This Web page has been archived on the Web.
2002 December Report of the Auditor General of Canada
December 2002 Report—Chapter 6
Exhibit 6.3—Statistics Canada's Quality Assurance Framework
Relevance. The relevance of statistical information reflects the degree to which it meets the real needs of clients.
Accuracy. The accuracy of statistical information is the degree to which the information correctly describes the phenomena it was designed to measure.
Timeliness. The timeliness of statistical information refers to the delay between the reference point (or the end of the reference period) to which the information pertains and the date on which the information becomes available.
Accessibility. The accessibility of statistical information refers to the ease with which it can be obtained from the Agency.
Interpretability. The interpretability of statistical information reflects the availability of the supplementary information and metadata necessary to interpret and utilize it appropriately.
Coherence. The coherence of statistical information reflects the degree to which it can be successfully brought together with other statistical information within a broad analytic framework and over time.
The Quality Assurance Framework further describes the following elements of the quality management process, including
- guidance for managing each of the six dimensions of quality,
- partnership with suppliers,
- recruitment and training, and
- references to appropriate policies and documents.
Source: Adapted from Statistics Canada's, Quality Assurance Framework, 2002