Data Reference Standard on Person(s): sex assigned at birth

1. Preamble

• 1.1 This data reference standard is part of a suite that provides a standard list of values to categorize data on person(s).
• 1.2 The list reflects the classifications of sex assigned at birth and is designed to provide common data variables of the reported sex at birth, typically assigned based on a person’s reproductive system and other physical characteristics.
• 1.3 This data reference standard is to be used by exception and read in conjunction with Policy Direction to Modernize the Government of Canada’s Sex and Gender Information Practices and the Disaggregated Data Action Plan.
• 1.4 This list of values is intended to standardize the way sex assigned at birth classifications are coded in datasets to enable data interoperability and improve data quality. The numbering system is a one-digit code.
  • 1.4.1 The appendix lists a data reference table that includes the one-digit codes for designating sex assigned at birth.
  • 1.4.2 Not included in this data reference standard is the lived or current sex of person(s).
• 1.5 This data reference standard will be reviewed as required by the data reference standard steward in consultation with the data reference standard custodian.
  • 1.5.1 Data reference standard steward: Statistics Canada
  • 1.5.2 Data reference standard custodian: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

2. Effective date

• 2.1 This data reference standard takes effect on September 27, 2024.

3. Requirements

• 3.1 This data reference standard provides details on the requirements set out in subsection 4.3.1 of the Directive on Service and Digital.
• 3.2 Service owners and data practitioners must:
  • 3.2.1 Apply the latest “Sex at birth of person” version (Appendix) to describe sex assigned at birth classifications in datasets.

4. Application

• 4.1 This data reference standard applies to organizations listed in section 6 of the Directive on Service and Digital.
• 4.2 This data reference standard applies to datasets and systems that are developed after the effective date of this reference standard.

5. References

• 5.1 This data reference standard should be read in conjunction with the following:
  • Directive on Service and Digital
  • Standard for Managing Metadata
  • Policy Direction to Modernize the Government of Canada’s Sex and Gender Information Practices: Summary Report
  • 2SLGBTQI+ Terminology: Glossary and Common Acronyms(Women and Gender Equality Canada)
  • Sex at birth of person (Statistics Canada)
  • Classification of sex at birth (Statistics Canada)
  • Classification of sex at birth, variant (Statistics Canada)
• 5.2 Related policy instruments:
  • Policy on Service and Digital
  • Policy on Access to Information
• 5.3 Related legislation:
  • Access to Information Act
  • Privacy Act

6. Enquiries

• 6.1 For interpretation of any aspect of this data reference standard, contact ServiceDigital-ServicesNumerique@tbs-sct.gc.ca.
• 6.2 For support or advice on the measurement of “sex at birth of person” or related data variables, contact statcan.csds-cnsd.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Appendix: data reference tables

This data reference standard is available in various formats, including machine-readable formats. “Machine-readable” means that software can be directed to reference the table and automatically pull names and codes through an application programming interface (API).

HTML format

• Sex at birth of person (Statistics Canada)
• Classification of sex at birth with three elements (Statistics Canada)

CSV format

• Person(s) sex assigned at birth