Good data
Better data. Smarter policy. Real-world results. Good Data helps the Government of Canada respond faster, deliver better, and make more confident decisions. We collect, analyze, and share data that’s practical, timely, and built for impact.
Overview
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What is Good Data?
Good Data is information that is:
- Collected for a clear purpose: we only gather what we need to answer important public‑interest questions.
- Connected: different datasets are linked so we see the full picture of people, places, and programs.
- Easy to understand: organised so anyone can spot what’s happening, why it’s happening, and who is affected.
- Respectful and secure: protected by strong privacy rules and mindful of Indigenous data rights.
Whether the process is internal or public-facing, existing or prospective, we work with our partners to find solutions that are grounded in evidence, and shaped by real-world feedback.
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Why it matters
When government has access to clear, trustworthy data, it can:
- Respond to crises quickly producing insights within weeks, not months.
- Make smarter choices by weighing costs and benefits instead of guessing.
- Challenge old assumptions by bringing new insight to entrenched problems.
- Apply support where it's needed most by understanding who's helped and who's being missed.
- Fix problems early by spotting shifts in public needs in near real-time.
- Earn public trust by being open about what we measure and how it shapes decisions.
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What we do
We use a range of advanced analyses to generate timely customized, high-quality data on how Canadians respond to policies, programs, and real-world challenges. Our work helps decision-makers act more quickly, more effectively, and with greater confidence.
Data integration
Build the best picture with what you have. We integrate and link data from across government to:
- Complement existing holdings with up-to-date, high-quality data
- See across silos—connecting people, programs, and outcomes
- Make insights easier to uncover, use, and share across government
Segmentation
Get sharper nuance on how Canadians behave. There is no average Canadian. We use data-driven segmentation to:
- Understand the diversity of Canadian attitudes and behaviours on key issues
- Anticipate how different groups might respond to new policies or services
- Help government tailor and target programs to meet the population’s varied needs
Policy trade-offs
Understand where Canadians want us to focus. Governments must make hard choices—especially when resources are tight.
- Reveal what matters most to Canadians right now
- Understand what people are willing to prioritize when options are limited
- Support decision-making in fast-changing environments
Discrete Choice Experiments
Learn how Canadians want specific programs delivered. When preferences aren’t obvious, we simulate real-world decisions to:
- Quantify what people value in a service or policy
- Fill gaps where real-world data don’t yet exist
- Explore how Canadians weigh competing options
A/B Testing
Refine the details for impact. We run multi-arm A/B tests (rapid randomized trials) to:
- Compare multiple solutions to policy or service challenges
- Identify what works best, for whom, and under what conditions
- Produce fast, actionable evidence—especially when only one solution can move forward
Field Trials
Prove it works in the real world. Even great ideas need testing on real-world conditions. We run randomized controlled field trials to:
- Measure the real-world impact of new tools, services, or policy approaches
- Generate definitive data on what works, why, and at what cost
- Deliver high-confidence insights before full-scale implementation
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How we work
We follow a five-phase approach that’s flexible and collaborative. Each project is shaped by the specific context and goals of the partner.
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1 Identify
We begin by defining the challenge and the decisions it’s meant to inform. This includes:
- Clarifying the core policy or service question
- Reviewing existing data sources and timelines
- Understanding the intended impact and who will be affected
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2 Understand
Next, we analyze existing data to uncover patterns, gaps, and opportunities. We may:
- Link datasets to reveal full-system insights
- Use segmentation to understand key groups and behaviours
- Explore trade-offs and preferences through structured exercises
- Highlight where additional data or input is needed
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3 Design
We co-develop evidence-based solutions that are grounded in real-world insight. This may involve:
- Generating and refining policy or service options
- Using discrete choice experiments or scenario modelling
- Identifying which ideas are most promising—and for whom
- Aligning on solutions to take forward for testing
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4 Test
We test promising solutions under real-world conditions. Depending on the project, this might involve:
- A/B tests or randomized controlled field trials
- Quasi-experimental designs when randomization isn’t possible
- Data collection, monitoring, and impact assessment
- Analysis of what works, why, and for whom
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5 Scale
When a solution proves effective, we support its broader adoption. We help partners:
- Develop scale-up and implementation plans
- Communicate findings to stakeholders
- Prepare policy memos and guidance
- ASupport adaptation to other programs, departments, or contexts
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Publications
Work with us
Good Data cuts through red tape and confusion. If you’re facing a tough policy question, an unclear process, or scattered information, let’s talk. We’ll help turn raw numbers into clear insights—and clear insights into better outcomes for everyone in Canada.
Work with us