Changes

The origins of the Standard Cost Model (SCM) come from the Netherlands, but various other jurisdictions and organizations, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, have adopted and extensively applied it. Its main application has been in support of a number of initiatives aimed at measuring and consequently reducing the level of administrative burden costs imposed on businesses. According to the SCM Network, it is today, the most widely applied methodology for measuring administrative costs.

The origins of the Standard Cost Model (SCM) come from the Netherlands, but various other jurisdictions and organizations, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, have adopted and extensively applied it. Its main application has been in support of a number of initiatives aimed at measuring and consequently reducing the level of administrative burden costs imposed on businesses. According to the SCM Network, it is today, the most widely applied methodology for measuring administrative costs.

The basic idea of the SCM is a simple one. There are two key factors to cost, price and quantity. This simplicity in concept, however, can sometimes be more complicated to implement. Issues of when and how often an activity occurs, economic growth, accounting for time preference (discounting) and determining the most appropriate method to estimate model inputs all come into play. Addressing these issues appropriately and consistently helps to remove potential bias; this is a central goal of the Calculator’s implementation of the SCM.

The basic idea of the SCM is a simple one. There are two key factors to cost, price and quantity. This simplicity in concept, however, can sometimes be more complicated to implement. Issues of when and how often an [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] occurs, economic growth, accounting for time preference (discounting) and determining the most appropriate method to estimate model inputs all come into play. Addressing these issues appropriately and consistently helps to remove potential bias; this is a central goal of the Calculator’s implementation of the SCM.

As a starting point to further understanding how this is done, the main components of the SCM are described below:

As a starting point to further understanding how this is done, the main components of the SCM are described below:

'''Figure 1: Diagram of the Main Components of the Standard Cost Model'''

'''Figure 1: Diagram of the Main Components of the Standard Cost Model'''

[[File:RCC UserGuide Figure 1.jpg|center|Figure 1 Diagram of the Main Components of the Standard Cost Model|alt=|thumb|900x900px]]''The SCM estimates the costs of completing each activity on the basis of a couple of cost parameters:''

[[File:RCC UserGuide Figure 1.jpg|center|Figure 1 Diagram of the Main Components of the Standard Cost Model|alt=|thumb|900x900px]]''The SCM estimates the costs of completing each [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] on the basis of a couple of cost parameters:''

* ''Price: Price consists:''  

* ''Price: Price consists:''  

** ''Tariff or wage (hourly) costs plus overhead for administrative activities done internally or hourly cost for external service providers.''

**''Tariff or wage (hourly) costs plus overhead for administrative activities done internally or hourly cost for external service providers.''

** ''Time, the amount of time (in hours) required to complete the administrative activity.''

** ''Time, the amount of time (in hours) required to complete the administrative [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]].''

* ''Quantity: Quantity comprises:''

* ''Quantity: Quantity comprises:''

** ''Population or the number of businesses and or enterprises affected.''

**''Population or the number of businesses and or enterprises affected.''

** ''Frequency that the activity must be completed each year.''

** ''Frequency that the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] must be completed each year.''

<blockquote> '''''<big>Combining these elements give the basic SCM formula:</big>'''''

<blockquote> '''''<big>Combining these elements give the basic SCM formula:</big>'''''

  '''''<big>Activity Cost = Price x Quantity = (tariff x time) x (population x frequency)</big>'''''</blockquote>

  [[RCC userguide#Activity:|'''''<big>activity</big>''''']] '''''<big>Cost = Price x Quantity = (tariff x time) x (population x frequency)</big>'''''</blockquote>

=== <big>Using the Regulatory Cost Calculator</big> ===

=== <big>Using the Regulatory Cost Calculator</big> ===

While the Calculator is an Excel application, a user can enter, edit, and delete almost all inputs.  

While the Calculator is an Excel application, a user can enter, edit, and delete almost all inputs.  

Users can enter inputs to the Calculator directly in the cells of the spreadsheet as one would do in a traditional Excel file. Cells for user input are formatted with a white, or blank, fill (see below) on worksheets with blue tabs (Initiative, Stakeholders, Activities). For tables that automatically expand as data is entered a cell with "'''''Type Here ⮚'''''" on the left edge of the table indicates the row where values should be inputted. Cells that are shaded grey contain formulas or pre-set parameters. Although they are not protected and the user should not change them.

Users can enter inputs to the Calculator directly in the cells of the spreadsheet as one would do in a traditional Excel file. Cells for user input are formatted with a white, or blank, fill (see below) on worksheets with blue tabs (Initiative, [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]], Activities). For tables that automatically expand as data is entered a cell with "'''''Type Here ⮚'''''" on the left edge of the table indicates the row where values should be inputted. Cells that are shaded grey contain formulas or pre-set parameters. Although they are not protected and the user should not change them.

===== Deleting Rows =====

===== Deleting Rows =====

Collections of inputs in the Calculator appear in rows with user input and pre-set functions. For example, the business counts and growth rates for a particular stakeholder group will be contained in a single row in the table on the Stakeholders sheet, and various details of a particular activity will be contained in a single row in a table on the Activities sheet. There are two ways delete rows.  

Collections of inputs in the Calculator appear in rows with user input and pre-set functions. For example, the business counts and growth rates for a particular stakeholder group will be contained in a single row in the table on the [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] tab, and various details of a particular [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] will be contained in a single row in a table on the Activities sheet. There are two ways delete rows.  

The preferred way: users can right click on any cell in the row and select <u>D</u>elete -> Table <u>R</u>ow.

The preferred way: users can right click on any cell in the row and select <u>D</u>elete -> Table <u>R</u>ow.

====== Growth Rates ======

====== Growth Rates ======

To estimate regulatory impacts, you need to know how many stakeholders are in the market at any given time. The RCC takes the initial stakeholder counts from the Stakeholders tab, and applies the growth rates in every year throughout the analytical period.

To estimate regulatory impacts, you need to know how many stakeholders are in the market at any given time. The RCC takes the initial stakeholder counts from the [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] tab, and applies the growth rates in every year throughout the analytical period.

'''Annual growth rates:''' At the moment there is only an option to exponential growth. Users should enter the average annual growth rate as a percentage of each stakeholder. If the growth rate is left blank, then it is assumed to be zero.  In a future version you may be able to model growth in different ways, and if that sounds like something you’d like to work on, feel free to reach out to TBS CORE and offer your services!

