Poverty Trends 2024: Finding our Place in Systemic Change: Canada’s poverty measures are moving in the wrong direction 

By 
 on December 4, 2024

In the latest Poverty Trends report by the Citizens for Public Justice, and the last before Canada’s next federal election, the reader will finish knowing it’s not a good news story when it comes to the current direction of poverty measures.  

 Secondly, readers leave equipped with “information, inspiration, and practical suggestions” to find a place with like-minded people who believe “a better way is possible.” 

 “I don’t know how to get involved,” is a common phrase heard in parishes once people are informed, educated, and want to take action. The report provides tangible actions to ensure new advocates are setting the right goals and using helpful language, all backed up by solid data. 

 After establishing the poverty rates under different measures for each province and territory in Canada, the report provides both historical and contemporary context for people’s experience of poverty, particularly for equity-deserving populations. 

 The report includes four sets of recommendations that would impact different systems, led by the income support system. Implementing a basic income across the country is a top recommendation in this system. 

Finally, a very helpful section offers a way for people to determine the best role for them in community action. Using a Venn diagram from Dr. Ayana Elisabeth Johnson, one is asked i) What brings you joy? ii) What needs doing? iii) What are you good at? The cross-section of these answers provides “your action.” 

With a multi-pronged approach needed to respond to the complexities of poverty in our communities, everyone is needed with their variety of gifts. Once you take some time with this report, if you’re looking for a way to move forward with others, email Deirdre Pike, Program Consultant, Justice and Outreach, [email protected] 

 This report can be found by visiting the Citizens for Public Justice website https://cpj.ca/report/poverty-trends-2024/ 

 

  • Deirdre Pike is the diocese’s Justice and Outreach Program Consultant. She also serves on the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton, and is a regular contributor to the Hamilton Spectator.

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