Survey of Digital Technology and Internet Use - 2021

Business characteristics - Question identifier:1

What was the average number of full-time employees of this business in 2021?
Full-time employment consists of persons who usually work 30 hours or more per week.

Exclude temporary employees; e.g., seasonal, term, contract or casual.

Select the appropriate range.

• 1: 0 to 4
• 2: 5 to 9
• 3: 10 to 19
• 4: 20 to 49
• 5: 50 to 99
• 6: 100 to 249
• 7: 250 to 499
• 8: 500 or more

Internet connection - Question identifier:2

Which connection types does this business use to access the Internet?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Fibre optic line
• 2: Cable Internet
• 3: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) over a telephone line
• 4: Mobile wireless
• 5: Fixed wireless or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot
• 6: Satellite Internet access
• 7: Dial-up over a telephone line
• 8: Municipal wireless
• 9: Other
• : OR
• 10: None
• : OR
• 11: Don't know

Internet connection - Question identifier:3

For which of the following reasons did this business not use the Internet in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: No need
• 2: Cost of service or equipment
• 3: Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• 4: Security or privacy concerns
• 5: Limited access to the Internet
• 6: No access to the Internet
• 7: Available service does not meet business needs
• 8: Other

Internet connection - Question identifier:4

Did Internet-related issues pose serious problems for this business's day-to-day operations in 2021?

Include restrictions at all of this enterprise's business locations.

• 1: Yes
  Which of the following Internet-related issues?
  Select all that apply.
  1. Speed of connection
  2. Reliability of connection
  3. High service cost
  4. Data cap
  5. Other
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Web presence - Question identifier:5

Which of the following types of web presence does this business have?

Web presence refers to Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties.

Exclude websites and apps that are used primarily for instant messaging; e.g., iMessage, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Company websites
  Are any of this business's websites designed for optimized use on a mobile device?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Don't know
• 2: Company apps
• 3: Social media accounts
• 4: Other third-party websites, platforms, apps or online marketplaces
• 5: Paid online advertising
• 6: Free online advertising
• 7: Email marketing
• 8: Other
• : OR
• 9: None

Web presence - Question identifier:6

For which of the following reasons does this business not have a web presence?

Web presence refers to Internet-based locations where information about a business can be found by external parties.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Not required given the nature of this business
• 2: Lack of customer demand
• 3: Set-up costs too high
• 4: Ongoing maintenance and updating costs too high
• 5: Lack of technical expertise to develop, maintain or use
• 6: Other

Web presence - Question identifier:7

Which of the following features do this business's websites offer?

Include websites that are operated by a third party on behalf of this business.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Online purchases of goods or services
• 2: Links to social media or integrated with social media
• 3: Customized websites or information provided for repeat visitors
• 4: Tool for customers to customize or build their own product
• 5: Online booking
• 6: Media-rich content
• 7: Company or third-party blog
• 8: Privacy policy statement
• 9: Secure websites
• 10: Employee-oriented section
• 11: Customer-oriented section
• 12: Meets accessibility standards
• : OR
• 13: None

Web presence - Question identifier:8

Which of the following types of social media does this business currently use?

Exclude websites and apps used for the following reasons:
- primarily for instant messaging; e.g., iMessage, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger
- solely for posting paid advertisements
- solely for communicating with employees.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Social networking websites or apps
• 2: Multimedia content sharing websites or apps
• 3: Company blog or microblog
• 4: Wiki-based knowledge-sharing tools
• 5: Discussion forums
• 6: Other

Web presence - Question identifier:9

For which of the following reasons does this business have a social media account?

Exclude websites and apps used for the following reasons:
- primarily for instant messaging; e.g., iMessage, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger
- solely for posting paid advertisements
- solely for communicating with employees.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Develop company image or market goods or services
• 2: Communicate with customers to resolve complaints, problems or concerns
• 3: Communicate with customers for the development or innovation of goods or services
• 4: Communicate with customers for other reasons
• 5: Collaborate with partners
• 6: Exchange views, opinions or knowledge within the business
• 7: Recruit employees
• 8: Other

Web presence - Question identifier:10

Which of the following types of paid online advertising did this business use in 2021?