'''Annual growth rates:''' At the moment there is only an option to exponential growth. Users should enter the average annual growth rate as a percentage of each stakeholder. If the growth rate is left blank, then it is assumed to be zero.  In a future version you may be able to model growth in different ways, and if that sounds like something you’d like to work on, feel free to reach out to TBS CORE and offer your services!

====== Annual Breakdown ======

====== Annual Breakdown ======

You can view the '''Annual Stakeholder Count''' which is broken down further to the right on the Stakeholders sheet, as shown in the image below. This breakdown is an output only, meaning that if you delete it / override it with different information, that will not affect the cost estimates on subsequent sheets.

You can view the '''Annual Stakeholder Count''' which is broken down further to the right on the [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] sheet, as shown in the image below. This breakdown is an output only, meaning that if you delete it / override it with different information, that will not affect the cost estimates on subsequent sheets.

It is recommended that users view the annual stakeholder count to validate that the growth rates were entered correctly. For example, if you try to enter 3% annual growth but accidentally entered 300% annual growth, the estimated stakeholder counts towards the end of the analytical period will be so high that you should realize something is wrong.  

It is recommended that users view the annual stakeholder count to validate that the growth rates were entered correctly. For example, if you try to enter 3% annual growth but accidentally entered 300% annual growth, the estimated stakeholder counts towards the end of the analytical period will be so high that you should realize something is wrong.  

# Right click anywhere in the table, and select Insert > Table Rows (Above or Below).

# Right click anywhere in the table, and select Insert > Table Rows (Above or Below).

====== '''Activity''': ======

====== '''activity''': ======

This is a description of the activity. The description should be clear and easy to cross-reference requirements described in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement. The Activity description will be used in the auto-generated text on the One-for-One Tab. Unlike in the Stakeholders input table where group names must be unique, the same activity name can be used on multiple rows. On the Annual Impact sheet, when the breakdown method is "By Activity", multiple rows of activities with the same name will be bundled together.  

This is a description of the activity. The description should be clear and easy to cross-reference requirements described in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement. The activity description will be used in the auto-generated text on the One-for-One Tab. Unlike in the [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] input table where group names must be unique, the same activity name can be used on multiple rows. On the Annual Impact sheet, when the breakdown method is "By activity", multiple rows of activities with the same name will be bundled together.  

====== '''Administrative or Compliance:''' ======

====== '''Administrative or Compliance:''' ======

Important point: although upfront costs only occur one time per affected stakeholder, that does not mean that they only appear in one year of the analysis. If there is a positive stakeholder growth rate, that means new businesses are entering the market over time, and they incur the upfront costs too. Example: if you have a 1% stakeholder growth rate then there will be new entrants every year, and there would be upfront cost appearing in every year throughout the analytical period.

Important point: although upfront costs only occur one time per affected stakeholder, that does not mean that they only appear in one year of the analysis. If there is a positive stakeholder growth rate, that means new businesses are entering the market over time, and they incur the upfront costs too. Example: if you have a 1% stakeholder growth rate then there will be new entrants every year, and there would be upfront cost appearing in every year throughout the analytical period.

'''Ongoing:''' activities can happen multiple times per stakeholder, on a recurring basis at a specific [[RCC userguide#Annual Frequency|annual frequency]] throughout the analytical period. These impacts are assumed to occur at the end of each period. An example of an ongoing activity is stakeholders submitting a report to the government 3 times per year (and 3 times per year over 10 years means this activity would happen 30 times).

'''Ongoing:''' activities can happen multiple times per stakeholder, on a recurring basis at a specific [[RCC userguide#Annual Frequency|annual frequency]] throughout the analytical period. These impacts are assumed to occur at the end of each period. An example of an ongoing [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] is stakeholders submitting a report to the government 3 times per year (and 3 times per year over 10 years means this [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] would happen 30 times).

The assumption that ongoing activities occur at the end of each period may be different than your typical approach in a CBA. This assumption affects how many stakeholders incur the cost and how the cost is discounted. For example if you have an ongoing cost in Year 1, it is assumed that it is incurred at the end of the year (i.e., December 31). This means that the annual growth rate is applied to the stakeholder count from the beginning of the year, and the discount rate is applied.

The assumption that ongoing activities occur at the end of each period may be different than your typical approach in a CBA. This assumption affects how many stakeholders incur the cost and how the cost is discounted. For example if you have an ongoing cost in Year 1, it is assumed that it is incurred at the end of the year (i.e., December 31). This means that the annual growth rate is applied to the stakeholder count from the beginning of the year, and the discount rate is applied.

====== '''Start Year''' ======

====== '''Start Year''' ======

The start year for an activity can be selected from a dropdown list, which is based on the information entered in the Initiative Details tab. The start year must be on or after the Year of Registration. You can manually select the specific year, or choose the more general "Start of Analytical Period". A benefit of the latter approach is that if the year of registration is delayed for whatever reason, you don't have to manually update the year in the Activities input table.   

The start year for an [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] can be selected from a dropdown list, which is based on the information entered in the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]]. The start year must be on or after the Year of Registration. You can manually select the specific year, or choose the more general "Start of Analytical Period". A benefit of the latter approach is that if the year of registration is delayed for whatever reason, you don't have to manually update the year in the Activities input table.   

====== End Year ======

====== End Year ======

The end year can be selected from a dropdown list and must be on or after the start year. The maximum possible value for the end year is determined by the ''Length of Analytical Period (Years)'' entered in the Initiative Details tab (but the actual value could depend on the regulatory requirement).   

The end year can be selected from a dropdown list and must be on or after the start year. The maximum possible value for the end year is determined by the ''Length of Analytical Period (Years)'' entered in the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]] (but the actual value could depend on the regulatory requirement).   

Unlike previous versions of the Calculator, the end year is inclusive (n.b. the start year was inclusive in earlier versions and it is still inclusive now). This means impacts are calculated from the beginning of the selected start year to the end of the selected end year. Therefore, the number of years in the Analytical Period may appear one year less than a simple subtraction might indicate. For example a Proposal that is registered in 2025 and has a ''Length of Analytical Period (Years)'' of 10 years, would have a ''Start Year'' of 2025 and ''End Year'' of 2034.  

