2006 Census Release Reveals Continued Aging of Canada's Population

New results from the 2006 Census reveal the continued ageing of Canada’s population, according to an Environics Analytics analysis of just released data from Statistics Canada. In 2006, one in seven Canadians (13.7%) was over the age of 65 while 17.7% were under the age of 15. By comparison, 50 years ago less than one in ten Canadians (7.7%) were over 65 years old and nearly one third of the population (32.5%) was under 15.

The new census data show all of the recent growth occurring in the over-45 population. During the last decade, the population aged 45-64 increased by 40% as the large Baby Boom cohort moved into this age group. Meanwhile, the seniors’ population grew by 23%, with the oldest seniors, aged 85-and-over, increasing by 55%. In comparison, the child population under 14 years old decreased by 5%, while the population aged 15-44 decreased by 1%.

“This ageing population is the result of sustained low fertility rates combined with maturing Baby Boomers and increases in life expectancy,” says Jan Kestle, President of Environics Analytics. “Together, these changes will have a profound impact on the Canadian marketplace. Many companies will need to target their products and services to over-fifty-year-olds in order to thrive in the future.”

The new census results will be further discussed in a web seminar to be conducted by Doug Norris, Senior Vice President and Chief Demographer of Environics Analytics.

Dr. Norris is the former Director General of Social and Demographic Statistics at Statistics Canada and earned the title of “Mr. Census” during his 30-year career there. Join him as he discusses the latest findings about the age and sex of Canadians, using new data released today.