About 1 in 4 Nova Scotia children living in poverty: report

Nova Scotia is facing a significant challenge when it comes to child poverty, according to a recent report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. In 2022, Nova Scotia had the fifth-highest child poverty rate in Canada and the highest in Atlantic Canada. The report revealed that nearly 24 per cent of children in the province are living in poverty, which equates to 41,500 children.

This increase in child poverty is the largest single-year jump since 1989 when there was a unanimous vote in the House of Commons to end child poverty by the year 2000. Christine Saulnier, co-author of the report and director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia, emphasized the human impact behind these statistics. Real families are struggling, losing hope, and facing significant challenges as a result of poverty.

Saulnier is calling for a poverty elimination plan for the province to address this urgent issue. She stressed the importance of sustained income support for families to lift them out of poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on child poverty rates in Nova Scotia, with a decrease to 18.4 per cent in 2020 due to government financial assistance.

In specific areas of the province, such as parts of Dartmouth, child poverty rates are even higher. Organizations like North Grove in Dartmouth are working to address the issue by providing access to healthy food through programs and services. Executive director Wendy Fraser highlighted the challenges faced by families in affording nutritious food and emphasized the urgency of addressing child poverty.

The report serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate action to tackle child poverty in Nova Scotia. It is crucial for the government to implement sustainable solutions and support programs to uplift families and ensure a brighter future for children in the province.