Survey of Approaches to Educational Planning - 2025

Respondent information (SCR) - Question identifier:SCR_Q01

Is there a child living in this household who was born between January 1 and December 31, [year]?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Respondent information (SCR) - Question identifier:SCR_Q02

What is this child's first name?

Child's first name

Long Answer Length = 25

Age of child (AOC) - Question identifier:AOC_Q01A

What is your child's date of birth?

Year

Min = 2006; Max = 2024

Age of child (AOC) - Question identifier:AOC_Q01B

What is your child's date of birth?

Month

• 01: January
• 02: February
• 03: March
• 04: April
• 05: May
• 06: June
• 07: July
• 08: August
• 09: September
• 10: October
• 11: November
• 12: December

Age of child (AOC) - Question identifier:AOC_Q01C

What is your child's date of birth?

Day

• 01: 1
• 02: 2
• 03: 3
• 04: 4
• 05: 5
• 06: 6
• 07: 7
• 08: 8
• 09: 9
• 10: 10
• 11: 11
• 12: 12
• 13: 13
• 14: 14
• 15: 15
• 16: 16
• 17: 17
• 18: 18
• 19: 19
• 20: 20
• 21: 21
• 22: 22
• 23: 23
• 24: 24
• 25: 25
• 26: 26
• 27: 27
• 28: 28
• 29: 29
• 30: 30
• 31: 31

Gender of child (GDRC) - Question identifier:GDRC_Q15

What is your child's gender?

• 1: Male
• 2: Female
• 3: Or please specify

Respondent information - Age (AGE) - Question identifier:AGE_R01

This survey should be completed by the parent or guardian most knowledgeable about the strategies used to prepare for your child's postsecondary education. The next few questions are about you.

Respondent information - Age (AGE) - Question identifier:AGE_Q01A

What is your date of birth?

Year

• 1: Year

Respondent information - Age (AGE) - Question identifier:AGE_Q01B

What is your date of birth?

Month

• 01: January
• 02: February
• 03: March
• 04: April
• 05: May
• 06: June
• 07: July
• 08: August
• 09: September
• 10: October
• 11: November
• 12: December

Respondent information - Age (AGE) - Question identifier:AGE_Q01C

What is your date of birth?

Day

• 01: 1
• 02: 2
• 03: 3
• 04: 4
• 05: 5
• 06: 6
• 07: 7
• 08: 8
• 09: 9
• 10: 10
• 11: 11
• 12: 12
• 13: 13
• 14: 14
• 15: 15
• 16: 16
• 17: 17
• 18: 18
• 19: 19
• 20: 20
• 21: 21
• 22: 22
• 23: 23
• 24: 24
• 25: 25
• 26: 26
• 27: 27
• 28: 28
• 29: 29
• 30: 30
• 31: 31

Respondent information - Gender (GDR) - Question identifier:GDR_Q10

What is your gender?

• 1: Male
• 2: Female
• 3: Or please specify

Family background (FB) - Question identifier:FB_R01

The following are general questions about your child.

This survey was designed to have questions addressed to parents or guardians. If you are the child, please attempt to answer the questions from your parents' or guardians' perspective.

Family background (FB) - Question identifier:FB_Q01

What is your child's relationship to you?

Is it:

• 1: Your child (e.g., birth, legal, adoptive or step child)
• 2: Your foster child
• 3: Your grandchild
• 4: Your sibling
• 5: Another family member or relative
• 6: Another non-relative

Family background (FB) - Question identifier:FB_Q05

In your household, which of the following categories best describes the relationship of the parents or guardians to your child?

Is it:

• 1: Two parents or guardians
• 2: One parent or guardian, without a partner
• 3: One parent or guardian, with a partner
• 4: Other relationship

Gender of spouse (GDRS) - Question identifier:GDRS_Q20

What is the gender of your spouse or partner?

• 1: Male
• 2: Female
• 3: Or please specify

Education (ED) - Question identifier:ED_Q05

What is the highest certificate, diploma or degree that you have completed?

• 1: Less than high school diploma or its equivalent
• 2: High school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate
• 3: Trades certificate or diploma
• 4: College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas)
• 5: University certificate or diploma below the bachelor's level
• 6: Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.A. (Hons), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.)
• 7: University certificate, diploma or degree above the bachelor's level

Education (ED) - Question identifier:ED_Q10

What is the highest certificate, diploma or degree that your spouse or partner has completed?

• 1: Less than high school diploma or its equivalent
• 2: High school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate
• 3: Trades certificate or diploma
• 4: College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas)
• 5: University certificate or diploma below the bachelor's level
• 6: Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.A. (Hons), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.)
• 7: University certificate, diploma or degree above the bachelor's level

Education (ED) - Question identifier:ED_Q15

Does your child have another parent or guardian who is involved in their upbringing but who does not live in your household?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Education (ED) - Question identifier:ED_Q20

What is the highest certificate, diploma or degree that your child's other parent or guardian has completed?

