable included institutional residents. Labour Market Activities: Hours Worked for Pay or in ---------------------------------------------------- Self-employment --------------- Refers to the actual number of hours that persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, worked for pay or in self-employment at all jobs held in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. This includes hours worked for wages, salaries, tips, commissions, piece-rate payments or payments "in kind" (payments in goods or services rather than money). Hours worked in one's own business, farm or professional practice or hours worked without pay in a family business or farm owned or operated by a relative living in the same household are also included. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 31 Responses: None; Total actual number of hours (write-in entry) worked for pay or in self-employment (to the nearest hour) Remarks: Excluded are hours during which the respondent was absent, with or without pay, for part of the week because of illness, vacation, or other reasons. "Work for pay or in self-employment" includes work without pay in a family farm or business. It does not include unpaid household activities or voluntary work. For a more detailed description of "work for pay or in self-employment", refer to the Labour Market Activities: Employed definition. In each of the censuses from 1981 to 1996, respondents were asked to write in their actual number of hours worked for pay or in self-employment during the reference week. In 1971 and 1976, two separate questions were asked, one on paid and self-employment hours and one on hours spent helping without pay in the operation of a family business or farm. In both cases, precise response categories were given on the questionnaire. In addition, the reference weeks in 1971 and 1976 included a statutory holiday and the data included institutional residents. Data for each of the censuses from 1981 to 1996 are, therefore, largely not comparable to previous years. Actual and usual number of hours worked data are available from the Labour Force Survey. Labour Market Activities: Incorporation Status ---------------------------------------------- Refers to the legal status of a business or farm. It is directed at persons who were mainly self-employed, either with or without paid help in the job reported (i.e. their job in the week prior to enumeration or that of longest duration since January 1, 1995). An incorporated business is a business or farm which has been formed into a legal corporation, having a legal entity under either federal or provincial laws. An unincorporated business or farm has no separate legal entity, but may be a partnership, family business or owner-operated business. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked since January 1, 1995 and who were self-employed Question No.: Direct variable: Question 42 Responses: No (not incorporated); Yes (incorporated) Remarks: No formal definition for "incorporation" was given to respondents. The question on incorporation is often used in conjunction with Labour Market Activities: Class of Worker, since self-employed persons who reported their farm or business as incorporated can be included with paid workers in certain types of analysis. Labour Market Activities: Industry (Based on 1980 Standard ---------------------------------------------------------- Industrial Classification) -------------------------- Refers to the general nature of the business carried out in the establishment where the person worked, as indicated by the name of the employer and the kind of business, industry or service. Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. If the person did not have a job during the week prior to enumeration, data relate to the job of longest duration since January 1, 1995. Persons with two or more jobs were to report the information for the job at which they worked the most hours. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked since January 1, 1995 Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 37 and 38 Responses: The industry questions request write-in responses indicating for whom the respondents worked (their employer) and the kind of business or service offered by this employer. The information from these responses was then used by census coders to assign an industry code from the 1980 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). Remarks: The 1996 industry data are produced according to the 1980 Standard Industrial Classification. This classification consists of a systematic and comprehensive arrangement of industries structured into 18 divisions, 75 major groups and 296 groups. These industrial groups are based on the general nature of the establishment's business, industry or service. For further information on the classification, see Standard Industrial Classification, 1980, Catalogue No. 12-501E. Coding of responses to the industry questions was done, where possible, using a pre-coded List of Establishments to ensure uniformity with the SIC assigned to the same establishments by other Statistics Canada surveys. The 1996 industry data can be tabulated for a number of populations among which the most frequently used are: (a) the employed; (b) the experienced labour force - persons who worked since January 1, 1995 and who were employed or unemployed in the reference week; (c) those who have worked since January 1, 1995, regardless of whether they were in the labour force in the reference week. The remaining components of the labour force, unemployed persons who worked prior to January 1, 1995, or who never worked, are shown in the data under the category "Industry - Not applicable". If the respondent did not specify an industry, or did not define it in sufficient detail to permit coding, a computer-generated 1980 SIC code was assigned based on other economic and demographic information given by the respondent. For Division A, Agricultural and Related Service Industries, Division K, Finance and Insurance Industries and Division N, Government Service Industries, data are available at the two-digit level only (major groups). All other data are available at the three-digit group level. The variable Industry (Based on 1980 Standard Industrial Classification) permits direct comparisons between 1996, 1991 and 1986 Census industry data. Overview of Standard Industrial Classifications Available from 1971 ------------------------------------------------------------------- to 1996 ------- Classifications Census Years Comments Used to Code Data Can Be Responses Compared ----------------------------------------------------------- 1980 Standard 1986*, 1991*, 1996 This is the only Industrial industrial Classification classification available for the 1996 Census 1970 Standard 1971, 1981, 1986, For comparisons Industrial 1991* with 1971 data, Classification adjustments must Manual be made to the 1981, 1986 and 1991 labour force universes. * During the coding operations in 1986 and 1991, industry responses were coded to an interim classification which allowed for the restructuring of the industry data into the 1970 or 1980 classifications without the need for coding the data twice. Labour Market Activities: Inexperienced Labour Force ---------------------------------------------------- The inexperienced labour force consists of unemployed persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who, in the week prior to enumeration, had never worked for pay or in self-employment, or who had last worked for pay or in self-employment prior to January 1, 1995 only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 to 36 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Census industry, occupation and class of worker data are not collected for these persons. Labour Market Activities: Labour Force Activity (Derived) --------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the labour market activity of the population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. Respondents were classified as either employed, unemployed or not in the labour force. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 to 36 Responses: The 21 values for the Labour Force Activity variable are: Employed -------- Worked for pay or in self-employment Armed Forces Civilian Absent from job or business Armed Forces Civilian Unemployed ---------- On temporary lay-off Did not look for work Looked for full-time work Looked for part-time work Experienced New job to start in four Did not look for work weeks or less Looked for full-time work Looked for part-time work Looked for work Looked for full-time work Looked for part-time work Inexperienced New job to start in four Did not look for work weeks or less Looked for full-time work Looked for part-time work Looked for work Looked for full-time work Looked for part-time work Not in the labour force ----------------------- Total Last worked in 1996 Last worked in 1995 Last worked before 1995 Never worked Remarks: The categories of this concept were derived from the responses to the labour force questions on the census questionnaire. These were as follows: Hours worked for pay or in self-employment (Question 31); On temporary lay-off or absent from job or business in reference week (Question 32); New job to start in four weeks or less - from reference week (Question 33); Looked for paid work in past four weeks - full- or part-time work (Question 34); Reasons unable to start a job - in reference week (Question 35); When last worked for pay or in self-employment (Question 36). Definitions of the above-listed variables are included in this dictionary. However, the major purpose of these variables was to derive the labour force activity of the respondent. Other than for specialized research in consultation with subject-matter officers, the direct use of these variables on their own (except for Hours Worked for Pay or in Self-employment and When Last Worked for Pay or in Self-employment) is not permitted. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Looked for Paid Work in Past Four Weeks ----------------------------------------------------------------- (Full- or Part-time Work) ------------------------- Refers to whether or not a person actively looked for paid work in the four weeks prior to Census Day (May 14, 1996). The work sought could be either full time (30 hours or more per week) or part time (less than 30 hours per week). "Actively looked" means using such job search methods as contacting a Canada Employment Centre, checking with employers or placing or answering newspaper ads. Data were collected for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration. This is a restricted variable. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration Question No.: Direct variable: Question 34 Responses: No; Yes, looked for full-time work; Yes, looked for part-time work (less than 30 hours per week) Remarks: In 1976 and 1971, information on whether the paid work sought was full time or part time was not collected; as well, institutional residents were asked the census job search question and were included in the data. In the Labour Force Survey, respondents are asked if they looked for paid work in both the past four weeks and the past six months. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definition. This variable is used to derive the respondent's labour force activity status. Use on its own is restricted. These data are available only after consultation with subject-matter officers. Labour Market Activities: New Job to Start in Four Weeks or Less ---------------------------------------------------------------- (from Reference Week) --------------------- Refers to whether a person, in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day, had definite arrangements to start a new job within the next four weeks. Data were collected for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration. This is a restricted variable. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration Question No.: Direct variable: Question 33 Responses: No (did not have definite arrangements to start a new job within the next four weeks); Yes (had definite arrangements to start a new job within the next four weeks) Remarks: The 1976 data for this variable included institutional residents. A similar question is asked in the Labour Force Survey but, as in the census, data are usually combined with those from other questions. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definition. This variable is used to derive the respondent's labour force activity status. Use on its own is restricted. These data are available only after consultation with subject-matter officers. Labour Market Activities: Not in Labour Force --------------------------------------------- Refers to those persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who, in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 14, 1996), were neither employed nor unemployed. It includes persons who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration and (a) did not look for paid work in the four weeks prior to enumeration, (b) were not on temporary lay-off and (c) did not have a new job to start in four weeks or less. It also includes persons who looked for work during the last four weeks but were not available to start work in the week prior to enumeration. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 to 36 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Persons who actively looked for paid work in the past four weeks and who reported "No, going to school" or "No, other reasons" in Question 35 (the "Reasons unable to start a job in reference week" question) were considered unavailable for work. Also considered unavailable for work were those persons who did not look for part-time work (including those who looked for full-time work and those who did not look for work) and who were in full-time attendance at an elementary or secondary school at any time since September 1995. Most persons in this category would be students, homemakers, retired workers, seasonal workers in an "off" season who were not looking for work and persons who could not work because of a long-term illness or disability. Since 1981, institutional residents have not been asked the questions on labour force activity. In 1976 and 1971, institutional residents were asked the labour force questions and were included in the "Not in the labour force" category. In 1976, although respondents were asked to indicate whether or not they were available for work, a question on reasons why respondents were unavailable for work was not asked. Therefore, all unemployed persons who looked for work and indicated that they were not available for work were included in the "Not in labour force" category. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definition. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Occupation (Based on 1991 Standard ------------------------------------------------------------ Occupational Classification) ---------------------------- Refers to the kind of work persons were doing during the reference week, as determined by their kind of work and the description of the most important duties in their job. Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. If the person did not have a job during the week prior to enumeration, the data relate to the job of longest duration since January 1, 1995. Persons with two or more jobs were to report the information for the job at which they worked the most hours. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked since January 1, 1995 Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 39 and 40 Responses: Respondents are asked to write in the kind of work they were doing and their most important activities or duties. The information from these responses was then used by census coders to assign an occupation code from the 1991 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). Remarks: The 1996 occupation data are produced according to the 1991 Standard Occupational Classification. This classification is composed of four levels of aggregation. There are 10 broad occupational categories containing 47 major groups which are further subdivided into 139 minor groups. The minor groups contain 514 unit groups. Occupation titles are classified on the basis of the education, training or skill level required to enter the job, as well as the kind of work performed, as determined by the tasks, duties and responsibilities of the occupation. If the respondent did not specify an occupation or did not define it in sufficient detail to permit coding, a computer-generated 1991 SOC code was assigned based on other economic and demographic information given by the respondent. For additional information on the 1991 SOC, see Standard Occupational Classification, 1991, Catalogue No. 12-565E. The 1996 occupation data can be tabulated for a number of populations among which the most frequently used are: (a) the employed; (b) the experienced labour force - persons who worked since January 1, 1995 and who were employed or unemployed in the reference week; (c) those who have worked since January 1, 1995, regardless of whether they were in the labour force in the reference week. Human Resources Development Canada classifies occupation data according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This classification has a similar structure to that of the 1991 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). The two classifications have 514 unit groups and 139 minor groups in common. The minor groups form 47 major groups in the 1991 SOC and 26 major groups in the NOC. At the highest level of aggregation, the structures of the two classifications come together again into the same 10 broad occupational categories. Occupation data from the 1991 and 1996 Censuses are available, coded according to both the 1991 SOC and the NOC structures. Overview of the Occupational Classifications Available from 1971 to 1996 Classifications Census Years Comments Used to Data Can Be Code Responses Compared ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1991 Standard 1991, 1996 This is the Occupational only Classification occupational (also available classification as the National available for Occupational the 1996 the Classification Census. 1980 Standard 1981, 1986, 1991 Occupational Classification* 1971 Occupational 1971, 1981, 1986, 1991 For comparisons Classification with 1971 data, Manual* adjustments must be made to the 1981, 1986 and 1991 labour force universes. * During the coding operations in 1981, 1986 and 1991, occupation responses were coded to an interim classification which allowed for the restructuring of the occupation data into the 1971 or 1980 classifications without the need for coding the data twice. Labour Market Activities: On Temporary Lay-off or Absent from Job ----------------------------------------------------------------- or Business (in Reference Week) ------------------------------- Refers to whether persons were, during the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day, (a) on temporary lay-off from a job to which they expected to return for the entire week or (b) absent from their job or business for the entire week. Reasons for absence included vacation, illness, a strike or lock-out at the respondent's place of employment, or other reasons including maternity leave, bad weather, fire, personal or family responsibilities and attendance at training courses if wages or salaries were received from the employer. Data were collected for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration. This is a restricted variable. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration Question No.: Direct variable: Question 32 Responses: No; Yes, on temporary lay-off from a job to which this person expects to return; Yes, on vacation, ill, on strike or locked out, or absent for other reasons Remarks: In 1976 and 1971, two separate questions were asked, one on lay-off and the second on absence. All persons 15 years of age and over, including those who worked for pay or in self-employment in the week preceding the census as well as institutional residents, were asked these two questions and were included in the data. The Labour Force Survey asks similar questions but, as in the census, the data are usually combined with those from other questions. In 1981, persons were considered to be on temporary lay-off from a job to which they expected to return if the length of their lay-off did not exceed 26 weeks. In 1971 and 1976, this period was restricted to 30 days. For 1986, 1991 and 1996, there was no limit to the lay-off period. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Employed and the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definitions. This variable is used to derive the respondent's labour force activity status. Use on its own is restricted. These data are available only after consultation with subject-matter officers. Labour Market Activities: Participation Rate -------------------------------------------- Refers to the total labour force in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day, expressed as a percentage of the population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Statistic derived from the Labour Force Activity variable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Participation rate = Total labour force X 100 ---------------------------- Population 15 years of age and over The participation rate for a particular group (age, sex, marital status, geographic area, etc.) is the total labour force in that group, expressed as a percentage of the population in that group. In 1976 and 1971, although institutional residents were excluded from the labour force, they were included in the population 15 years of age and over that is used in calculating participation rates. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Total Labour Force definition. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Presence of Children (Derived) -------------------------------------------------------- This variable classifies the population 15 years of age and over in private households into those with no children at home and those with children at home. Those persons with children at home are further classified on the basis of the age groups of all of their children. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample),* 1986 (1/5 sample),* 1981 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over in private households Question No.: Not directly captured. This is a derived variable which resides on the census retrieval database. Responses: The values for this variable are as follows: No children present At least one child under 2, none over 5 At least one child under 2, some over 5 None under 2, at least one 2-5, none over 5 None under 2, at least one 2-5, some over 5 None under 6, at least one 6-14 None under 15, some 15-24 None under 25, some 25 or older Remarks: This variable is based on census family concepts. It is derived specifically for the purposes of analysis and dissemination of census labour force activity data. The term "children" is also referred to as "never-married sons and/or daughters" in the census. It includes all blood, step- or adopted sons and daughters who have never married, regardless of age, in census families (in private households), who are living in the same dwelling as their parent(s). Sons and daughters who are currently or were previously married, or who are living common-law, are not considered to be members of their parent(s)' census family, even if they are living in the same dwelling. For additional information, see the Census Family Composition and Census Family Status definitions. Historically comparable tabulations containing presence of children and labour force activity data dating back to the 1971 Census for females 15 years and over in private households are possible. Please contact census labour market activities subject-matter officers for further information. * In the 1981, 1986 and 1991 Censuses, this variable was derived only for females 15 years and over in private households. Labour Market Activities: Reasons Unable to Start a Job (in ----------------------------------------------------------- Reference Week) --------------- Refers to whether or not persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, could have started a job in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. If the respondent could not have started a job, they were asked to indicate the reasons why they could not. Reasons provided to respondents included: already had a job, temporary illness or disability, personal or family responsibilities, going to school and the residual category "Other reasons". This is a restricted variable. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who did not work for pay or in self-employment in the week prior to enumeration and who actively looked for paid work in the four weeks prior to enumeration Question No.: Direct variable: Question 35 Responses: Yes, could have started a job; No, already had a job; No, because of temporary illness or disability; No, because of personal or family responsibilities; No, going to school; No, other reasons Remarks: In 1976, the question was asked of all persons looking for paid work in the reference week and no reasons for unavailability for paid work were asked. In addition, the 1976 data included institutional residents. A similar question to that used in the census, but which is asked of all persons who looked for paid work in the past six months, is used to determine availability for paid work in the Labour Force Survey. As in the census, data are usually combined with those from other questions. The response category "personal or family responsibilities" includes an illness in the family, jury duty, childcare difficulties, or other reasons. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definition. This variable is used to derive the respondent's labour force activity status. Use on its own is restricted. These data are available only after consultation with subject-matter officers. Labour Market Activities: Total Labour Force (in Reference Week) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Refers to all persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who were either employed or unemployed during the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 to 35 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Labour Force Activity, the Labour Market Activities: Employed and the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definitions. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Unemployed ------------------------------------ Refers to persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who, during the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day, were without paid work and were available for work and either: (a) had actively looked for work in the past four weeks; or (b) were on temporary lay-off and expected to return to their job; or (c) had definite arrangements to start a new job in four weeks or less. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 31 to 36 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: The "Unemployed" consists primarily of those persons who, during the week prior to enumeration, were without paid work, were available for work and had actively looked for paid work in the past four weeks. There are two smaller components of the "Unemployed": those persons who did not work during the week prior to enumeration because they had been laid off from a job to which they expected to return and persons who did not work during the week prior to enumeration but had definite arrangements to start a new job in four weeks or less. Availability for paid work is determined primarily by the respondent's response to Question 35, "Reasons unable to start a job in reference week". Some people who reported in Question 35 that they could not start a job in the reference week (e.g., were already committed to start another job, had a temporary illness or disability, or had personal or family responsibilities) are in fact considered as available for work. Answers to Question 35 are interpreted in the light of the person's recent job search and implied intention to find paid employment (responses to Question 34, "Looked for paid work in past four weeks, full- or part-time work"). In addition, information on full-time attendance at elementary or secondary school at any time since September 1995 is used to determine availability for paid work. Persons who actively looked for paid work in the past four weeks and who reported "No, going to school" or "No, other reasons" in Question 35 were considered unavailable for work. Also considered unavailable for work were those persons who did not look for part-time work (including those who looked for full-time work and those who did not look for work) and were also in full-time attendance at an elementary or secondary school at any time since September 1995. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Labour Force Activity definition. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Unemployment Rate ------------------------------------------- Refers to the unemployed labour force expressed as a percentage of the total labour force in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day. Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Statistic derived from the Labour Force Activity variable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Unemployment rate = Unemployed labour force X 100 ----------------------------- Total labour force The unemployment rate for a particular group (age, sex, marital status, geographic area, etc.) is the unemployed labour force in that group, expressed as a percentage of the total labour force in that group, in the week prior to enumeration. For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Unemployed definition. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Weeks Worked in 1995 ---------------------------------------------- Refers to the number of weeks in 1995 during which persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, worked for pay or in self-employment at all jobs held, even if only for a few hours. It includes weeks of paid vacation, weeks on sick leave with pay and all weeks in which training was paid for by the employer. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 45 Responses: None; Number of weeks (write-in entry) Remarks: "Work for pay or in self-employment" includes work without pay in a family farm or business. It does not include unpaid household activities or voluntary work. Respondents were instructed to enter 52 weeks if they were paid for a full year even though they worked less than a year (for example, a school teacher paid on a 12-month basis). In 1971, data for this variable were obtained in grouped form (none; 1-13; 14-26; 27-39; 40-48; 49-52) and included institutional residents. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: When Last Worked for Pay or in -------------------------------------------------------- Self-employment --------------- Refers to the year or period in which persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, last worked for pay or in self-employment, even if only for a few days. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 36 Responses: In 1996; In 1995; Before 1995; Never (worked for pay or in self-employment) Remarks: "Work for pay or in self-employment" includes work without pay in a family farm or business. It does not include unpaid housework or voluntary work. This census variable is used to identify persons with recent paid work experience. Persons 15 years of age and over who responded "In 1996" or "In 1995" make up the population who "worked for pay or in self-employment since January 1, 1995". This is the entire population for which occupation, industry and class of worker data are collected. Recent immigrants to Canada who had not yet found employment were instructed (if they inquired) to report the year in which they last worked in another country. The 1971 data for this variable included institutional residents. This variable is used to derive the Labour Force Activity (Derived) and Work Activity in 1995 (Derived) variables. * See the Dictionary of the 1971 Census terms for differences between 1961 and 1971. Labour Market Activities: Work Activity in 1995 (Derived) --------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the number of weeks in which a person worked for pay or in self-employment in 1995 at all jobs held, even if only for a few hours, and whether these weeks were mostly full time (30 hours or more per week) or mostly part time (less than 30 hours per week). Data are available for persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents. The term full-year full-time workers refers to persons 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, who worked 49-52 weeks full time in 1995 for pay or in self-employment. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 36, 45 and 46 Responses: Derived categories: Did not work for pay or in self-employment in 1995 (worked in 1996 only; worked before 1995; or never worked for pay or in self-employment) Worked for pay or in self-employment in 1995: 1-13 weeks full time; 1-13 weeks part time; 14-26 weeks full time; 14-26 weeks part time; 27-39 weeks full time; 27-39 weeks part time; 40-48 weeks full time; 40-48 weeks part time; 49-52 weeks full time; 49-52 weeks part time. Remarks: For additional information, see the Labour Market Activities: Weeks Worked in 1995 and Labour Market Activities: Full-time or Part-time Weeks Worked in 1995 definitions. Although "Work Activity in 1980" was a new variable in 1981, similar data can be derived from the 1971 Census retrieval database. Language: First Official Language Spoken ---------------------------------------- Refers to a variable specified within the framework of the Official Languages Act. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 9, 11 and 12 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This variable was derived within the framework of the application of the Official Languages Act. This derivation method is described in the regulations concerning the use of official languages for the provision of public services. It takes into account first the knowledge of the two official languages, second the mother tongue and third the home language. People who can conduct a conversation in French only are assigned French as their first official language spoken. People who can carry on a conversation in English only are assigned English as their first official language spoken. The responses to questions on mother tongue and home language are subsequently used to establish the first official language spoken by people who speak both English and French, or who cannot speak either of the two official languages. The French category includes people who have French only or French and at least one non-official language as their mother tongue. People who have English only or English and at least one non-official language as their mother tongue are included in the English category. For cases that have not yet been classified, people are assigned to the French category when they speak French only or French and at least one non-official language as their home language. The procedure is the same for English. Thus, the population is classified into two principal categories: English or French. It is necessary to add two residual categories for people who cannot be classified in accordance with the information available: English and French and neither English nor French. Please consult the following documents for more information: Regulations Respecting Communications With and Services to the Public in Either Official Language, registered on December 16, 1991, in accordance with section 85 of the Official Languages Act, R.S.C., c. 32 (4th suppl.) and Population Estimates by First Official Language Spoken, 1991, Catalogue No. 94-320, Demography Division, Statistics Canada. Language: Home Language ----------------------- Refers to the language spoken most often at home by the individual at the time of the census. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 11 Remarks: This is the same question as in 1991. In 1991, the expression "speak most often at home" replaced "speak at home now", which was used in 1981 and 1986. The instruction on the questionnaire (If more than one language, which language do you speak most often?) was deleted. The boxes for the most common non-official languages were deleted, leaving the two official languages (i.e. English and French) as the only languages specifically referred to on the questionnaire. Other languages could be entered in the space provided. In 1996, the following instructions were provided to respondents in the 1996 Census Guide: Report the language spoken most often at home. Report more than one language only if all languages are spoken equally often. For persons who live alone, report the language in which you feel more comfortable. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, report the language that is spoken most often to this child at home. If two languages are spoken, report the one most often spoken to the child. If both languages are used equally often, report both languages. For persons who are deaf or mute, report the language used most often at home to communicate, including sign language. For persons who use Indian languages or Aboriginal languages, report the specific language if a person speaks or knows an Indian language from India (such as Punjabi or Hindi), or an Aboriginal language (such as Cree or Ojibway); do not report Indian. Language: Knowledge of Non-official Languages --------------------------------------------- Refers to languages, other than English or French, in which the respondent can conduct a conversation. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 10 Remarks: This is the same question as in 1991. The non-official language data are based on the respondent's assessment of his or her ability to speak non-official languages. In 1996, the following instructions were provided to respondents in the 1996 Census Guide: Report only those languages in which the person can carry on a conversation of some length on various topics. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, report a language other than English or French that the child is learning to speak at home. For persons who are deaf or mute, report knowledge of languages other than English or French, including sign language, if used. For persons who use Indian languages or Aboriginal languages, report the specific language if a person speaks or knows an Indian language from India (such as Punjabi or Hindi), or an Aboriginal language (such as Cree or Ojibway); do not report Indian. This question was asked for the first time in the 1991 Census. Language: Knowledge of Official Languages ----------------------------------------- Refers to the ability to conduct a conversation in English only, in French only, in both English and French or in neither of the official languages of Canada. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 9 Responses: English only; French only; Both English and French; Neither English nor French Remarks: The official language data are based on respondent assessment of his or her ability to speak the two official languages. This is the same question as in 1991. In 1996, the following instructions were provided to respondents in the 1996 Census Guide: Report English or French only if the person can carry on a conversation of some length on various topics in that language. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, report the language(s) that the child is learning to speak at home: English, French, both or neither. For persons who are deaf or mute, report knowledge of English, French or both. Language: Mother Tongue ----------------------- Refers to the first language learned at home in childhood and still understood by the individual at the time of the census. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971 Reported for: Total population Question Nos.: Direct variable: Question 7 of the short form and Question 12 of the long form Remarks: Mother tongue is the only language question asked of the entire population. On the long form, four language questions were asked consecutively of a 20% sample of the population. The question on mother tongue appeared after the questions on language knowledge and the question on home language. This is the same as in 1991. In the wording of the question on mother tongue, the expression "at home" was added to specify the context in which the individual learned the language. Only the two official languages, English and French, appear on the questionnaire. Other languages could be written in the space provided. This is the same as in 1991. In previous censuses, the most frequently occurring non-official languages were listed on the questionnaire. In 1996, only the occurrence of a write-in response, and not the specific languages, was captured from the short form. Detailed information about mother tongue will still be provided for the 20% sample population who received the long form. To facilitate the task of respondents, an instruction which appeared in the 1986 Census Guide was added to the questionnaire in 1991 and remained in 1996. The instruction reads as follows: "If this person no longer understands the first language learned, indicate the second language learned." Furthermore, the following instructions were provided to respondents in the 1996 Census Guide: For a person who learned two languages at the same time in early childhood, report the language this person spoke most often at home before starting school. Report two languages only if they were used equally often and are still understood by this person. For a child who has not yet learned to speak, report the language that is spoken most often to this child at home. Report two languages only if they are spoken equally often to the child, so that he or she learns both languages at the same time. For persons who are deaf or mute, report the language used most often at home to communicate, including sign language. For persons who use Indian languages or Aboriginal languages, report the specific language if a person speaks or knows an Indian language from India (such as Punjabi or Hindi), or an Aboriginal language (such as Cree or Ojibway); do not report Indian. Legal Marital Status -------------------- Refers to the legal conjugal status of a person. The various responses are defined as follows: Legally married (and not separated) * ------------------------------------- Persons whose husband or wife is living, unless the couple is separated or a divorce has been obtained. Separated, but still legally married ------------------------------------ Persons currently married, but who are no longer living with their spouse (for any reason other than illness or work) and have not obtained a divorce. Divorced -------- Persons who have obtained a legal divorce and who have not remarried. Widowed Persons who have lost their spouse through death and who have not remarried. Never married (single) ---------------------- Persons who have never married (including all persons less than 15 years of age) and persons whose marriage has been annulled and who have not remarried. Censuses: 1996, 1991 Reported for: Total population Question No.: Direct variable: Question 5 Responses: Legally married (and not separated); Separated, but still legally married; Divorced; Widowed; Never married (single) Remarks: * In 1996, Aboriginal people married according to traditional customs were instructed to report themselves as legally married. Marital Status -------------- Refers to the conjugal status of a person. The various derived categories are defined as follows: Married (including common-law) * -------------------------------- Persons whose husband or wife is living, unless the couple is separated or a divorce has been obtained. Persons living common-law are considered as "Married". Separated --------- Persons currently married, but who are no longer living with their spouse (for any reason other than illness or work), and have not obtained a divorce. Divorced -------- Persons who have obtained a legal divorce and who have not remarried. Widowed ------- Persons who have lost their spouse through death and who have not remarried. Never married (single) ---------------------- Persons who have never married (including all persons less than 15 years of age) and persons whose marriage has been annulled and who have not remarried. