Introduction

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For the fifth time, in 2011, the General Social Survey (GSS) collected detailed information on families in Canada. Previous GSS surveys on this topic were conducted in 1990, 1995, 2001 and 2006. The 2011 survey updated most of the information collected in previous surveys, including leaving the family home, conjugal history (marriages, common-law unions, separations and divorces), children (biological, adopted or step), maternity and parental leave, childcare arrangements, intentions to form (or re-form) a union, fertility intentions, custody and financial support agreements and work history. As in all GSS surveys, data were also collected on the respondent's main activity, education and other socio-demographic characteristics. The 2011 GSS data can be used for cross-sectional and retrospective analyses (i.e. tracking the different family histories and trajectories followed by men and women).

The target population includes all people aged 15 and over living in a private household in Canada^{Note 1}.

Now that the survey collection has finished for this fifth GSS cycle on families, it's time to present a few highlights. The present publication consists of an article and selected tables. The article focuses on the situation of parents and stepparents, who become members of a stepfamily. The article examines the types of stepfamilies respondents live in, their conjugal history and their socieconomic characteristics.

The selected tables (2011 General Social Survey: Overview of families in Canada) examine different aspects of life as a couple, and as a family. Among other topics, first to be highlighted are intentions to form a/another union, couples living apart, and sterilization and infertility among Canadians. In addition, other tables cover the distribution of Canadians who live with their children, the use of childcare for pre-school and school-aged children, grandparenting, and children's primary residence following a breakup of their parents' union.

For questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact:

Client Services and Dissemination Section
Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division
Statistics Canada, 7th floor, Section C1, Jean-Talon Building
170 Tunney's Pasture Drive
Ottawa, Ontario   K1A 0T6
Email : sasd-dssea@statcan.gc.ca
Telephone : 613-951-5979
Fax : 613-951-4378

Notes

1. Excluding residents of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as well as full-time residents of institutions (hospitals, work camps, jails, missions, group homes, etc.).