Section 2. General Demographics and Trends
The following is an amalgamation of the most current data available. The main source for the information is Statistics Canada. Generally, 2001 census data is used and more current data from 2002 and 2003 have been added wherever possible. The Labour Force Historical Review 20031 by Statistics Canada has also been incorporated. However, these data may not reflect very recent trends and in some cases, have yet to be formally analysed; they should, therefore, be interpreted with caution.
2.1 Canada's Youth
In 2003, there were more than 4 million Canadians between 15 and 24 years of age, comprising 14% of Canada's total population. The population of Canadian youth has grown slightly from 2001 when the 15 to 24 cohort made up 13% of the total population. The more than 2 million individuals between the ages of 15 and 19 years account for 7% of the Canadian population, while the 2 million Canadians between the ages of 20 and 24, account for a slightly lower proportion of the population. Just over 2 million Canadians are between the ages 25-29 (7% of the population). Figure 2-1 reflects the size of the youth population in Canada in 2003.
Figure 2-1: Canada's Population by Age and Sex, 2003
Source: Statistics Canada ? Annual Demographic Statistics, 2003, Cat no. 91-213-XIB
Unlike older age groups that have more women than men, the youth cohort has a slightly higher proportion of men than women (refer to Figure 2-1). According to 2003 data, males aged 15 to 24 make up 7% of the total population compared to females who make up 6.5%. There is a smaller gap in the proportion of men to women in the 20 to 24 year old cohort, at 7.1% and 6.7% respectively. For the 25 to 29 age group, the gap between men and women is even less (6.9% and 6.5% respectively).
The 2001 census data shows that the 15 to 24 cohort of both the immigrant and visible minority2 populations in Canada comprise a large portion of their respective aggregate populations, at 12% and 16%. This is not the case with Aboriginal3 youth as they comprise only 4% of the total immigrant population4. Relative to the total Canadian youth cohort in 2001, 32% of Canadian youth fall into one of these three distinctive categories.
Figure 2-2: Aboriginal, Immigrant and Visible Minority Youth Aged 15-24, 2001
Source: Statistics Canada, 2001 Census: 97F0011XCB01001, 95F0357XCB1003, 95F036XCB01003
Over the last 30 years, the youth population has fluctuated significantly. During the 1980s, when the last wave of baby-boomers entered their mid-twenties, the youth population fell rapidly, reaching a low of 3.9 million in 1992.
As children of boomers entered their teens, the youth population began to increase again. In the boom, bust, echo cycle, these youth are the echo. Since 1992, the youth population has steadily increased. Between 1993 and 2003, the youth population grew by 7%. However, as the children of boomers enter their mid-twenties, the youth population is expected to decline by 2011. Statistics Canada has estimated that the share of the population accounted for by 15 to 24 year olds will drop to 11% by 2021, and that by 2051 youth will comprise only 10% of the total population. Over the same period of time, the proportion of the population in the age group 65 and over will expand rapidly as a result of aging boomers and longer life expectancy (refer to Figure 2-3).
Figure 2-3: Population of Youth Aged 15-24, 1921-2026
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census: 97F0003XCB01002, Population Projections for Canada, Provinces and territories - 91-520-XIB
2.2 Provincial/Territorial Variations
The breakdown of Canadian youth into provinces and territories is shown in Table 1. The majority (61%) of youth are concentrated in Canada's two most populated provinces, Ontario and Quebec. Not surprisingly, the three territories have the lowest number of youth: the Yukon has only 3,930 individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, while Nunavut has 4,655 youth and the Northwest Territories has 5,650 youth.
