Navigating family transitions : Vivre les transitions familiales, résultats de l'Enquête sociale générale, 2006

The nature and timing of transitions such as the establishment and advancing of a career, moving out of the parental home, marriage or common-law union, accumulating assets such as a car or house, family formation and the dissolution of a common-law union or marriage, may be changing as the Canadian economic and social context changes. [...] The use of formal support services during a pregnancy or after the birth or adoption of a child has increased since 2001 Even if today’s parents are increasingly inundated with information about the arrival of a child, parents want what is best for their children to give them the best possible start in life. [...] Mothers take time off from work for a longer period of time than fathers after a pregnancy or an adoption The timing for returning to work after a leave of absence for the birth or adoption of a child varies according to the parent’s gender. [...] Of course, the length of time and the type of leave taken to care for the child are related. [...] Financial reasons are an important factor in the decision to return to work after a birth or adoption In addition to the type of leave taken for the birth or adoption of a child, other factors affect the reintegration of parents into the labour market.