The Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN) and Statistics Canada provide researchers with secure access to Statistics Canada social survey and administrative microdata.   The RDC Metadata Project was initiated in 2008 and funded by a CFI grant produce DDI metadata for masterfiles found in the Research Data Centres (RDCs).  

Through the on-line tool, NESSTAR, researchers will be able to view survey documentation, methodology and variable level information related to the Statcan masterfiles. This metadata has been stripped of all confidential information, therefore, no frequency information or case counts are available for the masterfiles on the NESSTAR.  The inclusion of DDI metadata for masterfiles in Nesstar will improve the discoverability of Statistics Canada surveys.  Researchers will be able to identify variables of interest on the master file to assist them with their project proposals or custom tabulation requests.  DLI contacts will now be able to distinguish whether a PUMF or the master file would best fit their users' research needs.   The DLI Nesstar server can be accessed at:

http://www62.statcan.ca/webview/