Respondents have found it less demanding to have two shorter interviews each year instead of one longer interview. Then in May, the majority of information on income is collected because it is easier for respondents to provide that information after they have completed their income tax forms for the end of April. If everyone in the household gives permission for the link to their tax files, there will be no contact with the household in May for the income interview. Although Statistics Canada, with your permission, can have access to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency s files, this is a one-way exchange only. The Agency cannot have access to Statistics Canada s information.
Interviewers conduct the interview by telephone.
Interviewers use a computer to conduct the interview so the information is recorded immediately. Currently, respondents are selected for a survey period of six years. Approximately 35,000 households are surveyed throughout all ten provinces. Information is collected from all household members 16 years of age and older. Even if the member leaves the household, all efforts are made to stay in touch with that person in order to have complete information over the survey period.