The original version of the Postal code conversion file; contains all historical as well as current records for each postal code. Also may contain multiple records for those instances in which one postal code covers more than one enumeration area. E.g. the Nov. 2001 file contains 814,747 postal codes, but 968,237 postal code records.

PCCF+ (Geocodes/PCCF) Version 3 consists of a SAS control program and a series of reference files derived from the most recent Statistics Canada Postal Code Conversion File (PCCF) and the June 1996 Weighted Conversion File (WCF). It automatically assigns a full range of geographic identifiers (down to enumeration area and latitude, longitude) based on postal codes. It is consistent and logical in the way it does this. Any incorrect coding due to errors in the underlying reference files can easily be corrected once identified. To do such coding by manual methods would require highly skilled coders with much time and access to the full mailing address or property description. Even so, the results of manual coding would tend to be less accurate (particularly in urban areas), and they could inadvertently introduce systematic bias (especially in rural areas).

Generated by University of Toronto Data Library Service from the original PCCF file as disseminated by Statistics Canada. Consists of a subset of 'best' current postal code with enumeration area record matches; one record per postal code, with codes for all higher geographic areas of which the enumeration area is part. E.g. the Nov. 2001 file contains 814,747 postal codes and 814,747 postal code records.

SPSS syntax file to generate this version:

Provides users with a population 'weight' for postal codes with multiple links on the PCCF. The weight associated with each record represents the proportion of the population reporting the postal code with a specific enumeration area. The 1996 file contains: 588,414 postal codes, but 633,879 postal code to enumeration area links.

Provides a link between the postal code and the federal riding in which it is located. E.g. the January 2000 file contains 729,628 postal codes and 734,966 records (2,631 postal codes are linked to two or more federal ridings).