Resources

Living in the Gap (Dignity for All, 2018). A snapshot of the monthly incomes, expenses, and experiences of six fictitious households. Drawn from across the country in rural and urban settings, these snapshots illustrate how precarity affects our lives on a daily basis.

Poverty Trends 2017 (Citizens for Public Justice, 2017). CPJ's annual poverty report highlighting national and regional poverty rates, identifying who is most impacted, and outlining policy recommendations.

Exploring the Impact of Recent Changes to Employment Insurance and Ways to Improve Access to the Program (House of Commons, 2016). Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities regarding the impact of recent changes to employment insurance and ways to improve access to the program.

Making Ends Meet (Citizens for Public Justice, 2013). Five two-page fact sheets covering the impact rising prices on low-income Canadians, high housing costs, homelessness in Canada, rising food costs, and access to education.

Poverty Trends Highlights: Canada 2013 (Citizens for Public Justice, 2013). This latest installment in the Poverty Trends Scorecard provides a timely snapshot of poverty in Canada that identifies where things are improving and where they’re getting worse.

Poverty Trends Scorecard: Canada 2012 (Citizens for Public Justice, 2012). Seven double-sided fact sheets with stats, graphs, and analysis on the impact of poverty on different groups of people in Canada.

The Dollars and Sense of Solving Poverty (National Council of Welfare, 2011). Shows the high dollar cost we are currently paying for the consequences of poverty. It examines why investments to end poverty make better economic sense, and it shows how ending poverty would save money and improve wellbeing for everyone. It concludes with recommendations for the way forward.

Federal Poverty Reduction Plan: Working in Partnership Towards Reducing Poverty in Canada (Canadian House of Commons, 2010). This report is the result of an extensive three-year study on the federal role in addressing poverty and calls for the federal government to immediately commit to a federal action plan to reduce poverty in Canada.

Cutting Through the Fog Why is it so hard to make sense of poverty measures? (Metcalf Foundation, 2010). Frustrated with the way discussions of poverty are so often obscured by the use of different measures that are neither clearly explained nor justified, this paper is intended to open up some room for thoughtful discussion about poverty issues among interested Canadians.

Poverty Reduction Policies and Programs in Canada (Canadian Council on Social Development, 2009). Identifies current federal, provincial, and territorial approaches to poverty reduction.

In From the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness (The Senate of Canada, 2009). A major Senate report declaring that Canada’s system for lifting people out of poverty is substantially broken and must be overhauled.

Solving Poverty: Four Cornerstones of a Workable National Strategy for Canada (National Council of Welfare, 2007). Highlights that Canada in general is out of step with important developments in preventing and reducing poverty.

Poverty Progress Profiles (Canada Without Poverty, 2017). The profiles look at the provincial and territorial poverty reduction strategies, as well as current poverty rates and policy areas.

Report Cards on Child and Family Poverty (Campaign 2000, 2017). Annual report cards and fact sheets on child and family poverty prepared in partnerships with regional groups in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

British Columbia

The Cost of Poverty in BC (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2011). Calculates the economic costs of poverty and makes a case for the savings that would result from a provincial poverty reduction plan.

Alberta

Poverty Costs 2.0: Investing in Albertans (Vibrant Communities Calgary and Action to End Poverty in Alberta, 2013). Provides concrete recommendations for government policy to be implemented at the provincial level and provides suggestions on best measures and indicators to evaluate progress.

Saskatchewan

Let’s Do Something About Poverty! (Poverty Free Saskatchewan, 2010). A document designed to serve as a catalyst for a renewed discussion on poverty in the province.

Manitoba

The View from Here: Manitobans Call for a Poverty Reduction Plan (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2009). Includes 35 policy recommendations to substantially reduce poverty in the province.

Ontario

Let's Do This (Campaign 2000/Family Service Toronto, 2015). Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Ontario.

Meeting the Poverty Reduction Target: Strong Leadership and Good Policy Required (25 in 5: Network for Poverty Reduction, 2012). An annual progress report on Ontario’s poverty reduction plan and recommendations for moving forward.

The Cost of Poverty: An Analysis of the Economic Cost of Poverty in Ontario (Ontario Association of Food Banks, 2008). Poverty’s impact on society as a whole, from greater demands on the health care and criminal justice systems, to diminished workplace and economic productivity, to harmful and unwholesome divisions in society based on economic status and “class” has been estimated to cost Canadians from $72 to $86 billion annually.

Québec

Poverty, Inequality and Social Exclusion in Québec: Looking Ahead to 2013 (Centre d’étude sur la pauvreté et l’exclusion, 2011). A compilation of the most recent data on poverty and inequality in Québec.

