Provincial Data Plan

Publication date: November 22, 2023

We need the right data at the right time to understand complex issues and make good decisions. The Provincial Data Plan will focus our efforts on data initiatives that matter most. 

On this page: 

The Provincial Data Plan

The Provincial Data Plan (PDF, 3.7MB) is an all-of-government approach for data. It will support government in meeting its objectives to: 

We collect data on everything from health services, to housing, to parks and more. As collection of data has expanded, government’s data management practices have evolved.

We know we have to continuously improve our data practices to:

  • Understand issues
  • Provide equitable services 
  • Advance reconciliation 
  • Deliver better programs with measurable outcomes

How the Plan was developed

A comprehensive consultation was completed in 2021 to gather input from ministries and the broader public sector about B.C.’s data.

This input identified systemic challenges with how data is collected and used. The root causes centered around:

  • Governance
  • Policy
  • Technology
  • Lack of resources and data competency

The Provincial Data Plan responds to these challenges. It includes actions to:

  • Strengthen our data foundation
  •  Act on priority data initiatives

A special thank you to the members of the BC Data Council for creating and delivering the BC Data Roadmap. This was leveraged to create the Provincial Data Plan.

Progress to date and what is next 

Advance equity

Complete

  • Established the Anti-Racism Data Committee; hosted 18 meetings and three community events (between September 2022 and March 2025)
  • Published annual statistics and findings on systemic racism and racial equity under the Anti-Racism Data Act. This annual publication is an important part of government transparency and accountability
  • Published research priorities to steer government towards research that identifies systemic barriers and requires action to advance racial equity. These priorities are developed in collaboration with the Anti-Racism Data Committee and in consultation with Indigenous Peoples
  • Developed mandatory ‘Anti-Racism in Research’ training for researchers using BC Demographic Survey data.
  • Released 2025 findings on systemic racism and racial equity, including:
  • Racial diversity and equity in the BC Public Service
  • Representation across B.C.’s agencies, boards and commissions
  • Wage disparities in occupations across B.C.

 

Near term (6-12 months)

  • Publish two data standards – one on racial identity and second on Indigenous identity – to help ensure consistent and culturally safe data collection
  • Continue research on anti-racism topics in preparation to release findings by June 1 annually

Support reconciliation 

Complete

Near term (6-12 months)

  • Strengthen reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Governing Bodies to evolve Indigenous data governance in the Data Innovation Program (DIP).
  • Development of Person Name Data Standard to support inclusion of Indigenous languages in government systems and services.

Ongoing

  • Advance Declaration Act Action 3.14 to support First Nations-governed regional data governance centres.
  • Advance Declaration Act Action 3.15 to include Indigenous language data in systems and services.

Increase evidence-based decision making 

Complete

  • Supported 26 active Data Innovation Program (DIP) projects (19 ministry-led, 7 academic)
  • Enabled 92 researchers to access DIP secure analytics platform to explore issues like homelessness, health care attachment, and child and youth health outcomes
  • Provided 42 datasets from ministries and public bodies to support cross-sector research

Near term (6-12 months)

Longer term

Increase access to open and licensed government data

Deliver the modern services people need

Complete

Near term (6-12 months)

  • Refocus statistics production and research projects on government priorities 
  • Increase the number and variety of catalogued datasets in BC Data Catalogue
  • Release standards and guidance for authoritative data registers

Strengthen our data competency and governance

Complete

  • Delivered the Digital Era Leadership Program to over 30 senior leaders to strengthen data and digital leadership skills
  • Trained 899 public servants in digital and data skills through the Digital Academy
  • Released 10 self-serve courses, including two on artificial intelligence

Longer term

  • Develop new data standards and guidelines for consistent data management across government
  • Launch a training program to build core data skills

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples:

  • Rights
  • Interests
  • Priorities
  • Concerns

We respect and acknowledge their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

The feather and drum art used in the Provincial Data Plan was developed by Andy Everson. Andy is an accomplished artist from the K’omoks First Nation on Vancouver Island. He draws upon his roots amongst the Kwakwaka’wakw, Salish and Tlingit peoples. He creates artwork that reflects the convergence of ancient traditions with modern society.

MIRR Drum Blue White by Andy Everson

The four feathers represent the diversity of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia. The drum symbolizes the heartbeat of ceremonies. The feathers are arranged in four directions to represent the people of:

  • The North Coast (North)
  • The Interior (East)
  • The Salish (South)
  • Those who are disenfranchised or have relocated to western Canada (West)

We would also like to thank our many colleagues across government who contributed to making this document what it is today.

Cross-government collaboration

The actions outlined in this plan will require varying degrees of participation from ministries. BC Data Service will work with the Deputy Ministers Committee on Digital and Data. Together we will:  

  • Communicate priorities
  • What is required from ministries
  • The supports provided for each action

Explore the Plan's pillars

Learn more about how the Provincial Data Plan supports advancing equity.

Contact

Open a service ticket for help with data policies, standards and guidelines. We can provide guidance on data management and evidence-based decision making in your area.