Child Poverty in Canada
In 1989 the House of Commons unanimously voted to eliminate child poverty by the year 2000, and despite it being nearly 20 years later, the numbers have barely budged. Close to 1.2 million – just about one out of every six - Canadian children still live in poverty.
Children we see in our everyday lives are going to bed hungry, attending school without breakfast and eating what they can from the local food banks which are gravely in need of imperishable foods. These children don’t have clothing acceptable for the harsh Canadian winters or are not able to afford uniforms required for some school districts.
One out of six: that’s four of my son’s classmates. Four children I see on a daily basis that are unable to receive the very basic care that a child is entitled.
Many people mistakenly assume that child poverty is only a challenge facing those in developing countries, which is sadly not the case. In Canada, the situation of child poverty has gone from bad to worse. A report by UNICEF shows that out of 23 developed countries, Canada ranks 17, which is completely deplorable for a
country that prides itself on being chosen as the best place in the world to live.
The meaning of poverty is often misconstrued leading people to believe that only those in developing countries are the ones that suffer, when in fact, poverty means: the state of being poor; lack of the means of providing material needs or comforts.
People can still have housing, clothing and food, but it`s insufficient. There isn`t enough for a child to have a bedroom, dress to suit the seasons and have a healthy well balance meal to start the day. Children deserve to be provided the basic necessities of live – proper housing, nutritious meals, clean water, appropriate
clothing for the seasons to name a few.
Many low income families have some employment income, yet are not working full time. Low wages, poor
working conditions, and the challenge of finding full time work with benefits are key factors behind the struggle for families who are working yet in poverty. Did you know that one in four jobs in Canada pays less than $10/hour? That two of every five jobs are precarious - part-time, temporary, contract or self-employed? Research from Greater Toronto Area food banks so that their clients are only able to get about 25 hours per week of work even though they would be more than willing to work more.
The face of poverty is not that of which we’re lead to believe. Not all people whom are struggling to make ends meet are high school drop outs living their lives to leach off the system. Some people struggling to cope are university educated with paying jobs that have faced life changing situations causing them to barely make it through a month with any money left in their bank account. With the rising inflation rates and incomes remaining the same, some people just do not make enough to manage everyday expenses, which lead to them requiring assistance.
No matter where they live – be it in Canada or sub-Saharan Africa, children should have the opportunity to be healthy, educated and safe.
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posted by super groovy BHAC Family Health writer: Sam
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