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

Andy.kohut@statcan.gc.ca

www.statcan.ca