Exclude free online advertising.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Pay per click
• 2: Social media ads
• 3: Influencer marketing
• 4: Banner ads
• 5: Interest-based advertising
• 6: Search engine optimization (SEO)
• 7: Programmatic advertising
• 8: Other

Web presence - Question identifier:11

In 2023, how much did this business spend on online advertising?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars. If online advertising spending cannot be separated from total advertising spending, please select "Don't know."

• : Rounded to the nearest CAN$
• : OR
• 1: Don't know

Use of federal government online services - Question identifier:12

In 2021, which of the following activities did this business perform over the Internet to interact with the Canadian federal government?

Include interactions with the Canadian federal government that took place by company employees and third parties on behalf of this business; e.g., accounting company, lawyer, public relations firm.

Exclude interactions with local and provincial levels of government.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Download documents or forms
• 2: Register or change a business name, number or tax account
• 3: Apply for or renew business permits or licenses
• 4: Apply for grants, subsidies, benefits, or government-provided insurance
• 5: Tax declaration
• 6: Other online payments to government organizations
• 7: Obtain data
• 8: File a patent or other intellectual property application
• 9: Submit information related to a government request for proposal (RFP)
• 10: Other
  - Specify other activities
• : OR
• 11: None
• : OR
• 12: Don't know

Use of federal government online services - Question identifier:13

Through which of the following methods does this business interact with the Canadian federal government over the Internet?

Include interactions with the Canadian federal government that took place by company employees and third parties on behalf of this business; e.g., accounting company, lawyer, public relations firm.

Exclude interactions with local and provincial levels of government.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Email
• 2: Government websites
• 3: Government social media accounts
• 4: Instant messaging
• 5: Government mobile apps
• 6: Video conferencing
• 7: Other
• : OR
• 8: Don't know

Use of federal government online services - Question identifier:14

Which of the following devices does this business use to interact with the Canadian federal government over the Internet?

Include interactions with the Canadian federal government that took place by company employees and third parties on behalf of this business; e.g., accounting company, lawyer, public relations firm.

Exclude interactions with local and provincial levels of government.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Computer
• 2: Tablet
• 3: Smartphone
• 4: Other
• : OR
• 5: Don't know

Use of federal government online services - Question identifier:15

Did this business encounter problems when interacting with the Canadian federal government over the Internet in 2021?

Include interactions with the Canadian federal government that took place by company employees and third parties on behalf of this business; e.g., accounting company, lawyer, public relations firm.

Exclude interactions with local and provincial levels of government.

• 1: Yes
  Which of the following problems did this business encounter?
  Select all that apply
  1. Difficulty finding the correct website
  2. Difficulty finding information on the website
  3. Out-of-date information on the website
  4. Lengthy response time from government agents
  5. Other
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Use of federal government online services - Question identifier:16

In 2021, which of the following issues prevented this business from interacting with the Canadian federal government over the Internet?

Include interactions with the Canadian federal government that took place by company employees and third parties on behalf of this business; e.g., accounting company, lawyer, public relations firm.

Exclude interactions with local and provincial levels of government.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Security or privacy concerns
• 2: Complex processes
• 3: Lack of information on the availability of electronic procedures
• 4: Unreliable or slow Internet connection
• 5: Business's technology is incompatible with government systems
• 6: Other
• : OR
• 7: None

E-commerce - Question identifier:17

In 2021, did this business receive orders or make sales of goods or services over the Internet?

Include:
- all sales of this business's goods or services where the order was received, and the commitment to purchase was made, over the Internet, including through web pages, extranet or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Payment can be made by other means.
- sales made on company and third-party websites and apps.

Exclude:
- the delivery of digital products and services for which orders were not made online.
- orders received or commitments to purchase made by telephone, facsimile or email.

• 1: Yes
  Which of the following sources does this business use in conducting e-commerce sales or securing orders online?
  Select all that apply.
  1. Company websites
  2. Company apps
  3. Social media accounts
  4. Other-third party websites, platforms, apps or online marketplaces
  5. Other
• 2: No
  Has this business ever received orders or made sales of goods or services over the Internet?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:18

Which of the following e-commerce features do this business's websites or apps have?

