Survey analysis to reveal what we earn, how we live

The nation’s haves and havenots will be revealed Wednesday when Statistics Canada unveils the final wave of 2011 National Household Survey data, this time with a focus on income and housing.

But the new NHS analysis — to feature breakdowns of everything from Canada’s one-percenters to the lowest income neighbourhoods — isn’t about showing people how they stack up against their neighbours (though that could prove irresistible to some).

Experts in the financial and cultural sectors say the report will be critical in assessing immigration policy, income equity, economic stability and the future of the housing market, among other critical issues affecting taxpayers.

The Canadian Institute for Identities and Migration, for instance, will be watching carefully to see whether the nation’s mosaic is flourishing.

“Employment and income are critical dimensions of whether our immigration programs are successful or not,” said Jack Jedwab, executive vice-president of the Canadian Institute for Identities and Migration.

“This will give us a good sense of income gaps between various demographics in the country, which provides important insight to how well we’re doing in terms of creating conditions of equity.”

Wednesday’s release will include updated data on Canada’s big winners (and losers) in terms of income; the overall rise or fall in salaries; characteristics of the wealthy, along with a contrasting snapshot of low-income neighbourhoods; an unprecedented look at subsidized housing; the state of home ownership, shelter costs and the housing market; and the extent to which education, immigration and gender are factors in financial success.

“All these things are important to policy-makers in terms of trying to ensure that our society offers fair opportunities for everyone,” said Jedwab. “But unlike the (2006 mandatory long-form) census, there may be some credibility concerns.”

Jedwab is referring to the fact that the NHS, because of its voluntary nature, suffers from a non-response bias in certain geographic areas and populations, ultimately translating to data gaps. The survey was sent to roughly 30 per cent of Canadian households and drew a response rate of 68.6 per cent, versus the 2006 census sent to about 20 per cent of households with a response rate of 93.5 per cent.

Nevertheless, analysts say the results will provide a vital snapshot of income and housing activity between 2006 and 2011.