The number of single-mother families in Halton Region has grown significantly over the past 20 years, increasing faster than the overall number of families, according to a report by Community Development Halton (CDH).
The December 2024 report, which uses Statistics Canada data, found that as of 2021, there were about 18,300 single-mother families in Halton, making up 11% of all families.
This is an 83% increase from 2001 to 2021, much higher than the 57% growth of all families in the same period.
Biggest Growth in Milton
Milton had the largest increase, with single-mother households growing by almost 290%. Oakville also saw big growth, especially between 2001-2006 (45%) and 2016-2021 (13.5%). Burlington and Halton Hills had smaller increases, with growth slowing in recent years.
Here’s a breakdown of single-mother families in Halton:
Oakville: 6,545 families
Burlington: 6,350 families
Milton: 3,525 families
Halton Hills: 1,865 families
Who Are These Single Mothers?
Most single mothers in Halton are between 40 and 54 years old.
25% are separated
20% have never been married
Over 29,000 children live in single-mother homes
Challenges Single Mothers Face
While most single mothers in Halton have some higher education, they are less likely to finish their degrees than other women in the region.
Single mothers are also more likely to work full-time, but they earn much less than single fathers—only 70-80% of their income. As a result, poverty rates are higher among single mothers.
The report also highlights diversity within this group. Many single mothers are immigrants or part of racialized communities, with South Asian, Black, and Chinese mothers making up a significant portion. These groups face extra challenges due to systemic barriers.
CDH Calls for More Support
To help single mothers succeed, CDH is calling for more support in areas such as:
Childcare
Education and job training
Better employment opportunities
Culturally relevant resources
These supports would help single-mother families thrive in Halton.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article has been gathered from local news sources. Please refer to the provided references for verification. Click Here.
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