Include websites that are both publicly visible and those requiring user authentication.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Description of goods or services
• 2: Price list for goods or services
• 3: Online reservations and booking of goods or services
• 4: Ability to add items or services to a favourites list on the website
• 5: Online ordering of goods or services
• 6: Online payment
• 7: Customization or design of online goods or services
• 8: Shipping options and associated prices
• 9: Tracking or status of orders
• 10: Button to change the language of the website or app
• 11: Chat with a live agent
• 12: Simulated live agent
• 13: Refund policy statement
• 14: Other

E-commerce - Question identifier:19

Which of the following online payment options are accepted through this business's websites or apps?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Online payment service
• 2: Credit card previously saved or entered at time of purchase
• 3: Debit card previously saved or entered at time of purchase
• 4: Electronic bank transfer
• 5: Prepaid gift card or online voucher
• 6: Reward points or redemption program
• 7: Cryptocurrency
• 8: Other

E-commerce - Question identifier:20

Which of the following types of invoices does this business send?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Paper-form invoices
• 2: Electronic invoices in a standard structure suitable for automated processing
• 3: Electronic invoices not suitable for automatic processing
• : OR
• 4: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:21

What were this business's total gross sales conducted over the Internet in 2021?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars.

• : Rounded to the nearest CAN$
• : OR
• 1: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:22

In 2021, what percentage of the value of this business's gross sales was made over the Internet?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.

• : Percentage
• : OR
• 1: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:23

In 2021, what percentage of the value of this business's gross sales conducted over the Internet were for the following goods and services?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.
Only enter "0" if this business did not have any sales in a particular category.

• a: Digitally delivered goods and services
• b: Other Services
• c: Physical goods

E-commerce - Question identifier:24

In 2021, what percentage of this business's gross sales conducted over the Internet were made to other businesses or governments?

Include all levels of Canadian or foreign governments; i.e., federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous self-government.

Exclude sales made directly to individuals or households.

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.

Enter "0" if this business did not make any online sales to other businesses or governments.

Select "Don't know" if this business cannot distinguish between online sales to individuals, households, businesses or governments.

• : Percentage
• : OR
• 1: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:25

For this business's gross sales conducted over the Internet in 2021, in which of the following regions were the customers located?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Canada
• 2: United States
• 3: Mexico
• 4: Other Latin America and the Caribbean
• 5: China
• 6: Other Asia
• 7: The European Union
• 8: The United Kingdom
• 9: Other regions
• : OR
• 10: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:26

What percentage of this business's gross sales conducted over the Internet were obtained from each of these regions in 2021?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.

Enter "0" if this business did not make any sales to a particular region.

• a: Canada
• b: United States
• c: Mexico
• d: Other Latin America and the Caribbean
• e: China
• f: Other Asia
• g: The European Union
• h: The United Kingdom
• i: Other regions

E-commerce - Question identifier:27

Which of the following automated business systems are used to receive orders via the Internet?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Suppliers' business system
• 2: Customers' business system
• 3: This business's system for business operations
• 4: Other
• : OR
• 5: None
• : OR
• 6: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:28

In 2021, did this business face any challenges in conducting sales over the Internet?

• 1: Yes
  Which of the following challenges did this business encounter?
  Select all that apply.
  1. Goods or services not suitable for online sales
  2. Issues adapting goods or services for online sale
  3. High set-up cost
  4. High maintenance cost
  5. High shipping cost
  6. Logistical issues associated with the implementation or maintenance of e-commerce system
  7. Security concerns
  8. Employees lack the skills, training or experience
  9. Language barriers between the business and customers
  10. Legal issues, barriers or concerns
  11. Other
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:29

For which of the following reasons did this business not conduct sales or receive orders for goods or services over the Internet in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Goods or services not suitable for online sales
• 2: Issues adapting goods or services for online sales
• 3: High set-up cost
• 4: High maintenance cost
• 5: High shipping cost
• 6: Logistical issues associated with the implementation or maintenance of e-commerce system
• 7: Security concerns
• 8: Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• 9: Language barriers between the business and customers
• 10: Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• 11: Other

E-commerce - Question identifier:30

In 2021, did this business order goods or services over the Internet?

• 1: Yes
  Which of the following products did this business order online?
  Select all that apply.
  1. Digitally delivered goods or services
  2. Other services
  3. Physical goods
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

E-commerce - Question identifier:31

Has this business ever used online crowdfunding to generate funds?

