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The average Canadian family has traditionally been understood as a nuclear family, with extended family living separately. However, family structures, living arrangements and household dynamics can vary significantly depending on one’s ethnic or socioeconomic background. The archetypal family (husband, wife and biological children with extended family living separately) is no longer representative of many modern Canadian families. Single-parent households and families including step-parent and step-sibling relationships have become more commonplace as rates of divorce and remarriage have increased. Many migrant families also live in multigenerational households to pool income and savings and help each other navigate language and cultural barriers.

Canadians have become increasingly individualistic in their approach to family. Many prioritise establishing a career and travelling before marrying or having children. Families are also getting smaller as parents choose to have fewer children (although birth rates are significantly higher among migrant and non-Anglo-European women). Overall, there has been a growing trend of people waiting until later in life before starting a family. Canadians are having children, getting married and retiring at older ages than previous generations. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has become more common, partly in response to this older age of conception. Families are also getting smaller as parents choose to have fewer children. In the 2021 Census, the average number of children in Canadian families was 1.8.¹

Adult children in Canada are increasingly remaining in their parents’ households for longer periods, and some young adults may return to the family home after previously living independently. According to the 2021 Census, 35.1% of Canadians aged 20–34 were living with at least one parent, with the highest proportion (57.0%) among 20–24 year-olds.^{2, 3} Men in this age group are more likely than women to live with their parents. Overall, about one in five Canadians (19.5%) resided in an intergenerational household consisting of parents and their adult children aged 20 or older, without additional family generations present.³

Demographic changes have resulted in a gradual increase in the proportion of older adults. In 2021, around 17% of the Canadian population was aged 65 years or older.⁴ As the population ages, there has also been a rise in multigenerational households, with more older relatives living with their adult children or other family members.

Gender does not necessarily dictate a person’s role or duty in the family. Women enjoy equal rights and the opportunity to choose their form of contribution to the household dynamic. However, more women tend to have interrupted careers in order to be available to raise their children. They are also more likely to be the primary caretakers of children. For example, the vast majority (77%) of single-parent households with children are headed by women.¹

Relationships and Marriage

In Canada, it is generally socially acceptable for both men and women to ask people out on a date. Dates often take place in settings that allow time for conversation and getting to know each other, such as meeting for a meal or a drink. It is also common for people to date or get to know several individuals over a period of time without being in an exclusive relationship with any of them. However, if stronger feelings develop for a particular person, social expectations typically shift toward focusing on that individual. At this point, people often stop seeking new dates and instead pursue a relationship with that person until mutual interest in a committed relationship is established or one person indicates that they are not interested.

Marriage in Canada is generally understood to be based on mutual affection and an intimate partnership rather than economic or social necessity. Many couples are in a relationship for several years and often live together before marrying, although practices vary depending on personal circumstances, cultural background, and family expectations. Common-law relationships are also widespread, particularly among younger adults and in Quebec.

Canadians are marrying later than previous generations, with the average age of first marriage at 30.7 years in 2020.⁵ Divorce rates remain significant, with roughly 40% of marriages projected to end in divorce and the average age at divorce around 46 years.^{6, 5} Despite these trends, marriage continues to be a highly valued institution, and most newlyweds establish separate households and start families independently of their parents.

Canada legalised same-sex marriage in 2005, becoming the third country to do so. Since then, societal acceptance of LGBTQI+ relationships has steadily increased, making same-sex marriages and families with children born to same-sex couples relatively common.