Statistics Canada has a long history of use of administrative records for statistical purposes. For example, for several decades, vital statistics records have been obtained from the provinces and territories. Other areas where long-standing use has been made of administrative records are agriculture, international trade and transportation.

More recently, since the mid 1990s, Statistics Canada has had access to detailed income tax information (for both persons and businesses). This has expanded the quality and quantity of the statistical information that Statistics Canada produces for its data user community. Just as important is the use of this information to improve the efficiency and quality of our statistical operations. For example, the use of tax data has greatly improved the quality of the Business Register, the basis for all economic statistics.

Administrative information is also used for many other purposes, such as benchmarking to key variables or for data quality evaluation.

The paper will explore current uses of administrative information at Statistics Canada, discuss issues related to the use of administrative information and consider possible future avenues for new uses.

Keywords: Administrative records; Privacy

Biography: Philip Giles has worked at Statistics Canada for 34 years in a variety of positions. He is currently the Director, Data Access and Control Services Division, where he is the Agency's Privacy Coordinator. As well, his division provides advice to managers of statistical programs related to legal and policy requirements.