Computing the Accuracy of Complex Non-Random Sampling Methods: The Case of the Bank of Canada's Business Outlook Survey Staff working paper 2009-10 Daniel de Munnik, David Dupuis, Mark Illing A number of central banks publish their own business conditions surveys based on complex non random sampling methods. The results of these surveys influence monetary policy decisions and thus affect expectations in financial markets. To date, however, no one has computed the accuracy of these surveys because their respective non-random sampling method renders this assessment non-trivial. This paper describes a methodology for modeling complex non-random sampling behaviour, and computing relevant measures of statistical confidence, based on a given survey’s historical selection practice. We apply this framework to the Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey by describing the sampling method in terms of rules-based criteria, historical practices, and Bayesian probabilities. This allows us to replicate the firm selection process using Monte Carlo simulations on a comprehensive micro-dataset of Canadian firms. We find, under certain assumptions, no evidence that the Bank’s firm selection process results in biased estimates and/or wider confidence intervals. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers JEL Code(s): C, C4, C8, C81, C9, C90 Research Theme(s): Models and tools, Econometric, statistical and computational methods
September 23, 2025 Time to roll up our sleeves Speech summary Tiff Macklem Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership and the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Governor Tiff Macklem outlines four megatrends that are transforming the global economic and financial landscape. He also talks about the structural reform needed to ensure Canada’s long-term prosperity. Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Speech summaries Subject(s): Financial system, Financial stability, Monetary policy, Economic models, Economy/Economic growth, Inflation targeting framework
May 2, 2013 Stephen S. Poloz appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada Media Relations Ottawa, Ontario The Directors of the Bank of Canada appointed under Section 9 of the Bank of Canada Act today announced that they have appointed Stephen S. Poloz as Governor of the Bank of Canada for a seven-year term, effective 3 June 2013. Content Type(s): Press, Press releases
March 24, 2020 Statement of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Consistent with the direction from G7 Leaders, we are taking action and enhancing coordination on our dynamic domestic and international policy efforts to respond to the global health, economic, and financial impacts associated with the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Content Type(s): Press, Announcements
Alternative Futures for Government of Canada Debt Management Staff discussion paper 2018-15 Corey Garriott, Sophie Lefebvre, Guillaume Nolin, Francisco Rivadeneyra, Adrian Walton This paper presents four blue-sky ideas for lowering the cost of the Government of Canada’s debt without increasing the debt’s risk profile. We argue that each idea would improve the secondary-market liquidity of government debt, thereby increasing the demand for government bonds and thus lowering their cost at issuance. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers JEL Code(s): G, G1, G12, G2, G24, H, H6, H63 Research Theme(s): Financial markets and funds management, Funds management, Market functioning, Market structure
December 5, 2025 Bank of Canada announces finalists for the eleventh annual Governor’s Challenge Media Relations Ottawa, Ontario The Bank of Canada has announced the five finalist teams in the 2025-26 edition of The Governor’s Challenge, a competition where university students simulate the role of advisor to the Bank’s Governing Council. Content Type(s): Press, Press releases
February 3, 2025 University of Ottawa crowned National Champion of The Governor’s Challenge The Bank of Canada is pleased to announce the University of Ottawa has won the tenth annual Governor’s Challenge, a national student competition in which teams simulate the role of advisor to the Bank’s Governing Council. Content Type(s): Press, Announcements Source(s): The Governor's Challenge
December 15, 2009 Changes to the Terms of the Bank of Canada's Term Purchase and Resale Agreement (PRA) Facility Given improved conditions in Canadian funding markets, the Bank of Canada is announcing that effective 19 January 2010 the following changes will apply to the Term PRA facility. Content Type(s): Press, Market notices
November 23, 2021 Bank of Canada announces finalists for the seventh annual Governor’s Challenge The Bank of Canada has announced the five finalist teams in the 2021–22 edition of The Governor’s Challenge, a competition where university students simulate the role of advisor to the Bank’s Governing Council. Content Type(s): Press, Announcements Source(s): The Governor's Challenge
December 9, 2022 Bank of Canada announces finalists for the eighth annual Governor’s Challenge The Bank of Canada has announced the five finalist teams in the 2022–23 edition of The Governor’s Challenge, a competition where university students simulate the role of advisor to the Bank’s Governing Council. Content Type(s): Press, Announcements Source(s): The Governor's Challenge