Type and timing of first union formation in Quebec and the rest of Canada: Continuity and change across the 1930-79 birth cohorts

Trends in age at marriage have been well documented, but less is known about age at first union among recent cohorts of Canadians. Using the 2011 GSS, I document changes in the type and timing of first union formation among Canadians born over five decades, and examine how regional differences in partnering behaviours have changed over time. The trend away from entering marriage directly has continued among Canadians born in the 1970s, but Quebec-Canada differences have narrowed. The trend towards later marriage has continued, but age at first union has not changed across the five cohorts under study.