Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to get at multi-jurisdictional data all in one place?

Multi-jurisdictional data from pan-Canadian data holdings hosted at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and Statistics Canada (STATCAN) can be accessed "in one place" through these two organizations. Beyond these, jurisdictional data can be accessed as per partner data centres' policies and procedures for distributed data analyses.

What supports can Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada) provide researchers when applying for funding from a granting agency?

Health Data Research Network Canada and the Data Access Support Hub (DASH) can support research funding proposals in two ways:

  1. By providing a general letter of support from HDRN where there is alignment between the proposed research project and HDRN Canada's objectives, and
  2. By providing cost and feasibility estimates for conducting the project using data provided through DASH

Both options require that the research team create a DASH account and submit an intake form. The intake form collects the information required for DASH/HDRN Canada to assess the request and advise on next steps. Please note that a minimum of 2-4 weeks in advance of the requested due date is required.

Are there any fees associated with DASH?

DASH does not charge a fee for a requestor to submit data requests through DASH. However, fees will be charged by the partner data centres as per each centre's cost recovery process.

What support is available to me as I use the data?

DASH will provide coordinated support and guidance throughout the data access request process. 

For training, education, or support on using the data, please contact your local data centre to find out what resources are available. 

Where are the data stored? Who manages or administers the data?

The data are stored, processed and administered by data centres across Canada. 

DASH acts as a facilitator which centralizes and receives data requests centrally, and coordinates support and processing of the requests. Data are never sold, exchanged, transferred, or otherwise shared with DASH. DASH never has access to the data. DASH does not have its’ own data centre, or its’ own data holdings.

What if I am interested in accessing Indigenous data at the partner data centres? Are there any special considerations?

DASH supports and respects OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession) Principles when requesting, accessing and using First Nations data, as set out by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). Learn more.