A Discourse About The Problem of Child Poverty in Canada

Introduction

A large portion of the world’s children are currently living in low-income families, or in other words—poverty. Could child poverty possibly be an issue in Canada? Well, Canada is a wealthy and developed country by any standard. Unfortunately, that does not mean poverty does not exist. Statistics from 2012 showed that approximately 967,000 children in Canada are living in poverty, that’s one in every seven Canadian children. Government and organizations across the country are taking action to address this crisis (Statistics Canada, 2012).

The Historical Context of Child Poverty in Canada

Child poverty has been a constant issue in Canadian history. The rate of children living in low-income families is steadily increasing over the years. Over 14 percent of children across Canada now live in low-income families, with Toronto topping the list at a child poverty rate of almost 30 percent (Campaign 2000, 2015). Often, Canadian children who live in poverty will not have access to a meal, clothing, proper hygiene, school supplies, and many of the basic human necessities and rights. The lack of proper nutrition and healthcare means that these children will usually suffer from hunger and illness. Sometimes a lack of shelter also leads to safety and security concerns. Statistically, children of single-parent or indigenous families are more likely to suffer from poverty. Other factors that may contribute to child poverty include unemployed parents, low income, and a lack of government action (First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, 2013).

Efforts to Address Child Poverty

Awareness for child poverty was raised on November 24, 1989, when the House of Commons started a campaign to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. However, there was little commitment by the government, and as a result, no progress was made. The child poverty rate was actually lower back then. Fortunately, there are numerous organizations across Canada dedicated to reducing the impact of poverty on children. One example of a well-known organization is The Salvation Army. They organize charities; the fundraised money, food, and clothing are always distributed directly to families and children in need. The provincial government of Ontario has also taken action—in 2007, the Ontario Child Benefit increased to $1310 per year from $250 per year (Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, 2007).

Proposed Solutions and Recommendations

One campaign I would propose is the design of T-shirts that include Canadian child poverty statistics and rates on the front. On the back, there is a message that clearly states “End Child Poverty, You Can Make a Change.” Not only is this campaign tool effective in terms of promoting awareness of the issue, but it’s also a great way to start a fundraiser selling T-shirts. The profit can then be donated to charities or directly toward children and families in need. Since child poverty is often the result of unemployed parents, a personal suggestion I have for the federal government is to make plans that would improve employment opportunities and job security. This can be done by opening and improving access to employment and skills training centers, especially for vulnerable populations, such as Aboriginals and people with disabilities (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2014).

Conclusion

To conclude, the crux of the issue is the increasing rate of child poverty in Canada. It is a major concern due to its impact on children and society. Because of a lack of action from the Canadian federal government, more and more children are suffering from poverty each year. On the other hand, organizations and individuals are striving to make a change for a better world. There is still hope, and that’s why my bottom line is to reduce poverty in Canada and its impact on children. By working together, both government and society can make significant strides toward eradicating child poverty.

References:

• Campaign 2000. (2015). Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada.
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. (2014). Making Every Job a Good Job: A Strategy for Making Work Pay.
• First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. (2013). Indigenous Child Poverty in Canada.
• Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. (2007). Ontario Child Benefit.
• Statistics Canada. (2012). Income of Canadians.