International Year of the Family

International Year of the Family

30th Anniversary

In 2024, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Family. Throughout the year, the Vanier Institute is working with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) to recognize and share its global agenda to support family wellbeing in societies around the world.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the Vanier Institute is pleased to undertake a new edition of Families Count. The first edition was a ground-breaking resource published in 1994 to coincide with the UN International Year of the Family. It has been 14 years since the last update, and many social, cultural, and economic changes have taken place.

The goal of the new edition of Families Count is to meet the needs of multiple knowledge users who seek to understand diverse families in Canada. Consistent with previous editions of Families Count, the Vanier Institute will present national data to a wide audience in a way that is accessible and accurate. Statistics Canada has partnered with the Institute to share data and review chapter content.

Our long-term objective is to create a regularly updated compendium for anyone interested in learning about families in Canada. Historically, this publication has been one of the Vanier Institute’s most frequently requested resources. It is available, free of charge, on the Vanier Institute website: Families Count 2024.