• 1: Less than high school diploma or its equivalent
• 2: High school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate
• 3: Trades certificate or diploma
• 4: College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas)
• 5: University certificate or diploma below the bachelor's level
• 6: Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.A. (Hons), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.)
• 7: University certificate, diploma or degree above the bachelor's level

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q01

Has your child attended school at any time since September 2024?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No - your child has not attended school since September 2024
• 3: No - your child is too young to attend school

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q05

Has your child ever attended school?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q10

In what grade [is/was] your child [last/currently] enrolled?

• 01: Any level of kindergarten, pre-primary or grade primary
• 02: Grade 1
• 03: Grade 2
• 04: Grade 3
• 05: Grade 4
• 06: Grade 5
• 07: Grade 6
• 08: Grade 7 or Secondary 1 in Quebec
• 09: Grade 8 or Secondary 2 in Quebec
• 10: Grade 9 or Secondary 3 in Quebec
• 11: Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec
• 12: Grade 11 or Secondary 5 in Quebec
• 13: Grade 12
• 14: Apprenticeship, technical institute, trade or vocational school
• 15: College, CEGEP or other non-university institution
• 16: University
• 17: Other grade

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_R20

The following questions are about your expectations concerning how far your child will go in school.

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q20

How far do you expect that your child will go in school?

• 01: Primary school
• 02: Middle or junior high school
• 03: Secondary or high school
• 04: Learn a trade
• 05: College or CEGEP
• 06: University
• 07: Private business school or private training institute
• 08: Any level of education above secondary or high school
• 09: Other

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q25

Based on your knowledge of your child's schoolwork and report cards, please indicate in percentage how [he is/she is/they are] doing overall during this school year.

Would you say:

• 1: 80% to 100% (mainly A)
• 2: 70% to 79% (mainly B)
• 3: 60% to 69% (mainly C)
• 4: Below 60% (mainly D, E, F or R)

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q30

In the past year, how often have you [or your spouse or partner] talked with your child about [his/her/their] future education or career options?

Would you say:

• 1: Never
• 2: Once or twice during the year
• 3: A few times during the year
• 4: Once or twice a month
• 5: Once a week or more

School experience (SE) - Question identifier:SE_Q35

Who usually initiates these conversations about your child's future education or career choices?

• 1: You [and your spouse or partner]
• 2: Your child

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_R01

The following questions are about any financial plans for your child's postsecondary education.

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q01

[Before you started postsecondary education, did/Currently, do] you [or your spouse or partner] have savings set aside for your child's postsecondary education?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q05

[Is/Was] your child aware of these savings before starting postsecondary education?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 9: DK

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q10

How old was your child when [he/she/they] first became aware of the savings for [his/her/their] postsecondary education?

[Was he/Was she/Were they]:

• 1: 0 to 4 years old
• 2: 5 to 9 years old
• 3: 10 to 14 years old
• 4: 15 to 17 years old

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q15

[Before he/she/they started postsecondary education, how/ How] often [do/did] you [or your spouse or partner] talk with your child about the savings for [his/her/their] postsecondary education?

Would you say:

• 1: Never
• 2: Once or twice a year
• 3: Several times a year
• 4: At least once a month

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q20

Do you [or your spouse or partner] expect to save at a later date for your child's postsecondary education?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 9: DK

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q30

[Did/Does] your child contribute [himself/herself/themselves] to savings for [his/her/their] future postsecondary education?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q35

Apart from savings, [do/did] you [or your spouse or partner] [ / expect to] help your child with the expenses associated with [his/her/their] postsecondary education in any of the following ways?

Such as:

• 01: From using income you earned while your child [is/was/will be] enrolled in a postsecondary program (Include income earned from all sources such as employment, investment and pension.)
• 02: By taking out loans (Exclude student loans)
• 03: From the sale of assets (e.g., real estate or valuables)
• 04: By providing free room and board at home or the use of a car
• 05: By cosigning a loan or paying for some or all of a student loan
• 06: I expect [our/my] savings will be enough
• 07: Other ways
• 08: None of the above

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q40

Is there anyone else, other than you [or your spouse or partner], who [had savings set aside/has savings, who will save, or who will help pay] for your child's postsecondary education?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Financial planning (FPP) - Question identifier:FPP_Q45

What is their relationship to your child?

Is it:

• 1: Your child's other parent or guardian
• 2: A grandparent
• 3: An uncle or aunt
• 4: A family friend
• 5: Other

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_R01

The following questions are about methods that parents or guardians use to save for their children's postsecondary education.

