Results. Compared to those with more than high school: (1) younger individuals with less than high school were at an increased risk of prevalent depression while older individuals with less than high school were at a decreased risk; (2) women with less than high school were at an increased risk of developing depression while men with less than high school were at a decreased risk; (3) all individuals with less than high school were at an increased risk of prolonged episodes and a decreased risk of recurrence.Objective. To determine the associations between socioeconomic status and each of major depressive disorder prevalence, incidence, episode duration, and rate of recurrence.Methods. Data for the analyses came from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey, Mental Health and Well-being, Cycle 1.2 .Conclusions. The findings show that SES plays both an etiologic and prognostic role in the relationship between SES and MDD.