The Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN) and Statistics Canada have been working with our university partners across the Network and at our host institution McMaster University to build the virtual Research Data Centre (vRDC) – a new, networked platform that will provide new and improved options for accessing Statistics Canada microdata to researchers across Canada.  

The virtual platform modernizes the IT infrastructure that supports 2,500+ CRDCN researchers across the country, through an overhaul of storage, computing and networking capacities. This enhancement will optimize technical efficiencies across the network and provide advanced computing capabilities to facilitate analysis and manipulation of large datasets. 

Importantly, the new network will allow approved researchers with eligible research projects, virtual access from authorized workspaces (e.g. office or home).  Approximately 80% of microdata files meet the criteria for remote access. The advent of the vRDC will also allow enhanced hours of operation at the RDCs, increasing flexibility for researchers accessing their project in the RDC. 

The vRDC build is scheduled for completion in fall 2024, at which point the pilot phase will begin with McMaster University. Then, RDCs from Network member universities will begin the process of migrating active projects to the vRDC according to a rollout schedule.  

For more information on the rollout schedule, please refer to the vRDC Dashboards section below. 

For more information on eligibility of project(s) for remote access, please refer to the section below Accessing the “V” in the vRDC. 

The Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN) and Statistics Canada have been working with our current Network member universities across the Network and our host institution McMaster University to build the vRDC. 

Statistics Canada’s data repository includes survey, census, administrative and linked data and continues to grow, thanks in part to a strong partnership with CRDCN and Network member universities that make this rich data more accessible for research. Currently there are over 200 datasets available for researcher access through the RDCs.  

Access to Statistics Canada confidential microdata is restricted to researchers with approved research projects. Project proposals are submitted through Statistics Canada’s Microdata Access Portal (MAP) for approval. 

See below for how to access the microdata. 

Researchers with projects eligible for remote access to the virtual network will be able to access their project from their personal computer in an authorized workspace using a secure authentication process.   

Projects not eligible for remote access will continue to be accessed in a physical RDC. Project eligibility for virtual access is determined by the sensitivity level of the data being accessed. Data sensitivity is based on disclosure risk and the sensitivity of the content of the data file. Currently 20% of the data holdings are considered highly sensitive by Statistics Canada and will be excluded from remote access. 

Please visit this site regularly and look for announcements on the rollout of the vRDC to institutions. 

Once an institution is ready for the vRDC roll-out, researchers will be contacted by Statistics Canada to review project eligibility and/or initiate next steps for virtual access. New microdata research projects that are submitted through Statistics Canada’s Microdata Access Portal (MAP) after the vRDC launch will automatically be assessed for eligibility for remote access and RDC in-person access.  

Please visit our “Find an RDC” page for a list of access partners to see if your institution is a part of our Network, then follow the steps below. 

Visit our web page on Accessing RDC Data for: 

• University/College Faculty and Staff  
• Student Researchers 
• Private Sector or Non-Profit Researchers
• International Researchers

If your institution is not currently a member of the Network: 

New microdata research projects can be submitted through Statistics Canada’s Microdata Access Portal (MAP).

If your institution is interested in joining the CRDCN, please contact info@crdcn.ca with the subject line “New CRDCN Collaborating Institution”. The Network will be accepting new institutional members in late 2025 / early 2026, but you can reach out now to learn about the steps to become a member and start the process.