Québec, May 28, 2025. – In 2023, Québec mothers whose youngest child was under the age of 6 earned an average of $34.17 an hour, up by about 59% from 2008 ($21.50). The hourly wage of fathers was approximately $38.13, after growing by about 53% between 2008 and 2023.
In 2023, the hourly wage ratio between mothers and fathers of young children was higher in Québec (90%) than in Ontario (82%), Alberta (83%), and British Columbia (80%). These findings come from the publication Les conditions de travail des parents – Évolution de 2008 à 2023 released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Mother-to-father hourly wage ratio among parents whose youngest child is under 6 years of age, 2023
Source
Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, 2023. Adaptated by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Mothers more likely than fathers to hold a job conducive to telework
In 2023, the majority of mothers with children under 25 had a job where telework was possible. Between 55% and 62% of mothers had a job conducive to telework, compared with 39% to 44% of fathers. The same situation is observed among women without children under 25. In general, mothers work in industries and hold jobs that are more telework friendly, which has a positive impact on their work-family balance.
Share of people with a job conducive to telework by age of youngest child and sex, people aged 25 to 54, Québec, 2023
Source
Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, 2023. Adaptated by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Québec mothers more present in the public sector
The share of mothers with children under 25 who have a job in the public sector has grown from 34% to 44%. This increase is observed regardless of the youngest child’s age. In Québec, mothers are more present in the public sector than women without children. Québec mothers are also more present in the public sector than mothers in the other provinces.
Union coverage rate up among mothers
Between 2008 and 2023, the union coverage rate of mothers with children under the age of 6 has risen (from 41% to 48%), and the same holds true for fathers (from 40% to 44%). The union coverage rate has also increased among mothers of older children; however, it has decreased among fathers. Both mothers and fathers have a higher union coverage rate in Québec than in the other provinces.
Career progression, pay satisfaction and work-related stress
Nearly three quarters (72%) of mothers whose youngest child is under the age of 6 reported having opportunities for career progression, which is comparable to the share observed among men.
About 59% of mothers with children under 6 feel they are receiving appropriate compensation, compared to 71% of mothers with children aged 13 to 24.
In Québec, around 52% of mothers with children under 6 feel stressed due to their emotional load at work, compared to 38% of fathers. However, the effect of this emotional load on work-related stress is less pronounced among Québec parents than among parents in the other provinces.
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The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.