Annual Capital Expenditures Survey: Actual, Preliminary Estimate and Intentions (CAPEX)

Summary of changes

Activity on this program started: 1946

Reference period of change - 2018

Since Reference Year 2018, the link to the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) for all tables has been updated from NAICS2012 to NAICS2017 version 3.0 (addition of cannabis industries). In addition, the methodology changed from a two phase sample design to a single phase with a larger sample size.

Reference period of change - 2017

Since Reference Year 2017, the link to the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) for all tables has been updated from NAICS2012 to NAICS2017 version 1.0.

Reference period of change - 2014

Since January 2014, the link to the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) for all tables has been updated from NAICS1997 (NAICS2002 for CANSIM table 029-0013) to NAICS2012.

Reference period of change - 2013

As part of a corporate initiative to improve data coherence across the economic survey program, the annual Capital and Repair Expenditures (CAPEX) program, along with several other economic surveys, was recently redesigned. More cohesive methods and processes have been applied to the redesigned surveys, and the latest available standards for industry and commodity coding have been implemented. The CAPEX program is part of the new economic survey model, which is called the Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP). These changes took effect when data for the reference year 2013 were released, in May 2015.

Reference period of change - 2009

Data sources - At the end of 2008, Statistics Canada measured the capital investment intentions for non-residential construction and machinery and equipment for 2009. Since the economic conditions had changed considerably, Statistics Canada was given the mandate to re-evaluate the 2009 capital investment intentions for businesses, institutions and organizations. These data were collected from May 11 to June 26, 2009.

Reference period of change - 2007

Revisions and seasonal adjustment - Up to reference period 2006, provided data was adjusted to represent the calendar year. Starting with reference year 2007, the data published is reflecting data provided by respondents based on their fiscal period and no calendar adjustment is applied.

Reference period of change - 2005

Data back to 1998 have been revised significantly to reflect changes made to the survey to improve coverage of small businesses, capital items charged to operating expenditures and better information received from respondents after the reference periods were closed. The data are now more closely aligned with the figures for Gross Fixed Capital Formation in the system of national accounts. This change will not have any impact on GDP in the revised years. For information on these changes please refer to the document entitled "Sources and Methods" available in the "Documentation" section located at the end of the detailed information for this survey.

Reference period of change - 2004

Usage of the « Revised Forecast » questionnaires was discontinued as a source of data for the survey. These questionnaires were last used to collect data on revised intention for 2003.

Reference period of change - 2002

Since 2002, all figures reflect the changes to the machinery and equipment series for the inclusion of all software expenditures as capital. This change to the concept used for capital is required by the System of National Accounts.

Reference period of change - 2000

Significant changes were implemented to the survey in 1999 to derive the estimates for the « Intentions 2000 », Preliminary Actual 1999 », Revised Intentions 1999 » and « Actual 1998 ». Historical data were recalculated on the same basis back to 1991 to ensure continuity. Note that the data were collected and compiled on the new North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) basis to provide for greater international comparability of economic data; this will differ markedly from the previously used Standard Industrial Classification (1980 SIC). As well data were produced on a January-December calendarized basis and conform to the System of National Accounts concept for capital.

For methodology notes concerned with backcasted NAICS data for reference years 1991 to 1999, please refer to Section 3.5 of the document "Sources and Methods" available in the "Documentation" section located at the end of the detailed information for the 2000 reference year for this survey.

For a complete history of the survey since 1946, please refer to Section 3.7 of the document "Sources and Methods" available in the "Documentation" section located at the end of the detailed information for the most recent reference period for this survey.