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Fertility rate of women Quebecers over 1.7 children per woman for the first time since 1976

Québec, April 14, 2009 – The number of births registered in Québec was estimated at 87,600 in 2008 compared to 84,200 in 2007. This 4% increase brought the total fertility rate of women Quebecers to 1.74 children per woman in 2008, versus 1.68 in 2007. One has to go back as far as 1976 to find a fertility rate over 1.7 children per woman in Québec. These findings were taken from an update of data on births and fertility carried out by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.

Fertility in 2008 was close to the two-children-per-woman mark in the Côte-Nord, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Chaudière-Appalaches, and Lanaudière regions, while Montréal and the Capitale-Nationale posted the lowest rates with close to 1.6 children per woman. Fertility in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine saw its largest increase between 2007 and 2008, going from 1.54 to 1.69 children per woman.

Birth data for 2008 also revealed that:

  • 45% of babies were first-borns, 36% second-borns, 13% third-borns and 6% fourth-borns or later borns;
  • just over 25% of babies had at least one parent who was born outside Canada;
  • 2.9% of infants were born of multiple pregnancies;
  • 63% of new mothers were not married (this proportion exceeded 85% in the Côte-Nord and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, but attained just over 40% in Montréal and Laval).

The Institut de la statistique du Québec, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, produces and disseminates relevant, reliable, and timely statistical information on the socioeconomic development of Québec and Québec society. It is the central authority for the production and dissemination of official statistical information for Québec government departments and agencies. It is also responsible for conducting statistical surveys of general interest.

Sources :

  • Chantal Girard, Demographer
    Phone: 418-691-2406, Ext. 3062
    Institut de la statistique du Québec

  • Information and Documentation Centre (ISQ)
    Phone: 418-691-2401
    or 1-800-463-4090 (toll free in Canada and the United States)

  • ISQ website: www.stat.gouv.qc.ca