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The Alberta government and Statistics Canada remain at odds over the province’s sharing of driver’s licence data in what has become a more than seven-year delay that follows multiple requests from the federal statistics agency.
The request is one of four listed as outstanding by Statistics Canada, who is seeking the data under the Statistics Act for census purposes, citing difficulties with data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A key COVID-19 adaptation of the 2021 census is to limit the amount of door-to-door census visits, and therefore addresses become more important in order to mail census invitation letters.”
In an email to Postmedia, the agency notes the records “have long been provided by provinces” but that it has been seeking Alberta’s data since 2016.
“These data ensure we have contact information for residents and that the population counts and characteristics upon which government programs rely, don’t miss groups or areas,” it reads, adding the information is needed to “accurately represent all Canadians.”
It says rural areas are particularly under-represented in census gathering, and data from licences could be used “where the quality of the available administrative data is deemed acceptable.”
Statistics Canada filed another request for the information in May of 2021, seeking “monthly data on an ongoing basis.”
A spokesperson for Service Alberta said the ministry is working with Statistics Canada on its application for the data, but to date no information has been shared.
“A number of steps must be taken to ensure the protection of Albertan’s motor vehicle information before any data can be shared.”
The ministry also noted, “should the government proceed with the application, our Ministry is compelled to put out a notice of public disclosure to Albertans so they clearly understand where their information is going and for what purpose.”
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner told Postmedia it is not aware of any recent discussions on the matter.
The data Statistics Canada is seeking includes names, sex, dates of birth, and addresses.
The information was first requested in May 2016, and again in 2020 when Statistics Canada gave the Alberta government a Sept. 1, 2020 deadline ahead of 2021 census.
A September 2020 briefing note for chief statistician of Canada, Anil Arora, outlines the nature of at least three prior failed attempts to get the information.
“Statistics Canada attempted to engage numerous officials, ministers, and deputy ministers, with no success,” it reads.
“Multiple administrative and legal delays within the Government of Alberta, including a change in government and changes to departmental structures and personnel, prevented the fulfilment of this request.”
In November of 2021, Statistics Canada told CTV News that “we are well on our way to a successful agreement,” though that deal remains elusive nearly three years later.
At the time, Service Alberta blamed an update to “the motor vehicles system” for the delay.
The next census is scheduled for 2026.
