The State of Conjugal Relationships in Canada

An updated report from Statistics Canada at the end of September shows new information of the state of conjugal relationships in Canada.  The findings are interesting and surprising and provide a glimpse into family life in the country, based on the government’s definitions of conjugal arrangements since 1991.

What is the most common marital status?   It turns out that slightly more people are married and not separated in Canada over the past 5 years. And there are slightly fewer singles than in 2018. About the same number of people live common-law.  But this is surprising – more people are now widowed than 5 years ago:  1,957,180 vs. 1,748,264.  It is a sign of the demographic times:

What are the definitions of conjugal life?  Here are the federal governments’ definitions:

• (including living common law) includes persons who have never married (including all persons less than 15 years of age). Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.
• Married (and not separated) includes persons whose opposite or same sex spouse is living, unless the couple is separated or a divorce has been obtained. Also included are persons in civil unions. Those who live with a common-law partner are not included in this category.
• (including living common law) includes persons currently legally married but who are no longer living with their spouse (for any reason other than illness, work or school) and have not obtained a divorce. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.
• (including living common law) includes persons who have lost their legally-married spouse through death and have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.
• (including living common law) includes persons who have obtained a legal divorce and have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.

Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0060-01  Estimates of population as of July 1st, by marital status or legal marital status, age and sex