Statistics Canada (StatCan) is the country’s national statistical agency. It collects, analyzes, and publishes data on Canada’s population, economy, society, and environment. If you're mapping or analyzing Canadian data in a GIS platform, Statistics Canada is your best starting point.
What Does Statistics Canada Provide?
StatCan produces hundreds of datasets, most of them free and publicly accessible.
These are the key data types used in GIS:
Census of Population
- Conducted every five years (latest in 2021).
- Provides data on age, sex, language, education, work, income, housing, and families.
- Available from national to local levels (e.g., Dissemination Areas and Census Tracts).
Geography and Boundaries
- Shapefiles and boundary files for:
- Provinces and territories
- Census Divisions
- Census Subdivisions
- Census Tracts
- Dissemination Areas (DAs)
- Postal Code Conversion Files (PCCF)
Labour and Income
- Employment, earnings, and industry data.
- Labour Force Survey (monthly).
- Wage data by industry and region.
Health and Demographics
- Birth and death data
- Life expectancy
- Disease prevalence
- Access to healthcare services
Housing and Households
- Types of dwellings
- Crowding and condition
- Ownership vs rental
Environment and Agriculture
- Land use
- Farm location and size
- Climate and weather impacts
Geography Files and Tools
StatCan’s geography products are crucial for mapping:
- Boundary Files – Polygons for census geographies.
- Road and Railway Files – For transportation layers.
- Hydrography Files – Water bodies and rivers.
- GeoSuite – A lookup tool to find and relate geography codes.
- PCCF – Links postal codes to census geography (licensed use).
These files are available in shapefile and other GIS-ready formats.
How to Access the Data
You can get Statistics Canada data from:
- statcan.gc.ca – Main portal.
- Data tables – Downloadable in CSV, Excel, or SDMX formats.
- Open Government Portal – Additional access point with filters.
- Geography portal – For shapefiles and lookup files.
- API access – For automated and programmatic data pulls.
Most datasets include unique geography codes to join data to map files.
Common Use Cases in GIS
Demographic Mapping
Use Dissemination Areas or Census Tracts to map age, language, and family data at the local level.
Economic and Job Maps
Show unemployment or income variation by region or city.
Housing Analysis
Map affordability, building types, and housing quality.
Health and Accessibility
Track chronic illness or healthcare access across provinces and regions.
Climate and Agriculture
Map land use change or farm production by census agriculture region.
Working with StatCan Data in GIS Tools Like Atlas
- Start with the right boundary file – Choose the smallest geography needed for your analysis.
- Use GEOUID for joins – This unique code links data tables to shapefiles.
- Normalize metrics – Use percentages or rates, not raw numbers.
- Check vintage – Use geography files that match your data year (e.g., 2021 Census).
Files work well in QGIS, ArcGIS, or browser-based tools like Atlas.
Tips and Considerations
- Most data is bilingual – Available in English and French.
- Geographies change over time – Always use the right version.
- Postal code data is restricted – PCCF requires permission or purchase.
- Data licensing – Most datasets are under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.
You can modify, share, and use StatCan data for commercial or non-commercial use with attribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the smallest unit of geography?
The Dissemination Area (DA) — covers 400 to 700 people. Ideal for neighborhood-level mapping.
Is the data really free?
Yes. Most data is free and open. Some postal code data (like PCCF) may require special access.
How often is the census done?
Every five years—most recently in 2021. The next will be in 2026.
Can I map postal codes?
Yes, but you need to use the PCCF file to link postal codes to geography. Access may be restricted.
What is a Census Tract?
Census Tracts are small, stable areas with populations between 2,500 and 8,000. Used in urban areas. Ideal for detailed city mapping.
Can I automate downloads?
Yes. Statistics Canada offers an API to pull data programmatically.
