Income in Canada

Abstract

This annual publication presents highlights and summary statistics on income and low income of families. The income concepts covered are market income, government transfers, total income, income tax, income after tax and low income.

Cross-sectional estimates of these income concepts are reported for both current and historical years. Historical estimates are derived from the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). Beginning with 1996, the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID) provides the data. Key tables are tabulated for Canada and the provinces. Some of the tables are also cross-classified by family type and number of earners in the family. As well, summary statistics for different income concepts are shown for income after tax quintiles.

The publication contains detailed tables on low income defined by the low income cutoffs (LICOs). Information includes the prevalence and the people living below the low income after tax for families and unattached individuals. Estimates on depth of low income (measured as average income gap from the cutoffs) are presented for families by various characteristics. There are also data showing the number of years (persistence) that people have remained in low income.

Researchers wishing to have an overview of income in Canada will find this publication useful. In addition to summary statistics, the publication provides analysis of income trends, charts, notes and definitions, information on survey methodology and data quality. Users who want further details about income statistics can refer to a comprehensive product on CD-ROM: Income trends in Canada (cat. no. 13F0022XCB).