Canadian Census data has showed an 11.1 percent increase in the average Canadian family income between 1980 and 2005. As a result of strong economic growth fostered by gains in employment, a further 2.1 percent increase was observed between 2005 and 2006.

Families had an estimated average income after taxes of $58,300 in 2006, up 2.1 percent from 2005 in real terms. It was the third consecutive annual increase. In 2006, the increase was mainly the result of gains in both market income and government transfers.

The gain in after-tax income was shared by most family types, including senior families, those in which the main income earner was aged 65 and over, and younger, working-aged families. Senior families had an average after-tax income of $42,400, up 2.9 percent. Working-aged families had an average of $62,000, a 1.8 percent gain.

Both senior and working-aged family average after-tax income increased by roughly 18 percent in real terms since 1996.

Persons living alone or “unattached individuals” had an average after-tax income of $22,800 in 2006, up 4.6 percent from 2005.

Average incomes for Alberta families far ahead of other provinces

For the third consecutive year, families living in Alberta had the highest average after-tax income ($70,500), followed by those in Ontario ($62,400) and British Columbia ($60,300).

Alberta and Saskatchewan were the only two provinces for which the yearly change in after-tax family income was markedly higher. The average rose 7.0 percent in Alberta and 6.3 percent in Saskatchewan.

Average government transfers for families increased in three provinces: New Brunswick, Ontario and Alberta.

In Alberta, average government transfers doubled to $3,000 in 2006 from $1,500 in 2005. This large increase was generated by a one-time Energy Rebate program.

7 May 2008