Include crowdfunding used for capital generation for business start-up and other business operations.

Exclude crowdfunding used by the business to generate funds for the charitable sector and other charitable causes.

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) - Question identifier:32

Which of the following Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) did this business use in 2021?

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) consist of the hardware, software, networks and media for the collection, storage, processing, transmission and presentation of information (e.g., voice, data, text, images), as well as related services.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Company-wide computer networks
• 2: Industry-specific software
• 3: Software not specific to this business's industry
• 4: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• 5: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) on the Internet
• 6: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
• 7: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags
• 8: Cloud computing
• 9: Internet-connected smart devices, or Internet of Things (IoT)
• 10: Software or hardware using artificial intelligence (AI)
• 11: Advanced robotics
• 12: Big data analytics
• 13: 3D printing
• 14: Blockchain technologies
• 15: Open source software
• : OR
• 16: None

Use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) - Question identifier:33

Has this business faced challenges that limit further integration of ICTs?

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) consist of the hardware, software, networks and media for the collection, storage, processing, transmission and presentation of information (e.g., voice, data, text, images), as well as related services.

• 1: Yes
  Which of the following challenges limited this business's further integration of ICTs?
  Select all that apply.
  1. Lack knowledge of available technologies
  2. Lack of technical expertise or skilled personnel
  3. Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
  4. Cost of technologies or implementation is too high
  5. Employee resistance to introduction of new technologies
  6. Not enough time or resources to implement new technologies
  7. Security or privacy concerns
  8. Internet speed
  9. Internet reliability
  10. Internet access or availability
  11. Legal issues, barriers or concerns
  12. Other
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know
• 4: Not applicable

Cloud computing - Question identifier:34

In 2021, which of the following cloud computing services did this business use?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Cloud-based email
• 2: Cloud-based software
• 3: Processing power to run own software
• 4: Storage capacity
• 5: Cloud-based environment for application development, testing or deployment
• 6: Other
  - Specify other cloud computing services
• : OR
• 7: Don't know

Cloud computing - Question identifier:35

In 2021, how much did this business spend on cloud computing services?

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate in Canadian dollars.

Enter "0" if this business did not have any spending on cloud computing services.

• : Rounded to the nearest CAN$
• : OR
• 1: Don't know

Cloud computing - Question identifier:36

For which of the following reasons did this business use paid cloud computing services in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack of an alternative
• 2: To reduce overall business costs
• 3: Flexibility in accessing documents
• 4: Simplicity of deployment
• 5: Productivity gains
• 6: To improve information sharing and simplify decision making
• 7: Cyber security
• 8: To improve the work environment
• 9: Other

Cloud computing - Question identifier:37

For which of the following reasons did this business not use paid cloud computing services in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack knowledge of available technologies
• 2: No business needs identified
• 3: Free service met business needs
• 4: Cost
• 5: Employee lack the skills, training or experience
• 6: Security or privacy concerns
• 7: Difficulties accessing data or software
• 8: Difficulties transitioning to new software
• 9: Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• 10: Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• 11: Other

Internet of Things (IoT) - Question identifier:38

Which of the following Internet-connected smart devices did this business use in 2021?

Exclude smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Devices for energy consumption management
• 2: Devices for security
• 3: Other consumer-market devices
• 4: Industrial equipment
• 5: Devices for logistics management
• 6: Infrastructure for Internet-connected smart devices
• 7: Other
• : OR
• 8: Don't know

Internet of Things (IoT) - Question identifier:39

For which of the following reasons did this business use Internet-connected smart devices in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack of an alternative
• 2: Cost savings
• 3: Productivity gains
• 4: To improve information sharing and simplify decision making
• 5: Cyber security
• 6: To improve the work environment
• 7: Other

Internet of Things (IoT) - Question identifier:40

For which of the following reasons did this business not use Internet-connected smart devices in 2021?

Internet-connected smart devices are electronic devices that can connect to each other and the Internet through a network. These devices are designed to automatically send and receive information from the Internet on a constant basis.

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.

Examples include smart televisions, Wi-Fi enabled security cameras, automatic car tracking adapter, Canary smart security system, Cisco's connective factory, Phillips bulbs and August smart locks.

