Survey Research

Surveys -- of the general public, organizations, employees or specific user groups -- can be an important tool for the development of policies, programs and products.  Accurate surveys can provide a better understanding of the level of satisfaction with its services.  Well-designed surveys can also improve understanding of trade-offs attached to alternative policies.

SPR has the ability to undertake large-scale national, regional, provincial and local surveys in both official languages.  This capability has been demonstrated in many large-scale surveys for federal, provincial and other agencies over the past 25 years: 

  • Surveys of Clients and General Populations on topics such as information needs and utilization, quality of life, environmental concerns, recreational activities, transportation needs, housing, social services, and other areas of citizen and consumer concern.

  • Studies Applying the Common Measurement Tool:  SPR surveys that have applied this tool include surveys on client satisfaction (for Environment Canada), and surveys on homebuyer education tools (for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).

  • Surveys of Government have been conducted with federal agencies and their staff, in housing, health, childcare, and social development; provincial agencies and their staff; and staff of municipal agencies, such as transit systems, public utilities, and local housing authorities.

  • Surveys of Business and Industry have included major industry sectors, including banking, telecommunications, railways, airlines, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, transportation, manufacturing, mining, petrochemicals, agriculture, retail, publishing, hotels, restaurants and tourism. Surveys have addressed both businesses and employees.

  • Surveys of Professionals and Associations have been conducted with lawyers, human resource managers, environment managers, teachers, social workers, nurses, physicians, financial planners, and librarians.