| Table 1: Youth Population (Age 15-24) and Percentage of Provincial/Territorial Populations, 2001Table 1: Youth Population (Age 15-24) and pourcentage of Provincial/Territorial |
| |
Population |
% of total of P/T population |
% change 1996 - 20015 |
| CA |
4,009,140 |
13.4 |
- |
| NF |
73,325 |
14.3 |
-17.0 |
| PEI |
18,955 |
14.0 |
-2.3 |
| NS |
117,935 |
13.0 |
-4.6 |
| NB |
97,430 |
13.4 |
-8.1 |
| QC |
949,480 |
13.1 |
+0.2 |
| ON |
1,487,835 |
13.0 |
+6.2 |
| MB |
153,280 |
13.7 |
-0.3 |
| SK |
144,240 |
14.7 |
+2.0 |
| AB |
438,090 |
14.7 |
+16.2 |
| BC |
514,345 |
13.2 |
+6.3 |
| YK |
3,930 |
13.7 |
-3.9 |
| NWT |
5,650 |
15.1 |
-5.5 |
| NVT |
4,655 |
17.4 |
+6.3 |
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census: 95F0300XCB01004, 97F0003XCB01002
Figure 2-4: Population by Age Group 15-19 and 15-24 for Provinces and Territories, 2001
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census: 95F0300XCB01004, 97F0003XCB01002
With the exception of Nunavut, young people account for a fairly consistent share of provincial and territorial populations across Canada. In 2001, youth aged 15 to 24 as a proportion of the total provincial population ranged from 13% in Ontario and Nova Scotia to 15% in Alberta and British Columbia. In the territories, youth represent a larger share of the total population than in the provinces. At 17%, Nunavut has the highest proportion of youth aged 15 to 24 among all provinces and territories. The Northwest Territories also has a higher than average proportion of youth with 15% of the population falling between 15 and 24 years of age (refer to Figure 2-4).
Among all provinces and territories, Newfoundland experienced the largest drop in its youth population. Between 1996 and 2001, the youth population in Newfoundland declined 17%. Other provinces showing downward trends include the three other Atlantic Provinces, Manitoba, and two territorial regions, the Yukon and Northwest Territories6. The greatest gain in the youth population was in Alberta, with 16% growth from 1996 to 2001. Other provinces and territories with increasing youth cohorts are Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Nunavut.
2.3 Urban and Rural
Like the overall population, most youth live in an urban area. In 2003, 81% of all Canadian youth aged 15 to 24 resided in census metropolitan areas (CMA) or census agglomerations (CA)7. Of those living in CMAs or CAs, 87% lived in urban cores8, 2% lived in urban fringes9 and 11% lived in rural fringes10. The remaining 19% of Canadian youth lived in small towns and rural areas.
2.4 Language
Almost all youth in Canada can speak at least one of the official languages. In 2001, 99% of Canadians aged 15 to 24 had knowledge in at least one official language. The majority of youth know only the English language (63%) and a much smaller proportion of the youth population knows only the French language (11%). 25% of Canadian youth knew both official languages. There has been a 12% increase in the number of bilingual youth, as in 1996 only 13% spoke both languages. Less than 1% of the youth population do not have any knowledge of either English or French.
Of those youth that do have knowledge of the official languages, 76% speak English as their first official language and 23% speak French. 1% are indifferent (choosing both English and French) and less than 1% of those with knowledge of the official languages select another language as their preference. A significant percentage (24%) of Canadian youth state that they are members of an official language minority11. Other languages that are commonly known by the youth cohort include Spanish (4%), Cantonese (3%), Punjabi (3%), Chinese (2%), Arabic (2%) and German (2%)12.
Figure 2-5: Official Language Known and Spoken by Canadian Youth (15-24), 2001
Source: Statistics Canada, 2001 Census: 97F007XCB01049, 97F007XCB01005
2.5 Living Arrangements of Youth
Because this is a period of great change in living arrangements, this section will break the cohort into two demographic groups, those aged 15 to19 and those aged 20 to 24.
The vast majority of young people live at home with their parents. In 2001, 93% of people aged 15 to 19 lived with one or both of their parents. In contrast, less than 1% lived alone, while 3% were either married or living common-law or were a lone parent themselves. Virtually all Canadians under the age of 19 are single, less than 1% are married.
