Census family structure

Part A - Short definition:

Refers to the classification of census families into married couples (with or without children of either and/or both spouses), common-law couples (with or without children of either and/or both partners), and lone-parent families by sex of parent.

Part B - Detailed definition:

Refers to the classification of census families into married couples (with or without children of either and/or both spouses), common-law couples (with or without children of either and/or both partners), and lone-parent families by sex of parent. A couple may be of opposite or same sex. A couple with children may be further classified as either an intact family or stepfamily, and stepfamilies may, in turn, be classified as simple or complex. Children in a census family include grandchildren living with their grandparent(s) but with no parents present.

Census years:

2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971

Reported for:

Census families in private households

Question number(s):

Derived variable: Questions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Responses:

Not applicable

Remarks:

As of 2001, the term 'couple families' is used when referring inclusively to families of married couples and families of common-law couples. In censuses prior to 1991, the term 'husband-wife families' was used in census products covered both the families of married couples and those of opposite-sex common-law couples. Data on opposite-sex common-law couples have been available since 1981.

As of 2001, data on same-sex common-law couples are available.

As of 2006, data on same-sex married couples are available.

As of 2011, data on intact families and stepfamilies are available.

See Census family for more information on stepfamilies.