The data access process is complex and requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all legal, privacy and security conditions are met and upheld. Population Data BC saves time and resources for data providers by providing:

Nothing is ever done with, or to, data managed at Population Data BC (PopData) without written approval from the data provider.

Data Stewards Working Group

Each public body which provides PopData with data for linkage has a representative on the Data Stewards Working Group (DSWG).

The objectives of the DSWG are to:

All usage of data is regulated by a Data Sharing Agreement between Population Data BC and you as the data provider. The Agreement forms the essential governance foundation for data access for approved research in the public interest, in compliance with The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and other pertinent legislation.

Who will have access to the Data?

Researchers may access the Data by submitting a detailed Data Access Request which is approved by the data provider. They then sign a Research Agreement with the Data Provider.

Population Data BC (PopData) supports research access to individual-level, de-identified longitudinal data on British Columbia’s 5 million residents. Linkage of data across different sectors, such as health, education, childhood development, workplace and the environment, enables the pursuit of innovative research that would not otherwise be possible.

Comprehensive tracking and reporting throughout the data access process is available to data providers via our custom online management tools.

The Secure Research Environment (SRE) is a Population Data BC service which provides Researchers with a central location for access to and processing of research data, secure storage and back up of their data extract and free software for data analysis.

We can provide secure, long-term storage of old versions of data for historical reference.

We have a process in place to store archival copies of research extracts for Researchers, in order to meet Research Ethics Board (REB) requirements, without expecting retention and access of data past a Data Provider’s approved retention date.