Census learning centre
Introduction to income data

Release date: July 13, 2022

Catalogue number: 982000032021009

Hello and welcome to the “Introduction to income data” video!

This video provides a general overview of the income data collection process and specifies the target population as well as the reference period for income data. It also points out important aspects to consider when looking at income data in conjunction with other demographic, social, ethnocultural, education and labour characteristics.

Subject
Income
Length
00:03:48
Cost
Free
Links

Watch the video

Concept video: Introduction to income data - Transcription

(The Statistics Canada symbol and "Canada" wordmark appear on screen with the title: "Concept video: Introduction to income data".)

Welcome to the “Introduction to income data” video. Income represents one of the key pillars of well-being.

It is one of the most monitored economic indicators amongst policy makers and researchers.

In this introductory video, we will explain

  • How census collects income data
  • For whom and for what reference periods income data are collected
  • Things to consider when income is used in conjunction with other demographic, social, ethnocultural, education and labour characteristics.

We will now look at how census collects income data.

Unlike a lot of other census data, income data are not collected through the census questionnaire.

(An image of the 2021 Census long-form questionnaire with a red cross on it appears on the screen.)

Statistics Canada obtains income information from personal income tax and benefits records.

Not only is it a more cost-effective way to obtain income data, it also reduces the response burden and improves data quality.

(Images of personal income tax and benefit return (T1), Statement of remuneration paid (T4), Statement of Old Age Security (T4A) and Statement of Investment Income (T5) forms appear on the screen.)

There are two income-related questions on the census questionnaire.

(An image of the 2021 Census long-form questionnaire appears on the screen. Question 56 and Question 57 of the questionnaire are displayed alongside the questionnaire.)

Question 56 deals with child care expenses paid, and Question 57 deals with child or spousal support paid.

These two variables are required to help determine poverty status.

More details on Canada’s Official Poverty Line, also known as the market basket measure, or MBM, can be found in the “Low-income concepts and statistics” video found in the census learning centre resource links. Now that we know where the income data come from, let’s talk about whose income is covered by the census and for what reference periods income data are collected. Income data are compiled for all people aged 15 years and over on Census Day, including Canadians living overseas and those living in collective dwellings.

(Images of 2 groups of people, one titled “Under 15 years” and the other titled “15 years and over”, appear on the screen. The ”15 years and over” title is highlighted.)

For dissemination purposes, income products found on the census website typically only feature those living in private dwellings.

(An image of private dwellings appears on the screen.)

Income data are collected every five years for the calendar year prior to the census reference date.

For example, for the 2021 Census the annual income for the 2020 calendar year was collected.

(Images of 12 desktop calendars representing the 12 calendar months, January to December for the year 2020, appear on the screen.)

The year 2020 saw major labour market disruptions, as well as the introduction and enhancement of government income support programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As such, the 2021 Census has enhanced its content and included a few income sources for the 2019 calendar year to facilitate analysis of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Income during COVID-19 pandemic is shown by images of 12 desktop calendars representing the 12 calendar months, January to December for the year 2020.

Income pre-COVID-19 pandemic is shown by images of 12 desktop calendars representing the 12 calendar months, January to December for the year 2019.)

Since income is often analyzed with other characteristics, it is important to take note of the reference period or date for which a particular concept is covered.

(The words “Education”, “Labour", "Housing”, “Social”, “Demographics” and “Ethnocultural” surround the word “Income” on the screen.)

The reference period for income aligns with these labour concepts:

  • Work activity
  • Number of weeks worked
  • Full-time or part-time weeks worked
  • Main reason for not working the full year
  • Main reason for working mostly part-time

However, it does not correspond to the period for these concepts:

  • Labour force status
  • Industry and
  • Occupation

(An image shows reference periods for different concepts. JANUARY 1, 2020 to DECEMBER 31, 2020 is shown as the reference period for Income, Work activity, Number of weeks worked, Full-time or part-time weeks worked, Main reason for not working the full year, Main reason for working mostly part-time. SUNDAY, MAY 2 to SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 is shown as the reference period for Labour force status. JANUARY 1, 2020 to MAY 10, 2021 is shown as the reference period for Industry and Occupation.)

For more details about reference periods, refer to the Census Dictionary and the Income Reference Guide links in the link section above.

(The words "Thank you for watching the Introduction to income data video" appear on screen.)

This concludes the “Introduction to income data” video.

To learn more about income concepts, please refer to the other income videos found in the census learning centre.

(The census logo appears with a link, which is also available to view here: Census of Population.)

For more detailed information regarding concepts, variables, methodology, historical comparability and other elements, please refer to Statistics Canada's census pages.

(The "Canada" wordmark appears. ISBN: 978-0-660-43275-5)

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