TMU Research Data Centre

Toronto Metropolitan University’s Statistics Canada Research Data Centre (RDC) provides researchers with access to social science, health, economic and business data from Statistics Canada in a secure computing environment. RDC researchers have access to more detailed information than is available in public use microdata files.

The TMU RDC is part of the Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN), a research and training platform for over 2,500 researchers in the quantitative social and health sciences in Canada. The Network provides unique access to Statistics Canada data on campuses across the country to advance knowledge and inform public policy.

The RDC program is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and partner universities.

Statistics Canada maintains a list of datasets available at the RDC. (external link, opens in new window) 

1) Before you Apply

Before submitting an application for access to RDC data, please check whether your research needs can be met using public use microdata files (PUMFs):

• PUMFs from ODESI repository (external link, opens in new window)  
• PUMFs from Statistics Canada (external link, opens in new window) 

Please contact the TMU Data Librarian (opens in new window)  if you need assistance determining the best data source.

2) Applying for Access to RDC Data

TMU researchers can access RDC data by submitting a non-competitive application through Statistics Canada’s Microdata Access Portal.

Submit an application to access RDC data. (external link, opens in new window) 

3) Becoming a Deemed Employee of Statistics Canada

After your application for data access is approved, you must become a “deemed employee” of Statistics Canada, a process which involves obtaining a security clearance (the screening process is managed by Statistics Canada). Refer to “Part 2: Next Steps” of the RDC application process to learn about becoming a deemed employee of Statistics Canada.

4) Accessing RDC Data

Many TMU researchers are eligible for “virtual access” to RDC data using the vRDC platform, which allows researchers to work remotely from an authorized workspace (such as a campus or home office). If you are eligible for virtual access, you will receive information on how to access the vRDC platform after becoming a “deemed employee” of Statistics Canada (external link, opens in new window) .

If you are not eligible for virtual access, you will need to use the physical RDC lab located in the Robarts Library (external link, opens in new window)  at the University of Toronto at 130 St. George Street.

For questions about the RDC program, available data or RDC access, contact us at rdc@torontomu.ca