Most Canadians have fewer children than they want, new study shows

2nd June 2026

A majority of Canadians near the end of their fertile years have smaller families than they wanted, according to new research.

This shows Canada’s record low fertility rate of 1.25, well below the replacement rate of 2.1, is partly caused by millions of people having fewer children than they desired.

“Home Alone: Why Most Canadians Have Fewer Children Than They Want” is a new research paper from Cardus, a pro-family think tank.

Among Canadians aged 40-44, it found that 59pc of men and 53pc of women said their family was currently below their desired family size.

The paper also found that religious people tend to want more children. Nonreligious women desire 1.55 children on average, and non-religious men desire 1.83. By contrast, Protestant women and men desire about three children, and Catholic, Orthodox, and those of other faiths have ideals of just over two children.

The study also found gender differences in obstacles to family formation. Women are more worried about the degree of support for parenting, childcare, and sharing housework. Men are more worried about finances, employment conditions, or the state of the economy.

Notably, Canadians who achieve their fertility desires tend to be far happier, both with their family life, and their overall life satisfaction.