Canada Yearbook 2010 Released By Statistics Canada

The Canada Year Book (CYB), which was first published in 1867 ñ a significant year in Canadian historyóhas just been released for purchase and download. Its data is based on the 2009 year. This year's version is now available for purchase and has just been released for download: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-402-x/index-eng.htm. Data from 2009 is most recently analyzed, and the findings are interesting. . . .

• Investors Returned. Both foreigners and Canadians invested in Canadian assets as the TSX Composite Index rebounded in 2009.

• Spending Increased; So Did Net Worth. The effects of the 2008-2009 global recession were milder and shorter in Canada than in other G7 countries. In 2009 consumer spending increased slightly and government spending rose considerably due in great part to economic stimulus. Personal income and national net worth increased slightly, while net foreign debt increased due to our strong dollar and the deficit.

• Purchasing Power. The purchasing power of Canadians and household spending increased in 2008. An increase in export prices due to a strong demand for resources made the cost of imported goods more affordable.

• Non-Discretionary Spending. Low income households spent 52% of their budgets on food, shelter and clothing while wealthy households directed only 28% of their budgets to basics.

• Women and Work. In 7 out of 10 families both spouses were working in 2008, compared to 4 out of 10 in the mid-1970s. Women are working longer and earning more and the percentage of women who are equal or primary breadwinners has risen.

• Working Moms In 40's Doubles. More women are delaying childbirth in order to complete their education and launch careers. Over the last 20 years the number of mothers in their 40s with preschool age children has doubled! The number of working mothers with young children also doubled to 74% from 1976 to 2008.

Next time: CANADA HAS LOWEST PROPORTION OF SENIORS IN OECD

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