In the face of dynamic shifts experienced by Canada since 2019, ranging from demographic changes and the rise of e-commerce to housing challenges and evolving work paradigms, it’s increasingly evident that traditional governance mechanisms may not be as effective as they once were. With the advancements in data collection and analytics, governments at all levels must consider a pivot towards a more data-informed approach.
For two decades, Environics Analytics has partnered with Canadian governments at all 3 levels, providing them with nuanced insights that transcend basic demographics. While Statistics Canada remains a beacon of demographic understanding, truly knowing Canadians, especially in today’s fast-paced world, demands a deeper, more integrative approach. Small-area statistical accuracy has been invaluable for data-informed decisions, but the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape necessitates an even more agile approach.
The Speed of Change and the Need for Responsiveness
Previously, annual demographic trends sufficed. But today, with technological advancements, trends are captured quarterly, offering a closer, near-real-time view of changes. The pandemic only accelerated this evolution, compelling us to innovate and adapt at an unprecedented pace. This rapid data acquisition and processing isn’t just a luxury; it’s becoming essential.
Consider a scenario: Service Canada could leverage near real-time immigration insights so that when 10,339 permanent residents choose Halifax as their new home between April 2022 and March 2023, and over 4,000 of them are from India, such insights mean that services can be adapted to cater to the unique needs of these new citizens, leading to more efficient and effective program planning and service delivery.
Or consider another scenario that empowers local governments to truly grasp the impact of remote work on downtown cores. As of June 2023, the downtown cores of Longueuil, Burnaby, Gatineau, and Calgary are still witnessing a 65% decline in return-to-office numbers compared to January 2020. These crucial insights, derived from anonymized, de-identified mobile device observations, provide a granular understanding of urban behavior. As a result, economic and social revitalization programs can be developed for these affected downtown areas, leveraging a mix of consumption and psychographic data about local and visiting populations. The aim? To infuse life back into these neighbourhoods and districts, supporting local communities and small businesses, and creating vibrant urban centers once more.
With the potential to revolutionize program development, service delivery, and overall governance, the integration of data is not just a suggestion—it’s an imperative. Canada, with its rich tapestry of cultures and its ever-evolving demographic landscape, requires an approach that’s as dynamic as its populace. Adopting a data-centric approach isn’t just about staying updated; it’s about future-proofing our governance for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The true strength of the Canadian government lies in its ability to better understand and adapt its mechanisms to its people’s needs. Arming Canada’s government executives with refined, integrated, and privacy-compliant data is not just beneficial, it’s essential. As we embark on this series centered on “Knowing Canadians,” future discussions will delve into Canadians’ perspectives on the environment, health, electric vehicles, and mobility. Embracing comprehensive data is not just the future; it’s the present imperative.
