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Think you know what a "typical Canadian family" looks like? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of Heliox, we unpack the dramatic transformation of family structures across Canada over the past three decades. Marriage rates have plummeted to less than 50% of adults over 15, while common-law partnerships surge, especially in Quebec and Nunavut. We explore the later-life timeline that defines modern Canadians—marrying at 34.8 years old (over three years later than in 1994), having fewer children, and increasingly choosing to live with parents well into adulthood.
Beyond traditional arrangements, we examine the rise of polyamorous relationships, the challenges of blended families, and the critical issues in adoption and foster care—where over 30,000 children await permanent homes. We spotlight the staggering overrepresentation of Indigenous children in foster care and the emergence of "chosen families" as vital support networks. These aren't just statistics; they're the lived experiences reshaping Canadian identity from the ground up. Whether you're navigating these changes personally or professionally, this deep dive into "Families Count 2024" offers essential context for understanding the evolving landscape of connection and commitment in today's Canada.
This is Heliox: Where Evidence Meets Empathy
Independent, moderated, timely, deep, gentle, clinical, global, and community conversations about things that matter. Breathe Easy, we go deep and lightly surface the big ideas.
Disclosure: This podcast uses AI-generated synthetic voices for a material portion of the audio content, in line with Apple Podcasts guidelines.
We make rigorous science accessible, accurate, and unforgettable.
Produced by Michelle Bruecker and Scott Bleackley, it features reviews of emerging research and ideas from leading thinkers, curated under our creative direction with AI assistance for voice, imagery, and composition. Systemic voices and illustrative images of people are representative tools, not depictions of specific individuals.
We dive deep into peer-reviewed research, pre-prints, and major scientific works—then bring them to life through the stories of the researchers themselves. Complex ideas become clear. Obscure discoveries become conversation starters. And you walk away understanding not just what scientists discovered, but why it matters and how they got there.
Independent, moderated, timely, deep, gentle, clinical, global, and community conversations about things that matter. Breathe Easy, we go deep and lightly surface the big ideas.
Spoken word, short and sweet, with rhythm and a catchy beat.
http://tinyurl.com/stonefolksongs