Exclude smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack knowledge of available technologies
• 2: No business needs identified
• 3: Cost of service or equipment
• 4: Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• 5: Security or privacy concerns
• 6: Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• 7: Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• 8: Other

Blockchain - Question identifier:41

In 2021, for which of the following purposes did this business use blockchain technologies?

• 1: Transferring assets
• 2: Maintaining a register
• 3: Deploying smart contracts
• 4: Digital identities
• 5: Other
• : OR
• 6: Don't know

Blockchain - Question identifier:42

For which of the following reasons did this business use blockchain technologies in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack of an alternative
• 2: Cost savings
• 3: Productivity gains
• 4: To improve information sharing and simplify decision making
• 5: Cyber security
• 6: To improve the work environment
• 7: Other

Blockchain - Question identifier:43

For which of the following reasons did this business not use blockchain technologies in 2021?

Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed public digital ledger that is used to record transactions across many computers so that any involved record cannot be altered retroactively, without the alteration of all subsequent blocks.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack knowledge of available technologies
• 2: No business needs identified
• 3: Cost of service or equipment
• 4: Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• 5: Security or privacy concerns
• 6: Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• 7: Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• 8: Other

Artificial intelligence (AI) - Question identifier:44

In 2021, which of the following artificial intelligence technologies did this business use?

Exclude the use of search engines and personal virtual assistants.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Machine learning
• 2: Virtual agents
• 3: Automatic speech recognition
• 4: Face recognition systems and other image-analysis software
• 5: Hardware with integrated artificial intelligence
• 6: Technologies that automate workflows or assist in decision making
• 7: Other
  - Specify other artificial-intelligence-based technologies
• : OR
• 8: Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) - Question identifier:45

Does this business use artificial intelligence technologies for any of the following purposes?

Exclude the use of search engines and personal virtual assistants.

Select all that apply.

• 1: For marketing or sales
• 2: For production processes
• 3: For business administration processes
• 4: For management of enterprises
• 5: For logistics
• 6: For ICT security
• 7: For human resources management or recruiting
• 8: Other
  - Specify other purposes for using artificial-intelligence-based technologies
• : OR
• 9: Don't know

Artificial intelligence (AI) - Question identifier:46

For which of the following reasons did this business not use software or equipment incorporating artificial intelligence technologies in 2021?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analyzing their environment and taking actions - with some degree autonomy - to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based or embedded in a device.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack knowledge of available technologies
• 2: No business needs identified
• 3: Cost of service or equipment
• 4: Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• 5: Security or privacy concerns
• 6: Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• 7: Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• 8: Other

Data - Question identifier:47

Did this business obtain or collect information on its customers or clients in 2021?

Include data obtained or collected by a third party.

• 1: Yes
  From what sources did this business obtain or collect information on customers or clients?
  Select all that apply.
  1. Directly provided by customers or clients
  2. Using web tracking technologies
  3. Data mining
  4. Contracted third party
  5. Loyalty or reward programs
  6. Other
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Data - Question identifier:48

Is any of the customer or client information stored electronically?

• 1: Yes
  In which of the following locations do the servers, on which the data are stored, reside?
  Select all that apply.
  1. In Canada
  2. Outside of Canada
  : OR
  3. Don't know
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Data - Question identifier:49

What methods did this business use to protect customer or client information collected or stored electronically in 2021?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Store data offline
• 2: Limit access
• 3: Encryption of data
• 4: Protection by third party
• 5: Other
• : OR
• 6: None
• : OR
• 7: Don't know

Big data analytics - Question identifier:50

In 2021, for which of the following reasons did this business use big data analytics?

Select all that apply.

• 1: Market analysis
• 2: Targeted marketing
• 3: Adjusting inventories
• 4: Performance measurement
• 5: Other
• : OR
• 6: Don't know

Big data analytics - Question identifier:51

In 2021, for which of the following reasons did this business not use big data analytics?

Big data analytics is a set of techniques and tools used to process and interpret large volumes of data that are generated by the increasing digitisation of content, the greater monitoring of human activities and the spread of the Internet of Things (IoT). It can be used to infer relationships, establish dependencies, and perform predictions of outcomes and behaviours. Big data analytics also enable machine learning, a driver of AI.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Lack knowledge of available technologies
• 2: No business needs identified
• 3: Cost of service or equipment
• 4: Employees lack the skills, training or experience
• 5: Security or privacy concerns
• 6: Incompatibility with existing equipment or software
• 7: Legal issues, barriers or concerns
• 8: Other

Skills and employment - Question identifier:52

In 2021, which of the following Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) services were provided to this business, whether by employees or a third party?

