Ethnic Diversity Survey 2002: Public Use Microdata File and Documentation

The 2002 Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS) provides information on how people's backgrounds affect their participation in Canada's social, economic and cultural life of Canada. As well, it indicates how Canadians of different ethnic backgrounds interpret and report their ethnicity. Topics covered in the survey include ethnic ancestry, ethnic identity, place of birth, visible minority status, religion, religious participation, knowledge of languages, family background, family interaction, social networks, civic participation, interaction with society, attitudes, satisfaction with life, trust and socio-economic activities.
The EDS was a post-censal survey which included about 42,500 people aged 15 and over who were interviewed by telephone in the 10 provinces between April and August 2002. The target population did not include persons living in collective dwellings, persons living on reserves, persons declaring an Aboriginal origin or identity in the 2001 Census, or persons living in Northern and remote areas.

The accompanying documentation is intended to facilitate use of the 2002 EDS public use microdata file. It contains information on survey methodology, variables and estimation procedures as well as the rules governing the dissemination of estimates.