Canada's Changing Labour Force, 2006 Census: The provinces and territories

Unpaid work

More adults spending time looking after seniors

In 2006, more individuals spent unpaid time caring for seniors than 1996. The share of the population that spent time in these activities increased from 16.5% in 1996 to 18.4% in 2006.

About one-fifth (20.9%) of women spent some time looking after seniors in 2006, up slightly from 19.2% in 1996. The share of men providing care increased at a slightly faster pace, from 13.6% in 1996 to 15.7% in 2006.

However, few people spent 10 hours or more a week in these activities: 3.9% of women in 2006, up from 3.1% in 1996, and 2.2% of men in 2006, up from 1.7% in 1996.

  Previous page | Table of contents