Institut de la statistique du Québec – Québec City, QC

Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ)

Centre d’information et de documentation

The Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ), headquartered at 200 Chemin Sainte-Foy, is the official statistical agency for the province. While primarily a research and data production organization, the facility is open to the public through its Information and Documentation Centre (CID) located on the 3rd floor. Established in 1998 (though its roots go back to the Bureau of Statistics founded in 1913), the ISQ’s mission is to provide reliable and objective statistical information on all aspects of Quebec society. The CID serves as a specialized library where researchers, students, and citizens can consult a vast collection of government publications, historical statistics, and methodological studies.

Research Data Access (CADRISQ)

In addition to the library, this location houses the Centre d’accès aux données de recherche de l’Institut de la statistique du Québec (CADRISQ). This secure environment allows authorized researchers to access microdata files for in-depth analysis while strictly maintaining confidentiality. Access to CADRISQ requires a specific research proposal and prior reservation. For the general public, the institute offers services to assist in finding specific data points, such as demographic trends, economic indicators, or social survey results. The staff are experts in navigating the complex landscape of provincial data and can guide users to the correct reports or digital resources.

Visiting Policies

The institute is located in the Saint-Sacrement district, easily accessible by public transit. Visitors to the documentation center should be prepared to sign in at the reception desk. The center operates on standard business hours, closing for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. While many publications are available digitally, the on-site archives provide a unique resource for historical research that has not yet been digitized. The ISQ operates under the Act respecting the Institut de la statistique du Québec, ensuring its independence and the rigorous protection of personal information collected through its surveys.