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Contracting out

What work is being contracted out for the 2011 Census?

Statistics Canada will contract out goods and services which include the acquisition of software, hardware, printing, supplies, postage, shipping and courier services. This is consistent with contracts issued for previous censuses.

What is the estimated value of all the services Statistics Canada will be contracting out?

The Census relies on a number of goods and services from the private sector. The value of the anticipated requirements from the private sector is estimated at $100 million.

Are non-Canadian firms permitted to submit proposals for this work?

Statistics Canada strictly follows contracting laws, rules and regulations set out by Public Works and Government Services Canada. Firms in North America are eligible to bid on this work, and must meet our stringent security requirements.

Will any contractor have access to census returns?

Only Statistics Canada employees will have access to completed census returns. No contractor will ever be in possession or have access to confidential census returns.

All Statistics Canada employees are sworn to secrecy under the Statistics Act – and subject to fines and penalties if they breach their oath.

Will anyone other than Statistics Canada staff have access to census returns?

Only Statistics Canada employees will have access to completed census returns. All Statistics Canada employees are sworn to secrecy under the Statistics Act – and subject to fines and penalties if they breach their oath.