Unlike previous versions of the Calculator, the end year is inclusive (n.b. the start year was inclusive in earlier versions and it is still inclusive now). This means impacts are calculated from the beginning of the selected start year to the end of the selected end year. Therefore, the number of years in the Analytical Period may appear one year less than a simple subtraction might indicate. For example a Proposal that is registered in 2025 and has a ''Length of Analytical Period (Years)'' of 10 years, would have a ''Start Year'' of 2025 and ''End Year'' of 2034.  

====== Affected Stakeholder Group ======

====== Affected Stakeholder Group ======

All Activities must have an affected stakeholder group. The affected stakeholder group must be one of the groups listed on your stakeholder profile sheet. If you select a particular stakeholder group on the Activities sheet and then modify its group name on the Stakeholders sheet, you will have to re-select the affected stakeholder group.   

All Activities must have an affected stakeholder group. The affected stakeholder group must be one of the groups listed on your stakeholder profile sheet. If you select a particular stakeholder group on the Activities sheet and then modify its group name on the [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] sheet, you will have to re-select the affected stakeholder group.   

If the Calculator is being used to calculate impacts for government, then a Government stakeholder group should be created with a Non-Business Count equal to one.   

If the Calculator is being used to calculate impacts for government, then a Government stakeholder group should be created with a Non-Business Count equal to one.   

Users can select a specific group from the dropdown list or select "All Groups." Selecting "All Groups" will apply the activity to each group entered on the Stakeholders sheet, and the impacts will be disaggregated appropriately on the yellow output sheets (when sorting impacts "By Stakeholder Group"). Alternatively, sometimes you may want to apply an activity to all stakeholders and see a distinct row for each one on the Activities tab. Having a distinct row for the same activity applied to each stakeholder group may be necessary if different stakeholders would incur different impacts to conduct the activity (e.g., the different groups may have different baseline compliance rates).   

Users can select a specific group from the dropdown list or select "All Groups." Selecting "All Groups" will apply the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] to each group entered on the [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] sheet, and the impacts will be disaggregated appropriately on the yellow output sheets (when sorting impacts "By Stakeholder Group"). Alternatively, sometimes you may want to apply an [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] to all stakeholders and see a distinct row for each one on the Activities tab. Having a distinct row for the same [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] applied to each stakeholder group may be necessary if different stakeholders would incur different impacts to conduct the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] (e.g., the different groups may have different baseline compliance rates).   

====== Affected Stakeholder Type ======

====== Affected Stakeholder Type ======

The stakeholder type, specifying whether it applies to businesses, non-businesses, small businesses, or large businesses.

The stakeholder type, specifying whether it applies to businesses, non-businesses, small businesses, or large businesses.

Selecting "No" means that the number of stakeholders affected in each period will only be the percentage affected of the New Entrants, based on the growth rate specified in the Stakeholder Profile Tab.

Selecting "No" means that the number of stakeholders affected in each period will only be the percentage affected of the New Entrants, based on the growth rate specified in the Stakeholder Profile Tab.

Selecting "No" in this column and the ''Apply to New Entrants'' column will produce an error indicating that:  '''This activity does not apply to anyone. This activity does not result in any incremental impact.'''

Selecting "No" in this column and the ''Apply to New Entrants'' column will produce an error indicating that:  '''This [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] does not apply to anyone. This [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] does not result in any incremental impact.'''

====== Apply to New Entrants ======

====== Apply to New Entrants ======

Selecting "No" means that only the stakeholders at the beginning of the period of analysis would considered affected in each period.

Selecting "No" means that only the stakeholders at the beginning of the period of analysis would considered affected in each period.

Selecting "No" in this column and the ''Apply to Existing Stakeholders'' column will produce an error indicating that:  '''This activity does not apply to anyone. This activity does not result in any incremental impact.'''

Selecting "No" in this column and the ''Apply to Existing Stakeholders'' column will produce an error indicating that:  '''This [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] does not apply to anyone. This [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] does not result in any incremental impact.'''

====== Combinations of Apply to Existing Stakeholders and Apply to New Entrants ======

====== Combinations of Apply to Existing Stakeholders and Apply to New Entrants ======

'''Labour''' should be selected when a task requires an individual to spend time to complete it.  

'''Labour''' should be selected when a task requires an individual to spend time to complete it.  

An activity may require both capital and labour. Unfortunately labour and capital can not be entered on the same row. The same activity name can be used to enter those impacts on different rows.  

An [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] may require both capital and labour. Unfortunately labour and capital can not be entered on the same row. The same [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] name can be used to enter those impacts on different rows.  

====== Capital: Number of Units ======

====== Capital: Number of Units ======

This is the price of one unit.  

This is the price of one unit.  

====== Capital: Price Year of Unit Price ======

====== Capital: Price Year of Unit Price ======

On the Initiative sheet you entered the Price Year to be used in the analysis, which is an important aspect of the units of measurement. If the unit price info was pulled from an older document, then the price may not align with the Price Year on the Initiative sheet. This is normal, but you just need to specify the price year for the unit price information. The RCC will then automatically convert this value to 2012 prices for the one-for-one rule (if applicable), and to the price year selected on the Initiative sheet everywhere else.  

On the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]] you entered the Price Year to be used in the analysis, which is an important aspect of the units of measurement. If the unit price info was pulled from an older document, then the price may not align with the Price Year on the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]]. This is normal, but you just need to specify the price year for the unit price information. The RCC will then automatically convert this value to 2012 prices for the one-for-one rule (if applicable), and to the price year selected on the Initiative sheet everywhere else.  

===== Annual Frequency =====

===== Annual Frequency =====

For each regulatory activity, the frequency determines how many periods there are in each year in the analysis. The number of periods per year can affect the undiscounted impact estimates because this determines how often the RCC estimates the stakeholder count, and undiscounted impacts depend on how many stakeholders are in the market at any given time. The number of periods per year can also affect the discounted impact estimates because each subsequent period happens later in the analytical timeframe and is therefore discounted to a greater extent.  

For each regulatory [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]], the frequency determines how many periods there are in each year in the analysis. The number of periods per year can affect the undiscounted impact estimates because this determines how often the RCC estimates the stakeholder count, and undiscounted impacts depend on how many stakeholders are in the market at any given time. The number of periods per year can also affect the discounted impact estimates because each subsequent period happens later in the analytical timeframe and is therefore discounted to a greater extent.  

