By Julie Fortier, Financial Post/Vancouver Sun

OTTAWA — Although the recession may technically be over in Canada, many households sank even further into debt in 2009, creating the highest debt-to-income ratio ever seen in Canada, according to The Vanier Institute of the Family’s annual assessment on the Current State of Canadian Family Finances released Tuesday….

“The effects of this recession will test the resilience of many Canadian families. While the stock market may be up, the improvement for families will lag behind in terms of employment, increases in income, and a return of net worth,” Clarence Lochhead, the Institute’s executive director said in a statement.

The Institute’s report also indicated 59 per cent of respondents said they would be in trouble if their paycheque was delayed by even a week, even though 70 per cent of women with young children and a working spouse said they were working outside the home….