National Household Survey (NHS)

Detailed information for May 2014 (Test)

Status:

Inactive

Frequency:

One Time

Record number:

5178

Complementing the data collected by the census, the National Household Survey (NHS) is designed to provide information about people in Canada by their demographic, social and economic characteristics as well as provide information about the housing units in which they live.

In May 2014, Statistics Canada is testing questionnaire content and the collection methodology in preparation for the 2016 Census and NHS. Testing ensures that quality data are available to support a wide variety of programs including healthcare and education.

Description

Starting in 2011, information previously collected by the mandatory long-form census questionnaire is collected as part of the voluntary National Household Survey (NHS). The NHS provides information about the demographic, social and economic characteristics of people living in Canada as well as the housing units in which they live.

The information from the survey provides data to support federal, provincial, territorial and local government planning and program delivery.

In May 2014, Statistics Canada is testing questionnaire content and the collection methodology in preparation for the 2016 Census and NHS. Testing ensures that quality data are available to support a wide variety of programs including healthcare and education.

A random sample of 55,000 dwellings (across Canada) has been selected to participate in this Census Test. Some households have been selected to answer additional questions as part of the voluntary National Household Survey (NHS). Complementing the data collected by the census, the NHS is designed to provide information about people in Canada by their demographic, social and economic characteristics.

Information from the census and NHS is used by all levels of government, businesses, and various social service organizations and ethno-cultural organizations.

The data are used in the administration of government programs and in planning for such things as:

- pensions
- healthcare
- employment programs
- new schools
- public transit
- hospitals
- daycare centres.

Statistical activity

The term 'Census Program' is used to refer in a general way to the Census of Population (record number 3901) and, if applicable, any accompanying survey conducted at the time of the census. The Census Program consists of two parts: a short questionnaire (census) with a basic set of questions distributed to 100% of households, or a long questionnaire (National Household Survey - record number 5178) distributed to a 33% sample of households.

Subjects

  • Education, training and learning
  • Families, households and housing
  • Immigration and ethnocultural diversity (formerly Ethnic diversity and immigration)
  • Income, pensions, spending and wealth
  • Indigenous peoples (formerly Aboriginal peoples)
  • Labour
  • Languages
  • Population and demography
  • Society and community

Data sources and methodology

Target population

The NHS covers all persons who usually live in Canada, in the provinces and the territories. It includes persons who live on Indian reserves and in other Indian settlements, permanent residents, non-permanent residents such as refugee claimants, holders of work or study permits, and members of their families living with them.

Foreign residents such as representatives of a foreign government assigned to an embassy, high commission or other diplomatic mission in Canada, members of the armed forces of another country stationed in Canada, and residents of another country who are visiting Canada temporarily are not covered by the NHS. The survey also excludes persons living in institutional collective dwellings such as hospitals, nursing homes and penitentiaries; Canadian citizens living in other countries; and full-time members of the Canadian Forces stationed outside Canada. Also excluded are persons living in non-institutional collective dwellings such as work camps, hotels and motels, and student residences.

The May 2014 National Household Survey Test has the same target population as the National Household Survey with the following exceptions: persons who live in the territories and persons who live on Indian reserves and in other Indian settlements.

Instrument design

Prior to each Census of the Population and National Household Survey (NHS), Statistics Canada undertakes a three to four-year process to review content by consulting with users of data, testing, and developing the questionnaire to ensure the content reflects changes in Canadian society. Factors considered in developing content include legislative requirements for information, program and policy needs, the burden on the respondent in answering the questions, privacy concerns, input from consultations and testing, data quality, costs and operational considerations, historical comparability, and the availability of alternate data sources.

Leading up to the 2014 Census and NHS Tests, Statistics Canada held content consultations on the census and NHS questionnaires, which included receiving submissions, meeting and having conference calls with various data users, such as federal government departments and agencies, provincial and territorial government departments, local governments, the general public, libraries, academia, special interest groups, the private sector and licensed distributors of census data. Consultations for the 2016 Census and NHS content began in September 2012.

Qualitative testing was conducted with the help of Statistics Canada's Questionnaire Design Resource Center (QDRC), which aided in testing iterations of the questionnaires that were based on the 2011 Census and NHS questions. The questionnaires were tested with QDRC in June 2013, September 2013, and January 2014.

The changes to the NHS content for the 2014 Test include;
- some changes to the wording and sequence of the questions
- some revised instructions
- removal of certain questions from the NHS.

Before each census and NHS, Statistics Canada tests the questionnaire content, processing and collection systems. The 2014 Census and NHS Tests will take place between May 2nd, 2014 to June 30th, 2014. For the test, panels of questionnaires will be used to evaluate the impact of content changes on data quality. The content is defined as questions wording and response categories, paper questionnaire format and usability, and the Electronic Questionnaire (EQ) applications, functionalities and usability.

The following self-administered questionnaires will be used (both paper and electronic questionnaires):

- the N1
- the N1.s
- the N1.1 (the control version of the NHS with questions from the 2011 Census/NHS)

In accordance with the Statistics Act, the questions for the Census of Population 2014 Census test were prescribed by the Governor in Council through an Order in Council April 16, 2014.

Sampling

This is a sample survey with a cross-sectional design.

A random sample consisting of 40,000 dwellings was selected for the 2014 National Household Survey Test. This sample was selected from the 2011 Census of Population dwelling list.

These 40,000 dwellings are split among 6 panels which will be compared to measure the impact of various proposed changes to the National Household Survey content. These panels will receive different questionnaire versions or will be contacted through different collection methodologies. The sample is stratified to ensure coverage of a variety of geographic areas and of multiple response modes while taking into account operational constraints.

Data sources

Data collection for this reference period: 2014-05-02 to 2014-06-30

Responding to this survey is voluntary.

Data are collected directly from survey respondents.

The 2014 Census and NHS Test reference date is May 13, 2014.

Collection includes response by Internet, paper, the Census Help Line, and non-response follow-up. The 2014 NHS test questionnaires consist of 3 versions of the questionnaire. Census questions will also be collected by the Census forms, record number 3901.

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