Why we are asking you to self-identify
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strengthen research communities and the quality, social relevance and impact of research. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-identification Questionnaire.
The questions are primarily based on the current standard used by Statistics Canada in the Census, and wording from the Employment Equity Act. If you have comments or suggestions regarding this data collection, please send to the relevant agency at:
Note that this self-identification questionnaire was revised in 2021. For more information consult the FAQs.
Privacy Notice Statement
SharePoint supports the delivery of certain programs of the federal research funding agencies. The information you provide in the self-identification section is collected under the respective authority of either the NSERC Act or SSHRC Act, depending on the program.
For Applicants: All applicants must complete and submit this self-identification form when applying for funding; however, you may choose not to self-identify by selecting the option “I prefer not to answer" for some or all of the questions. Although self-identifying is encouraged, choosing not to will have no consequences for your application. Your self-identification information is not part of your application, and is neither accessible to, nor shared with, external reviewers and/or selection committee members in an identifiable form. In funding opportunities where an agency may offer special consideration for members of a designated equity group, applicants will be asked to provide their consent separately to use their self-identification information for that purpose.
For reviewers: Participants in the review process must complete and submit this self-identification form; however, you may choose not to self-identify by selecting the option “I prefer not to answer" for some or all of the questions.
The collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of your personal information are in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. Your information will be managed in accordance with Treasury Board Secretariat policies, directives and guidelines on information management and protection of personal information, and with the agencies' retention and disposition schedules. The self-identification information you provide will be stored electronically upon your submission and access is limited to agency staff on a need to know basis.
Your data will be used for the purposes of program operations (including the recruitment of external individuals for merit review processes, where applicable) and planning, performance measurement and monitoring, evaluation and audits, and may be used in aggregate to report to government or to the public. Self-identification information will be reported in a form (e.g., aggregate) to ensure protection of the identity of any individual.
Please also see the relevant agency's Personal Information Banks:
NSERC: PSU 941 and PSU 942 described in NSERC's Info Source.
SSHRC: PSU 941, PSU 942, and PPU 055 described in SSHRC's Info Source.
If you believe your personal information has been mishandled or have concerns about agency privacy practices, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. For more information about your rights under the Privacy Act, about our privacy practices or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the relevant agency's ATIP office:
By submitting your self-identification information, you are confirming that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice Statement and agree to provide your personal information in accordance with it.
Acronyms used on this page
ATIP: Access to Information and Privacy
PSU: Refers to Public Standard Bank
NSERC: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
SSHRC: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council