Discrimination in the Workplace and School

Poverty in Canada


Poverty in Canada is very much a reality regardless of the scepticism. Adam Smith who was a classical economist who lived from 1723-1790, defines poverty as the lack of basic necessities of life. In 2000, 17% of all Canadians lived in poverty and 20% of all Canadian children lived in poverty. In Canada, a family of four is considered to be living in poverty if they have a gross income of $34 000. Back in 1990-1995, the population of Canada increased by 6.1% while the poor population increased by 28.6%. The country is growing but the poverty rate is growing even faster. Also in Canada, certain groups of people are more likely to be poverty stricken than others: single parents are 2.45 times more likely to be in poverty, Aboriginals are 2.26 times more likely, recent immigrants are 2.17 times more likely, visible minorities are 1.53 times more likely and disabled persons are 1.47 times more likely. The younger population as well as the elderly are more likely to experience poverty. People who do not have their high school education or post secondary education will likely live in poverty. Despite a promise made by parliament to get rid of child labour by the year 2000, child poverty has actually increased since the promise has been made.
Poverty is something that hurts Canada’s economy as well as its citizens. Children, whose parents cannot afford a decent education for themselves or their kids, are at a major disadvantage. These kids will have an education and as a result will be able to obtain a decent job. Also while living in poverty, they probably do not have all the necessities of life. They may go a day or two without having anything to eat. They may not have a shelter or clean clothes to wear. Poverty is a big social justice issue that needs a solution because the future of this country and others is in jeopardy with its children dying of starvation due to poverty stricken cities.

-Robert Lanni-