The 2006 Canadian Census Hierarchical PUMF

Abstract

This year for the first time, Statistics Canada released a census hierarchical public use microdata file (PUMF). Although PUMFs have been released for each census since 1971 (Boudreau & Manriquez, 2006), the 2006 hierarchical PUMF is different from the separate individuals, families and households PUMFs previously disseminated. It is important for data librarians to understand this unique file so that they can be more knowledgeable about when and how to use the file. This article will examine the concept of hierarchy as it pertains to microdata files and will discuss the specific features of the 2006 Census Hierarchical PUMF.