This study is an attempt at assembling, analyzing and appraising the main techniques that have been or are used in Canada to collect, estimate and classify data on capital formation. Data on capital formation are of importance to both government and business. They assist government in policy formulation directed towards national objectives, and business in planning towards the goals of the enterprise. In consideration of the usefulness of capital formation data to government and business, the techniques used in their derivation are examined with a view to improving the accuracy and value of the data without too great incurrence of additional costs. The conclusion of this study is that specific improvements can be incorporated into the current techniques. Among the improvements suggested are the introduction of stratification in sample surveys to increase the accuracy of estimates, of classificatory breakdown according to size of establishments to increase the usefulness of the data, and the reduction of structure details in questionnaire forms used in collecting data to release manpower and time for stratification and more detailed classification work. / Business, Sauder School of / Graduate