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Why Are Women Working So Much More in Canada? An International Perspective

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  • Ms. Evridiki Tsounta

Abstract

This paper analyzes the role of the tax and benefit system in spurring the impressive increase in Canadian female labor participation in the last decade. Using annual panel data for 10 large industrial countries over the period 1980-2001, I find that reforms in the Canadian tax and benefit system in the mid-1990s account for at least one-third of the observed increase in female participation in the period 1995-2001. The analysis indicates that policy initiatives similar to the "family-friendly" policies introduced in Canada could boost female participation in other countries and help policymakers meet the challenges of population aging.

Suggested Citation

  • Ms. Evridiki Tsounta, 2006. "Why Are Women Working So Much More in Canada? An International Perspective," IMF Working Papers 2006/092, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2006/092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amadeo Fuenmayor & Rafael Granell & Mauro Mediavilla, 2018. "The effects of separate taxation on labor participation of married couples. An empirical analysis using propensity score," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 541-561, June.
    2. Mr. Marcello M. Estevão & Ms. Evridiki Tsounta, 2010. "Canada's Potential Growth: Another Victim of the Crisis?," IMF Working Papers 2010/013, International Monetary Fund.
    3. Luis Rene Caceres, 2021. "Nafta and Mexico’s Economic Growth from a Gender Perspective," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 13(12), pages 1-90, December.
    4. Alexandre Laurin, 2018. "Two-Parent Families with Children: How Effective Tax Rates Affect Work Decisions," e-briefs 270, C.D. Howe Institute.
    5. Joyce P. Jacobsen, 2009. "Accommodating Families," Chapters, in: Kenneth G. Dau-Schmidt & Seth D. Harris & Orly Lobel (ed.), Labor and Employment Law and Economics, chapter 11, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    6. International Monetary Fund, 2011. "Australia: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2011/301, International Monetary Fund.
    7. Katrin Elborgh-Woytek & Monique Newiak & Kalpana Kochhar & Stefania Fabrizio & Kangni R Kpodar & Philippe Wingender & Benedict J. Clements & Gerd Schwartz, 2013. "Women, Work, and the Economy; Macroeconomic Gains from Gender Equity," IMF Staff Discussion Notes 13/10, International Monetary Fund.

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