Canada’s Changing Face of Poverty

Poverty shouldn’t exist in a country as wealthy as Canada. Even having a job doesn’t guarantee people freedom from poverty.

According to Statistics Canada, the number of unattached working-age adults living in poverty has doubled since 1981, increasing from 538,000 people to 1,195,000 in 2011. And in 2011, 35,000 more single-parent families lived in poverty than in 2010.

Poverty trends change over time and some Salvation Army centres are seeing a changing face in the people they serve.  In Saskatchewan more young single men are seeking shelter. In Winnipeg there is an increase in the number of senior citizens seeking something to eat. In Toronto more “working poor” (people who have jobs but after paying expenses have little money left for food) are accessing food banks.

How can we work towards a goal of zero poverty in which everyone has enough?