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) consist of the hardware, software, networks and media for the collection, storage, processing, transmission and presentation of information (e.g., voice, data, text, images), as well as related services.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Maintenance of ICT infrastructure
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 2: Service and support for software
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 3: Development or maintenance of e-business systems
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 4: Development or maintenance of web solutions
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 5: Security
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 6: Data analytics
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 7: Development of ICT architecture
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  OR
  o Don't know
• 8: Other
  What other services were provided?
  - Specify other services provided
  Is it possible to identify which of the following parties provided these services? If so, select "Yes" and then select all that apply. If the parties that provided these services cannot be identified, please select "No".
  1. Yes
  Which of the following parties provided these services?
  Select all that apply.
  o Company employee
  o Supplier of software or hardware
  o Contractors or consultants
  2. No
• : OR
• 9: Don't know
• : OR
• 10: Not applicable

Skills and employment - Question identifier:53

In 2021, did this business employ one or more ICT specialists?

ICT specialists are employees for whom ICT-related activities are central to their job; for example, they may develop, operate or maintain ICT systems or applications.

Include both part-time and full-time employees.

Exclude ICT specialists working for other companies that are contracted to do this company's ICT-related work.

• 1: Yes
  What percentage of this business's total number of employees are ICT specialists?
  If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.
  o Percentage
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Skills and employment - Question identifier:54

What percentage of this business's ICT specialists identify as the following genders?

Gender refers to current gender, which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.

Exclude ICT specialists working for other companies that are contracted to do this company's ICT-related work.

If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate.

• a: Female
• b: Male
• c: Another gender

Skills and employment - Question identifier:55

In 2021, did this business provide training to develop or upgrade ICT-related skills of its ICT specialists?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Skills and employment - Question identifier:56

In 2021, did this business provide training to develop or upgrade ICT-related skills of employees that are not ICT specialists, but that use ICTs during their day-to-day tasks?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know
• 4: Not applicable

Skills and employment - Question identifier:57

In 2021, did this business have job vacancies for ICT specialists?

Include both part-time and full-time employees.

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Skills and employment - Question identifier:58

In 2021, did this business attempt to recruit ICT specialists?

Include:
- both part-time and full-time employees
- recruitment or hiring of ICT specialists for this business done by a third party.

• 1: Yes
  In 2021, did this business attempt to recruit ICT specialists from outside of Canada?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Don't know
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Skills and employment - Question identifier:59

Did this business experience any of the following challenges in filling job vacancies for ICT specialists in 2021?

Include recruitment or hiring of ICT specialists for this business done by a third party.

Select all that apply.

• 1: Applicants lacking skills
• 2: Salary requests too high
• 3: Not enough time for effective recruitment
• 4: Lack of candidate interest in the position
• 5: Other
• : OR
• 6: None
• : OR
• 7: Don't know

Skills and employment - Question identifier:60

Did this business offer employees the option to telework in 2021?

Telework is a flexible working practice that allows employees to work outside the business's traditional work environment on a network enabled by digital technology.

Include both part-time and full-time employees.

• 1: Yes
  What percentage of this business's employees teleworked at some point in 2021, regardless of the number of hours worked? If precise figures are not available or the year is not yet complete, please provide your best estimate. Exclude overtime occasionally performed at home.
  o Percentage
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

Skills and employment - Question identifier:61

Does this business provide portable electronic devices to employees that can be used for teleworking?

Include all electronic devices that are capable of connecting to the Internet or mobile wireless networks; e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops.

Exclude devices that are not capable of connecting to the Internet or mobile wireless networks.

• 1: Yes
  Does this business pay for mobile wireless connections to the Internet for portable electronic devices it provides to employees?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Don't know
• 2: No
• 3: Don't know

General information - Question identifier:62

What is this business's website address?

We may also visit this business's website to search for additional publicly available information using automated methods, being careful not to impede the functionality of the website.

• : Website address
  Example: www.example.gc.ca