Statistics Canada

On a monthly basis, Canada collects statistical information on various businesses of various sizes. Usually each company completes these forms for a period of 12 months. Then the government selects another similar company for the next 12 months to report on the same type of data.

The format is a survey, rather than an audit, so the data is not required to be as accurate as an audit report. A survey month or "reference month," is indicated by choosing a date range, which may include a few days of the next month.

The survey results are generally reported by phone or mailed in to the government. The government could request a report could be run for a company, a business number, a location, or for a particular deduction or other employee group.