Life in Canada is marked by a blend of public support, cultural milestones, and a strong emphasis on “healthspan”—the period of life spent in good health. As of 2026, the average life expectancy is approximately 81.7 years, though this varies by province and gender.
Here is the journey from birth to death in Canada.
🐣 Early Life: Birth to Age 12
The Canadian experience begins with a “social safety net” designed to support young families.
- Birth & Benefits: Almost all births occur in public hospitals covered by provincial healthcare. Parents often receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment to help with the costs of raising children.
- Developmental Milestones: In the first year, infants typically begin to roll, sit, and eventually walk (around 12 months). By age 4, children usually enter the publicly funded school system through Junior or Senior Kindergarten.
- Education: From ages 6 to 12, children attend Elementary School. Healthcare remains “free” at the point of use (covered by taxes), though dental and vision care are often covered through private employer insurance or specific provincial programs like the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program for the other end of the spectrum.
🎒 Youth & Adolescence: Ages 13 to 24
This stage is defined by increasing independence and the transition from the “nest” to the world.
- High School (Grades 9–12): Teens navigate the “credit system” to earn their diploma. At age 16, most Canadians get their G1 or learner’s driver’s permit.
- The “Age of Majority”: At 18 or 19 (depending on the province), Canadians reach the age of majority. They can vote, sign legal contracts, and purchase alcohol or cannabis.
- Early Adulthood: This period often involves post-secondary education (College or University) or entering the trades. This is also when many young adults apply for their first credit cards and begin building a financial identity.
🛠️ Adulthood: Ages 25 to 64
The longest stretch of life focuses on career, family, and contributing to the Canadian economy.
- Work & Family: Many Canadians settle into careers and may purchase their first home, often utilizing the First Home Savings Account (FHSA).
- Health & Wellness: While healthcare covers major issues, this is the phase where Canadians rely most on employer-provided benefits for “extended health” (massage, physiotherapy, and prescription drugs).
- Mid-Life Transitions: Statistics show a focus on “empty nesting” as children move out, often leading to a shift toward travel or home renovations.
🌅 Senior Years & End of Life: Age 65+
Retirement in Canada is supported by a “three-pillar” system: the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and private savings (RRSPs/TFSAs).
- The “Golden Years”: Canadians at 65 often see an increase in preventative healthcare visits. The average 65-year-old can expect to live roughly 20 more years.
- Palliative Care: Canada has a robust framework for end-of-life care. While many wish to die at home, a significant portion of the population utilizes hospice or long-term care facilities.
- MAID: Since 2016, Canada has offered Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for eligible adults with grievous and irremediable medical conditions, a distinct aspect of the Canadian end-of-life landscape.
- Legacy: Upon death, the estate is settled through provincial probate courts. Unlike some countries, Canada does not have a “death tax” or inheritance tax, though the final tax return of the deceased treats many assets as if they were sold on the date of death (capital gains).
Comparison of Life Expectancy by Province (2023-2026 Data)
| Province | Average Life Expectancy |
| Quebec | 82.6 Years |
| Ontario | 82.3 Years |
| British Columbia | 81.9 Years |
| Alberta | 80.7 Years |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 78.5 Years |
Canadian Country Life 