The transition from living in the parental home to other arrangements tends to take place as youth enter their mid-20s. Therefore, the living arrangements for the 20 to 24 age cohort are more varied. In 2001, the majority (83%) were living in a family household with 57% living with parents and 22% were living as spouses, common-law partners or lone-parents13. The remaining 17% were in non-family households, 9% were living with roommates (non-relatives) and 6% were living alone14. For this young adult cohort, 92% were single, 7% were married and less than 1% were separated, divorced or widowed15. Interestingly, approximately 78% of individuals aged 20 to 24 were single in 1996, showing a decreasing trend in married young adults.
Figure 2-6: Household Living Arrangements for Family Households, 2001
Source: Statistics Canada, 2001 Census: 95F0324XCB01009
Figure 2-7: Household Living Arrangements for Non-Family Households, 2001
Source: Statistics Canada 95F0324XCB01009, 2001 Census
Young adults are living longer in the parental home, because post-secondary studies combined with restructuring of the job market has led to delays in, or less certainty of earning a stable income sufficient to support a household. Overall, the proportion of young adults aged 20 to 24 living with their parents rose to 57% in 2001, from 51% in 1991 and 42% in 1981. For young adults aged 25 to 29 the tendency to live with their parents is not as widespread, but still increased to 24% in 2001, from 18% in 1991 and 12% in 198116. Leaving the parental home is not always final, since the transition from adolescence to adulthood tends to follow many routes and may not be linear. The living arrangements of youth also vary significantly by region17.
Several factors, whether combined or in isolation, contribute to the decision to stay in the parental home, leave or return18:
- age;
- gender;
- affective ties and social bonds within the parental family;
- incomes of youth (from various sources) and the ability and willingness of their parents to extend financial support to their young adult children during the transition to residential autonomy;
- location of job, educational or cultural opportunities relative to where the parental home is located;
- allure of youth consumer culture; and
- supply of affordable and suitable housing.
2.6 Young People Entering Into Home Ownership
In 1996 and 2001, there were just over twice as many youth under 30 years of age renting compared to owning. The percentage of youth living in an apartment decreases with age. In 1996, 74% of youth aged 15 to 19 lived in an apartment, compared to 67% for youth aged 20 to 24 and 50% for youth aged 25 to 2919.
The dream of one day owning a home is very much present among young Canadians. Young Canadians under the age of 35 are the largest market segment (49%) planning to buy a home, including 14% who are under the age of 2520. In 2001, the ownership rate for youth aged 25 to 29 was 37%, more than double the rate (16%) for youth aged 20 to 24, and triple the rate (12%) for youth aged 15 to 19.
In 2001, tenants under the age of 30 spent on average $7,740 annually for rent, up from $6,984 in 1996. Young home owners increased their expenditure on housing over this period - $11,868 in 2001, up from $11,136 in 1996. Young home owners tend to have lower incomes and spend a proportionately higher share of their budget on housing than those aged 30 and above.
The incidence of households consisting of young tenants aged 15 to 29 in core housing need21 increased from 23% in 1991 to 37% in 1996. For young owner households aged 15 to 29, the incidence of core housing need was lower at 11% in 1996, up from 6% in 1991. Affordability is by far the main cause of core housing need especially for those under 30 years-old22.
2.7 Homeless Youth
Throughout the country, homeless youth have the same general characteristics: exposure to physical violence, mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse and conflicts with the law. As stated by the Environmental Scan on Homelessness, published by the CMHC, homeless youth are often isolated with no family ties and few friends23. Many have been raised in foster homes, have a lack of education and skills, and suffer from poor physical health. While the majority of homeless youth are male, the number of young women who are homeless appears to be growing.
Homelessness is a significant problem among Aboriginal youth who appear to be over represented in the homeless population. Gay and lesbian youth are also at risk of ending up on the street because their families often reject them. Like Aboriginal youth, they avoid using shelters because they fear discrimination.
