Workshop on Energy Statistics, China
September 2012
Institutional Arrangements and Legal Framework
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Introduction
What are the prerequisites for establishing a sound national statistical system?
1.Legal framework:• A set of laws & regulations that specify the rights &
responsibilities to collect, provide, produce & disseminate data
• Specifies mandatory reporting
• Describes responsibilities
• Ensures protection of confidentiality
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Introduction
What are the prerequisites for establishing a sound national statistical system?
2. Institutional arrangements:• Processes for collaboration between organizations on:
Collection, data sharing Reduction of respondent burden Harmonization of concepts, definitions, standards Promoting quality Minimizing costs Governance: to monitor, solve problems, coordinate, prioritize
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Legal Framework in Canada
Canada has a “Statistics Act” Mandate of Statistics Canada (SC):
• To collect, compile, analyze, publish statistical information
• To conduct censuses of population and agriculture
• To collaborate with other government departments on data collection, development, dissemination
• To avoid duplication of collection
• To promote an integrated system of national statistics
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Statistics Act
Gives blanket access for SC to all records held by governments
Can compel businesses and individuals to respond Directs SC to guarantee confidentiality of
individually identifiable information Directs SC to publish the information collected
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Statistics Canada
Headed by the Chief Statistician of Canada – a non-political appointee
SC is a separate department with its own budget The centre of a national, centralized statistical
system Sets own workplan and priorities Gets advice from a National Statistics Council
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Core Values
Legitimacy: legal framework Objectivity: non-political interference Responsiveness: useful, relevant activities Confidentiality and security of data Privacy protection Sound methodology: professional standards Access: legal requirement to publish and make data
available
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Centralized Approach -- Advantages
• Centre of expertise on surveys, methodology• Economies of scale: efficient use of infrastructure• Can develop standards, classifications, business register, etc. to
promote quality, comparability• Can promote links between different programs for analysis, data
validation• Can attract, develop and retain professional staff• Helps to avoid duplication of effort, respondent burden• Easier for long-term, strategic planning• Provides better access to data – one stop shopping
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Energy in Canada
Canada is among the largest energy producers and exporters in the world
Energy sector is linked to major policy priorities:• Economy• Energy security• Environment
Data are needed to support policy development But, responsibility for natural resources rests with
provinces - e.g. licensing, regulation
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Energy Statistics in Canada
• SC is Canada’s main source of primary energy data• At SC, 22 energy surveys (monthly, quarterly, annual)• Data gathered directly from respondents or from administrative
sources• Types of data collected:
Supply: volumes of production, distribution, imports Demand: consumption, disposition, exports Financial and technical
• Because provinces are responsible for natural resources, there are many players involved in data collection
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Energy Statistics Data Sources
Data
Repository
National Energy Board Data: Exports and Imports of natural Gas, motor gasoline etc.
Provincial Energy Agencies
British Columbia Alberta Manitoba Saskatchewan Nova Scotia Newfoundland Ontario Data:
Crude oil production Natural gas production Natural gas liquids production
Statistics Canada Energy Statistics Program
22 Surveys
University Research Centers Data:
Refinery fuel gas, diesel petroleum coke
Statistics Canada International Trade Division
Data: Imports of motor gasoline, jet fuel etc.
Territorial Governments
Data: Refined petroleum products
National Energy Board
Northwest Territories Yukon Data:
Crude oil production Natural gas production
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Summary
There are important advantages in having a Statistics Act and a centralized statistical agency
But the decentralized responsibility for natural resources in Canada brings data collection issues – e.g. collecting data from many sources creates challenges for timeliness, standards, comparability, burden
Collaborative efforts are now underway to find ways to improve
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For more information
Other sources of info on legal & institutional arrangements in other countries
United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) Country Practice Templates
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/energy/template/responses_t.htm
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Thank you!
Andy Kohut, Director
Manufacturing and Energy Division
Statistics Canada
Section B-8, 11th Floor, Jean Talon Building
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0T6
Telephone: 613-951-5858
www.statcan.ca
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