Increasing evidence-based decision making

Unlocking the value of data to understand and solve complex cross-ministry problems is a pillar of the Provincial Data Plan (PDF, 3.4 MB). Find out how this work supports increasing evidence-based decision making.

On this page

• Evidence-based decision making
• Key actions
• Project example: Helping those experiencing homelessness 
• Next up: Modern services
• Contact us

Evidence-based decision making

Most government data has been collected to deliver programs and meet specific operational needs. This program-level data can have tremendous value when:

• Made available for others to access
• Integrated across ministries and public agencies to enable opportunities for research

We need to unlock the value of data to understand and solve complex cross-ministry problems such as:

• Homelessness
• Climate change
• Economic recovery

Key actions

• Revitalize BC Stats to increase our ability to provide data for public decisions. Allowing trusted, unbiased statistical, and research expertise 
• Develop indicators to understand outcomes for people in B.C. across many facets of life 
• Expand the Data Innovation Program and Data Science Partnerships. Meeting the increased demand for integrated data research and analysis

Project example: Helping those experiencing homelessness 

The analytical expertise for the integrated data project on preventing and reducing homelessness is provided by the Data Science Partnerships program. Phase one of the project findings refuted a popular belief. The belief that most people experiencing homelessness in B.C. are from elsewhere. For the first time, the program provided an annual estimate unhoused individuals in B.C. The project identified:

• People’s movement between regions
• Where they accessed services throughout the calendar year

This information gave the most complete image ever of homelessness in B.C. 

Phase two of the project is underway. It will focus on analysis of service use and opportunities for intervention. The research and analysis in the homelessness project will inform policy decisions. These policy decisions will improve the lives of people in B.C. experiencing homelessness.

Next up: Modern services

Learn more about how the Provincial Data Plan delivers modern services people need.

Contact us

Open a service ticket for help with data policies, standards and guidelines. We can also provide guidance on data management and evidence-based decision making in your area.