The regulatory text may explicitly state how often stakeholders must conduct a regulatory activity (e.g., "do Activity X once per year" or "do Activity X every 6 months"). Other times, the regulatory text may state that an activity must be conducted every time some other event happens (e.g., "do Activity X every time Event Y happens"). An example of the latter is a requirement to report the importation of goods containing a certain chemical: this could happen 1 time, 2 times, or 1,200 times per year.  

The regulatory text may explicitly state how often stakeholders must conduct a regulatory [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] (e.g., "do [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] X once per year" or "do [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] X every 6 months"). Other times, the regulatory text may state that an [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] must be conducted every time some other event happens (e.g., "do [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] X every time Event Y happens"). An example of the latter is a requirement to report the importation of goods containing a certain chemical: this could happen 1 time, 2 times, or 1,200 times per year.  

Frequencies in the RCC can be grouped into three categories:   

Frequencies in the RCC can be grouped into three categories:   

'''Frequency = 1'''         

'''Frequency = 1'''         

   

   

If the frequency is set to 1 then the RCC will more closely align with how you have probably set up your main CBA (e.g., 10 years of impact estimates spread over 10 columns). However, recall from above that upfront impacts are assumed to be incurred at the beginning of every period and they are always assumed to have a frequency of 1. Upfront activities start at period 0, so if an upfront activity spans 10 years it will have 11 total periods (starting at period 0 and ending at period 10). Conversely, ongoing impacts are assumed to be incurred at the end of every period. Ongoing activities start at period 1, so if an ongoing activity spans 10 years it will have 10 total periods (starting at period 1 and ending at period 10). The way the RCC treats upfront vs. ongoing activities may partially explain some numerical differences between your RCC and your CBA, even if both use an annual frequency of 1.         

If the frequency is set to 1 then the RCC will more closely align with how you have probably set up your main CBA (e.g., 10 years of impact estimates spread over 10 columns). However, recall from above that upfront impacts are assumed to be incurred at the beginning of every period and they are always assumed to have a frequency of 1. Upfront activities start at period 0, so if an upfront [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] spans 10 years it will have 11 total periods (starting at period 0 and ending at period 10). Conversely, ongoing impacts are assumed to be incurred at the end of every period. Ongoing activities start at period 1, so if an ongoing [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] spans 10 years it will have 10 total periods (starting at period 1 and ending at period 10). The way the RCC treats upfront vs. ongoing activities may partially explain some numerical differences between your RCC and your CBA, even if both use an annual frequency of 1.         

   

   

'''Frequency > 1'''     

'''Frequency > 1'''     

   

   

You may decide to use a frequency greater than 1 for an ongoing activity if the regulatory requirement explicitly states that it must be conducted several times per year, or if the requirement to conduct the activity is triggered by some other event that happens several times per year. A frequency greater than 1 will split each year of the analysis into evenly spaced periods corresponding to the frequency. For example, if the frequency = 2, then each year will have 2 periods and there will be 20 total periods over a 10-year timeframe. If the frequency = 1,200, then each year will have 1,200 periods and there will be 12,000 periods over a 10-year timeframe.     

You may decide to use a frequency greater than 1 for an ongoing [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] if the regulatory requirement explicitly states that it must be conducted several times per year, or if the requirement to conduct the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] is triggered by some other event that happens several times per year. A frequency greater than 1 will split each year of the analysis into evenly spaced periods corresponding to the frequency. For example, if the frequency = 2, then each year will have 2 periods and there will be 20 total periods over a 10-year timeframe. If the frequency = 1,200, then each year will have 1,200 periods and there will be 12,000 periods over a 10-year timeframe.     

Since the RCC estimates the stakeholder count in every period, then an annual frequency of 1,200 means that it will estimate the stakeholder count 1,200 times per year (which is more than 3 times per day!). This level of precision may not be warranted based on the historical data you are using to justify your annual stakeholder growth rate. Also, if you are doing the RCC in parallel with a separate CBA spreadsheet, you have probably not set up your main CBA to have 1,200 distinct periods per year, so using a very high frequency may increase the differences between your RCC and CBA results. Although there is nothing mathematically wrong with using a high frequency in the RCC, it can be computationally intensive and it may not be necessary.     

Since the RCC estimates the stakeholder count in every period, then an annual frequency of 1,200 means that it will estimate the stakeholder count 1,200 times per year (which is more than 3 times per day!). This level of precision may not be warranted based on the historical data you are using to justify your annual stakeholder growth rate. Also, if you are doing the RCC in parallel with a separate CBA spreadsheet, you have probably not set up your main CBA to have 1,200 distinct periods per year, so using a very high frequency may increase the differences between your RCC and CBA results. Although there is nothing mathematically wrong with using a high frequency in the RCC, it can be computationally intensive and it may not be necessary.     

   

   

If we consider an example where an activity takes 1 hour per occurrence, there are several ways to model it if it happens 1,200 times per year:  

If we consider an example where an [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] takes 1 hour per occurrence, there are several ways to model it if it happens 1,200 times per year:  

# Frequency = 1,200; Time spent per occurrence = 1 hour

# Frequency = 1,200; Time spent per occurrence = 1 hour

# Frequency = 4; Time spent per occurrence = 300 hours

# Frequency = 4; Time spent per occurrence = 300 hours

All of the above methods will result in 1,200 hours being spent on the activity per year for businesses that are in the market at the start of each year. However, since the frequency determines the number of periods, it also determines at which point new entrants will enter the market and therefore begin to incur the cost. Stakeholders who enter the market partway through the year would not incur the cost as many times as those who were already there at the start of the year. With frequency = 1, all new entrants are assumed to join the market and incur the ongoing cost at the end of the year, meaning that all new entrants would spend 1,200 hours on the activity. This implies that the undiscounted impacts can be different depending on the selected frequency (whenever the stakeholder growth rate is not zero).     

All of the above methods will result in 1,200 hours being spent on the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] per year for businesses that are in the market at the start of each year. However, since the frequency determines the number of periods, it also determines at which point new entrants will enter the market and therefore begin to incur the cost. Stakeholders who enter the market partway through the year would not incur the cost as many times as those who were already there at the start of the year. With frequency = 1, all new entrants are assumed to join the market and incur the ongoing cost at the end of the year, meaning that all new entrants would spend 1,200 hours on the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]]. This implies that the undiscounted impacts can be different depending on the selected frequency (whenever the stakeholder growth rate is not zero).     

