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2012 Survey of Household Spending (SHS) now available at the Atlantic Research Data Centre

The Survey of Household Spending (SHS) primarily collects detailed information on household expenditures. It also collects information about the annual income of household members (from administrative data files), demographic characteristics of the household, certain dwelling characteristics (e.g., type, age and tenure) and certain information on household equipment (e.g., electronics and communications equipment). The survey is conducted annually in the 10 provinces and usually every other year in the territories.

The SHS combines a questionnaire with recall periods based on the type of expenditure (1, 3 or 12 months, last payment, four weeks) and a daily expenditure diary that selected households complete for two weeks following the interview. As well, data collection is continuous throughout the year.

The survey adjusts collection methods and reference periods to accommodate respondents’ ability to provide accurate information. In general, longer reference periods are used for goods and services that are more expensive or purchased infrequently or irregularly. On the contrary,
shorter reference periods are used for goods and services that are of less value or purchased frequently or at regular intervals.

SHS data are used at Statistics Canada by the System of National Accounts, in particular as input to calculate the gross domestic product (GDP). The data also helps to update the proportions (weights) of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In addition, many federal and provincial
government departments and ministries use the data to develop social and economic policies and programs. Various groups use them to address issues directly or indirectly related to Canadians’ spending habits.

For more information on the Survey of Household Spending: http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=3508

For more information on the ARDC and application procedures: http://atlanticresearchdatacentre.dal.ca/
ardc@dal.ca
902-494-1545

Accessing Stats Can Data through the Dal Libraries

If you’re a researcher who needs access to Stats Can data, the Dalhousie Libraries can help you access public-use microdata files, databases, and geographic files through Stats Canada’s Data Liberation Initiative (DLI). Statistics Canada’s website defines the DLI initiative as “a partnership between post-secondary institutions and Statistics Canada for improving access to Canadian data resources.”

Enhanced access to the DLI files for Dalhousie faculty, students, and researchers is provided through the Equinox interface from the University of Western Ontario. We also have access to the CANSIM and the Canadian Census interfaces through CHASS Data Centre at the University of Toronto. The federal government’s recently developed data portal data.gc.ca is also a good place to check for data.

Equinox allows the user to extract a smaller data set from a large file, such as getting information about Nova Scotia specifically from a data set for all of Canada, we can help with that. Gwendolyn MacNairn and Choi Chua are the new Dalhousie DLI representatives, a role previously filled by Phyllis Ross. Both Gwendolyn and Choi can assist with requests for data extraction.

If you want to do analysis on the data, most people use one of two statistical packages: SAS or SPSS. Choi Chua is our resident expert on both of these statistical packages. Choi has also been appointed to a national task force investigating replacements for the Equinox interface which will cease to be updated after December 31, 2014 and which will be retired in June 2015.

Our LibGuide on Data for the Social Sciences is a great place to look for more information about DLI and data research in general.

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