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Private Sector Involvement

What work is being contracted out for the 2011 Census?

Activities involving access to or handling of confidential census data are out of scope for contracting, and only undertaken by Statistics Canada employees. As a result, no contractor will ever have access to confidential census responses. Statistics Canada will contract out the provision of goods and services to the private sector, including the acquisition of software, hardware, printing, supplies, postage, courier services, shipping and other miscellaneous services (e.g., faxes, enumerator handbags). 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 total cost of the 2011 Census over a period of seven years is estimated at $600 million. 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.

What are the eligibility requirements to bid on goods and services?

All contracting procedures and processes strictly follow laws, rules and regulations set out by Public Works and Government Services Canada. Contracts for the provision of goods and services in support of the census must also meet 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?

No, 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.

Which contracts have been awarded in support of the 2011 Census?

To date, the following major contracts have been awarded in support of the 2011 Census:

• Following an open, transparent and competitive procurement process, on July 21, 2008, Public Works and Government Services Canada awarded Lockheed Martin Canada a contract to provide Statistics Canada software for its employees to process questionnaires in preparation for and during the 2011 Census. The contract is for $19.7 million and is essentially an upgraded version of the software used by Statistics Canada in 2006.
• Following an open, transparent and competitive procurement process, on July 24, 2008, Public Works and Government Services awarded Transcontinental Yorkville-O'Keefe the printing contract for the 2009 Census test, the 2011 Census and all related services. This contract is for $11.5 million.