New report puts Canadian poverty under microscope

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, World Vision and Citizens for Public Justice released a joint report, Poverty at Your Doorstep, featuring detailed snapshots of poverty in five Canadian cities. The research puts Hamilton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg under the microscope to examine the latest data on housing, employment and the use of food banks and social assistance.

"World Vision is on the frontlines of poverty in nearly 100 countries, yet we can't ignore the situation in our own backyard. This report brings home the problem of poverty in Canada. The gap between rich and poor is growing at an alarming rate and too many families are falling through this country's social safety nets," says Hugh Brewster, World Vision's national manager of Canadian Programs.

"This report shows Canadians how much farther we need to go to end poverty. Citizens for Public Justice calls persistently for a life of dignity for all. An essential step in that direction is a federal poverty elimination plan that includes long-term solutions such as adequate housing, a fair taxation system and investment in social programs," says Joe Gunn, executive director of Citizens for Public Justice.

Poverty in Canada

• Despite gains in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment figures, recovery from the 2008-09 recession has yet to fully take hold. Individuals and families who bore the brunt of the recession continue to face economic uncertainty, rising costs of living and high levels of unemployment.
• Each of the five cities examined in the report is experiencing growing disparities between rich and poor.
• Poverty is becoming increasingly concentrated among single working-age individuals, young adults, Aboriginal people, recent immigrants and persons with disabilities.
  
  

Community Outreach

Best known for international development and humanitarian relief efforts, World Vision also works with a network of 80 community-based organizations to help Canadian children living in poverty. This work began in 1979, and now includes support for an extensive range of activities such as:

• youth leadership, mentoring and volunteer programs
• refugee integration and support
• art and music education for children
• breakfast programs for homeless youth
• life and parenting skills for single mothers
• vocational training for teenagers who have dropped out of school
  
  

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is a national organization of members inspired by faith to seek justice in Canadian public policy. www.cpj.ca.

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

Interviews available:
For World Vision, contact Tiffany Baggetta (mobile: [phone]) or [email protected]
For Citizens for Public Justice, contact Sarah Shepherd (613-232-0275 x225) or [email protected]