Data standards and guidelines
Last updated on January 29, 2026Standards and guidelines help ensure that we collect, use, and share data consistently and safely.
Standards
Core Metadata Standard
The Core Administrative and Descriptive Metadata Standard defines the metadata elements that help make digital information easier to find, improve services, and increase the government’s efficiency.
Gender and Sex Data Standard
The Gender and Sex Data Standard improves how the government collects and uses data to serve B.C.'s diverse population.
Indigenous Languages Technology Standard
The Indigenous Languages Technology Standard outlines technical requirements for systems to read, write, store, process, and display Indigenous languages.
Indigenous Identity Data Standard
The Indigenous Identity Data Standard provides a consistent, distinctions-based way to collect, use and share Indigenous identity data.
Racial Identity Data Standard
The Racial Identity Data Standard provides a consistent and culturally safe approach to collecting racial identity data.
Guidelines
Guidelines to the Core Administrative and Descriptive Metadata Standard (PDF)
This standard specifies the foundational set of core administrative and descriptive metadata elements to be applied to digital government information, as well as the purpose and characteristics of Metadata Application Profiles.
Guidelines to the Gender and Sex Data Standard (PDF)
Guidelines to the Indigenous Languages Technology Standard (PDF)
The Indigenous Languages Technology Standard outlines the requirements for government IM/IT systems to be able to read, write, store, process, and display Indigenous languages.
Anti-Racism Data Act Notification Guide
This guide helps public bodies to develop collection and use notices required under the Anti-Racism Data Act.
Guidelines to the Indigenous Identity and Racial Identity Data Standards
These guidelines provide information to support the implementation of the Indigenous Identity Data Standard and the Racial Identity Data Standard.