Furthermore, with 1,200 periods per year, every subsequent period will be discounted to a slightly greater extent to bring it back to the present-value base year. Compared to using a frequency of 1 and a time spent per occurrence of 1,200 hours, using a frequency of 1,200 and a time spent per occurrence of 1 hour will result in slightly higher discounted impacts. This is because with high frequencies, impacts are assumed to be incurred earlier in the year and are therefore discounted to a lesser extent. In summary, different methods of modelling the activity by shifting between frequency and time spent will not give the exact same results. Use your judgement to determine the best way to model each activity.   

Furthermore, with 1,200 periods per year, every subsequent period will be discounted to a slightly greater extent to bring it back to the present-value base year. Compared to using a frequency of 1 and a time spent per occurrence of 1,200 hours, using a frequency of 1,200 and a time spent per occurrence of 1 hour will result in slightly higher discounted impacts. This is because with high frequencies, impacts are assumed to be incurred earlier in the year and are therefore discounted to a lesser extent. In summary, different methods of modelling the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] by shifting between frequency and time spent will not give the exact same results. Use your judgement to determine the best way to model each [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]].   

Note that the Error Check column will generate a warning message if you enter a frequency greater than 12. Review the message and consider how else you might be able to model the activity. Consult your TBS analyst if you are unsure what to do.     

Note that the Error Check column will generate a warning message if you enter a frequency greater than 12. Review the message and consider how else you might be able to model the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]]. Consult your TBS analyst if you are unsure what to do.     

'''Frequency < 1'''   

'''Frequency < 1'''   

Regulatory requirements sometimes state that the activity must be conducted less than once per year, or the activity may be contingent on an event that happens less than once per year. In these situations you may decide to use a frequency less than 1.     

Regulatory requirements sometimes state that the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] must be conducted less than once per year, or the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] may be contingent on an event that happens less than once per year. In these situations you may decide to use a frequency less than 1.     

The way the RCC estimates impacts with frequency less than 1 depends on the stakeholder growth rate: whether it is negative, zero, or positive. But regardless of the stakeholder growth rate, the Start Year selected in the table on the Activities sheet will be the first year in which the impact occurs (note this is different compared to how previous versions of the RCC worked).     

The way the RCC estimates impacts with frequency less than 1 depends on the stakeholder growth rate: whether it is negative, zero, or positive. But regardless of the stakeholder growth rate, the Start Year selected in the table on the Activities sheet will be the first year in which the impact occurs (note this is different compared to how previous versions of the RCC worked).     

First let's imagine that the stakeholder growth rate is zero. After the Start Year, there will be a gap with several years of $0 impacts. The number of years with $0 impacts before the next occurrence depends on the frequency: there will be 'n' years of $0 impacts for frequency = "1/n". Since the growth rate is zero, the number of stakeholders conducting the activity every 'n' years will be constant.  [[File:Zerogrowth.png|center|thumb|900x900px|Freq = 1/3, Existing Stakeholders = 100, Stakeholder Growth Rate = 0%|alt=]]

First let's imagine that the stakeholder growth rate is zero. After the Start Year, there will be a gap with several years of $0 impacts. The number of years with $0 impacts before the next occurrence depends on the frequency: there will be 'n' years of $0 impacts for frequency = "1/n". Since the growth rate is zero, the number of stakeholders conducting the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] every 'n' years will be constant.  [[File:Zerogrowth.png|center|thumb|900x900px|Freq = 1/3, Existing Stakeholders = 100, Stakeholder Growth Rate = 0%|alt=]]

Lastly, consider the case where the frequency is less than 1 but the stakeholder growth rate is positive. This case is a bit more complicated because every year bring some new entrants (new 'cohorts'), and each cohort of new entrants will be on its own track of incurring the impact every 'n' years for frequency = '1/n'.   

Lastly, consider the case where the frequency is less than 1 but the stakeholder growth rate is positive. This case is a bit more complicated because every year bring some new entrants (new 'cohorts'), and each cohort of new entrants will be on its own track of incurring the impact every 'n' years for frequency = '1/n'.   

Note that with positive stakeholder growth and a frequency less than 1, there are no years with $0 impacts. In the 'off-years' there are still impact estimates because new entrants are entering the market and incurring the impact for the first time, after which they are then on their own unique track to incur costs every 'n' years for frequency = 1/n. In some years multiple cohorts will incur costs at the same time. For example, if the frequency = 1/3 and the activity starts immediately, then the existing stakeholders will incur the cost at the end of Year 1 along with the new entrants from Year 1. This is the 'first cohort' incurring the cost. The new entrants in year 2 will be the only ones incurring the cost in Year 2, and the new entrants in Year 3 will be the only ones incurring the cost in Year 3. In year 4, the first cohort incurs the cost again (since 3 years have elapsed since the last time they incurred the cost), and they will do so along with the new entrants in Year 4. In year 5 the new entrants from year 2 along with the new entrants from year 5 will incur the cost. Skipping ahead to Year 10, the following cohorts will incur costs at the same time: 1, 4, 7, 10.   

Note that with positive stakeholder growth and a frequency less than 1, there are no years with $0 impacts. In the 'off-years' there are still impact estimates because new entrants are entering the market and incurring the impact for the first time, after which they are then on their own unique track to incur costs every 'n' years for frequency = 1/n. In some years multiple cohorts will incur costs at the same time. For example, if the frequency = 1/3 and the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] starts immediately, then the existing stakeholders will incur the cost at the end of Year 1 along with the new entrants from Year 1. This is the 'first cohort' incurring the cost. The new entrants in year 2 will be the only ones incurring the cost in Year 2, and the new entrants in Year 3 will be the only ones incurring the cost in Year 3. In year 4, the first cohort incurs the cost again (since 3 years have elapsed since the last time they incurred the cost), and they will do so along with the new entrants in Year 4. In year 5 the new entrants from year 2 along with the new entrants from year 5 will incur the cost. Skipping ahead to Year 10, the following cohorts will incur costs at the same time: 1, 4, 7, 10.   

