Canadian divorce rates have remained relatively stable over the past decade, showing a slight downward trend since 2019

Statistics show that Canada’s divorce rate has maintained a fairly consistent pattern, hovering around 38% in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic initially sparked concerns about increased divorces, but data indicates a more nuanced reality. Several factors influence these stable rates:

  • The average age of first marriages has increased to 30+ years, leading to more mature relationship decisions
  • More couples are choosing common-law relationships before or instead of marriage
  • Enhanced access to pre-marriage counselling and relationship support services
  • Growing acceptance of trial separations and marriage counselling before pursuing divorce

While metropolitan areas like Toronto and Vancouver show slightly higher rates, overall national trends suggest Canadian marriages are becoming more stable, not less.