Family not what it used to be

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(DALE CUMMINGS )

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The latest census data from Statistics Canada confirm what most people have observed for a long time, namely the rigid structures of marriage and family life are changing dramatically.

The dinner table for native-born Canadians simply does not look the same as it did in the past. Today, people are more likely to live alone, common law, in stepfamilies or same-sex relationships than ever before. Married couples are still the dominant social structure, but there are far fewer of them today -- just 67 per cent of families -- than in 1961, when nearly 92 per cent of Canadian families were led by a married, heterosexual couple. The census data are a portrait of a smaller, lonelier population, but only for certain Canadians.

New Canadians are frequently living in multiple-family arrangements, not too unlike the new Canadians of the past who shared resources and incomes to survive and thrive.

Eventually, these multiple families under a single roof will break out on their own, creating new demands for goods and services, including housing, cars, furniture and so on. Marketers, in fact, will want to study the census information to develop new products for the changing family. Smaller homes for the smaller family of the future may also be in demand.

If there is a sad statistic in the census, it's the rise in the "grey divorce" rate in Canada. The fact more women and are comfortable ending bad relationships is a positive development, but the census data show divorces among Canadians 55 and older are increasing.

These "silver" separations frequently occur after the children have left the family home, resulting in a sometimes difficult adjustment for both partners.

Financial problems frequently ensue, particularly if one partner has not paid attention to the family balance sheet. There have been many cases of one spouse diverting joint savings for their own use, leaving the other in a difficult spot that can lead to expensive litigation.

The clear lesson is men and women in long-term relationships should ensure they have equal control over their assets.

That aside, the fact the family is evolving is nothing to fear, but it will pose challenges for provinces where the numbers of school-aged children are growing, or where seniors and other people living alone are on the rise.

Canadians are finding new ways to live together in an increasingly complex world. Time will tell if it is for better or worse.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 21, 2012 A12