Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): After years of steady decline, child poverty in Canada is once again on the rise. Recent data reveals that nearly 1.4 million children were living in poverty in 2022, marking a troubling reversal of progress made between 2015 and 2022.
During that period, government initiatives such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) played a key role in reducing child poverty rates. However, economic pressures—including inflation, rising living costs, and the expiration of pandemic-era financial support programs—have led to an increase in financial hardship for many families.
Advocacy groups are calling for stronger action to address the issue, including expanded social assistance programs, increased investment in affordable housing, and enhanced food security measures.
Meanwhile, policymakers are debating potential solutions to ensure that Canada does not lose further ground in the fight against child poverty.
As discussions continue, families across the country are facing growing financial uncertainty, underscoring the urgent need for renewed efforts to support vulnerable children and their communities.
