Yukon Single Fathers Research Project
Title: Single fathers in Yukon and their social, legal, and economic experiences: A sociological survey
Dr. Shawkat Shareef, would like to know about the social, legal, and economic experiences of single fathers in Yukon. This is the first survey of its kind in Yukon and possibly the first comprehensive online survey on single fathers in Canada.
Why are we trying to know about single fathers in Yukon? Because, until now, they are an invisible group though the numbers are growing increasingly both in Yukon and in Canada. Unfortunately, they are overlooked in sociological research, and policy that traditionally centers around single mothers. Yukon presents an especially bleak scenario: although 26.9 percent of all single parents in Yukon are single fathers ( Yukon Bureau of Statistics), there is not a single government department or organization in Yukon is dedicated to single fathers, and there’s a notable lack of comprehensive and actionable data on single fathers for the government to use. In other words, the unique challenges, and experiences of single fathers in social, legal, and economic contexts remain insufficiently understood and addressed. Recognizing and exploring the distinct realities of single fathers is crucial not only for the formulation of more inclusive and effective social policies but also for understanding the broader dynamics of single-parent families. Research into the lives of single fathers is vital for the development of government policies that broadly support the welfare of single parents, including single mothers, and their children. This approach ensures that the needs of all single-parent families are met, contributing to a more inclusive, equal, and better functioning (for children, youth, adults, i.e., for all) Yukon society.
In this survey, the single fathers are defined as men (cisgender, transgender, and non-binary) who have undergone a divorce, are separated, widowed, or are single adoptive fathers. A single father household is identified as one where the father lives with his children, under age 19, at least part-time, even if this is only a few days per month or a few weeks per year. This research does not include foster parents, single fathers who are currently living with a new partner, nonresidential single fathers ( i.e, chidlren never live with them) and single fathers living outside the Yukon.
The online survey has 4 major objectives:
1. To examine the social challenges faced by single fathers in Yukon, including issues related to stigma, social support networks, and social integration.
2. To investigate the legal aspects of single fatherhood in Yukon, including custody arrangements, government facilitation, or the legal hurdles faced by single fathers in the region.
3. To assess the economic experiences of single fathers in Yukon, focusing on their financial support/challenges, and access to resources and services.
4. To explore the interconnectedness of social, legal, and economic factors in the lives of Yukon’s single fathers, understanding how these dimensions interact and impact their overall well-being.
If you’re a single father in Yukon, or know someone who is, you or they can take part in our online survey by clicking the link provided:
https://qualtricsxm7dttdbxm6.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_54QDnUnXo1eP8Q6
Once the survey data analysis is finished, the results/reports will be made public here on this page. Stay tuned!
The final summary report of the survey:
Title: Single fathers of Yukon and their social, legal, and economic Experiences: A sociological survey
First of its kind in Yukon and Canada, this sociological survey explores the lived experiences of 36 single fathers residing in Yukon, Canada. Drawing on both closed and open-ended responses, the data provides insights into the social, legal, and economic realities faced by single fathers in a northern context largely absent from mainstream policy and public debate. Participants were recruited through Facebook, What’s Up Yukon, and local radio (RUSH 96.1, CBC).
Social experience: Living mostly in Whitehorse and a small number in outlying communities, single fathers reported raising one to three children, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, primarily following separation or divorce. A significant majority expressed that current parenting support services—such as family counselling, early childhood programs, and community initiatives—are often designed with mothers in mind, making fathers feel socially invisible and unsupported. The lack of father-focused programs and peer networks was a recurring concern in Whitehorse and remote areas.
Legal experience: The survey revealed different types of custody arrangements. While several fathers achieved joint legal or physical custody through private agreements (these fathers are mostly higher educated with high income jobs), many had to navigate the family court system. Participants who interacted with the legal system often perceived it as biased against fathers, citing high legal costs, limited legal aid, and a lack of accessible information about their rights. These barriers were felt more acutely by those living outside of Whitehorse.
Economic experience: The findings illustrate financial struggles experienced by many Yukon single fathers. While most respondents were employed full-time, nearly half reported household incomes below $70,000 per year or less, which, considering Yukon’s high cost of living, render many financially vulnerable. Childcare responsibilities compounded these challenges, as did a lack of flexible employment options. Almost all report a lack of government financial support.
Overall, this study highlights the urgent need to include single fathers in policy framework, service planning, educational and community support strategies. Single fathers are very proud and resilient but invisible from institutional support and public/policy discourse. More responsive, targeted, and equitable solutions are critical to safeguard their and the children’s well-being in Yukon.