August 2020 PCCF

September 21, 2020

We are pleased to inform you that the following product is now available.

 

Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) August 2020

Note:

• A small number of new postal codes^OM are linked to a census subdivision only. These new postal codes^OM do not yet link to Statistics Canada's geographic frame. Linkage below the census subdivision will appear on these records when the street and address information becomes available on the geographic frame. This new linkage will appear on subsequent releases of the PCCF.
• The term population centre will replace the term urban area. A population centre will be defined as an area with a population of at least 1,000 and a density of 400 or more people per square kilometre. All areas outside population centres will continue to be defined as rural area. This new terminology will be implemented consistently across the Agency.
• Population centres will be divided into three groups based on the size of their population to reflect the existence of an urban-rural continuum:
• small population centres, with a population of between 1,000 and 29,999;
• medium population centres, with a population of between 30,000 and 99,999;
• large urban population centres, consisting of a population of 100,000 and over.
• Population centre and rural area classification has been added to the file.

EFT: /MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/Root/2016/pccf-fccp/pccf_2020_08_fccp

Where are the PCCF Files?

Question:
I was looking for the most recent version of the PCCF which is supposed to be under MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/ROOT/2019 but this directory does not show up (there are folders for 1986 all the way to 2018, but no 2019). Also, if I look under /MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/Root/2018/pccf-fccp for the previous version, this folder is empty!

Answer:
We moved it to reflect the most recent Census release! See attached. Sorry for the confusion!

*Original email included attachment*

PCCF Question - Rural vs Urban FSAs

Question:
I have a question from a grad student in Political Studies and, given my lack of expertise dealing with the PCCF, I thought I’d post it here for help. The problem stems largely from the fact that some FSAs are classified as both urban and rural.:

"I am using survey data to determine whether or not feelings of western alienation are higher in rural places relative to urban places in Western Canada. My survey asked respondents for the first three digits of their postal code (FSA), which I plan to code as either rural or urban. To do so, I plan on using the Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) to code the FSAs of Western Canada as rural or urban, according to the "PopCntr_RA_size_class" variable. Unfortunately, each FSA has multiple values for the "PopCntr_RA_size_class" variable, making it difficult to code each FSA as either rural or urban. How can I effectively sort each FSA into the geographic categories?

Also, once I classify each FSA as rural or urban, how can I integrate that information into the survey data set? Is there a way to create an SPSS syntax file that sorts the respondents into geographic categories based on their reported FSA?"

Answer:
I’ve received the following from subject matter: 

“There is no easy way to classify the FSAs as either rural/urban. FSAs are designed as part of Canada Post Corporation’s mail delivery system, which conceptually is operational, not geographical. That makes it difficult to match it with conceptually geographic systems, like StatCan’s census geographies. The PCCF does the best it can, and at the lowest levels of geography, it’s not too bad. However, moving to higher levels of geography, like Population Centres, or higher in the delivery system, like FSAs, causes more gray areas. To facilitate the sorting of a lot of mail, they cover delivery to many different types of geography: villages, indian reserves, cities, towns, rural routes, and so on. It is not surprising that they cannot be classified as either rural or uban.

The best that can be done is some analysis of how the FSAs link up with PopCentres in the PCCF. Then, the researcher will need to make some decisions as to how to define each FSA, based on that analysis.

So, given all that, we have done the following:

— selected all non-retired FSAs from the western provinces (Manitoba to British Columbia) à 455
— found those that overlapped more than 1 PopCentreSizeClass or more than 1 PopCentreRAType à 304

and then we provided further information on those with the postal code counts. See the attached table. With that, the client can decided which way to classify each FSA.

This is only one example of the types of analysis that can be done. There are also the SAC and SACType attributes that may be useful, as they indicate whether the FSA is influenced by a CMA / CA or not. Hmm, I just took a quick look at that, and that may prove more useful. I’ve included that table in the workbook as well.

