Introduction
This reference data provides a standard list of values for all Canadian provinces and territories. The list reflects Canada’s 13 major political units. There are many coding systems for Canadian provinces and territories. The data standard shows the relationships among the recommended code and other common codes.
Purpose
This list is intended to standardize the way Canadian provinces and territories are described in datasets to enable data interoperability and improve data quality.
Not included in this standard are previous names, abbreviations and codes for provinces and territories. When changes occur in the future, version history will be maintained.
Applicability
Use of the codes within the “Alpha Code” column is recommended when sharing data within the federal government or publishing data to the Open Government Portal. This alpha code was chosen for three reasons:
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it is comprehensible for users
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it is closely aligned with the ISO 3166-2 code for subdivision and is identical to the Canada Post abbreviation
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it has already been adopted by a number of federal departments
The Alpha Code exactly matches the set of codes created and managed by Canada Post. If Canada Post changes its codes, the Government of Canada will review and separately approve any changes to this reference standard.
If it is necessary to use a numerical code in a data system, then the numerical code created by Statistics Canada is included in the table.
Roles and responsibilities
Data Standard Stewards
Statistics Canada
Statistical Geomatics Centre, Analytical Studies, Methodology and Statistical Infrastructure Field
Natural Resources Canada
Geographical Names Board of Canada Secretariat
Data Standard Custodian
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Office of the Chief Information Officer, Data and Digital Policy Sector
Recommended Review Period
The reference data standard will be reviewed as required. The expected frequency of change is low.