The divorce rate in Canada is dropping, but it’s not because couples across the country are so in love. They just can’t afford it, which is a big factor. The divorce rate in Canada has decreased since the 1990s, according to a recent analysis that sheds light on family structure in the country. The number of divorces per 1,000 married people in a particular year is used to determine the rate. The rate was 12.7 per 1,000 married people in 1991. It was 5.6 in 2020.
“The number of divorces granted in Canada in 2020 was almost 43,000, the lowest since 1973.” The decreasing divorce rate can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the disruptions caused by COVID during the early stages of the epidemic, which resulted in fewer divorces being granted. Moreover, marriage rates are lower for couples. Nonetheless, it appears that the high expense of living and the high price tag are among the primary reasons wedding bells aren’t ringing.
According to one legal firm, a divorce in Canada typically costs $18,000. Not only is getting a divorce costly, but so is housing—especially if you’re a recently single individual. “A person with an average salary now finds it very challenging to take out a new mortgage on their own.”
Additionally, more young Canadians are opting to live in multigenerational households or at home with their parents. According to the research, almost half of Canadians between the ages of 20 and 29 lived with at least one parent in 2021. This may cause young individuals to postpone getting married and preventing divorce in an effort to support their families or maintain financial stability. “Knowing these trends is critical because they offer distinctive perspectives on issues that influence family life, including finances, housing, care-giving, and fertility.” Only time will tell if more Canadian couples will remain in so-called marital bliss.
