Surveys and Analysis: Confidentiality	For more information contact Martin Monkman (250) 356-0025

The Statistics Act, RSBC 1996 sets out the mandate for BC Stats, and provides it with powers that are critical to effective survey research. The most important is the ability to protect the confidentiality of survey returns. This allows businesses to respond in confidence that they will not suffer any competitive disadvantages, and it allows individuals to reply frankly on matters of opinion, such as on client satisfaction surveys, without the possibility of personal identification.

Since the Statistics Act operates notwithstanding most provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, respondents are assured of complete protection. This is a guarantee that can not be offered by other government ministries or agencies.

Another major advantage of the Statistics Act is the access it gives to confidential information collected by Statistics Canada. Such information can often serve as a valuable supplement to information collected by direct BC Stats' surveys.

Finally, the Statistics Act sets out the mandate of the agency, including an explicit responsibility to co-ordinate the statistical activities of the Government of British Columbia.