A recent study conducted by the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) and commissioned by Centraide of Greater Montreal revealed that over a quarter of the metropolitan area’s population has faced poverty in the past few years.
According to the study, 26% of adults lived below the poverty line for at least one year between 2016 and 2023. Tasha Lackman, the president and CEO of Centraide, emphasized the widespread impact of poverty on individuals.
The research indicated that the poverty rate fluctuated between 10% and 12% annually starting in 2020, underscoring the long-standing and pervasive nature of poverty beyond yearly statistics. Statistics Canada’s longitudinal data also showed that 14% of individuals experienced poverty for at least three years, highlighting the challenges faced by those living in poverty.
Lackman shared an anecdote about a scholarship program for high school students from low-income families, illustrating the struggles some face, such as the difficulty of affording transportation for educational activities.
The study revealed that recent immigrants and long-term residents in Canada were disproportionately affected by persistent poverty. Furthermore, there was an increase in economic insecurity among seniors, despite existing programs like Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Xavier St-Denis, the study’s author and an INRS professor, emphasized the need to address wealth inequalities among seniors, particularly regarding retirement savings and housing.
To combat poverty, the report suggested increasing government benefits, especially social assistance, as a means to support vulnerable populations. Acknowledging the importance of public housing, Lackman stressed the significance of providing decent housing to prevent individuals from falling into poverty.
Keyphrase: poverty in Montreal