Anyway, there is no easy way to classify the FSAs are rural/urban with the PCCF. The client will have to do some sort of analysis of the attributes (PopCentre or SAC or perhaps something else that makes sense to them), then make some decisions as to how they will classify each FSA.”

PCCF Problem

Question:
A student here is using the latest edition of the PCCF, and is running into a curious problem -- she only gets results for two provinces - Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. I don't have any experience actually using the PCCF, so I'm stumped as to where the problem might be.

Any idea why this might be happening?

Answer:
The PCCF team will need a little more information in order to troubleshoot:

"If we can get further information, as in any of the following…

— complete PCCF vintage
— software tool used to do the query / analysis (MS Access, SAS, etc.)
— what the query / analysis actually is
— results anticipated
— actual results"

PCCF+ ID Variable

Question:
I’m trying to set up a PCCF+ file for someone and wanted to check…

My input file is a dataset with two columns: ID and Postal Code.  My question is about the ID variable: are these randomly generated or is the ID pulled from an actual place?

Answer:
The ID needed can be from the researcher’s dataset or simply 1,2,3,…. that you put in to run the dataset. When I am helping researchers with the PCCF+, I suggest that they use the ID field from the dataset that the postal codes are from. That way, when they get the output file it is easier to match up to their dataset.

The rule for ID in the PCCF+ is that it is unique and up to 15 characters. I have used IDs containing letters and it has worked.

I have attached a PCCF+ Guide that Jeff Moon wrote that is very helpful in running the PCCF+. The example uses version 6B1 but process is the same regardless of the PCCF+ version.

** The original email had the PCCF+ Guide attached.

Latest PCCF syntax (aug 2018 postal codes)

Question:
Would anyone possibly have an updated SPSS syntax file to share for the newly released PCCF that is based on Aug 2018 postal codes?  We have a copy of the .sps for the June 2017 release but thought I would inquire in case someone’s updated the syntax for the new release?

Answer:
Yes, we are publishing these under “Other documentation” on Odesi.  See for August 2018 …

http://odesi2.scholarsportal.info/webview/index.jsp?v=2&node=65&submode=ddi&study=http%3A%2F%2F142.150.190.128%3A80%2Fobj%2FfStudy%2FPCCF-92154G-E-2018-August&mode=documentation&top=yes

Postal CodeOM Conversion File Plus (PCCF+) version 7A: Revised SAS Program

Notice

Postal CodeOM Conversion File Plus (PCCF+) version 7A: Revised SAS Program / Version 7A

Two errors in the PCCF+ 7A SAS code were identified as follows:
The first error resulted in some income quintiles being misclassified. The income information was being merged using the 2006 DAuid instead of the 2016 DAuid.  This error does not impact the majority of dissemination areas (DAs) since DAs have a high correspondence from one census to the next (Statistics Canada, Correspondence Files, Reference Guide – Census year 2011; Census year 2016;  Catalogue no. 92-156-G). 
The second error resulted in some variables (FED16uid, Fed16name and CSDtype) not being initialized within the SAS code due to name changes. This resulted in the removal of these variables from the final geocoded output file.

Since the SAS input data files in PCCF+ version 7A were not affected by this error, a new version of the full product was not created. Instead, the SAS program has been revised to correct these errors.  Users should replace PCCFplus_7A_v1.sas file with the PCCFplus_7A_v2.sas in order to resolve these errors. 

EFT: /MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/Root/2017/pccf-fccp-plus/pccf+fccp+7A/data

Census 2016 PCCF+ Release Date

Question:
Is there an update for the release date for the PCCF+ based on census 2016?  I have researchers waiting for this product and would like to provide an answer.

Answer:
The PCCF+ version 7A is already indexed to the 2016 Census and available through the DLI. It can be found in the following subdirectory:

EFT: /MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/Root/2017/PCCF7A

Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) - available from Canada Post in the future?