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966,** 1961** Reported for: Total population Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 5 and 6 Responses: Legally married (and not separated); Separated, but still legally married; Divorced; Widowed; Never married (single) Remarks: * In 1996, Aboriginal people married according to traditional customs were instructed to report themselves as legally married. ** "Separated" persons were included with married persons in 1966 and 1961. Mobility 1: Census Division of Residence 1 Year Ago --------------------------------------------------- Refers to the person's usual census division (CD) of residence on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 22 Responses: For the one-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "municipality and province" of residence one year ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a seven-digit code according to the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) - see the section on geography. The four-digit census division code is a substring of the seven-digit SGC code. The four-digit code corresponds to a two-digit province/territory code followed by a two-digit census division code. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived in a different city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve in Canada" one year ago (internal migrants) provided the name of the place and province. The city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve corresponds to the census subdivision (CSD) and it belongs to only one census division (CD). The CD of residence 1 year ago reflects the 1996 Census boundaries. For non-movers and non-migrants, census division of residence 1 year ago is the same as current census division of residence. Census Division of Residence 1 Year Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For the corresponding current CD of residence and a definition of CD, refer to the variable Census Division (CD) in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago Mobility 1: Census Metropolitan Area or Census Agglomeration of ---------------------------------------------------------------- Residence 1 Year Ago -------------------- Refers to the census metropolitan area (CMA), census agglomeration (CA) or non-CMA/CA where the person usually resided on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 22 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This is a derived variable which provides a CMA/CA code for persons whose census subdivision (CSD) of residence one year ago is a CMA/CA component, or a value of zero (0) if it is not. For information on the linkage of CMA/CA names to codes and CSD components, refer to the 1996 Standard Geographical Classification Manual, Volumes I and II, Catalogue Nos. 12-571-XPB and 12-572-XPB. As with census subdivisions (CSDs) and census divisions (CDs), the CMA/CA of residence 1 year ago reflects the 1996 Census boundaries. Migrants whose CSD of residence one year ago is within the same CMA/CA as the current CSD (based on 1996 boundaries) are classified as intra-CMA/CA migrants. Migrants whose current CSD of residence (May 14, 1996) is in a different CMA/CA of residence from that of one year ago are classified as inter-CMA/CA migrants. Persons who resided in a CMA/CA one year ago (May 14, 1995) with a current residence elsewhere (a different CMA/CA or outside a CMA/CA) in Canada (May 14, 1996) are out-migrants from that CMA/CA. Persons whose current residence is within a CMA/CA (on May 14, 1996) with a place of residence one year ago elsewhere in Canada (CMA/CA or outside CMA/CA) are in-migrants to that CMA/CA. For the corresponding current CMA/CA of residence and a definition of CMA/CA, refer to the variables Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Census Agglomeration (CA) in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago Mobility 1: Census Subdivision of Residence 1 Year Ago ------------------------------------------------------ Refers to the person's usual municipality or census subdivision (CSD) of residence on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 22 Responses: For the one-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "municipality and province" of residence one year ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a seven-digit code according to the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) - see the section on geography. This code consists of two digits for the province/territory followed by two digits for the census division and ending with three digits for the census subdivision. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived in a different city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve in Canada" one year ago (internal migrants) provided the name of the municipality and province. The city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve corresponds to the census subdivision (CSD). The CSD of residence 1 year ago reflects the 1996 Census boundaries. For non-movers and non-migrants, census subdivision of residence 1 year ago is the same as current census subdivision of residence. Census Subdivision of Residence 1 Year Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For the corresponding current CSD of residence and a definition of CSD, refer to the variable Census Subdivision (CSD) in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. Mobility 1: Census Subdivision Type of Residence 1 Year Ago ----------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the census subdivision (CSD) type classification of the CSD (Indian reserve, village, town, township, city or municipality) where the person usually resided on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 22, CSD type of 1996 Census classification Responses: Not applicable Remarks: The type indicates the municipal status of a census subdivision. Census subdivisions are classified into various types, according to official designations adopted by provincial or federal authorities. For more details on CSD type, see "Special Notes, Quality Statements and Applications" in the section on geography. The CSD type of residence 1 year ago reflects the current 1996 boundaries and municipal status. This new variable for 1996 will allow analysis of migration flows to and from various CSD types. For example, data on mobility and migration may be retrieved for Indian reserves, northern villages and hamlets. Mobility 1: Country of Residence 1 Year Ago ------------------------------------------- Refers to the person's usual country of residence on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 22 Responses: For the one-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of "country" of residence one year ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a three-digit code corresponding to the place of birth classification. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived outside Canada" (external migrants) were asked to indicate the name of their country of residence one year earlier according to that country's present boundaries. Country of Residence 1 Year Ago is not applicable to internal migrants, non-migrants and non-movers. There is no corresponding "current country of residence" variable since persons residing in Canada one year ago but not on Census Day are not counted. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago ----------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the relationship between a person's usual place of residence on Census Day and his or her usual place of residence one year earlier. A person is classified as a non-mover if no difference exists. Otherwise, a person is classed as a mover and this categorization is called Mobility Status (1 Year Ago). Within the category movers, a further distinction is made between non-migrants and migrants; this difference is called migration status. Non-movers are persons who, on Census Day, were living at the same address which they occupied one year earlier. Movers are persons who, on Census Day, were living at a different address than the one at which they resided one year earlier. Non-migrants are movers who, on Census Day, were living at a different address but in the same census subdivision (CSD) that they occupied one year earlier. Migrants are movers who, on Census Day, were residing in a different CSD one year earlier (internal migrants) or who were living outside Canada one year earlier (external migrants). Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 22 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This variable is derived from the following response categories: Lived at the same address as now; Lived at a different address but in the same census subdivision (CSD) as now; Lived in a different CSD in Canada (respondent provides name of CSD [municipality] and province or territory); Lived outside Canada (respondent gives name of the country). In 1991, unlike the Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago variable, place of residence one year ago was restricted to the provincial level. In 1996, the geographic coverage for the place of residence one year ago is identical to that for five years ago. For further details on migration status, see Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. For persons 15 years of age and over who failed to provide an answer, Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) was imputed according to the following order of priority: (a) deterministic fix, (b) on the basis of information reported for other family members, (c) from another respondent who had the same demographic profile according to selected variables, and finally (d) default imputation, which involved an arbitrary assignment. For persons 1 to 14 years of age, mobility information was imputed on the basis of responses given by some other family member. For non-family persons (not residing in a collective dwelling), imputation was made on the basis of information reported by Person 1 in that household. For non-family persons residing in a collective dwelling, Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) was assigned from another respondent who had the same values for selected variables. With respect to external migration, immigrants - persons who were residing outside Canada one year earlier but within Canada on Census Day - are counted. This is not to be confused with "landed immigrants"; see Immigration: Year of Immigration. When external migrants report their country of residence one year ago, they report the country based on current geographic boundaries. Emigrants - persons residing in Canada one year ago but not on Census Day - are not counted. Different types of internal migration are derived based on various aggregations of CSDs (e.g., to CDs, CMAs). In-migration, out-migration, net internal migration, migration streams and origin-destination matrices can be produced from the database. In-migration is defined as a movement into a CSD (or CSD aggregation) from elsewhere in Canada, within the 12 months prior to Census Day. Persons who made such a move are called in-migrants. Out-migration is defined as a movement out of a CSD (or CSD aggregation) to elsewhere in Canada, within the 12 months prior to Census Day. Persons who made such a move are called out-migrants. Net internal migration refers to the number of in-migrants into a CSD (or CSD aggregation) minus the number of out-migrants from the same CSD (or CSD aggregation) within the 12 months prior to Census Day. Migration stream refers to a body of migrants having a common CSD (or CSD aggregation) of origin and a common CSD (or CSD aggregation) of destination. Origin-destination matrix refers to data on migrants, cross-classified by area of origin (CSD or CSD aggregation) and area of destination (CSD or CSD aggregation) to form a matrix of streams, or a set of pairs of streams, each pair representing movement in opposite directions. The concept of "migrants" is defined at the CSD level. For geographic levels below the CSD, such as enumeration areas (EAs) and census tracts (CTs), the distinction between the migrant and non-migrant population refers to the corresponding CSD of the EA or CT. For example, migrants within a CT are those persons who moved from a different CSD, while non-migrants are those who moved within the same CSD, although they moved in from a different CT in the same CSD or moved within the same CT. When tabulating usual place of residence one year ago by current place of residence, all geographic areas reflect their 1996 boundaries, even when referred to as places of residence in 1995. This applies to all boundary changes between censuses (e.g., census metropolitan areas, census divisions, census subdivisions). For further details, see the following Mobility 1 variables: Census Division of Residence 1 Year Ago, Census Metropolitan Area or Census Agglomeration of Residence 1 Year Ago, Census Subdivision of Residence 1 Year Ago, Census Subdivision Type of Residence 1 Year Ago, Country of Residence 1 Year Ago, Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 1 Year Ago, Population Size of Current Census Subdivision of Residence, Province/Territory of Residence 1 Year Ago, Rural/Urban Classification of Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. See the section on geography for corresponding current places (e.g., province, census division) of residence and geographic definitions. It should be noted that data are not published for all possible mobility and migration classifications, but are available upon special request, subject to confidentiality constraints. Mobility 1: Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ago -------- Refers to the current population of the municipality or census subdivision (CSD) where the person usually resided on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 22, population counts Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This derived variable refers to the 1996 population size of the census subdivision where the person usually resided one year ago on May 14, 1995. The size of the CSD is based on the 1996 population. It is possible to have CSDs where persons resided one year ago with zero population in 1996. For non-movers and non-migrants, CSD of residence 1 year ago is the same as current CSD of residence. Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 1 Year Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For a definition of Census Subdivision (CSD), refer to the section on geography. See also corresponding variable Mobility 1: Population Size of Current Census Subdivision of Residence, "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. Mobility 1: Population Size of Current Census Subdivision of ------------------------------------------------------------ Residence --------- Refers to the 1996 population of the municipality or census subdivision (CSD) where the person usually resided on Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 22, population counts Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This derived variable refers to the 1996 population size of the census subdivision where the person currently resides on Census Day (May 14, 1996). Some CSD population sizes are zero. For a definition of Census Subdivision (CSD), refer to the section on geography. See also corresponding variable Mobility 1: Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 1 Year Ago, "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. Mobility 1: Province/Territory of Residence 1 Year Ago ------------------------------------------------------ Refers to the person's usual province or territory of residence on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 22 Responses: For the one-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "municipality and province" of residence one year ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a seven-digit code according to the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) - see the section on geography. The two-digit province/territory code is a substring of the seven-digit SGC code. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived in a different city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve in Canada" one year ago (internal migrants) provided the name of the municipality and province. For non-movers and non-migrants, province or territory of residence 1 year ago is the same as current province or territory of residence. Province/Territory of Residence 1 Year Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For the corresponding current province/territory of residence, refer to the variables Province and Territory in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. Mobility 1: Rural/Urban Classification of Place of Residence 1 Year ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ago --- Refers to the rural or urban classification of the municipality or census subdivision (CSD) where the person usually resided on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (1 Year Ago) subuniverse only. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 1 year of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 22, rural/urban classification Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This derived variable refers to the 1996 rural or urban classification of the CSD where the person usually resided on May 14, 1995, one year prior to Census Day. The assignment of either rural or urban place of residence one year ago is based on the 1996 rural/urban classification of the CSD of residence 1 year ago. While the majority of CSDs are classified as either rural or urban, some CSDs have mixed rural/urban components. In these cases, rural or urban place of residence one year ago is assigned proportionately to migrants according to the 1996 ratio of rural to urban population of the "mixed" CSD that they lived in one year ago. For non-movers and non-migrants, CSD of residence 1 year ago is the same as current CSD of residence. Rural/Urban Classification of Place of Residence 1 Year Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For a definition of Rural Area and Urban Area (UA), see the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 1: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 1 Year Ago. Mobility 5: Census Division of Residence 5 Years Ago ---------------------------------------------------- Refers to the person's usual census division (CD) of residence on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 23 Responses: For the five-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "municipality and province" of residence five years ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a seven-digit code according to the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) - see the section on geography. The four-digit census division code is a substring of the seven-digit SGC code. The four-digit code corresponds to a two-digit province/territory code followed by a two-digit census division code. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived in a different city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve in Canada" five years ago (internal migrants) provided the name of the place and province. The city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve corresponds to the census subdivision (CSD) and it belongs to only one census division (CD). The CD of residence 5 years ago reflects the 1996 Census boundaries. For non-movers and non-migrants, census division of residence 5 years ago is the same as current census division of residence. Census Division of Residence 5 Years Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For the corresponding current CD of residence and a definition of CD, refer to the variable Census Division (CD) in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Census Metropolitan Area or Census Agglomeration of --------------------------------------------------------------- Residence 5 Years Ago --------------------- Refers to the census metropolitan area (CMA), census agglomeration (CA) or non-CMA/CA where the person usually resided on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 23 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This is a derived variable which provides a CMA/CA code for persons whose census subdivision (CSD) of residence five years ago is a CMA/CA component, or a value of zero (0) if it is not. For information on the linkage of CMA/CA names to codes and CSD components, refer to the 1996 Standard Geographical Classification Manual, Volumes I and II, Catalogue Nos. 12-571-XPB and 12-572-XPB. As with census subdivisions (CSDs) and census divisions (CDs), the CMA/CA of residence 5 years ago reflects the 1996 Census boundaries. Migrants whose CSD of residence five years ago is within the same CMA/CA as the current CSD (based on 1996 boundaries) are classified as intra-CMA/CA migrants. Migrants whose current CSD of residence (May 14, 1996) is in a different CMA/CA of residence from that of five years ago are classified as inter-CMA/CA migrants. Persons who resided in a CMA/CA five years ago (May 14, 1991) with a current residence elsewhere (a different CMA/CA or outside a CMA/CA) in Canada (May 14, 1996) are out-migrants from that CMA/CA. Persons whose current residence is within a CMA/CA (on May 14, 1996) with a place of residence five years ago elsewhere in Canada (CMA/CA or outside CMA/CA) are in-migrants to that CMA/CA. For the corresponding current CMA/CA of residence and a definition of CMA/CA, refer to the variables Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Census Agglomeration (CA) in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Census Subdivision of Residence 5 Years Ago ------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the person's usual municipality or census subdivision (CSD) of residence on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 23 Responses: For the five-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "municipality and province" of residence five years ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a seven-digit code according to the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) - see the section on geography. This code consists of two digits for the province/territory followed by two digits for the census division and ending with three digits for the census subdivision. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived in a different city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve in Canada" five years ago (internal migrants) provided the name of the municipality and province. The city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve corresponds to the census subdivision (CSD). The CSD of residence 5 years ago reflects the 1996 Census boundaries. For non-movers and non-migrants, census subdivision of residence 5 years ago is the same as current census subdivision of residence. Census Subdivision of Residence 5 Years Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For the corresponding current CSD of residence and a definition of CSD, refer to the variable Census Subdivision (CSD) in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Census Subdivision Type of Residence 5 Years Ago ------------------------------------------------------------ Refers to the census subdivision (CSD) type classification of the CSD (Indian reserve, village, town, township, city or municipality) where the person usually resided on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only . Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 23, CSD type of 1996 Census classification Responses: Not applicable Remarks: The type indicates the municipal status of a census subdivision. Census subdivisions are classified into various types, according to official designations adopted by provincial or federal authorities. For more details on CSD type, see "Special Notes, Quality Statements and Applications" in the section on geography. The CSD type of residence 5 years ago reflects the current 1996 boundaries and municipal status. This variable will allow analysis of migration flows to and from various CSD types. For example, data on mobility and migration may be retrieved for Indian reserves, northern villages and hamlets. Mobility 5: Country of Residence 5 Years Ago -------------------------------------------- Refers to the person's usual country of residence on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 23 Responses: For the five-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "country" of residence five years ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a three-digit code corresponding to the place of birth classification. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived outside Canada" (external migrants) were asked to indicate the name of their country of residence five years earlier according to that country's present boundaries. Country of Residence 5 Years Ago is not applicable to internal migrants, non-migrants and non-movers. There is no corresponding "current country of residence" variable since persons residing in Canada five years ago but not on Census Day are not counted. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago ------------------------------------------------------------ Refers to the relationship between a person's usual place of residence on Census Day and his or her usual place of residence five years earlier. A person is classified as a non-mover if no difference exists. Otherwise, a person is classed as a mover and this categorization is called Mobility Status (5 Years Ago). Within the category movers, a further distinction is made between non-migrants and migrants; this difference is called migration status. Non-movers are persons who, on Census Day, were living at the same address which they occupied five years earlier. Movers are persons who, on Census Day, were living at a different address than the one at which they resided five years earlier. Non-migrants are movers who, on Census Day, were living at a different address but in the same census subdivision (CSD) that they occupied five years earlier. Migrants are movers who, on Census Day, were residing in a different CSD five years earlier (internal migrants) or who were living outside Canada five years earlier (external migrants). Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 23 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This variable is derived from the following response categories: Lived at the same address as now; Lived at a different address but in the same census subdivision (CSD) as now; Lived in a different CSD in Canada (respondent provides name of CSD [municipality] and province or territory); Lived outside Canada (respondent gives name of the country). Although the conceptual framework of Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) has not changed since 1991, some modifications have been introduced to the mobility question for 1996. The filter question (Question 21 in 1991) which filters out non-movers is eliminated, making the question similar to the 1986 version. For persons 15 years of age and over who failed to provide an answer, Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) was imputed according to the following order of priority: (a) deterministic fix, (b) on the basis of information reported for other family members, (c) from another respondent who had the same demographic profile according to selected variables, and finally (d) default imputation, which involved an arbitrary assignment. For persons 5 to 14 years of age, mobility information was imputed on the basis of responses given by some other family member. For non-family persons (not residing in a collective dwelling), imputation was made on the basis of information reported by Person 1 in that household. For non-family persons residing in a collective dwelling, Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) was assigned from another respondent who had the same values for selected variables. With respect to external migration, immigrants - persons who were residing outside Canada five years earlier but within Canada on Census Day - are counted. This is not to be confused with "landed immigrants"; see Immigration: Year of Immigration. When external migrants report their country of residence five years ago, they report the country based on current geographic boundaries. Emigrants - persons residing in Canada five years ago but not on Census Day - are not counted. Different types of internal migration are derived based on various aggregations of CSDs (e.g., to CDs, CMAs). In-migration, out-migration, net internal migration, migration streams and origin-destination matrices can be produced from the