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Statistics Canada to release census data on changing makeup of Canadian families

Jul 13, 2022 | 2:19 AM

TORONTO — Canadians will get a clearer picture this morning of what families in this country look like. 

Statistics Canada will release results today from the 2021 national census that examines who’s living together and how they’re related to one another. 

The data will look at family structure, including marital status, the presence of children, stepfamilies and multi-generational households.

For the first time, the snapshot of Canadian families will also include more detailed information on gender diversity within families.

Statistics Canada amended the census in 2021 to differentiate between sex assigned at birth and gender, which will provide further insights into the marital status and living situations of transgender and non-binary people.

Margo Hilbrecht, executive director of the Vanier Institute of the Family, says census releases like this are the first step in ensuring government policy keeps up with social change.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2022.

The Canadian Press