Question:
I'm in the process of replying to a non-UNB person to let her know that she cannot obtain a copy of the PCCF from us; however, when I went to the PCCF catalogue page, I see that the June 2017 version, issued on Dec. 13, 2017, is listed as the last one available from Statistics Canada.  The status is listed as discontinued, and the note says [their bolding]: This product has been discontinued as of February 2018. The last issue of this publication was a December 2017 update.  Canada Post Corporation will assume the distribution of this product, and its guide, in the future.

So my questions are what are the implications for DLI access to this product, and was there some announcement that I missed?

Further to my message, I notice that the note for the PCCF+ indicates that it will be available from Canada Post and through the DLI.  While I do like the fact that I now know we'll still be getting licensed copies, I'm wondering if there shouldn't be the hyper link on Canada Post on the PCCF+ page like there is on the PCCF page, and if there shouldn't be an additional comment preceding DLI.  For example (emphasis mine): "PCCF+ will be available via Canada Post and the Data Liberation Initiative (for authorized users within DLI institutions)."  Or some such thing.

Answer:

Yes, you are correct. Although Canada Post has assumed the distribution of this product, a copy of the PCCF will continue to be distributed by the DLI for researchers that fall under the parameters of our End-User Licence Agreement found in Appendix II of the Licence Agreement. We will pass your website recommendation on to our management. 

Follow Up Questions:

1. One more question I have is whether my researcher can contact StatCan for the June 2017 version (issued Dec. 2017), as seems to be indicated on the PCCF page, or if she'd need to contact Canada Post.  According to the note I mentioned in my first (of accidentally many) messages, versions of the PCCF after Feb. 2018 must be obtained from Canada Post; however, when you click on the "More information" link beside the three more recent versions listed on the page, there's no "contact us" link (or any further information, for that matter).

Could you check and let me know what the situation is with this?  I can give the researcher the general contact info for StatCan as needed, but I wanted to double check to see if the above situation was just a typo or intentional.

2. We just got a request for PCCF plus. It says on this page that the product has been discontinued as of Feb. 2018. Is this correct?

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/catalogue/82F0086X

Answer:

We have confirmed that the DLI will continue to be provided with the PCCF, PCFRF and PCCF+ files for usage under the parameters of our End-User Licence Agreement found in Appendix II of the Licence Agreement. 

Please note that the Statistics Canada catalogue (the PCCF and PCCF+ webpages referenced below) will no longer provide information on the latest release. As such, the DLI program will work towards including the PCCF, PCFRF and PCCF+ in their list of available products for your referencing. 

Follow Up Question:

Thank you for your updates about distribution. I noticed that the statement for the PCCF and the PCRFR in the STC catalogue simply states:

Canada Post Corporation will assume the distribution of this product, and its guide, in the future. 

Whereas the note for the PCCF Plus is:

PCCF+ will be available via Canada Post and the Data Liberation Initiative.

Do you have a sense of what this will mean for user support for DLI contacts?  Will Health Geography and the Geography Division at Statistics Canada still be involved for the three postal code products? 

Just a last question, is it desirable for the statements for the three products to be more consistent re: DLI?

Answer:

We have made subject matter aware of the confusion caused by the wording on the PCCF, PCRFR and PCCF+ Statistics Canada catalogue pages. I agree that is it currently a little confusing. However, since the PCCF, PCFRF and PCCF+ files are separate from the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement and since the DLI grants access to these files through its own licence agreement, please reference the DLI collection webpage for the most up to date information on the availability of these products. We are actively working towards listing these files on our all DLI products page.

The subject matter area internally responsible for these files has an agreement with Canada Post and will continue to be involved in the production of these files. For the purposes of the DLI, the PCCF, PCFRF and PCCF+ files, and any associated support we provide will continue to be unaffected. 

