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Where did the database originate? How can I gain access to the database? How can I access the actual data referenced? What if I come across a deadlink? Where do these sources come from? How is the Stats Link Canada database organized? How should I use this database?
Find the Canadian data you are looking for right now!
Stats Link
Canada's Source Lists Use our search engine our subject index or browse by subsector to find the statistics that best meet your Canadian research needs. Spend less time searching for data and more time analyzing it!
Where did the database originate? The Stats Link Canada database grew out of the popular source lists found in the back of the GDSourcing research guide Researching a Small Business in Canada. Since 1998, this research guide has been used in business development centres and libraries across Canada to help entrepreneurs find relevant industry and market data. The 2005 issue of Researching a Small Business in Canada is companioned with two separate source list volumes. One covering 2003 releases while the other covers 2004. These source lists were generated from the Stats Link Canada database. If you would like a paper or CD-ROM version of the Stats Link Canada database please see the GDSourcing web site. Please note however that the online version is continually updated with current and back file 2005 references added daily. (See How old are the references? below)
How can I gain access to the database? The Stats Link Canada database is only available to subscribers. For more information on subscriptions and pricing click here. You can test drive the database free of charge to see if the data you require is covered.
How can I access the actual data referenced? All sources listed are available at no cost or low cost (less than $50). They can be easily found in a full depository library, in local libraries, on the Internet, or from government departments directly. All Internet address are linked.
For a list of full depository libraries see: Please note you can access most newspaper and magazine articles referenced through electronic periodical databases. Many public libraries now allow you to access these database from home via the Internet. All you need is a valid public library card.
To find your local library online see:
What if I come across a deadlink? Unfortunately deadlinks are a part of the Internet landscape. While we make every effort to keep our links current, at any given time some will inevitably be dead. Please see our help file on resurrecting deadlinks for advice on how you can solve some deadlink issues yourself. If you come across a deadlink that cannot be easily resolved click on the Report a Deadlink link at the top of every results page. We will let you know the new address for the data or direct you to an archived copy.
Where do these sources come from? The sources are identified by consulting a number of public media outlets. These include Canada Newswire, Statistics Canada, DSP Weekly Check List, Globe & Mail, National Post, Strategy Magazine, Marketing Magazine as well as many other industry specific periodicals and web sites. Generally any poll, survey, study or report which contained Canadian data was included. For professional researchers the sources included may appear to be an odd collection. Some notable databases are not listed while other obscure articles are. The principal criteria for selecting sources was that they presented Canadian data and were accessible at a low cost ($50 or less) or preferably no cost. We have not listed any databases or reports with prohibitive access charges. Where available we have provided links to highlight news releases and free executive summaries of full reports. If you require more detailed information than is provided or wish to purchase the full report please contact the original source for more information on data details and costs. We have not included data related to individual stock performance or on individual companies unless it provided insight into market share or overall market performance. Results of scientific trials and political polls have also been excluded from the database.
Currently Stats Link Canada only contains English releases and studies. Many of the sources identified however are able to provide their data in French. Please contact any relevant sources directly to see if you can access their information in the language of your choice.
Currently the Stats Link Canada database contains references from 2000 to 2004 and 2006 to present. New references are added on a daily basis. There is only partial coverage for 2005. For more information see the Details on Source List Updates page.
How is the Stats Link Canada database organized? The lists are organized into nineteen sector groupings. Each sector is then divided into a number of subsectors. In most cases the subsectors are loosely based on the North American Industry Classification System You will want to consult all sectors and subsectors that are relevant to your business and market. A list of all sectors and subsectors and a description of each category is available in the Sector Glossary. All the references have been assigned to one or more subsectors based on the data included. We have included some references in subsectors even if only a small portion pertains to the subsector in question. Keep in mind that sometimes the data covered within a particular reference is quite different from the subject of the report or article. References have been included based only on their statistical data and have therefore been only categorized according to this specific content. If you are unsure why a particular reference has been included, read its description carefully to identify the relevance.
How should I use this database? Use this database to locate statistics related to your market and industry. The references identify where you can access specific data both online and offline. You will also want to follow up with relevant sources directly. They may have released more current information or may be able to direct you to further reports or data. The best way to approach these lists is to start by browsing through the references covering your major sector and all relevant subsectors. Scan the references listed and follow up on any that appear useful or interesting. Also think about related sectors and subsectors and scan their listings. For example if you are retailing a certain product consult the related manufacturing subsectors for that same product. For a list of sector and subsectors covered please see the Sector Glossary. If you are selling to consumers, consider the characteristics of your target market (age, gender, ethnicity) and browse the relevant subsectors located under the sector heading "Market". You should also keyword search the individual sectors/subsectors or the entire database. For more help on searching see Search Help. For more advice on conducting small business research see the Research Guides tabs located at the top of every page in the Stats Link Canada web site.
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