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Data Files

An Extensive Collection of Core Surveys and Administrative Data Files for Groundbreaking Research

RDC datasets include key Statistics Canada surveys such as the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), General Social Survey (GSS), Census data, and many more.

In addition to core surveys, we offer access to administrative data files such as the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) and the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB). Our linked administrative data sets provide even deeper insights, connecting various datasets for comprehensive analysis.

For a complete list of available data files and more detailed information, please see the CRDCN data page or contact our RDC staff.

Information Box Group

How Does a Master File Differ from a Public Use Microdata File?

Master files in the RDC offer several advantages over the ‘public’ files available through the Data Liberation Initiative (DLI) to the McMaster research community. Here are the key differences:

  • Comprehensive Data: Master files contain the full sample of respondents, unlike Public Use Microdata Files (PUMFs), which may only include a subset.
  • Detailed Variables: They offer additional categories for variables such as income, education, and ethnicity.
  • Granular Geography: Master files provide lower levels of geographic detail, such as census tracts or dissemination areas.
  • Precise Values: They include discrete values for certain variables, like exact age or body weight, which are not available in PUMFs.
  • Additional Concepts: Master files may contain other concepts not found in PUMFs.
  • Derived Variables and Weights: They include derived variables and bootstrap weights necessary for calculating variance.

RDC access is particularly valuable for analytical work when a PUMF is unavailable, lacks sensitive variables needed for analysis, or when longitudinal data linkage is required.

Micro Data Files: The Foundation of Detailed Research

Micro Data Files are datasets that contain individual-level data collected from surveys, censuses, and administrative records. Unlike aggregated data, which summarizes information at a higher level, microdata provides detailed records for each respondent or unit of observation. This allows researchers to perform in-depth analyses and uncover nuanced insights.

At the McMaster University RDC, we offer access to a wide range of microdata from Statistics Canada, including core surveys and administrative data files. These datasets are essential for conducting rigorous and impactful research in the social sciences.

Core Surveys

Our core surveys encompass a wide range of critical data sources, including:

  • Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)
  • General Social Survey (GSS)
  • Census (1991 to 2016)
  • Labour Force Survey (LFS)
  • Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS)
  • Ontario Child Health Study (OCHS)
  • Survey of Household Spending (SHS)
  • Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS)

Additional datasets are available.

Administrative Data Files

Our administrative data files provide comprehensive datasets for in-depth research, including:

  • Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR)
  • Canadian Vital Statistics Database (CVSD)
  • Longitudinal Administrative Databank (LAD – T1FF tax file)
  • Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB)
  • Employment Insurance Status Vector (EISV)

Additional datasets are available.

Linked Administrative Data

Our linked administrative data sets provide comprehensive insights by connecting various datasets. These include:

  • CCHS linked to DAD (Inpatient stay)
  • CCHS linked to NACRS (Emergency and day surgery)
  • CCHS linked to OMHRS (Ontario Mental Health Reporting System)
  • CCHS linked to IMDB
  • CCHS linked to Census 2016
  • CCHS linked to CVSD (Death)
  • IMDB linked to DAD
  • Census linked to DAD

Additional datasets are available.

Business Research Microdata (BRM) 2000-2022

Unlock Firm-Level Insights for Your Research

Our Business Research Microdata (BRM) spans from 2000 to 2022 and includes core firm-level variables (these include variables from the balance sheet, statements of income, employment slips, etc. of enterprises in Canada). This dataset is based on comprehensive sources such as Statistics Canada’s Business Register, T2 tax records, T4 slips, and more.

For a complete list of available data or further information, please contact the McMaster RDC staff.

Selected Statistics Canada Surveys

Below is a curated list of surveys and datasets available at the McMaster RDC. Each entry includes details on target populations, sample sizes, survey design, and selected content.

Please note that some concepts may differ between publicly available data and the master files housed in the RDC. For more detailed information, please contact our staff.

A more comprehensive list of data sets can be found on the CRDCN Data page.

Quick Links

Newly Released and Current Files Learn More

Explore datasets on the Canadian Research Data Centre Network website.

Data File Documentation Learn More

View available RDC data sets on the Statistics Canada website.