The lowest frequency that should be entered is 1 divided by the total length of the analytical period (e.g., 1/10 for a 10-year analytical period). Any frequency lower than this will be equivalent to a frequency of 1 divided by the length of the analytical period, since the first cohort will not incur the cost a second time within the analytical period, and in all years after year 1, the same new entrants will incur the cost.   

The lowest frequency that should be entered is 1 divided by the total length of the analytical period (e.g., 1/10 for a 10-year analytical period). Any frequency lower than this will be equivalent to a frequency of 1 divided by the length of the analytical period, since the first cohort will not incur the cost a second time within the analytical period, and in all years after year 1, the same new entrants will incur the cost.   

===== Labour: Time Spent (hours) =====

===== Labour: Time Spent (hours) =====

The value in this cell determines how much time will be spent for each instance that the activity is conducted. This value has to be entered in hours, but feel free to use a formula in the cell to divide any number of minutes by 60.  

The value in this cell determines how much time will be spent for each instance that the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] is conducted. This value has to be entered in hours, but feel free to use a formula in the cell to divide any number of minutes by 60.  

===== Labour: Internal or External Overhead =====

===== Labour: Internal or External Overhead =====

If a regulated business must pay staff to perform a new activity as a result of a regulatory change, then the total cost per hour is more than just the hourly wage: there is also an overhead rate. The overhead rate simply inflates the wage by 25% for an internal staff member or 50% for an external staff member (e.g., if a third-party firm is hired to perform the activity). The overhead rate is a proxy for things like benefits, vacation, sick leave, building rental, utilities, supplies, etc.  

If a regulated business must pay staff to perform a new [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] as a result of a regulatory change, then the total cost per hour is more than just the hourly wage: there is also an overhead rate. The overhead rate simply inflates the wage by 25% for an internal staff member or 50% for an external staff member (e.g., if a third-party firm is hired to perform the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]]). The overhead rate is a proxy for things like benefits, vacation, sick leave, building rental, utilities, supplies, etc.  

If you don't want to add any overhead then just leave this column blank (for example if you want to enter a custom wage that already includes overhead, or if overhead is not applicable for some reason).  

If you don't want to add any overhead then just leave this column blank (for example if you want to enter a custom wage that already includes overhead, or if overhead is not applicable for some reason).  

===== Labour: Staff Level (hourly wage without overhead) =====

===== Labour: Staff Level (hourly wage without overhead) =====

This cell contains a drop-down menu in which you can select the type of employee who will conduct each regulatory activity. The drop-down menu is supplied by a table on the Labour sheet, which by default contains 52 employee types based on Statistics Canada data.  

This cell contains a drop-down menu in which you can select the type of employee who will conduct each regulatory [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]]. The drop-down menu is supplied by a table on the Labour sheet, which by default contains 52 employee types based on Statistics Canada data.  

Custom wages can be added by adding new rows to the table on the Labour sheet, or by simply typing in the wage directly into the Labour: Staff Level (Hourly Wage Without Overhead) column on the Activities table. If you enter a custom wage directly in the table on the Activities sheet then just enter the numerical value only (i.e., don't add a description here).  

Custom wages can be added by adding new rows to the table on the Labour sheet, or by simply typing in the wage directly into the Labour: Staff Level (Hourly Wage Without Overhead) column on the Activities table. If you enter a custom wage directly in the table on the Activities sheet then just enter the numerical value only (i.e., don't add a description here).  

If you enter a custom wage on the Labour sheet you must specify the price year for the wage (e.g., did you get it from a report from 2019?), but if you enter it directly in the Activities table then it is assumed that you've entered it in the price year matching what was selected on the Initiatives sheet. So if your price year on the initiatives sheet is 2024, make sure you enter the custom wage in 2024 prices.  

If you enter a custom wage on the Labour sheet you must specify the price year for the wage (e.g., did you get it from a report from 2019?), but if you enter it directly in the Activities table then it is assumed that you've entered it in the price year matching what was selected on the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]]. So if your price year on the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]] is 2024, make sure you enter the custom wage in 2024 prices.  

===== Error check =====

===== Error check =====

The Error Check column contains a formula that checks for common mistakes and gives you a written explanation of how you could/should fix them. It is simply a series of IF statements joined by the "&" operator. If you accidentally delete this formula then the error check functionality will no longer work. You can resolve this problem by re-downloading the RCC or typing the following formula in the error check column (or a new column entirely if you've deleted the whole thing): "=ErrorCheck".   

The Error Check column contains a formula that checks for common mistakes and gives you a written explanation of how you could/should fix them. It is simply a series of IF statements joined by the "&" operator. If you accidentally delete this formula then the error check functionality will no longer work. You can resolve this problem by re-downloading the RCC or typing the following formula in the error check column (or a new column entirely if you've deleted the whole thing): "=ErrorCheck".   

Orange-shaded error messages indicate that you may want to change something, but you don't necessarily have to. For instance, you will notice an orange error message if you enter a series of inputs that do not result in any incremental impact, since this may be something that you intended to do for completeness or transparency purposes, or maybe it was a mistake. If you manually enter a custom wage directly in the activities table, an orange message will remind you to ensure that the wage you entered is in the same price year as the one specified on the Initiatives sheet. If you've used a high frequency, an orange message will suggest that you consider modelling it a different way (see the explanation of frequency above).  

Orange-shaded error messages indicate that you may want to change something, but you don't necessarily have to. For instance, you will notice an orange error message if you enter a series of inputs that do not result in any incremental impact, since this may be something that you intended to do for completeness or transparency purposes, or maybe it was a mistake. If you manually enter a custom wage directly in the activities table, an orange message will remind you to ensure that the wage you entered is in the same price year as the one specified on the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]].. If you've used a high frequency, an orange message will suggest that you consider modelling it a different way (see the explanation of frequency above).  

All other error messages will be shaded in red, indicating that something is wrong and should be resolved before you submit the RCC to TBS. Try to implement the suggested solution before reaching out for further assistance.  

All other error messages will be shaded in red, indicating that something is wrong and should be resolved before you submit the RCC to TBS. Try to implement the suggested solution before reaching out for further assistance.  