2017 PCCF Questions

Question 1: 

 A researcher is using the 2017 PCCF, and has noted some issues:

“It appears that there are a significant number of postal codes missing.  I had thought that these might be retired postal codes but there are none in the retired file for Manitoba (which is also suspicious).  I had not thought about this earlier when I was just connecting postal/census areas and then doing summaries but in the last week we needed to do some work with specific postal codes and found a drop from the 2011 files.

Examples would be Churchill (R0B0E0), Stonewall/Teulon (R0C3B0), some in Portage (R1N3C4, R1N3C2), St. Laurent (R0C1P0) (and 300 others).   These are currently active postal codes checking with Canada Post and existed in the last PCCF.”

Would it be possible to have someone look into this? 

Answer 1:
We are aware that many postal codesOM did not go through our geocoding process in the June version, and therefore did not make it to the PCCF file. We did a lot of work on getting these postal codesOM back into the product file. We have also appended records that were coded to only the CSD/SGC to the PCCF file. As these do not currently geocode (to at least a Dissemination Area), they do not form part of the core PCCF product, but can be useful for using postal codes to get to CSD.

Also, since the postal code is intended for the distribution of mail by Canada Post the files undergo changes on a regular basis. In some instances, postal codes are retired and re-birthed with a different deliver mode type or the address information for postal codes is changed.

Question 2:
The researcher has responded: 

“I only sent a small number of postal codes and they are relatively important, at least in Manitoba.  I can send the whole list if necessary.

I am thinking the numbers are large enough and the areas of interest that it should be checked.  If this is an issue that is a more general problem (e.g. Canada wide) not just in our little province with a few hundred postal codes.

The postal codes are not retired.  I realize there are changes, but the bulk of the codes should not have moved.  Many [I have not checked all} of them existed in the 2011 associated PCCF files.

Interesting comment regarding the CSD given some rural delivery, I am not sure I am interpreting what this means.  Some postal codes that represent larger areas or only CSD are not included?  “

Since I have not seen any other similar inquiries, I too wonder if this is just a Manitoba issue? The user has offered to send the whole list of missing postal codes.  Would that be of any use,  or would Subject Matter prefer to communicate directly with the user? 

Answer 2:
We have received the following response from Subject Matter:

“The postal code team geocodes/links the postal codes as received from Canada Post Corporation to a census geography. They try to link at the lowest level possible, a block face. If they can’t do that, they move up to try to link to a dissemination block, if not then a dissemination area, if not then a CSD. Because the CSDs, especially in rural areas, can be very large, so if the only link between a postal code and a census geography is at the CSD level, it is not automatic that these postal codes are included in the PCCF. The team has made efforts to include more of them manually.

We are not saying that postal codes that represent rural CSDs are not included. That is a misinterpretation.

We were not able to provide specifics about why these particular postal codesOM were not found in the Dec 2017 release of the PCCF. However, we checked each against the newest internal release of the product, and they did exist in that file. We are hoping to disseminate a new version of the file sometime this summer. The postal codesOM in question should be available in that new file."

PCCF and PCCF+ Analysis

Question
Does anyone know if the PCCF and PCCF+ files can be analyzed using R?

Answer
PCCF is an ASCII text file and can be read by any statistical program environment, including R.

PCCF+ consists of many files processed by a SAS program that would require a major re-write to use in R, although the output from the SAS program includes ASCII text files that could be used directly in R.

PCCF/PCCF+ Usability Question

Question
We have a researcher that has collected her own data where each entry has either a Postal Code or Full Address. This collected data spans from 2006 to 2013. They would like to use the NHS 2011, to get demographic information on a CSD level for this data. We know we need to use a PCCF file but, are unsure which one release to use due to the time span of the data (2006 to 2011).

Answer

Have you considered using the PCCF+ file?