The Costs of Poverty in Québec (Centre d’étude sur la pauvreté et l’exclusion, 2012). Using the same methodology as in Ontario’s Cost of Poverty report, the authors estimate that poverty costs Québec society as a whole between $15.7 billion and $17.0 billion a year, or 5.8 – 6.3 per cent of GDP.

New Brunswick

Cost of Poverty in New Brunswick (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2011). A report that pegs the cost of poverty at $2 billion per year, including half a billion in direct costs to the provincial government.

Nova Scotia

The Cost of Poverty in Nova Scotia (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2010). Estimates the direct and indirect cost of poverty in Nova Scotia.

Prince Edward Island

The Cost of Poverty in Prince Edward Island (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2011). Estimates that the direct cost of poverty for the PEI government is just under 100 million dollars per year.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Poverty Reduction Policies and Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador (Fran Locke with Penelope Rowe, Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador, 2009). An exploration and commentary on poverty reduction measures in the province with recommendations for moving forward.

Nunavut

Understanding Poverty in Nunavut (Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, 2013). Provide recommendations on how to best measure poverty and support the implementation of The Makimaniq Plan.

Yukon

Poverty Amongst Plenty: Waiting for the Yukon Government to Adopt a Poverty Reduction Strategy (Nick Flavo, 2012). Examines how the Yukon government helps the poor and makes recommendations for change.

Northwest Territories

Poverty Reduction Policies and Programs in the Northwest Territories (Jeffrey Wilson, Alternatives North and the Canadian Council for Social Development, 2009). A report on the inequality of territorial wealth and the importance of a comprehensive government poverty reduction plan.

State of Homelessness in Canada 2016 (Canadian Homelessness Research Network and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016). Annual report card on homelessness, examining demographics and vulnerable populations, as well as policy recommendations in line with the development of a National Housing Strategy.

State of Homelessness in Canada 2014 (Canadian Homelessness Research Network and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, 2014). Annual report on homelessness, examining demographics and highlighting the need for investments in affordable housing.

State of Homelessness in Canada 2013 (Canadian Homelessness Research Network and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, 2013). The first extensive Canadian report card on homelessness, this report examines what we know about homelessness, the historical, social and economic context in which it has emerged, demographic features of the problem, and potential solutions.

Canada Speaks: Exposing Persistent Myths About the 150,000 Canadians Living on the Streets (The Salvation Army, 2011). This report provides a unique look into how Canadians feel about the more than 150,000 homeless living on the streets in cities across the country.

Precarious Housing in Canada (Wellesley Institute, 2010). This report demonstrates the link between the improvement of precarious housing and better population health.

A Time for Action: A National Plan to Address Aboriginal Housing (National Aboriginal Housing Association, 2009). Aboriginal people are disproportionately represented among the homeless. In this report, NAHA calls on the federal government to help redress these disparities and reduce the overall incidence of Aboriginal housing need.

Hunger Count 2016 (Food Banks Canada, 2016). Annual report on hunger and food bank use in Canada, highlighting recommendations for change.

Household Food Insecurity in Canada 2014 (PROOF, 2017). Research on the latest statistics on food insecurity in Canada and policy recommendations.

Household Food Insecurity in Canada 2011 (PROOF, 2013). Research on the latest statistics on food insecurity in Canada and policy options to address the problem.

Hunger Count 2012 (Food Banks Canada, 2012). A comprehensive report on hunger and food bank use in Canada, and recommendations for change.

Resetting the Table: A People's Food Policy for Canada (Food Secure Canada, 2011). The result of a collaborative process to create a food policy that genuinely reflects the perspectives of people across the country.

Riding by Riding Child Poverty Report (Campaign 2000, 2018) Riding by riding analysis of child poverty in each federal riding in Canada.

Road Map to Eradicate Child and Family Poverty (Campaign 2000, 2016). Annual report card outlining child and family poverty rates in Canada, identifying vulnerable populations, and offering policy recommendations.

Canada's Real Economic Action Plan Begins with Poverty Eradication: 2013 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada (Campaign 2000, 2013). Presents the latest statistics on child and family poverty and makes recommendations for all political parties.

Poverty or Prosperity: Indigenous Children in Canada (Save the Children Canada and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2013). Based on data from the 2006 census, this study identifies three tiers of poverty for children in Canada. In particular, it finds that Indigenous children in Canada are over two and a half times more likely to live in poverty than non-Indigenous children.

Needed: A Federal Action Plan to Eradicate Child and Family Poverty in Canada: 2012 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty (Campaign 2000, 2012). Calls on the Federal Government to take a lead role in child and family poverty reduction.