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01A

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Bank accounts in the name of the child or in-trust accounts

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01B

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01H

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01C

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01D

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01E

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Mutual funds, investments or publicly traded stocks that are not in an RESP or RRSP

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01F

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Other types of bank accounts, term deposits, GICs or savings bonds

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q01G

[Are/Were] you [or your spouse or partner] using any of the following methods to save for your child's postsecondary education?

Other

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q03

Specify other savings methods that you [or your spouse or partner] [are/were] using.

Other savings methods

Long Answer Length = 250

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q05

How old was your child when you [or your spouse or partner] started saving for [him/her] with an RESP?

Your child's age

• 01: Less than 1 year of age
• 02: 1
• 03: 2
• 04: 3
• 05: 4
• 06: 5
• 07: 6
• 08: 7
• 09: 8
• 10: 9
• 11: 10
• 12: 11
• 13: 12
• 14: 13
• 15: 14
• 16: 15
• 17: 16
• 18: 17
• 99: DK

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q10

With what type of financial institution [do/did] you have your RESP for your child?

[Is/Was] it:

• 1: A bank
• 2: A Credit Union or Caisse Populaire
• 3: An investment firm (e.g., broker, mutual fund dealer)
• 4: An insurance company
• 5: A group scholarship dealer
• 6: Other

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q15

To what extent [are/were] you satisfied with your RESP, including your RESP provider?

Would you say:

• 1: Very satisfied
• 2: Satisfied
• 3: Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
• 4: Dissatisfied
• 5: Very dissatisfied

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q20

Why [are/were] you not fully satisfied with your RESP, including your RESP provider?

[Is/Was] it because:

• 01: The contract terms, conditions, or rules were not clearly disclosed
• 02: You were unable to make contributions as scheduled in the contract
• 03: The RESP provider made errors setting up the RESP or applying for government money
• 04: High management fees or service costs
• 05: The rate of return on the RESP was not as high as expected
• 06: Negative interaction with service from promoter
• 07: Other
• 08: None of the above

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q30

What was the total value of your child's RESP at the end of 2024?

Was it:

• 01: Less than $1,000
• 02: $1,000 to less than $2,000
• 03: $2,000 to less than $3,000
• 04: $3,000 to less than $5,000
• 05: $5,000 to less than $10,000
• 06: $10,000 to less than $15,000
• 07: $15,000 to less than $20,000
• 08: $20,000 to less than $30,000
• 09: $30,000 to less than $40,000
• 10: $40,000 to less than $50,000
• 11: $50,000 and more
• 12: Started saving with an RESP for your child in 2025

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q35

Is this amount only intended for your child?

• 1: Yes, only for your child
• 2: No, for multiple children

Postsecondary education savings (SS) - Question identifier:SS_Q40

Number of beneficiaries

• 01: 2
• 02: 3
• 03: 4
• 04: 5
• 05: 6
• 06: 7
• 07: 8
• 08: 9

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_R01

The following questions are about Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Government of Canada education savings incentives.

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q01

Are you aware of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q05

Are you aware of the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q10

Are you aware of the Canada Learning Bond (CLB)?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q15

How did you learn about the [Canada Education Savings Grant/Canada Learning Bond/Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond/education savings incentives]?

Was it from:

• 1: The Government of Canada (e.g., mail, website, social media)
• 2: Other levels of governments (e.g., municipal, provincial)
• 3: Financial institutions (e.g., bank, Credit Union or Caisse Populaire, investment firm, insurance company, group scholarship dealer)
• 4: Community-based organizations
• 5: Schools
• 6: Friends and family
• 7: Other

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q20

How old was your child when you first became aware of the [Canada Education Savings Grant/Canada Learning Bond/Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond/education savings incentives]?

Would you say:

• 1: Before [his/her/their] birth
• 2: 0 to 4 years old
• 3: 5 to 9 years old
• 4: 10 to 14 years old
• 5: 15 to 17 years old

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q22

Understandably, there are many reasons why parents or guardians [have not started to/do not] save for their child's postsecondary education. What are the reasons that apply in your situation?

• 01: I will pay or help pay when the time comes
• 02: My child will pay with their own income or savings, or will take out loans
• 03: My child will receive financial assistance from others
• 04: Postsecondary education is not important
• 05: All my money goes to meeting day-to-day expenses
• 06: I want to pay down debt before I start saving
• 07: I have other saving priorities
• 08: It's too early to start; child too young
• 09: Don't have enough financial knowledge
• 10: Don't have access to financial institutions
• 11: Other specify:
• 12: Don't know

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q25

[You have indicated that you [have/had] savings but [are not using/did not use] an RESP/In addition to the reasons for not currently saving for postsecondary education], what are the reasons for not using an RESP?

