CCSD has been working on an official position on the NHS over the past several weeks.

In addition, the CDP team will provide assistance on using it, as well as validating findings with the help of other datasets available to the program. We're also aiming to host at least one additional webinar in the spring of 2014 that helps members understand how to use income data from both the NHS and Taxfiler tables.

Here is the official CCSD position on the 2011 NHS (download):

The Canadian Council on Social Development’s (CCSD) approach to social development begins with evidence. Accurate data is critical to this approach.

Despite significant limitations resulting from a voluntary survey replacing the previously mandatory survey, Canada’s 2011 National Household Survey (NHS) produced by Statistics Canada is a necessary tool.

The CCSD’s Community Data Program works with over 400 organisations in over 20 cities & communities across the country to help bring empirical evidence into the day-to-day work of municipal governments and community-based organisations, supporting informed decisions and investments. Outside the Census, the 2011 NHS is the single, largest survey of Canadians. It offers unparalleled depth and breadth of information (demographic, socio-economic and cultural conditions at the scale of municipalities and neighbourhoods) critical to the design and delivery of public services.

The CCSD Community Data Program’s experience and expertise position the team to understand the NHS’ limitations, provide advice on using other data products to validate the findings, offer additional insights, and advise on new tools and technologies.

The CCSD supports accurate, high quality data now and for the future.