Families with Young Children: A Key Driver of Municipal Economic Vitality
Families with Young Children: A Key Driver of Municipal Economic Vitality
Families with young children play a fundamental role in the economic vitality of Quebec municipalities. On average, they have higher incomes than households without children and spend more, supporting local consumption and stimulating the economy. These families also show higher employment rates than other groups and contribute to demographic renewal—a key factor for the growth and sustainability of communities.
Julie Cailliau, Director of the Observatoire des tout-petits, shares insights on how municipalities can further support families with children, particularly those with very young children:
The Economic Vitality Index, developed by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, measures the dynamism of municipalities based on three criteria: standard of living, labor market, and demographic growth. Data show a strong correlation between the proportion of children aged 0 to 5 and this index. In other words, the more young families a municipality has, the more dynamic its local economy tends to be.
Julie Cailliau explains how the “Child-Friendly Municipality” program concretely influences political and economic decisions in Quebec cities:
To attract and retain these families, it is crucial for municipalities to adapt their services and infrastructure to meet their specific needs. Municipal family policies are an essential tool for creating a supportive environment, covering areas such as safety, mobility, access to recreational activities, and community engagement.
The Child-Friendly Municipality program, inspired by UNICEF’s initiative, recognizes municipalities that commit to providing a living environment suited to children’s needs, thereby enhancing their attractiveness and resilience.
Julie Cailliau emphasizes the role local businesses can play in supporting families and contributing to the economic vitality of municipalities, extending beyond the scope of public services:
In summary, supporting families with young children is an investment in the long-term economic and social health of municipalities, creating a living environment that attracts, retains, and nurtures future generations.