The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the University of Regina and Statistics Canada to open the Regina Research Data Centre (RRDC).
The RRDC, located in a secure facility at the University of Regina, allows qualified researchers to access confidential data, that would not otherwise be available, on issues such as population, household services, and health.
The Ministry of Corrections and Policing is providing the RRDC with $250,000 a year over five years.
“This partnership with Statistics Canada and the University of Regina represents the first time a provincial government has entered into an agreement like this,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said. “We’re proud to be part of this innovative project, and look forward to seeing how the research done through the data centre can help better inform future government policies and programs, such as the provincial Centre of Responsibility and local Hub tables.”
Having access to the data at the RRDC will enable researchers and analysts to identify common factors, gaps and overlaps in service.
“Researchers use data to uncover trends, make recommendations, provide insights, and harness knowledge to move our country forward in better, stronger, and more equitable ways,” University of Regina Provost and Vice-President Dr. Thomas Chase said. “Data-driven research helps us to learn about ourselves and spurs innovation, which we know can help to grow our economy. We are excited by the new avenues of research that will be opened by the RRDC.”
“The RRDC is a valuable resource for researchers in Regina as we now have access to national-level microdata in our city,” University of Regina Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Harminder Guliana said. “This rich data source truly opens up the possibilities for faculty and graduate student research, while having these data sets at my fingertips also means I can incorporate experiential learning into the classroom, enhancing educational opportunities for me and my students.”
Research Data Centres follow strict privacy guidelines and adhere to the Statistics Canada Act. All researchers accessing the RRDC will require security screening. All data is de-identified to remove personal details.
There will also be a full-time Statistics Canada employee at each site to screen the information being accessed to ensure compliance with confidentiality policies and procedures.
