Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016
Economic family
Definition
'Economic family' refers to a group of two or more persons who live in the same dwelling and are related to each other by blood, marriage, common-law union, adoption or a foster relationship. A couple may be of opposite or same sex. By definition, all persons who are members of a census family are also members of an economic family. Examples of the broader concept of economic family include the following: two co-resident census families who are related to one another are considered one economic family; co-resident siblings who are not members of a census family are considered as one economic family; and, nieces or nephews living with aunts or uncles are considered one economic family.
Statistical unit(s)
Not applicable
Classification(s)
Not applicable
Reported in
2016 and 2011; 2006, 2001 and 1996 (20% sample); 1991, 1986 and 1981. For availability prior to 1981, refer to Appendix 2.0.
Reported for
Population in private households
Question number(s)
Derived variable: Questions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Responses
Not applicable
Remarks
The economic family and its associated classifications and variables are derived according to the responses to the questions on sex, date of birth, marital status, common-law status and relationship to Person 1. In addition, consideration is given to the order in which household members are listed on the questionnaire.
The way that economic families are classified by economic family structure depends on who is selected as the economic family reference person. As described in the classification of economic family status, the reference person is determined through procedures specific to each survey (or census). For the 2016 Census, the criteria for determining who is the economic family reference person changed slightly. For more information, refer to the Families Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2016.
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