I consulted a presentation, available on our Training Repository here, delivered by Health Analysis Division in 2015 regarding the differences of PCCF and PCCF+, and the presentation highlighted that:

“Consider using PCCF+ rather than PCCF-SLI if any of the following apply
…
4. The “vintage” of the postal codes on your file spans more than one census”
4: “Vintage” of postal codes

• Postal codes on your file spans more than one census
• PCCF+ assigns DA or EA from each census from 1981 through 2011
• Useful for time-varying variables

The presentation also presents several case scenarios and which product to use – example of one of the case scenarios presented

Potential case strategies
Several geocoding scenarios are possible
1.Only postal codes available

• Use PCCF-SLI or PCCF+ to assign geographic codes, etc…

2.Full street address available

• Use address geocoding software (GIS)
• Use PCCF-SLI or PCCF+ on postal code portion of address

3.Telephone numbers available

• Reverse lookup to get postal code or address
• Use 911 system maps to get location from address

The most recent PCCF+ is found on the EFT here
/MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/Root/2011/pccf-fccp-plus/pccf6c-fccp6c

There is a read me file at the root of the safe that indicates the release date of the versions. Version 6C is the most recent.

PCCF SAS command file

Question

A student is looking for a SAS command file for the latest PCCF. Is this available somewhere?

Answer

As per the release email from subject matter there is a readme file with:

SPSS code intended for users of the Postal CodeOM Conversion File (PCCF) was prepared by the Western Libraries Map and Data Centre, UWO by Vince Gray.

SAS code intended for users of the Postal CodeOM Conversion File (PCCF) was prepared by the Data Resource Centre, McLaughlin Library, University of Guelph by A. Michelle Edwards, Ph.D., MLIS.

You can find the syntax files in the following folder: /MAD_PCCF_FCCP_DAM/Root/2011/pccf-fccp/pccf_jun2013_fccp/doc/syntax.zip

The syntax can be used with other versions of the PCCF. As per subject matter: “all the same files exist for the current PCCF and the two previous versions.”

Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF)

Question

Is the Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) free or is that something we need to pay for?

Answer

The postal code conversion file, is part of the DLI Annual licence, as long as your institution signs the yearly renewal of the PCCF licence Appendix II. The PCCF signed licence agreement in regards to this year’s renewal is valid until Dec 21 ,2016.

If an institution has chosen not the sign the Postal Code licence agreement, the researcher at that institution would need to sign the agreement and would be subjected to the annual licensing administration fee ($892), which is required to access any or all of the Postal CodeOM Conversion File, Postal CodesOM by Federal Ridings File, or Postal CodeOM Conversion File Plus product(s).

http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/olc-cel/olc.action?ObjId=92-154-X&ObjType=2&lang=en&limit=0

Access to the PCCF files is being managed under separate EFT safes. DLI Contacts, whose institution has signed the agreement, would be able to access MAD_DLI_PCCF to retrieve the files.

Further PCCF Usage Clarifications

Questions

Appendix II (Terms of Use) of the license states that:

"3. You will not use any part of the Data Product to develop or derive any other data product or data service for external distribution or commercial sale."

Appendix A (Approved Data Matching Uses) states that data can be matched for:

“Research Purposes
E.g.: Can be used in analysis to write articles that are published in journals. The data is not shared but the results are published. This also includes thesis for masters or Doctorate where results are required to be public”

1. Can StatCan clarify what it means by “data product or data service.” Is a dataset developed through secondary analysis with the PCCF considered a “data product” in this instance? I ask because “product” is a term often used by StatCan to refer to its many PUMFs, statistical tables, documentation sets, and reports/analyses.

2. Can results produced by research that incorporate the use of the PCCF be shared with an external party when no commercial transaction has occurred? i.e. Is there anything in the license that stops the researcher from sharing research results with an external party (e.g., a publisher, a government department, a municipality, a public health unit, a school board) when the research is non-commercial (cf. Term of Use #3, above)? The examples used in the Approved Matching Uses Appendix (cf. Appendix A clause, above) under “Research” illustrate instances that speak of results that are “published” (e.g., scholarly articles in journals) or theses and dissertations (which quite clearly must be open). However, not all research is published, so the example can confuse stakeholders, librarians and researchers alike. Much research our scholars undertake is not “published” in the traditional sense of the word.

