As you've just heard, the census consultation and testing process for the 2021 census will begin later this year. The process by which the questions for the census are approved is determined by legislation. Section 21 of the Statistics Act states:
The Governor in Council shall, by order, prescribe the questions to be asked in any census taken by Statistics Canada....
To ensure the Canadian public are informed of this decision, the act also requires that the questions be published in the Canada Gazette no later than 30 days after the decision.
For the 2021 census program, Statistics Canada plans to present its recommendations to cabinet in fall/winter 2019, with the goal of having the questions published in the Canada Gazette no later than spring 2020. This timeline is required to ensure all systems and processes are properly adjusted, tested, and finalized for collection to begin in early 2021.
ln closing, Mr. Chair, please let me assure members that Statistics Canada takes its professional responsibilities very seriously, and we remain very committed to producing the highest-quality information using the most innovative methodological approaches at our disposal.
My colleague and I would be happy to address any questions you may have. Thank you.