Finding DLI Data Files

There are several avenues of determining if a data file exists. We suggest using Equinox or DLS (see below) for direct and easier access to DLI files. However, not all DLI surveys are included there. For a more comprehensive list of DLI products, see the DLI Survey Collection link (no. 3 below).

  1. Equinox

    Equinox (formerly IDLS) is a web-based data extractor from the University of Western Ontario. It allows you to search for datasets and select variables from a data file, download and unzip the data, and import it to a statistical software package (eg. SPSS, SAS) for analysis. Equinox also includes Census tables and spatial data. Click on www.library.mun.ca/qeii/govdocs/equinox.pdf for a detailed guide to using Equinox.

    NOTE: Equinox is restricted to MUN users. All data use is subject to the DLI Licence.

  2. DLS

    The DLS (Data Library Service) at the University of Toronto provides access to many DLI datafiles via a data analyzer and extractor called SDA (Survey Documentation & Analysis). SDA allows data analysis without use of statistical software such as SPSS or SAS. Click on sda.chass.utoronto.ca/sdaweb/sda.htm#how_to for guides on using SDA.

    NOTE: DLS is restricted to MUN users. All data use is subject to the DLI Licence.

  3. Statistics Canada DLI Collection website

    Statistic Canada's DLI Survey Collection lists the datafiles available from the DLI except the census and geography files. To obtain data files from this site, you must request the file through the DLI Contact or use this form. The DLI contact will also download any census or geography files.

    Other Resources

    The Daily
    The Daily is Statistics Canada's official release bulletin. It provides highlights of all new Statistics Canada releases as well as links to more information. Searchable back to 1995.

    Statistics Canada Online Catalogue
    Searchable catalogue of all current Statistics Canada publications and research papers (print and electronic), microdata files, custom tabulations and services

    Statistics Canada Product Release Dates
    Provides information on expected release dates of DLI microdata files.

    January 30, 2012
    Aspi Balsara