Thursday, July 11, 2002

A story released today by the Canadian Press reports that according to the Statistics Canada survey from 2001 shows that common-law unions are becoming increasingly popular among couples settling down together, especially in Quebec.

The survey also indicated that nearly 1.2 million couples in Canada had common-law relationships, an increase of 20 percent since 1995. In contrast, the number of married couples rose three percent to 6.4 million from 6.2 million.

It also estimated that 70 percent of Quebecers will start their conjugal lives through common-law relationships, compared with 34 per cent elsewhere.

The survey said this reflects the fact that common-law unions are accepted and adopted in Quebec earlier than elsewhere. Common-law relationships hold different meanings for different generations. Among the young, it is a prelude to or a substitute for a first marriage. Among older people, it is seen as a prelude to or substitute for remarriage.

The numbers are based on Statistics Canada's General Social Survey, which collected information on relationship ties, marital splits and new unions.