If you have additional questions about CLSA linked data, please contact linkage_lien@clsa-elcv.ca. For data access questions, researchers should contact DASH or the relevant provincial data centre for detailed information on the application process.
CLSA Linked Data
explore the intersection between aging and health-care utilization
Researchers can now apply to access linked CLSA cohort data at four provincial data centres: Population Data BC, ICES (Ontario), the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB IRDT) and Health Data Nova Scotia (HDNS).
The linkage of longitudinal CLSA data with multiregional administrative health data offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the intersection between aging and health-care utilization.
How do I apply?
For multi-region requests, researchers are required to apply through Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada’s Data Access Support Hub (DASH). DASH provides information on the availability of data assets, common algorithms, and data access processes across Canada, and offers centralized and coordinated data access support for researchers who require administrative data from more than one province.
For single-region requests, researchers should apply directly through the provincial data centre.
Researchers who do not wish to access provincial administrative health data should apply for CLSA data through the regular CLSA Data Access process.
What data is available?
CLSA data holdings at provincial data centres will be limited to alphanumeric data, including questionnaire data, biomarker data, and select physical assessment data.
Administrative health data holdings may differ across provinces. Please refer to DASH, or the appropriate provincial data centre to learn more:
Data Access Timeline
Data access requests for linked CLSA data are reviewed by the CLSA, DASH and the respective provincial data centre(s). The timeline for review depends on many factors, including the feasibility of the project and the number of jurisdictions involved in the request. Approved users should anticipate between three to twelve months between submitting their application and receiving access to the linked dataset. Applicants should consult the relevant provincial data centre(s) for more detailed information on anticipated timelines.
Researcher Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most common queries about the CLSA.
Data access requests for linked CLSA data are reviewed by the CLSA, DASH, and the respective provincial data centre(s). The timeline for review depends on many factors, including the feasibility of the project and the number of jurisdictions involved in the request. Approved users should anticipate between three to twelve months between submitting their application and receiving access to the linked dataset. Applicants should consult the relevant provincial data centre(s) for more detailed information on anticipated timelines.
Researchers should familiarize themselves with the User Responsibility Checklist and Data Dictionaries (CLSA data only).
Graduate students (Masters or PhD) enrolled at Canadian universities who wish to obtain the CLSA data for the sole purpose of their thesis, and postdoctoral or clinical fellows (limit 1 waiver per fellow) who wish to obtain the CLSA data for the sole purpose of their postdoctoral project, may request a fee waiver.
Fee waivers apply to the CLSA portion of the data access fee only.
The CIHR Catalyst Grants for the use of CLSA Data are not eligible for Fee Waivers for the CLSA portion of the data access fee.
The CLSA data access fee is $3,000 CDN. Additional fees are required by the provincial data centres to access the linked administrative health data. Please refer to DASH or contact the appropriate provincial data centre for the full fee schedule.