The Real Time Remote Access System as an alternative to Research Data Centres

Statistics Canada is aware of the impact of the closure of Research Data Centres. Therefore, some of the conditions of its Real-Time Remote Access System (RTDA) have been relaxed.

• A six month-free subscription is available for all researchers from all Quebec and Canadian universities.
• Requests for access will be processed faster than usual (within 2 to 4 days). (Generally, it can take up to two weeks to process a request.)
• Data requests directly related to the COVID-19 Pandemic will be considered (except for business data).

What is Real Time Remote Access?

The RTRA system allows users to run SAS programs, in real time, against microdata located in a central and secure location.

Researchers using the RTRA system do not gain direct access to the microdata and cannot view the content of the microdata file. Instead, users submit SAS programs to extract results in the form of frequency tables. RTRA users can calculate frequencies, means, percentiles, percent distribution, proportions, ratios, and shares.

The RTRA system uses an Electronic File Transfer (EFT) service to enable organizations outside of Statistics Canada to exchange electronic files in a secure manner using the Internet.

Which data are available?

RTRA was developed for social survey data and administrative data. Census data for example are not available through the RTRA system. The complete list of data sets available can be found here.

How to make an application?

Detailed instructions for gaining access are available on Statistics Canada website. For more information on the RTRA ‚ please email: [email protected]. Webinar to learn how to use the system can be offered. If you are interested in participating in a Webinar, please contact us at [email protected].