The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 27
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Statistics Canada conducts census and other statistical surveys and includes questions relating to origin, ethnicity, religion and language, thereby allowing comparative analysis of the socioeconomic situation of minorities compared with other population groups. Labour-market activity data revealed disproportionately high unemployment rates among black, Western Asian and Arab communities, for example. An Ethnic Diversity Survey provided insights into how ethnic backgrounds affect participation in social and economic life, a potential resource for programme development. Where Government bodies are not mandated or permitted to collect disaggregated data, independent human rights and equality bodies should play a key role in compiling such information and should develop their own internal expertise.