Many homeless youth survive on a day-to-day basis by couch surfing, or they may live in overcrowded or unsuitable housing. Other survival strategies include pooling of resources to rent accommodation, staying at emergency shelters, and sleeping outside or in abandoned buildings. A significant number of homeless youth become involved in illegal activities such as selling drugs, shoplifting and prostitution. The lifestyle of homeless youth puts their health at risk. Exposure to violence and theft is a common hazard among homeless youth.
1 For additional information on this Review, please visit the following Web site at: http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=71F0004XCB
2 Persons considered to be a visible minority as defined for employment equity purposes include persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non Caucasian in race or non white in colour. The visible minority population includes those reporting themselves as Chinese, South Asian, Black, Arab/West Asian, Filipino, Southeast Asian, Latin American, Japanese, Korean and Pacific Islander (Statistics Canada Census of Canada).
3 Refers to those persons who reported identifying with at least one Aboriginal group, i.e. North American Indian, Métis or Inuit (Eskimo), and/or those who reported being a Treaty Indian or a Registered Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada and/or who were members of an Indian Band or First Nation.
4 Sources: Aboriginal data (97F0011XCB01004) Visible Minority (95F0363XCB01003) Immigrant (95F0357XCB01003)
5 This percentage is an increase or decrease in the youth population of each province/territory, not an increase or decrease in the percentage of the youth share of the provincial/territorial population, as noted in the middle column.
6 The significant shift in population can be attributed to the recognition of Nunavut as territory in the late 1990's. Prior to 1999, youth living in Nunavut were considered as part of the Northwest Territories.
7 Defined by Statistics Canada as a census metropolitan area (CMA) or a census agglomeration (CA) is formed by one or more adjacent municipalities centred on a large urban area (known as the urban core). The census population count of the urban core is at least 10,000 to form a census agglomeration and at least 100,000 to form a census metropolitan area. To be included in the CMA or CA, other adjacent municipalities must have a high degree of integration with the central urban area, as measured by commuting flows derived from census place of work data.
8 Defined by Statistics Canada as a population ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 people.
9 Defined by Statistics Canada as the urban area within a CMA or CA that is not contiguous to the urban core with a minimum population concentration of 1,000.
10 Defined by Statistics Canada as a population below 1,000 on the bordering territory of a CMA or CA.
11 The official language minority is English in Quebec and French in all other provinces and territories.
12 Languages listed were spoken by at least 2.0% of the youth population as measured by Statistics Canada in the 2001 census. Many other languages are spoken by Canadian youth; however these are the most common. Refer to the 2001 census (95F0338XCB01002) for more detail.
13 Family household refers to a household that contains at least one census family, that is, a married couple with or without children, or a couple living common-law with or without children, or a lone parent living with one or more children (lone-parent family).
14 Non-family household refers to either one person living alone in a private dwelling or to a group of two or more people who share a private dwelling, but who do not constitute a census family.
15 Source, 2001 Census: 95F0407XBC1003
16 Housing Canada's Youth, CMHC Research Highlight (Socio-economic Series, Issue 40, 1998)
17 Housing Canada's Youth, CMHC Research Highlight (Socio-economic Series, Issue 40, 1998)
18 The following has been sourced from: Housing Canada's Youth, CMHC Research Highlight (Socio-economic Series, Issue 40, 1998).
19 Housing Canada's Youth, CMHC Research Highlight (Socio-economic Series, Issue 40, 1998).
20 Consumer Intentions to Buy or Renovate, CMHC, January 2003
21 Most Canadians have access to a dwelling that is adequate in condition, suitable in size, and affordable (shelter costs consume less than 30% of before-tax household income). A household is said to be in Core Housing Need if its housing falls below at least one of the adequacy, suitability or affordability standards and it would have to spend 30 percent or more of its income to pay the median rent for alternative local market housing that meets all three standards. New estimates of Core Housing Need are being developed based on the 2001 Census.
22 CMHC Core Housing Need Estimates, 1996
23 This section has been sourced by: Environmental Scan on Youth Homelessness, CMHC Research Highlight (Socio-economic Series, Issue 86, July 2001)
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