Using Census Data to Advance Your Nonprofit
May-June 2023
Is your non-profit organization looking to enhance its ability to make better-informed decisions?
Curious about how to take advantage of Statistics Canada Census data to help you do this?
PolicyWise for Children & Families has partnered with Statistics Canada to present this two-part online training series for non-profit organizations on developing the use of Census data to enhance information gathering and decision making.
The training includes Census methods, geographies, variables, analysis, and how to access data. There are sample exercises to complete, and you will be introduced to tools that will enhance your experience working with non-profits. We provide materials and videos for each session.
We provide videos and materials for each session. We recommend watching the videos in order, as content from the second video builds on the first. The exception is the bonus session, which you can view anytime. Slides and materials may contain additional content not found in the videos and often contain exercises at the end to help you apply what you learned.
Session 1: Census Methodology, Geography and Confidentiality, and Census Concepts and Variables
Census Methodology: We provide a brief history of the Census and explored the Census methodology. The slides for this section are here.
Geography and Confidentiality: We focus on the different levels of geography from provinces and territories available through the Census. You also learn about confidentiality and the Census. The slides for this section are here. Geography links are here.
Census Concepts and Variables: We explore the Census data concepts and the variables. You learn about reference materials available and how to access highlight tables and data profiles. The slides for this section are here.
Session 2: Data Products and Analysis, Topics Selected by Participants, and Exercise
Data Products and Analysis: We introduce the multi-variable cross-tabulations available on the StatCan website. The presentation slides are here.
Topics Selected by Participants: We covered topics identified as relevant to participants. The presentation slides are here.
Exercise: Finally, you apply everything you have learned. A brief introduction is provided to support a final exercise. The final exercise is here.
Videos: Please watch the videos below in order.
Session 2 - Video 1
Session 2 - Video 2
Bonus Session: Census Aggregator Tool
This session introduces a Census tool created by Purposive Analytics to easily aggregate census information. The session introduces the tool and provides some use case scenarios.
The Census Aggregator Tool is here.