Sheets with output   

There is a cell on each output sheet (One-for-one, SBL, Annual Impact, Cost-benefit Statement) that checks for any red error messages. This could be helpful if you've hidden the Error Check column. If a red error is detected, the following message will appear: 

[[File:Image-error2.png|center|thumb|574x574px|Error]]  

===== Assumptions/Notes =====

===== Assumptions/Notes =====

Be sure to add any assumptions and/or notes that would justify the values you enter for the various input parameters. This will help your future self, your colleagues, and your TBS analyst. An RCC submitted to TBS without notes will delay approvals, since your analyst will have to ask you for an explanation of your assumptions.   

Be sure to add any assumptions and/or notes that would justify the values you enter for the various input parameters. This will help your future self, your colleagues, and your TBS analyst. An RCC submitted to TBS without notes will delay approvals, since your analyst will have to ask you for an explanation of your assumptions.   

==== One-for-one ====

==== <big>Step 4: Review and Confirm Results</big> ====

This is where you get the info you'll need to complete the One-for-one rule section of the RIAS. In addition to the numerical values, this version of the RCC also automatically generates some draft text that you can put directly in the RIAS. The extent of the modifications that will be needed will vary according to file complexity and personal preferences (of yourself and of your TBS analyst), but this should get you most of the way there.  

Results are shown on the One-for-One, Small Business Lens, Annual Impacts, and CBA Statement Tabs. Do not blindly accept that the RCC has produced the intended result. Check the values on these tabs to make sure that your inputs have been interpreted properly.  

==== Small Business Lens ====

==== <big>One-for-one</big> ====

As mentioned above, you don't have to use the RCC to do your SBL section, and due to the complexity of what you're tying to model it may not be possible. But if you <u>do</u> want to use the RCC for this, the SBL sheet has all the tables from the RIAS template.  

[[File:Sbl1.png|center|thumb|887x887px|The top of the SBL sheet]]  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

==== <big>Small Business Lens</big> ====

As mentioned above, you don't have to use the RCC to do your SBL section, and due to the complexity of what you're tying to model it may not be possible. But if you <u>do</u> want to use the RCC for this, the SBL sheet has all the tables from the RIAS template.[[File:Sbl1.png|center|thumb|887x887px|The top of the SBL sheet]]  

The grey-shaded block at the top of the sheet if for your information only. These are not input variables so modifying them here will not affect the output tables.   

The grey-shaded block at the top of the sheet if for your information only. These are not input variables so modifying them here will not affect the output tables.   

With the blue-shaded section at the top you can modify the order of magnitude (single dollars, millions of dollars, billions of dollars), and the way you want the tables to be sorted.  

With the blue-shaded section at the top you can modify the order of magnitude (single dollars, millions of dollars, billions of dollars), and the way you want the tables to be sorted.  

The sorting methods are:   

Changing the order of magnitude may be helpful if you are trying to fit big numbers into tables in Word. With the order of magnitude set to millions or billions, you may want to adjust the number of decimals. Do this in the ribbon:  [[File:Ribbondecimals.png|center|thumb|1300x1300px|Increase decimal]]The sorting methods are:   

# Default: activities will appear in the order in which they are entered on the Activities sheet  

# Default: activities will appear in the order in which they are entered on the Activities sheet

# Total Impact (↑): ascending order according to the total impact estimates (smallest first)  

# Total Impact (↑): ascending order according to the total impact estimates (smallest first)

# Total Impact (↓): descending order according to the total impact estimates (biggest first)  

# Total Impact (↓): descending order according to the total impact estimates (biggest first)

# Administrative then Compliance  

# Administrative then Compliance

# Compliance then Administrative  

# Compliance then Administrative

# Activity (↑az): ascending order according to the name of each activity (a first)  

# [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] (↑az): ascending order according to the name of each [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] (a first)

# Activity (↓za): descending order according to the name of each activity (z first)  

# [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] (↓za): descending order according to the name of each [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] (z first)

==== Annual Impact ====

==== <big>Annual Impact</big> ====

The Annual Impact sheet provides a breakdown of the discounted and undiscounted costs, benefits, and net impacts for every year in the analytical period.  

The Annual Impact sheet provides a breakdown of the discounted and undiscounted costs, benefits, and net impacts for every year in the analytical period.  

'''Breakdown:''' this allows you to select whether you want a simple breakdown (costs, benefits, net), or a breakdown by activity, by stakeholder, or by activity and stakeholder.  

'''Breakdown:''' this allows you to select whether you want a simple breakdown (costs, benefits, net), or a breakdown by [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]], by stakeholder, or by [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] and stakeholder.  

'''Sort tables by:''' this allows you to sort the values in the tables in different ways. When the breakdown is set to simple, the only sorting option is "Default." But if the breakdown is anything else, you can sort by the magnitude of the impact, by the activity name, or by the stakeholder group name, as applicable. In general, "Default" sorting aligns with the order in which activities and stakeholders were entered on their respective sheets.  

'''Sort tables by:''' this allows you to sort the values in the tables in different ways. When the breakdown is set to simple, the only sorting option is "Default." But if the breakdown is anything else, you can sort by the magnitude of the impact, by the [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] name, or by the stakeholder group name, as applicable. In general, "Default" sorting aligns with the order in which activities and [[RCC userguide#Step Two: Identify Regulated Community .E2.80.93 Stakeholder Profile|Stakeholders]] were entered on their respective sheets.  

'''Group tables by:''' by default this is set to "Discounting", meaning that it will first produce the Discounted Costs, Discounted Benefits and Discounted Net Impacts, then the Undiscounted Costs, Undiscounted Benefits, and Undiscounted Net Impacts. Changing this to "Costs | Benefits | Net" means that the output will look like: Discounted Costs, Undiscounted Costs, then Discounted Benefits, Undiscounted Benefits, then Discounted Net, Undiscounted Net.

'''Group tables by:''' by default this is set to "Discounting", meaning that it will first produce the Discounted Costs, Discounted Benefits and Discounted Net Impacts, then the Undiscounted Costs, Undiscounted Benefits, and Undiscounted Net Impacts. Changing this to "Costs | Benefits | Net" means that the output will look like: Discounted Costs, Undiscounted Costs, then Discounted Benefits, Undiscounted Benefits, then Discounted Net, Undiscounted Net.

'''Order of magnitude:''' this lets you change from single dollars, to millions of dollars or billions of dollars. Potentially helpful if you're trying to copy-paste large numbers into Word. Note: with the order of magnitude set to millions or billions it may be helpful to adjust the number of decimals, by selecting Increase Decimal in the ribbon:

'''Order of magnitude:''' this lets you change from single dollars, to millions of dollars or billions of dollars.

