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This impoverishment triggered by the birth of a child can have eliminate the stigma around the division of labour within couples
significant economic impacts should the couple separate. In by exposing children to a more symmetrical model of remunerated
Canada, nearly one-third of marriages end in divorce. and unpaid work.
Women are typically financially disadvantaged following a A recent study using data from 29 countries showed that employed
separation. This disadvantage may be attributable to pre- mothers were more likely to transmit egalitarian values to their
separation factors, such as the unequal division of labour children both at work and at home. Girls with employed mothers
during the marriage and lower earnings for women, but also to ended up working more themselves: they worked more hours,
women’s prolonged absences from the labour force due to family were better paid and held supervisory positions more often than
responsibilities. girls with stay-at-home mothers.
Equal pay for equal work The result was not observed in boys. However, boys who grew up
In this context, it’s crucial to ask ourselves if there are measures with employed mothers were more involved in family and domestic
that could eliminate, or at least reduce, the economic impact responsibilities as adults than men whose mothers were not in
associated with family responsibilities on mothers’ earnings and the labour market. The girls also spent less time doing household
employment. We investigated the role of family policies, since they chores.
were in part designed to encourage maternal employment and Working mothers appear to have an intergenerational impact
promote more equal sharing of parenting responsibilities between favouring gender equality, both within the family and in the labour
partners. Specifically, we focused on the extension of parental market.
leaves in Canada and the introduction of reduced contribution We all know raising children is time-consuming. Children, of
child-care services for families in Québec. We found suggestive course, benefit from this parental time investment. But bringing
evidence that these policies can help reduce child penalties. up children is also costly. Our research quantified one kind of cost:
“Equal pay for equal work” policies, such as the federal the lower earnings trajectory. Knowing how these costs are shared
government’s Pay Equity Act, also have the potential to make a among the two parents is key to enable better decision making,
substantial difference. These policies can raise the fairness and for policymakers, but ultimately, for parents, future parents and
attractiveness of the labour market for women and reduce the their children.
potentially negative impact of experience-based pay for mothers.
By Marie Connolly, Professor of Economics, Université
More benefits down the line
du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), & Catherine Haeck,
In addition to having a positive effect on the economic situation Full Professor, Economics Department, Université du
of women, encouraging employment for mothers could help Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

I’m honoured to serve as Member of Parliament for
Cambridge and proud to represent the hometown
where I was born and raised.

My path into politics began with a simple belief:
government should listen and deliver practical results
that support families, seniors, and create opportunities
for young Canadians. Every day, I work to protect
children, champion local businesses, and help grow a
strong economy that rewards hard work.

Freedom and opportunity are the foundation of
Canada’s success—principles defended by those who
served and sacrificed. I’m committed to upholding those
CONNIE CODY values by removing barriers, encouraging investment,
Member of Parliament for Cambridge and building partnerships that secure a prosperous
future for generations to come.
Leadership means integrity, accountability, and never
losing sight of the trust placed in me. I will keep
listening, stay connected, and work with my community,
keeping Canadians at the heart of every decision as we
build on the Canada we love and call home.
(519) 624-2828 | Connie.cody@parl.gc.ca
www.conniecodymp.ca
73 Water St N Unit 206, Cambridge, ON N1R 7L6

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