Is it because:

• 01: I don't have the time to open an RESP account
• 02: I don't have a SIN for my child
• 03: I prefer using other methods to save (e.g., savings account, trust fund, mutual funds, GICs)
• 04: I heard that others had a bad experience with their RESP
• 05: I find it hard to trust financial institutions (e.g., bank, Credit Union or Caisse Populaire, investment firm, insurance company, group scholarship dealer)
• 06: I find it hard to trust the government
• 07: RESPs have too many restrictions
• 08: I wouldn't be able to contribute to an RESP
• 09: I was told by a financial institution that I don't have enough money to open an RESP
• 10: Expected returns on an RESP are not sufficient
• 11: I was not aware that the government adds money to an RESP
• 12: Other reasons
• 13: No reasons related to an RESP

Savings incentives (PA) - Question identifier:PA_Q30

Do you plan to open an RESP in the future?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Indigenous identity (ABM) - Question identifier:ABM_Q01

Are you First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

• 1: No, not First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
• 2: Yes, First Nations (North American Indian)
• 3: Yes, Métis
• 4: Yes, Inuk (Inuit)

Indigenous identity (ABM) - Question identifier:ABM_Q06

Is your spouse or partner First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

• 1: No, not First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
• 2: Yes, First Nations (North American Indian)
• 3: Yes, Métis
• 4: Yes, Inuk (Inuit)

Sociodemographic characteristics (PG) - Question identifier:PG_Q05

The following question collects information in accordance with the Employment Equity Act and its Regulations and Guidelines to support programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural, and economic life of Canada.

Are you:

• 01: White
• 02: South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)
• 03: Chinese
• 04: Black
• 05: Filipino
• 06: Arab
• 07: Latin American
• 08: Southeast Asian (e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai)
• 09: West Asian (e.g., Iranian, Afghan)
• 10: Korean
• 11: Japanese
• 12: Other

Sociodemographic characteristics (PG) - Question identifier:PG_Q06

The following question collects information in accordance with the Employment Equity Act and its Regulations and Guidelines to support programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural, and economic life of Canada.

Is your spouse or partner:

• 01: White
• 02: South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)
• 03: Chinese
• 04: Black
• 05: Filipino
• 06: Arab
• 07: Latin American
• 08: Southeast Asian (e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai)
• 09: West Asian (e.g., Iranian, Afghan)
• 10: Korean
• 11: Japanese
• 12: Other

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q01B

Where were you born?

• 1: Born in Canada
• 2: Born outside Canada

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q01B_2

Select the country

• 1: Searchable dropdown menu with country names
• 2: Other

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q03

Are you now, or have you ever been a landed immigrant?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q04

In what year did you first become a landed immigrant?

Year of immigration

Min = 0; Max = 4

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q05C

Are you a Canadian citizen?

• 1: Yes, a Canadian citizen by birth
• 2: Yes, a Canadian citizen by naturalization
• 3: No, not a Canadian citizen

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q11B

Where was your spouse or partner born?

• 1: Born in Canada
• 2: Born outside Canada

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q11B_2

Select the country

• 1: Searchable dropdown menu with country names
• 2: Other

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q13

Is your spouse or partner now, or has ever been a landed immigrant?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q14

In what year did your spouse or partner first become a landed immigrant?

Year of immigration

Min = 0; Max = 4

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship (IM) - Question identifier:IM_Q15C

Is your spouse or partner a Canadian citizen?

• 1: Yes, a Canadian citizen by birth
• 2: Yes, a Canadian citizen by naturalization
• 3: No, not a Canadian citizen

Total household income (THI) - Question identifier:THI_R01

Now a question about total household income.

Total household income (THI) - Question identifier:THI_Q01

What is your best estimate of the total household income received by all household members, from all sources, before taxes and deductions, during the year ending December 31, 2024?

Rounded to the nearest CAN$

Min = -9999999; Max = 9999999

Total household income (THI) - Question identifier:THI_Q02

What is your best estimate of your total household income received by all household members, from all sources, before taxes and deductions, during the year ending December 31, 2024?

• 01: Less than $5,000
• 02: $5,000 to less than $10,000
• 03: $10,000 to less than $15,000
• 04: $15,000 to less than $20,000
• 05: $20,000 to less than $30,000
• 06: $30,000 to less than $40,000
• 07: $40,000 to less than $50,000
• 08: $50,000 to less than $60,000
• 09: $60,000 to less than $70,000
• 10: $80,000 to less than $90,000
• 11: $90,000 to less than $100,000
• 12: $100,000 to less than $150,000
• 13: $150,000 and over