Social networks

Often referred to as social capital, social networks are our relationships with family, friends, and other people in our community. They are a source of emotional support and access to resources and opportunities.

A group of friends sit at a table eating pizza together.
A trans couple shares a moment together in a park.

Close connections with family and friends

Close family and friends provide a comfortable space to share stories, opinions, and feelings. They can also help us access resources, like transportation, financial assistance, and care when we are sick. [1]

Fewer than half of all Canadians have close connections with five or more family or friends
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Fewer than half of all Canadians have close connections with five or more family or friends

Without close family and friends, it is difficult to access the emotional and tangible resources we need to be well—particularly when life becomes challenging or stressful.

A bar graph shows the percentage of people in Canada age 15 years and older who had close connections with five or more family members or friends in 2020. For a full description of the graph, refer to the “Read graph as text” section
In 2020, fewer than half of all Canadians age 15 years and older had a close connection with at least five family members or friends. A bar graph shows the percentage of people in Canada age 15 years and older who had close connections with five or more family members or friends in 2020. The y-axis shows the categories of family members and friends, and the x-axis shows the percentage of Canadians. The bars for both close connections with family members and friends are below 50%. Source: Statistics Canada
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References

1. Center for the Study of Social Policy. (2018). Strengthening Families: A Protective Factors Framework — Social connections

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Data sources

Statistics Canada. (2023). Table 43-10-0065-01. Civic engagement and engagement in political activities, by groups designated as visible minorities and selected sociodemographic characteristics, 2020 [Data table]. Retrieved July 18, 2024.

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