Nova Scotia Has The Highest Poverty Rate In Canada, Says New Report

A recently published report on poverty by United Way Halifax has revealed that Nova Scotia holds the unenviable position of having the highest provincial poverty rate in Canada. More than 33% of Atlantic Canadians express concern that the escalating costs are hindering their ability to meet basic needs.

The report, unveiled on Wednesday, underscores the multifaceted impact of factors such as the ongoing pandemic, rapid population growth, the housing crisis, increasing costs for essential household items, and the consequences of climate-induced environmental disasters like hurricanes and wildfires on poverty rates in Nova Scotia communities.

This has led to an increased reliance on community programs and organizations for support by individuals and families. However, the surge in demand for assistance is placing significant strain on available services.

According to the report, the social sector is grappling with challenges such as inflation, affordability issues, and the aftermath of pandemic-related pressures. Staffing and training difficulties also persist due to the demanding nature of the work and the repercussions of the affordability crisis, as highlighted in the report. In some instances, staff members themselves are residing in unaffordable housing, facing similar issues as the clients they serve.

Drawing data from the 2021 Canadian census and other sources, the report indicates that Halifax has the highest poverty rate among urban centers in Canada. Just over 10% of people in Halifax are living below the market basket measure poverty line.

Food insecurity is a significant component of this challenge. In 2019, Halifax recorded a food insecurity rate of 20.7%, which decreased to 15.5% in 2020 due, in part, to increased income from CERB payments during the pandemic. However, as financial assistance dwindled and incomes decreased, Halifax’s food insecurity rate rose to 20.5%, now the second-highest in the country at 22%.

Sara Napier, President and CEO of United Way Halifax, emphasized the increasing difficulty for many individuals to secure basic human rights such as food and housing. She highlighted that incomes have failed to keep pace with inflation, contributing to the widening gap between the wealthiest and the most economically disadvantaged members of society.

Napier pointed out that the poverty line for a family of four in HRM is set at $52,429, emphasizing the challenge many face in affording basic necessities. The report also sheds light on the over 6,500 individuals on the waitlist for public housing.

During a media event, Cathie O’Toole, Halifax’s CAO, addressed the cost of living crisis in Halifax and the broader country. She acknowledged the significant challenges in housing supply in Nova Scotia, particularly in the Halifax region, and emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve equitable access to transit, homelessness supports, affordable housing, and development. O’Toole stressed the need for continued work to support those in need in the city.

Parvasi Weekly Inc.