Right in principle, right in practice: Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Canada (Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children, 2012).This report is part of a continuous process to monitor Canada’s progress in respecting, protecting and providing for children’s human rights.

Income, Wealth, and Inequality (Citizens for Public Justice, 2013). Seven fact sheets covering a range of topics including income trends, the impact of inequality, and the growing concentration of wealth.

Closing Canada’s Gender Gap (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2013). This study looks at Canada’s progress in closing the gap between men and women over the past two decades.

Towards a More Equal Canada (Broadbent Institute, 2012). This report is part of the Broadbent Institute’s Equality Project which includes a poll showing that a majority of Canadians support taking action to reduce inequality.

The Income Gap between Aboriginal Peoples and the Rest of Canada (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2010). Examines data from Canada’s last three censuses—1996, 2001 and 2006—to measure the income gap between Aboriginal peoples and the rest of Canadians.

The Rich and the Rest of Us: The Changing Fact of Canada’s Growing Gap (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2007). Finds the majority of Canadian families are falling behind compared to a generation ago.

Growing Gap Report: A report on growing inequality between the rich and poor in Canada (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 1998). Examines the way "letting the market rule" is destabilizing Canadian society.

Welfare in Canada 2016 (The Caledon Institute of Social Policy, 2017) This report focuses on the incomes of four different households living on social assistance, commonly known as “welfare.” It is a continuation of the welfare incomes series published regularly by the former National Council of Welfare. The figures presented in this report are based on the same methodology used by the Council, thereby ensuring the integrity and comparability of the data series.

Welfare in Canada 2012-2015 (The Caledon Institute of Social Policy, 2011-2014) The Welfare in Canada reports look at the total incomes available to those relying on social assistance (often called “welfare”), taking into account tax credits and other benefits along with social assistance itself. The reports look at four different household types for each province and territory. The reports are a continuation of the Welfare Incomes series originally published by the National Council of Welfare, based on the same approach.

What is Happening to Disability Income Systems in Canada? (Council of Canadians with Disabilities, 2013). Examines the "welfarization" of disability programs in Canada and pinpoints questions for further research.

Enhancing the Working Income Tax Benefit (The Caledon Institute of Social Policy, 2012). Suggests several options for reforming this income security program aimed at reducing the impact of the “welfare wall.”

A Basic Income Plan for Canadians with Severe Disabilities (The Caledon Institute of Social Policy, 2010). Describes the current situation facing Canadians with severe disabilities and sets out a detailed plan to revolutionize income support and services.

Welfare Incomes 2009 (National Council of Welfare, 2009). Provides insights into the state of social assistance across Canada, including total benefit amounts for various household sizes.

Health Care in Canada: What Makes Us Sick? (Canadian Medical Association, 2013). The CMA's nationwide consultation with Canadians about the social determinants of health has delivered a clear message: poverty is the main issue that must be addressed to improve the health of Canadians and eliminate health inequities.

Canada Social Transfer and the Social Determinants of Health (Canadian Association of Social Workers, 2013). Investigates the implications behind a lack of transparency and accountability in delivery and receipt of the Canada Social Transfer and provides an in-depth exploration of income security funding at the national, provincial, and local levels.

Labour Market Trends (Citizens for Public Justice, 2013). Six fact sheets that examine employment patterns including regional disparities, unemployment among young people, Aboriginal people and new Canadians, and the increase in part-time and temporary employment.

Where are the Good Jobs? Ten case stories of 'working rough, living poor' (Access Alliance, 2013). This report contains ten powerful case stories of immigrant families from racialized backgrounds who are struggling to find stable employment in Canada.

Youth Employment and Un(der) Employment in Canada More Than a Temporary Problem? (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2012). One of the most troubling narratives to emerge from the economic downturn of 2007–08 revolved around the effect of recessed global and local economies on young workers.

Alternative Federal Budget 2017: High Stakes, Clear Choices (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2017). Highlights a number of persistent economic and social challenges along with a complete policy and budget strategy, including addressing inequality, housing, income security, environment, and poverty. Alternative Federal Budget 2013: Doing Better Together (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2013). Shows how growth-killing austerity can be replaced by a plan that strengthens the economy, leads to a better quality of life for all Canadians, and eliminates the deficit by 2016. Canada’s Quiet Bargain: The Benefits of Public Spending (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2009). Weighs the benefits of public services provided by federal, provincial, and municipal governments against the benefits of recent tax cuts, and finds that the average per capita benefit from public services in Canada in 2006 came to $16,952.