3. In my case today, I am working with a researcher who is undertaking the analysis while writing his dissertation, and results of this analysis would in all likelihood be part of that document. As well as what is mentioned above, we are wondering if there is a difference between him (1) sharing unpublished results with an external party prior to the completion of his dissertation and, (2), an external party reading the results for themselves in the dissertation after he has received his PhD.

Thanks for your time on this. The PCCF products are valuable tools to our stakeholders, and we take the license itself seriously. Clarifications like these help build our understanding of licensee and licensor obligations.

Answer

1. We are referring to the PCFF, PCFRF and PCCF+ Statistics Canada data product, all of these data products contain the Postal codes that are owned by Canada Post Corporation. Anytime you create a new data product or dataset through your analysis using PCCF, PCFRF or PCCF+, you are creating a data product and you cannot share it or distribute it if it contains the Postal Codes.

2. Research results can be shared externally as long as they don’t contain a list of more than 1% of the PCCF, PCFRF or PCCF+. You can publish an extract of up to 1% of the PCCF, PCFRF or PCCF+ data products as long as the published data was used to support your published report or analysis.

‘The Licensee may publish an extract of up to 1% of the data product pursuant to Appendix ‘A’. This permission includes the use of the extracted data in support of analyses and in reporting of results and conclusions. The Licensee shall obtain approval from Statistics Canada before publishing extract of the data product in excess of 1%. ‘

3. Same answer as above, Research results can be shared externally as long as they don’t contain a list of more than 1% of the PCCF, PCFRF or PCCF+. You can publish an extract of up to 1% of the PCCF, PCFRF or PCCF+ data products as long as the published data was used to support your published report or analysis.

PCCF licensing questions

Questions

1. If we do a survey and collect postal code and use the conversion file to situate a non-identifiable person into a LHIN or Public Health Unit, and then provide the data to a health researcher, are we breaking the spirit of the agreement?

2. Commercial sale (number 4). Our research institute, as part of our university, is a not-for-profit, but we do get paid our costs for research we do outside of the institution. Are we correct in thinking this is not commercial work in the sense used here?

3. I am not sure I understand (number 8) the meaning off "publish an extract of up to 1% of the Data Product." Can you elaborate?

4. Appendix A number 2. The data is not shared but the results are public. If the data is shared but does not have postal code and other geographic units, such as LHIN, FED, together in the file is this
acceptable?

5. At our research institute, should I have everyone who uses the postal code file sign an agreement or should there be one form?

Answer

1. The answer is no, as long as the postal codes are not published.

2. Your research institute can use the data product to develop and derive work/services for its own use. It cannot distribute or share these products or services outside regardless of whether or not costs are recovered.

3. You can publish an extract of up to 1% of the file as long as the published data was used to support your published report or analysis.

 8. The Licensee may publish an extract of up to 1% of the data product pursuant to Appendix ‘A’. This permission includes the use of the extracted data in support of analyses and in reporting of results and conclusions. The Licensee shall obtain approval from Statistics Canada before publishing extract of the data product in excess of 1%.

4. The data product and/or extracts are not shared but the results based on the product or where the product was used to tabulate results are public.

Research purposes
E.g.: Can be used in analysis to write articles that are published in journals. The data is not shared but the results are published. This also includes thesis for Masters or Doctorate where results are required to be public.

5. This is a question for the DLI to answer and not Statistics Canada

Access to PCCF products - legitimate use?

Question

1. A researcher is working on a pain clinic program at the hospital and needs to find a way to easily measure distance between postal codes or FSAs and the different pain clinics. There are up to 2000 postal codes for the unique visits. Can you let me know if there is a product the researcher can use?

