The baby boom in the 1950's and 60's

Learning Targets

-Students will learn what the baby boom is

-Students will learn the impact the baby boom has had on Canada

-Students will learn the long term effects of the baby boom

During the great depression in the war people put off having families, but after the war with the economy stabilizing and the government distributing family allowances it was finally possible to settles down and start having families. After World War two couples began to have an enormous amount of babies. A typical family had four to five babies. Over 300,00 babies were born every year and by 1965 the largest group of Canadians were children under the age of 10.

What is the baby boom?

What impact has the baby boom had on Canada?

In the ten years from 1946 to 1956, the population increased by 20 percent, in Canada. The boomer's demanded new furniture, new clothes and more food to be produced, along with new houses, and new cars. In addition, there were lots of services required such as  schools, playgrounds, swimming pools and hockey rinks. Many of new teachers, medical nurses, and doctors were also needed, to look after all those kids. The baby boom was just what Canada needed to get the economy switched over from making Bren Machine Guns to making baby carriages, bunk beds, new cars, and especially station wagons, for all those twins and triplets that arrived every year. Men who had learned technical trades in the military were starting their own businesses, as plumbers, carpenters and electricians, mechanics and welders. Building the new suburbs required lots of skilled workers, and lots of lumber, concrete, shingles, a pipe ,wire, new fridges,  stoves, and furnaces, all made by Canadians in our own factories. Boom times were upon us, full force. Boomers changed the face of Canada and the economy as well.

How has the baby boom effected my generation?

The changing economy, changing attitudes and expectations toward lifestyle, and longer life expectancy are redefining this generation's approach to age and retirement. Retiring baby boomers are creating a need for workers to fill vacated jobs, many of which require specialized skill sets. This may create a need to retain older workers and delay their retirement, or to find workers from other countries.

As more members of the baby-boom generation enter their 60s, the labour force comprising older workers will increase. By 2036, the senior population in Canada (65 years and over) is expected to more than double and is estimated to then represent 23% to 25% of the total population compared to 14% in 2009.

Fun Facts

- Baby Boomers make up about 26 percent of the population

- More than half of Baby Boomers support their adult children financially

- There are now more female Baby Boomers than males

- About two-thirds of Baby Boomers are married

- The majority of Baby Boomers are homeowners

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