database. In-migration is defined as a movement into a CSD (or CSD aggregation) from elsewhere in Canada, within the five years prior to Census Day. Persons who made such a move are called in-migrants. Out-migration is defined as a movement out of a CSD (or CSD aggregation) to elsewhere in Canada, within the five years prior to Census Day. Persons who made such a move are called out-migrants. Net internal migration refers to the number of in-migrants into a CSD (or CSD aggregation) minus the number of out-migrants from the same CSD (or CSD aggregation) within the five years prior to Census Day. Migration stream refers to a body of migrants having a common CSD (or CSD aggregation) of origin and a common CSD (or CSD aggregation) of destination. Origin-destination matrix refers to data on migrants, cross-classified by area of origin (CSD or CSD aggregation) and area of destination (CSD or CSD aggregation) to form a matrix of streams, or a set of pairs of streams, each pair representing movement in opposite directions. The concept of "migrants" is defined at the CSD level. For geographic levels below the CSD, such as enumeration areas (EAs) and census tracts (CTs), the distinction between the migrant and non-migrant population refers to the corresponding CSD of the EA or CT. For example, migrants within a CT are those persons who moved from a different CSD, while non-migrants are those who moved within the same CSD, although they moved in from a different CT in the same CSD or moved within the same CT. When tabulating usual place of residence five years ago by current place of residence, all geographic areas reflect their 1996 boundaries, even when referred to as places of residence in 1991. This applies to all boundary changes between censuses (e.g., census metropolitan areas, census divisions, census subdivisions). For further details, see the following Mobility 5 variables: Census Division of Residence 5 Years Ago, Census Metropolitan Area or Census Agglomeration of Residence 5 Years Ago, Census Subdivision of Residence 5 Years Ago, Census Subdivision Type of Residence 5 Years Ago, Country of Residence 5 Years Ago, Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 5 Years Ago, Population Size of Current Census Subdivision of Residence, Province/Territory of Residence 5 Years Ago, Rural/Urban Classification of Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. See the section on geography for corresponding current places (e.g., province, census division) of residence and geographic definitions. It should be noted that data are not published for all possible mobility and migration classifications, but are available upon special request, subject to confidentiality constraints. Mobility 5: Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Years Ago --------- Refers to the current population of the municipality or census subdivision (CSD) where the person usually resided on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 23, population counts Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This derived variable refers to the 1996 population size of the census subdivision where the person usually resided five years ago on May 14, 1991. The size of the CSD is based on the 1996 population. It is possible to have CSDs where persons resided five years ago with zero population in 1996. For non-movers and non-migrants, CSD of residence 5 years ago is the same as current CSD of residence. Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 5 Years Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For a definition of Census Subdivision (CSD), refer to the section on geography. See also corresponding variable Mobility 5: Population Size of Current Census Subdivision of Residence, "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Population Size of Current Census Subdivision of ------------------------------------------------------------ Residence ---------- Refers to the 1996 population of the municipality or census subdivision (CSD) where the person usually resided on Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 23, population counts Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This derived variable refers to the 1996 population size of the census subdivision where the person currently resides on Census Day (May 14, 1996). Some CSD population sizes are zero. In censuses previous to 1986, population size was grouped into size categories. For a definition of Census Subdivision (CSD), refer to the section on geography. See also corresponding variable Mobility 5: Population Size of Census Subdivision of Residence 5 Years Ago, "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Province/Territory of Residence 5 Years Ago ------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the person's usual province or territory of residence on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Direct variable: Question 23 Responses: For the five-year ago mobility question, respondents were asked to write the name of the "municipality and province" of residence five years ago. This write-in response is subsequently converted to a seven-digit code according to the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) - see the section on geography. The two-digit province/territory code is a substring of the seven-digit SGC code. Remarks: Respondents who indicated that they "Lived in a different city, town, village, township, municipality or Indian reserve in Canada" five years ago (internal migrants) provided the name of the municipality and province. For non-movers and non-migrants, province or territory of residence 5 years ago is the same as current province or territory of residence. Province/Territory of Residence 5 Years Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For the corresponding current province/territory of residence, refer to the variables Province and Territory in the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Mobility 5: Rural/Urban Classification of Place of Residence 5 -------------------------------------------------------------- Years Ago --------- Refers to the rural or urban classification of the municipality or census subdivision (CSD) where the person usually resided on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. This concept applies to the Mobility Status (5 Years Ago) subuniverse only. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 5 years of age and over residing in Canada, excluding institutional residents and Canadians (military and government personnel) in households outside Canada Question No.: Derived variable: Question 23, rural/urban classification Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This derived variable refers to the 1996 rural or urban classification of the CSD where the person usually resided on May 14, 1991, five years prior to Census Day. The assignment of either rural or urban place of residence five years ago is based on the 1996 rural/urban classification of the CSD of residence 5 years ago. While the majority of CSDs are classified as either rural or urban, some CSDs have mixed rural/urban components. In these cases, rural or urban place of residence five years ago is assigned proportionately to migrants according to the 1996 ratio of rural to urban population of the "mixed" CSD that they lived in five years ago. For non-movers and non-migrants, CSD of residence 5 years ago is the same as current CSD of residence. Rural/Urban Classification of Place of Residence 5 Years Ago is not applicable to external migrants. For a definition of Rural Area and Urban Area (UA), see the section on geography. See also "Remarks" under Mobility 5: Mobility Status - Place of Residence 5 Years Ago. Place of Birth -------------- Refers to specific provinces or territories if born in Canada or to specific countries if born outside Canada. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 13 Remarks: Respondents were asked to indicate their place of birth according to boundaries in existence on Census Day, May 14, 1996. Respondents born in an area of Canada which was part of the Northwest Territories at the time of their birth, but which has since become a province of Canada, were to report their place of birth according to present provincial boundaries. People born in Newfoundland and Labrador before that province joined Confederation in 1949 were to report "Newfoundland". People born in the six counties of Northern Ireland were to report "United Kingdom", while people born in one of the other counties of the Republic of Ireland were to write in "Eire" in the space provided. Respondents born in the former USSR, the former Yugoslavia or the former Czechoslovakia were to report the name of the independent country or republic according to the boundaries in existence on Census Day, May 14, 1996. If the respondent was not sure of the country of birth because of boundary changes, the name of the nearest city, state or province was to be written in the space provided. Population Group ---------------- Refers to the population group to which the respondent belongs. This question provides information about the visible minority population in Canada which is required for programs under the Employment Equity Act (1986). According to this Act, visible minorities are persons (other than Aboriginal persons), who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour. Census: 1996 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Total population, excluding institutional residents, and persons who reported "Yes" to Question 18 (Aboriginal Peoples) Question No.: Direct variable: Question 19 Responses: Response categories included 10 mark-in circles and one write-in box. Respondents were asked to mark or specify one or more of the following: White Chinese South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Punjabi, Sri Lankan) Black (e.g., African, Haitian, Jamaican, Somali) Arab/West Asian (e.g., Armenian, Egyptian, Iranian, Lebanese, Moroccan) Filipino South East Asian (e.g., Cambodian, Indonesian, Laotian, Vietnamese) Latin American Japanese Korean Other - Specify Remarks: In 1996, a note on the census questionnaire informed respondents that this information is collected to support programs which promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural and economic life of Canada. In addition, the 1996 Census Guide provided the following instructions: This question tells us about the groups that make up the visible minority population (Chinese, South Asian, Black, Arab/West Asian, Filipino, South East Asian, Latin American, Japanese and Korean). The Employment Equity Regulations that accompany the Employment Equity Act define visible minorities as persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are "non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour". Population group should not be confused with citizenship or nationality. For persons who belong to more than one group, mark the circles that apply. Do not print "bi-racial" or "mixed" in the box provided. The 1996 Census was the first time a population group question was asked in the census. Prior to 1996, data on visible minorities were derived from responses to the ethnic origin question, in conjunction with other ethno-cultural information, such as language, place of birth and religion. Information on visible minorities obtained from the 1996 population group question is, therefore, not directly comparable to derived visible minority data produced in 1991, 1986 and 1981. For more information on the visible minority variable in 1991, please refer to the 1991 Census Dictionary (Catalogue No. 92-310E). The mark-in response categories listed in the 1996 population group question, with the exception of "White", were based on the visible minority groups identified by the Employment Equity Technical Reference Papers, published by Employment and Immigration Canada in 1987, and used for federal employment equity programs. After "White", population groups were listed in order of the frequency (largest number) of visible minority counts derived from the 1991 Census. Due to the relatively small counts derived for the Other Pacific Islander visible minority group in 1991, this group was not included in the list of mark-in response categories for the population group question in 1996. Counts for Other Pacific Islanders were obtained from write-in responses in 1996. Four of the population groups included on the 1996 Census questionnaire were followed by examples in parentheses. Examples were provided for only a few of the population groups to serve as guidelines and help respondents who may be more familiar with one term instead of another (e.g., East Indian instead of South Asian, African instead of Black, or Vietnamese instead of South East Asian). The examples were listed in alphabetical order and were based on groups identified in the Employment Equity Technical Reference Papers, as well as on ethnic origins reported in the 1991 Census. Relationship to Household Reference Person (Person 1) ----------------------------------------------------- Refers to the relationship of household members to the household reference person (Person 1). A person may be related to Person 1 through blood, marriage, common-law or adoption (e.g., spouse, common-law partner, son or daughter, father or mother) or unrelated (e.g., lodger, room-mate, employee). Censuses: 1996,* 1991, 1986, 1981,** 1976,*** 1971**** Reported for: Total population Question No.: Direct variable: Question 2 Responses: Person 1 Related to Person 1 - spouse, common-law partner, son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, father-in-law or mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, grandfather or grandmother, grandchild, nephew or niece, other relative of Person 1 (not identified elsewhere) and their spouses, common-law partners, sons or daughters Unrelated to Person 1 - lodger, lodger's spouse, lodger's common-law partner, lodger's son or daughter, room-mate, room-mate's spouse, room-mate's common-law partner, room-mate's son or daughter, employee, employee's spouse, employee's common-law partner, employee's son or daughter, Hutterite, Hutterite spouse, Hutterite son or daughter, institutional resident Remarks: * In the 1996 Census, the write-in responses for Question 2 (Relationship to Person 1) on the Form 2A were captured and processed as "Other write-ins". The write-in responses on Forms 2B, 2C, 2D and 3 (in collective households) were captured as reported by respondents. Unlike for previous censuses, the published output on families from the 1996 Census will be produced from the sample database. For further information, see the 1996 Census Technical Report on Families. ** In the 1981 Census, the term used to identify the household reference person was changed from "head of household" to "Person 1". Person 1 may be any one of the following: - either the spouse in any married couple living in the dwelling; - either partner in a common-law relationship; - the parent, where one parent only lives with his or her never-married son(s) or daughter(s) of any age. If none of the above applies, any adult member of the household may be identified as Person 1. *** In the 1976 Census, the head of household was defined as: - either the husband or the wife; - the parent where there was one parent only, with never-married children; - any member of a group sharing a dwelling equally. **** In the 1971 Census, the head of household was defined as: - the husband rather than the wife; - the parent where there was one parent only, with unmarried children; - any member of a group sharing a dwelling equally. Rural Farm Population --------------------- Refers to all persons living in rural areas who are members of the households of farm operators living on their farms for any length of time during the 12-month period prior to the census. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986,* 1981,* 1976,** 1971,** 1966,** 1961** Reported for: Rural population Question No.: Derived variable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: * A farm operator is someone who is responsible for the day-to-day management decisions made in the operation of an agricultural operation. Prior to 1991, only one farm operator was reported per farm. In 1991 and 1996, up to three farm operators could be reported per farm. Because of this change, the rural farm population count now includes all persons living on a farm and in the households of the first, second and third operators (not included before 1991). It should be noted that most of the second and third operators of farms reside in the same household as the first (usually a spouse or a child) and would most likely have been included in the farm population under the previous method of reporting. ** Prior to the 1981 Census, rural farm population was defined as all persons living in rural areas in dwellings situated on census farms. Schooling: Degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or ---------------------------------------------------------------- Optometry --------- Refers to the possession of a degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry, regardless of whether higher educational qualifications (i.e. master's or earned doctorate degrees) were held or not. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable: Question 28, cell 09 Responses: No medical degree; Medical degree (M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.V.M., O.D.); Medical and master's degrees; Medical and earned doctorate degrees Remarks: This derived variable complements the Schooling: Highest Degree, Certificate or Diploma variable by providing additional counts of medical degrees for persons with both medical and either master's or earned doctorate degrees. Thus, this variable provides a more complete measure of the total medical resources in Canada than that provided by the counts in the derived variable Schooling: Highest Degree, Certificate or Diploma. The additional counts for persons with either a master's and a medical degree, or an earned doctorate and a medical degree would, for example, apply to persons in occupations such as in natural science or medical engineering research, and also University teaching. When cross-classifying this variable with the Schooling: Major Field of Study (MFS) variable, it should be noted that, for the medical and master's degree combination, the major field relates to the medical degree. However, for the medical and earned doctorate combination, the major field relates to the doctorate. Schooling: Highest Degree, Certificate or Diploma ------------------------------------------------- Refers to the highest degree, certificate or diploma obtained. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample),* 1971 (1/3 sample),** 1961*** Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable: Question 28 Responses: No degree, certificate or diploma; Secondary (high) school graduation certificate or equivalent; Trades certificate or diploma; Other non-university certificate or diploma; University certificate or diploma below bachelor level; Bachelor's degree(s); University certificate or diploma above bachelor level; Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry; Master's degree; Earned doctorate Remarks: This is a derived variable obtained from the educational qualifications question which asked for all degrees, certificates or diplomas to be reported. Although the sequence is more or less hierarchical, it is nonetheless a general rather than an absolute gradient measure of academic achievement. The following qualifications are to be noted: (a) a secondary (high) school graduation certificate is classified as junior or senior matriculation, general or technical-commercial; (b) a trades certificate or diploma is obtained through apprenticeship (journeyman's) training and/or in-school training in trades-level vocational and pre-vocational courses at community colleges, institutes of technology and similar institutions where the minimum entrance requirement was less than secondary (high) school, junior or senior matriculation, or its equivalent; (c) an "other non-university certificate or diploma" is obtained in a community college (both transfer and semi-professional career programs), CEGEP (both general and professional), institute of technology, or any other non-degree-granting educational institution. Also included in this category are teaching certificates awarded by provincial departments of education, with the exception of teachers' qualifications at the bachelor level obtained at university-affiliated faculties of education; (d) university certificates or diplomas are normally connected with professional associations in fields such as accounting, banking or insurance. If a bachelor's degree is a normal prerequisite for a university certificate or diploma course, then the latter is classified as a university certificate above the bachelor level. * In 1976, "trades certificate or diploma" and "university certificate or diploma above bachelor level" were not included. ** In 1971, this question related only to university degrees, certificates or diplomas. The responses in 1971 were: No university degree, certificate or diploma; University certificate or diploma (below bachelor level); Bachelor's degree; First professional degree; Master's or equivalent, or earned doctorate. *** In 1961, "University degree" only was obtained without classification by type. Schooling: Highest Grade of Elementary or Secondary --------------------------------------------------- Refers to the highest grade or year of elementary or secondary school attended according to the province where the education was obtained, or according to the province of residence in the event this education was received outside Canada. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample),* 1971 (1/3 sample),** 1961*** Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 24 Responses: Never attended school or attended kindergarten only OR highest grade or year (1 to 13) of secondary and/or elementary school Remarks: Persons who were enrolled at the time of the census reported the grade or year they were attending. Levels of schooling as expressed in grades (or years) vary from province to province and also over the years. If elementary or secondary schooling was obtained by private instruction, correspondence or part-time attendance at class, then the equivalent grade or year in the regular day-time program was reported. Persons in ungraded or "subject promotion" school settings had the option of reporting an estimated grade level or the number of actual years they had been attending school. * In 1976, the highest level of secondary schooling in the province of Quebec was reported as Grade 12, in contrast to Grade 11 in 1981 and 1986. Also, in 1976 as well as in 1971 and 1961, no schooling and kindergarten were reported as separate categories. ** In 1971, the sample data for the elementary or secondary level were reported for the total population 5 years of age and over. *** In 1961, the data were also reported for the total population 5 years of age and over, and grades or years on the enumeration documents were shown as: no schooling; kindergarten; elementary 1 to 4; elementary 5+; and secondary 1; 2; 3; 4; 5. Schooling: Highest Level of --------------------------- Refers to the highest grade or year of elementary or secondary school attended, or the highest year of university or other non-university completed. University education is considered to be a higher level of schooling than other non-university. Also, the attainment of a degree, certificate or diploma is considered to be at a higher level than years completed or attended without an educational qualification. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample),* 1971 (1/3 sample),* 1961** Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 24, 25, 26 and 28 Responses: The highest level of schooling is depicted in the 1996 Census output in a variety of forms. The general listing is as follows: Elementary-secondary only Never attended school or attended kindergarten only Grades 1-4 Grades 5-8 Grades 9-10 Grades 11-13 Secondary (high) school graduation certificate Trades certificate or diploma Other non-university education only Without other non-university or trades certificate or diploma With trades certificate or diploma With other non-university certificate or diploma University University, without university degree Without other non-university education Without certificate, diploma or degree With trades certificate or diploma With university certificate or diploma below bachelor level With other non-university education Without certificate, diploma or degree With trades certificate or diploma With other non-university certificate or diploma With university certificate or diploma below bachelor level University, with university degree With bachelor or first professional degree With university certificate above bachelor level With master's degree With earned doctorate Remarks: Although this variable is described as the Highest Level of Schooling, implying a hierarchy of educational attainment, in a number of instances the levels are not entirely hierarchical. For example, the placement of "Trades certificate or diploma" as a higher level of schooling than the "Secondary (high) school graduation certificate" is justified on the basis of the fact that this educational qualification is obtained primarily for employment/occupational purposes by persons who were, on the whole, beyond the secondary school age level at the time. However, a sizeable proportion of this group did not obtain their secondary school graduation certificate which would, strictly speaking, be "out of line" in the hierarchy. In any event, placing this whole category below secondary would not necessarily resolve the problem, since at least some part of this group does have secondary school graduation. It is for this reason that the data for trades (and other non-university) certificates are separately disaggregated in the variable Schooling: Trades and Other Non-university Certificates. Another example in which the hierarchical element of this variable would be slightly askew is in the cases of persons who have completed both university and non-university education. A person who attended university and non-university, but possessed no degrees, certificates or diplomas, would nonetheless be situated at a "higher" level than a person who has other non-university education only, but with a certificate or diploma. * In 1976 and 1971, this variable was denoted as "Level of Schooling". In 1971, it was defined as "the highest grade or year of elementary, secondary school or university ever attended and whether or not additional training in the form of vocational or postsecondary non-university was present". In 1976, the definition was slightly revised to emphasize completion (rather than attendance) beyond the secondary level: "Level of schooling" referred to the highest grade or year of elementary/secondary school attended, or the highest year of postsecondary non-university or university completed by the person. ** In 1961, the elementary, secondary and university levels were combined directly in one question, and the question referred to "the highest grade or year of schooling ever attended", not necessarily completed. The variable itself was called "Highest Grade Attended". Schooling: Major Field of Study (MFS) ------------------------------------- Refers to the predominant discipline or area of learning or training of a person's highest postsecondary degree, certificate or diploma. The major field of study classification structure consists of 10 broad or major categories: educational, recreational and counselling services; fine and applied arts; humanities and related fields; social sciences and related fields; commerce, management and business administration; agricultural and biological sciences/technologies; engineering and applied sciences; engineering and applied science technologies and trades; health professions, sciences and technologies; and mathematics and physical sciences. This structure is, in turn, subdivided into over 100 "minor" classification categories and about 425 "unit" groups. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample) - vocational training and apprenticeship only Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over with a postsecondary degree, certificate or diploma, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 29 Remarks: The classification structure of the MFS variable can be used either independently or in conjunction with the Schooling: Highest Degree, Certificate or Diploma variable. When the latter is used with MFS, it should be noted that each of the postsecondary qualifications ranging from the trades certificate or diploma to the earned doctorate displays a differing pattern or distribution. Therefore, varying disaggregations of MFS can be employed based primarily on the numerical representativeness of unit groups within each level of qualification. When the medical degree level of qualification is cross-classified with MFS, it is advisable to use the separate variable Schooling: Degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or Optometry rather than the code value for highest degree. The reason for this is that the former variable indicates a medical degree regardless of whether a master's or earned doctorate was also held. This variable also shows persons with combined medical and earned doctorate degrees. The field of study concept also incorporates the notion of subfield or specialization. Respondents were instructed in the 1996 Census Guide which accompanied the questionnaire to be as specific as possible in indicating a subfield or subcategory of specialization within a broader discipline or area of training, especially for graduate studies or other advanced training. The degree to which respondents answered according to this criterion is reflected in the frequency of counts for the MFS "unit" groups. In general, higher degrees of specialization tend to be reported for master's, medical and earned doctorate degrees. Schooling: School Attendance ---------------------------- Refers to either full-time or part-time (day or evening) attendance at school, college or university during the eight-month period between September 1995 and May 14, 1996. Attendance is counted only for courses which could be used as credits towards a certificate, diploma or degree. