Researchers using the RTRA system submit SAS programs to extract crosstabulated results.  At no time do RTRA users gain direct access to the micro-data, as would be the case for research conducted in a Research Data Centre (RDC).  As a consequence, RTRA-researchers avoid the requirement of becoming deemed employees of Statistics Canada -- which greatly reduces the time needed to get approval and access.

The RTRA complements existing methods of access to confidential micro-data, including Research Data Centres. Confidentiality of the micro data is automated in the RTRA system, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing for rapid access to results at your desktop.

For more information, see: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/rdc-cdr/rtra-adtr/rtra-adtr-eng.htm.  If you are interested in RTRA, please contact Jeff Moon (moonj@queensu.ca) so we can guage interest on campus.  Queen's University is evaluating demand for this service, which does come with a subscription cost.