STATISTICS CANADA Meaning and
Definition
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Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency of Canada. Established in 1971, it operates under the provisions of the Statistics Act, which empowers the organization to collect, analyze, and disseminate statistical information on a wide range of economic, social, and demographic subjects.
Statistics Canada's primary objective is to provide high-quality, relevant, and accurate statistical data that supports evidence-based decision-making and policy development in Canada. The agency produces a vast array of statistical information, including data on population, employment, income, prices, trade, health, education, crime, and many other important aspects of Canadian society. This information is crucial for monitoring the country's economy, understanding social trends, evaluating government programs, and facilitating informed decision-making in various sectors.
The agency conducts surveys, censuses, and other data collection initiatives to gather comprehensive and representative data from individuals, households, businesses, and government entities across Canada. The data collected is rigorously processed, validated, and analyzed by statisticians and subject-matter experts to ensure its accuracy and reliability. Statistics Canada also collaborates with other statistical agencies and organizations at the national and international level to harmonize methodologies, exchange best practices, and benchmark data.
The statistical information produced by Statistics Canada is made available to the public through various channels, including reports, publications, databases, and interactive tools. The agency strives to provide accessible and user-friendly platforms that enable individuals, researchers, businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders to access, analyze, and interpret the data effectively. By providing reliable and relevant statistical information, Statistics Canada plays a crucial role in facilitating evidence-informed decision-making, fostering economic and social development, and promoting transparency and accountability in Canada.
Etymology of STATISTICS CANADA
The word "Statistics Canada" is a compound word derived from two components: "statistics" and "Canada".
The term "statistics" originates from the Latin word "statisticum", which refers to "a political state". It evolved into the Italian word "statistica", meaning "knowledge dealing with data about a state or community". The term later entered the English language in the 18th century, referring to the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of numerical data.
"Canada" is derived from the word "Kanata" in the language spoken by the St. Lawrence Iroquoian indigenous people, meaning "village" or "settlement". French explorers and settlers later adopted the term to refer to the lands they discovered and settled in North America. Over time, it came to represent the entire nation.
When combined, "Statistics Canada" refers to the national statistical agency of Canada.