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1976 (1/3 sample),* 1971 (1/3 sample),** 1961*** Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 27 Responses: No, did not attend in past eight months; Yes, full time; Yes, part time, day or evening Remarks: Attendance is excluded for courses taken for leisure, recreation or personal interest. Attendance is considered to be full time if the person was taking 75% or more of the normal course load in the grade or year in which the person is registered. Short-term courses of six weeks or less taken during the day are considered to be part-time attendance. If the person attended both full time and part time during the reference period, then only full time is to be recorded. * A significant response error bias in the 1976 school attendance data renders any comparisons for secondary school attendance inappropriate, particularly in the 15-19 age group; however, 1976 estimates for university and postsecondary non-university attendance were not affected. ** In 1971, the term "school or university" was used rather than "educational institution" and the phrase "at any time" was not employed. Information on the kind of institution attended was not requested. This information was reported for the total population. *** In 1961, data for part-time attendance were not collected. The question was: "Since last September, did you attend school or university? Yes (any regular day-time attendance); No". This information was reported for the total population. The 1961 concept of school attendance did not include attendance at such institutions as technical institutes, community colleges, teachers' colleges, CEGEPs, schools of nursing, trade schools and business schools. Schooling: Secondary School Graduation Certificate -------------------------------------------------- Refers to the possession of a secondary school graduation certificate or its equivalent regardless of whether other educational qualifications were held or not. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 25, 26 and 28 Responses: Total Without secondary certificate Without further training With further training With trades certificate With other non-university With secondary certificate Without further training With further training Remarks: This is a summary variable first published in 1986 Census output (see Table 7, Catalogue No. 93-110) that essentially separates the population into those without and with a secondary school graduation certificate or its equivalent. Further information is provided on whether further training was undertaken or not. This variable was derived using the Schooling: Trades and Other Non-university Certificates variable in conjunction with the Schooling: Years of University and Schooling: Years of Other Non-university Education variables. Persons who reported some years of university were assumed to have a secondary school graduation certificate or its equivalent. * This variable was not published in 1981, but can be reconstructed from the 1981 database in the form of special tabulations using standard algorithms. Schooling: Total Years of Schooling ----------------------------------- Refers to the total sum of the years (or grades) of schooling at the elementary, secondary, university and other non-university levels. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample),* 1976 (1/3 sample),* 1971 (1/3 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 24, 25 and 26 Responses: Single years 0 to 29 or more Remarks: This variable is shown primarily in summary data aggregations (such as 0, 1-4, 5-8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-17 and 18 and more) and also in the form of second-order derivatives such as average and median years of schooling. * In the 1981, 1976 and 1971 Censuses, this variable was not published. However, the variable can be derived from the database using special tabulations. Schooling: Trades and Other Non-university Certificates ------------------------------------------------------- Refers to the possession of either a trades certificate or diploma, or an other non-university certificate or diploma, or both, regardless of whether other educational qualifications are held or not. This variable also indicates whether or not a secondary school graduation certificate was reported. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample)* Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable: Question 28, cells 03 and 04 Responses: Neither trades nor other non-university certificate; Trades certificate, without secondary certificate; Other non-university certificate, without secondary certificate; Both trades and other non-university certificates, without secondary certificate; Trades certificate, with secondary certificate; Other non-university certificate, with secondary certificate; Both trades and other non-university certificates, with secondary certificate Remarks: This derived variable indicates all of the possible combinations in conjunction with trades and other non-university certificates or diplomas and the presence or absence of the secondary school graduation certificate. This information is very useful in indicating the possible overlap and the interrelations between the two areas. A trades certificate is usually obtained through apprenticeship or journeyman's training over several years, in trade occupations such as welding, plumbing and carpentry; this may also be accompanied by periods of in-school training in trade schools, community colleges or other such institutions. Alternatively, trades certificates may also be acquired exclusively through in-school (as opposed to on-the-job) training at trade or vocational schools, employment centres or trades divisions of community colleges. A non-university certificate or diploma is obtained from institutions which do not grant degrees, such as nursing schools, community colleges, CEGEPs, institutes of technology or private business colleges. * In 1971, a special series of questions and data were related to Apprenticeship and Vocational Training. The 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 data for trades certificates are not directly comparable to the 1971 vocational course data, which were defined as full-time courses of three months' duration or longer. In addition, the 1971 data allowed for the distinction between apprenticeship and full-time vocational training, and indicated the length and the date of completion of the training. Schooling: University Certificate Above Bachelor Level ------------------------------------------------------ Refers to the possession of a university certificate or diploma above the bachelor level, regardless of whether other educational qualifications are held or not. Normally, this type of certificate is obtained following a first degree in the same field of study or following a master's or first professional degree. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Derived variable: Question 28, cell 07 Responses: No certificate or diploma above bachelor level; Certificate or diploma above bachelor level Remarks: This derived variable provides a more complete count of all persons with university certificates above the bachelor level, regardless of what other qualifications were obtained. Diplomas or certificates obtained following a first degree in the same field of study (e.g., a diploma in education) are counted in the Schooling: Highest Degree, Certificate or Diploma variable. However, these types of certificates or diplomas are also granted following either a master's or first professional degree (e.g., in medicine). In these cases, the higher degrees take precedence in the highest degree variable, and no count is available for persons with these higher degrees and the university certificate above the bachelor level. Examples of such certificates can be found in university programs or courses in medical specializations or applied engineering and high technology areas. Schooling: Years of Other Non-university Education -------------------------------------------------- Refers to the total number of completed years (or less than one year of completed courses) of training at educational institutions which do not grant degrees and are not at the elementary or secondary school level. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample),* 1976 (1/3 sample),** 1971 (1/3 sample)*** Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 26 Responses: None; Less than 1 year (of completed courses); 1 year; 2 years; 3 years; 4 years or more of completed courses Remarks: Schooling in all institutions other than universities or secondary or elementary schools is included here, whether or not these institutions require a secondary (high) school graduation certificate for entrance. Leisure or recreation courses are not intended to be included. As in the 1991 and 1986 Censuses, the Belles-Lettres and Rhétorique levels of classical colleges in Quebec are intended to be included as "1 year" and "2 years" of "other non-university" education respectively. The "number of academic years successfully completed" is reported, regardless of the actual length of time it may have taken. If other non-university training was received by correspondence or through part-time (day or evening) attendance, then the accumulated credits are to be converted to the equivalent number of years in the regular full-time program. CEGEP (general) and CEGEP (professional) courses are both included in this category. In 1976, university transfer courses of community colleges were intended to be counted at the university level. Since 1981, these courses have been indicated at the "other non-university" level. No explicit reference was therefore made to convert "university transfer courses" taken at community colleges to the university level. The reason for this is that there are no Canada-wide standards for defining "university transfer courses" and differences exist within provinces as well. The defining feature of education in this area is thus the institution where the education was obtained (i.e. CEGEPs and community colleges are non-university institutions). * In 1981, the Belles-Lettres and Rhétorique levels of classical colleges in Quebec were to be included as "1 year" and "2 years" of "university" education respectively. ** In 1976, CEGEP (general) courses were intended to be included at the university level; most respondents, however, were not consistent in the application of this definition. The responses in 1976 were: None; 1 year or less; 2 years; 3 years or more. *** In 1971, this area was referred to as "schooling since secondary". The responses were: None; 1; 2; 3+ for "other than university". In 1961, this category was not included. Schooling: Years of University ------------------------------ Refers to the total number of completed years (or less than one year of completed courses) of education at educational institutions which confer a degree, certificate or diploma upon successful completion of a program of studies. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample),* 1976 (1/3 sample),** 1971 (1/3 sample),*** 1961*** Reported for: Population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents Question No.: Direct variable: Question 25 Responses: None; Less than 1 year (of completed courses); 1 year; 2 years; 3 years; 4 years; 5 years; 6 years; 7 years; 8 years; 9 years; 10 years; 11-15 years Remarks: The number of years refers to academic years completed, regardless of the actual length of time it may have taken. Two semesters with the normal course load are considered equivalent to one academic year. If university training was completed through correspondence or through part-time (day or evening) study, then the accumulated credits are to be converted to the equivalent number of years in the regular full-time university program. As in the 1991 and 1986 Censuses, the Philo I and Philo II levels of classical colleges in Quebec are intended to be included as "1 year" and "2 years" of "university" education respectively. Persons who received teacher training in a faculty of education associated with a university are to indicate such training at the university level. Otherwise, if the teacher training either presently or in past years was in a non-university affiliated setting, then such training is considered "other non-university" schooling. * In 1981, the Philo I and Philo II levels of classical colleges in Quebec were to be included as "3 years" and "4 years" of "university" education respectively. ** In 1976, university transfer and CEGEP (general) courses were intended to be included at the university level. In the case of CEGEP (general), this definition was not consistently applied by respondents. Responses in 1976 were: None; 1 year or less; 2 years; 3 years; 4 years; 5 years; 6 years or more. *** In 1971, the responses were: None; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6+. In 1961, the responses were: 1-2; 3; 4+; Degree, and referred to the highest year attended, not necessarily completed. In both 1971 and 1961, there were no explicit instructions related to university transfer courses. Sex --- Refers to the gender of the respondent. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Total population Question No.: Direct variable: Question 4 Responses: Male; Female Remarks: Since a person's first name is not always a sufficient indication of gender (e.g., Jean, Leslie, Francis), respondents were required to specify "Male" or "Female". Visible Minorities ------------------ See Population Group.