Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS)

• APS 1991
• APS 2001

Overview
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Questionnaires

Overview

The Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) provides data on the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal people in Canada. It was conducted previously in 1991 and in 2001. The survey was designed and implemented in partnership with national Aboriginal organizations.

In 2006 information is being collected for both adults and children age six and above. For children and youth aged 6 to 14, data on health and health care utilization, activities of daily living and conditions, physical injuries, dental care, nutrition, education, social activities and relationships, language and general information about the household are being collected. For adults aged 15 and over, data on education, language, labour activity, health, communication technology, mobility and housing are being collected for all Aboriginal groups across Canada. Additional data are being collected for the Inuit on household and harvesting activities, personal wellness, community wellness and social participation. For the Métis data on family background, child welfare, social interaction and health are also being collected.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
Why is it important?
How was the survey developed?
How many people will be surveyed?
Who will be asked to respond?
Where will the survey be conducted?
Are you surveying on reserves?
Where did you get my name (the name of my child)? How did you get my (my child's) phone number?
I thought that Census information was confidential.
I have participated in a Statistics Canada survey already. Why did you select me for another one?
What about confidentiality?
When will the survey take place?
When will the results be available?
Who will use the data?
Do I have to participate?

What is the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?

This is a national survey of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and will provide valuable data on the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

Why is it important?

Data from the survey will provide information specific to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and can be used to:

• honour and acknowledge cultural values and diversity
• raise awareness of strengths and challenges
• provide up-to-date information and a picture of the current situation
• track changes over time
• allow good policy decision-making regarding services for people
• assist in advocating for resources.

How was the survey developed?

The survey was developed by Statistics Canada in partnership with national Aboriginal organizations and federal and provincial/territorial governments.

How many people will be surveyed?

About 60,000 people will be interviewed.

Who will be asked to respond?

Parents or guardians will be asked questions about their children aged 6 to 14. Children 15 to 17 years of age will respond to questions with the parent’s permission. Adults 18 years of age and over will be asked to respond to questions about themselves.

Where will the survey be conducted?

Information will be collected about Aboriginal peoples living off reserve in urban, rural and remote locations throughout Canada.

Are you surveying on reserves?

We plan to conduct the survey on reserves at a later time and we are currently having discussions with First Nations leadership to determine the process.

Where did you get my name (the name of my child)? How did you get my (my child's) phone number?

It was obtained from your 2006 Census form that was filled out by you or someone else in your household.

Your Census form indicated that Census information may be used to select respondents for some Statistics Canada surveys. The Aboriginal Peoples Survey is one of these surveys.

Using names from the Census enables us to identify respondents who might otherwise be difficult to locate. By doing this, the costs involved are greatly reduced.

I thought that Census information was confidential.

Census information is confidential.

Your Census form indicated that Census information may be used to select respondents for some Statistics Canada surveys. The Aboriginal Peoples Survey is one of these surveys.

Using names from the Census enables us to identify respondents who might otherwise be difficult to locate. By doing this, the costs involved are greatly reduced.

I have participated in a Statistics Canada survey already. Why did you select me for another one?

This can happen because survey participants are randomly selected. Sometimes the characteristics we seek from one survey to another may overlap.

Each survey has its own distinct objectives and the different information collected help in good decision-making on various programs and services.

What about confidentiality?

Surveys done by Statistics Canada must comply with the Statistics Act. This means that by law, all of the information must be kept confidential. Survey results will be grouped together to ensure that individuals cannot be identified.

When will the survey take place?

Information will be collected from October 2006 until January 2007.

When will the results be available?

Survey data will be available in the fall of 2008.

Who will use the data?

The information will be used by communities, organizations, service providers, researchers, the general public, and governments.

Do I have to participate?

This is a voluntary survey and your participation is important to make sure the data provides a clear picture of the current situation of Aboriginal peoples.

Questionnaires

If you would like to obtain a copy of the questionnaires for reference please contact us.