2. I know that that this is a legitimate use of the PCCF products (since the contact is an Assistant Professor) if they are simply writing a research paper for publication. I also know that the PCCF would be able to support this use (through GIS manipulation) with either “as the crow flies” distances or with other products for route mapping distances.

3. However, what if the research is being done simply to evaluate the program for the hospital’s purposes? Can I then provide the PCCF data for the project under our license? (I think that the answer is no, but want to confirm it).

Answer

1. There are no products that can provide this.

2. If you are using the Latitude and longitude on the PCCF file, please make sure you understand that they are the dissemination area, dissemination block, or block-face representative point and not the postal code (please refer to page 17 of the reference guide for more information).

3. No, unless the hospital has access to the PCCF product under a different licence other than the prof’s or the DLI.

Postal Code Conversion File - current representation order of federal ridings

Question

A researcher wants to match postal codes to the current federal ridings using the Postal Codes by Federal Ridings File, (psfrf).

As you know, the latest November 2014 pcfrf contains the old Federal electoral districts 2003 Representation Order (as does the pccf), so we wondered if new files are in the works giving the latest ridings from the 2012 federal redistribution process? If so, is there a release date yet?

Answer

I’ve received the following response from subject matter regarding this:

“There are two versions of the PCFRF with November 2014 date currently available, one with the 2003 Representation Order (released on 2015 April 14), and the second with the 2013 Representation Order, released on 2015 September 2. As noted on the PCFRF product page, http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/olc-cel/olc.action?ObjId=92-178-X&ObjType=2&lang=en&limit=0, the most recent release of the PCFRF DOES in fact use the 2013 Representation Order.”

PCCF and FSA comparison

Question

A researcher is trying to identify FSAs by provincial health authorities--the first thing I thought of was the PCCF. Is this a good use of the PCCF / PCCF flavour? Is there an alternative?

Answer

I have a suggestion, which might work for your question, and doesn’t require using the PCCF!

Statistics Canada freely provides boundary files for census geography in popular formats such as ArcGIS, GML and MapInfo. The list of downloadable geographies does include Forward Sortation Areas.

Stat Can also provides Health region boundary files. In the user guide, they explain that the health regions are “defined by provincial ministries of health” and will change as the provinces draw up new lines. The files I’ve linked you to are from 2014, but it’s possible to go back in time if working with older data.

So you could download these boundary files in a format compatible with your favorite (?!) GIS software. Then, if you have the knowledge yourself or know a friendly GIS person at your institution that can help, it’s possible to do all kinds of magic – including generating a list of FSAs by health regions. If there’s no GIS people where you are, let us know… several people on this list have experience with GIS software and might be willing to help.

While looking at the boundary files in the software, it will be easier to see if there are problems integrating FSAs and health regions – my understanding is that the country is divided in FSAs by Canada Post for their own needs and the provinces are divided in health regions by the provinces for their own needs – they might not fit exactly with each other.

---

Following up on the suggestion about comparing boundary files:

I have experience comparing these in Ontario and can confirm that they don't necessarily overlap. In some cases you can make educated guesses about the health unit in which you'd find the bulk of the population for a given FSA, but for other cases this may be quite difficult. Also, the case may be different in BC.

Provincial PCCF Files

Question

Are we still able to get PCCF files for specific provinces?

Answer

File specifications
The current version of the Postal CodeOM Conversion File (PCCF) includes five files: the PCCF, three name files (CD_DR.txt, FED03_CEF03.txt, SAC_CSS.txt), and a special file, Retired 2010 (R2010.txt). Postal codesOM retired before January 1, 2011 are included in the Retired 2010 file. This reduces the size of the PCCF. These are ASCII files and do not include any software nor instructions on how to use the product within specific Geographical Information Systems (GIS) or mapping packages.

File naming convention
The naming convention for Postal CodeOM Conversion Files (PCCF) is bilingual and reflects the reference date (June 2013) of the Canada Post Corporation (CPC) data used in the release. The file name for this release is pccfNat_JUN13_fccpNat.zip.