 

'''Display years in:''' by default this is set to Rows, but you can change it to columns if you'd prefer.  

'''Display years in:''' by default this is set to Rows, but you can change it to Columns if you'd prefer.  

==== Cost-benefit statement ====

==== <big>Cost-benefit statement</big> ====

Like in the Annual Impact sheet, the grey block of values is for your information only. The results will not update if you change these values.  

Like in the Annual Impact sheet, the grey block of values is for your information only. The results will not update if you change these values.  

The blue block is not as large as in the Annual Impact sheet because the Cost-benefit statement in the RIAS template must follow a particular format (e.g., it always must be broken down by activity and stakeholder, the years are always displayed across the columns, and the annual impacts are undiscounted with only the total column being discounted).  

The blue block is not as large as in the Annual Impact sheet because the Cost-benefit statement in the RIAS template must follow a particular format (e.g., it always must be broken down by [[RCC userguide#Activity:|activity]] and stakeholder, the years are always displayed across the columns, and the annual impacts are undiscounted with only the total column being discounted).  

There is also an orange block in which you can select other relevant years. By default no additional years are entered here, so the cost-benefit statement will only show the base year (year of registration) and the final year (year of registration + time period - 1). Selecting other relevant years will add them to the tables below.  

There is also an orange block in which you can select other relevant years. By default no additional years are entered here, so the cost-benefit statement will only show the base year (year of registration) and the final year (year of registration + time period - 1). Selecting other relevant years will add them to the tables below.  

[[File:Cbastatementoptions.png|center|Cost-benefit statement options|thumb|831x831px]]

[[File:Cbastatementoptions.png|center|Cost-benefit statement options|thumb|831x831px]]

==== Labour ====

==== <big>Labour</big> ====

This sheet contains a list of employee classifications and their corresponding hourly wages. The source data from this list is from year 2021, but this is automatically inflated to the price year selected on the Initiatives sheet, so you don't really have to worry about that. If you enter a custom hourly wage at the bottom of the list, then you will have to specify the price year for the hourly wage you've entered. For example, if you found a report from 2019 that contains the hourly wage for an employee at a business that is affected by the regulation you're analyzing, you would select 2019 as the price year for the wage (just like how 2021 is specified for the wages from the Statistics Canada data).  

This sheet contains a list of employee classifications and their corresponding hourly wages. The source data from this list is from year 2021, but this is automatically inflated to the price year selected on the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab]], so you don't really have to worry about that. If you enter a custom hourly wage at the bottom of the list, then you will have to specify the price year for the hourly wage you've entered. For example, if you found a report from 2019 that contains the hourly wage for an employee at a business that is affected by the regulation you're analyzing, you would select 2019 as the price year for the wage (just like how 2021 is specified for the wages from the Statistics Canada data).  

Once you enter a custom wage on this sheet, it will appear on the drop-down menu for Labour: Staff Level (Hourly Wage without Overhead) on the Activities sheet. As mentioned above, you can also just enter custom hourly wages directly into the Activities sheet, in which case you don't have to enter anything on the Labour sheet.  

Once you enter a custom wage on this sheet, it will appear on the drop-down menu for Labour: Staff Level (Hourly Wage without Overhead) on the Activities sheet. As mentioned above, you can also just enter custom hourly wages directly into the Activities sheet, in which case you don't have to enter anything on the Labour sheet.  

==== CPI ====

==== <big>CPI</big> ====

This is the Consumer Price Index table from Statistics Canada, which is used in the RCC to deflate impact estimates to 2012 for the one-for-one section, and to inflate all other estimates to the price year specified on the Initiatives sheet.

This is the Consumer Price Index table from Statistics Canada, which is used in the RCC to deflate impact estimates to 2012 for the one-for-one section, and to inflate all other estimates to the price year specified on the [[RCC userguide#Step One: Initiative Details - Initiative Profile|Initiative tab.]]

There are several different forms of the Consumer Price Index, but the one used in the RCC is the annual average price level for All Goods. Because this is the <u>annual average</u> price level, it is only updated once the full year has elapsed, so the latest available value is always 1 year behind the current calendar year.  

There are several different forms of the Consumer Price Index, but the one used in the RCC is the annual average price level for All Goods. Because this is the <u>annual average</u> price level, it is only updated once the full year has elapsed, so the latest available value is always a year behind the current calendar year.  

This table is updated once per year, usually mid-January. A new RCC will likely be updated every January to account for this update, but if you want to update an RCC you're working on the second the data becomes available, feel free to add a new row with the new price level yourself.

This table is updated once per year, usually mid-January. A new RCC will likely be updated every January to account for this update, but if you want to update an RCC you're working on the second the data becomes available, feel free to add a new row with the new price level yourself.

==== All ====

==== <big>All</big> ====

This is where impact estimates are calculated for every period for every activity throughout the analytical period. All output tables pull from information estimated here. This sheet is protected by default, but there's no password. If you want to mess around in here just click Unprotect Sheet in the ribbon (under the Review tab):  [[File:Unprotected.png|center|thumb|950x950px|Unprotect Sheet]]

This is where impact estimates are calculated for every period for every activity throughout the analytical period. All output tables pull from information estimated here. This sheet is protected by default, but there's no password. If you want to mess around in here just click Unprotect Sheet in the ribbon (under the Review tab):  [[File:Unprotected.png|center|thumb|950x950px|Unprotect Sheet]]

One reason you might want to unprotect the sheet is to create your own custom pivot tables, e.g., if you want to create more output tables that include other filters beyond what is pre-made in the Annual Impact sheet.     

One reason you might want to unprotect the sheet is to create your own custom pivot tables, e.g., if you want to create more output tables that include other filters beyond what is pre-made in the Annual Impact sheet.     

==== Controls ====

==== <big>Controls</big> ====

This contains drop-down lists and the inner workings of the auto-generated one-for-one RIAS text.  

This contains drop-down lists and the inner workings of the auto-generated one-for-one RIAS text. Altering anything on this page would affect the functionality of the RCC. 

===  <big>'''TO BE CONTINUED . . .'''</big> ===

===  <big>'''TO BE CONTINUED . . .'''</big> ===