Top Secret Data at SFU

Did you know that SFU is home to one of many Research Data Centres (RDC) in Canada? At the RDC, researchers may access confidential Statistics Canada microdata.

Researchers must apply to access the RDC data. 

Why use the RDC microdata files instead of (or in addition to) the microdata files already available at SFU Library? Certain data may be available:

• More detailed data (data that would otherwise not be accessible to the public)
• Data that allows for longitudinal analysis
• Linked data 

If approved, your research work is done in the secure RDC room, located in Blusson Hall, and staffed by Statistics Canada. 

Note that applications take approximately 6-8 weeks to process, so please allow yourself some time.

Also, feel free to get in touch first with our SFU Library Data Services Team - we might already have what you are looking for, without needing to go through the RDC! This is the best place to start.