N.S. had highest poverty rate but Manitoba had most deep poverty in 2022, stats show
A recent report from Statistics Canada has shed light on the troubling reality of poverty in Nova Scotia. According to the report, 12.5 per cent of Nova Scotians were living below the poverty line in 2022, a figure higher than the national average of 9.9 per cent.
Nova Scotia emerged as the province with the highest poverty rate in the country, with Manitoba following closely behind with the highest rate of deep poverty. The report highlighted that 11.9 per cent of Manitoba residents were living in poverty, with 6.9 per cent experiencing deep poverty.
The criteria for determining poverty in the report focused on whether individuals could afford a basic standard of living, represented by a basket of goods and services. Those falling below this threshold were classified as living in poverty, while those earning less than 75 per cent of the threshold were considered to be in deep poverty.
Of particular concern were the findings related to recent immigrants to Canada. The report revealed that one in five individuals who immigrated between 2017 and 2022 were living below the poverty line, with over half of them experiencing deep poverty.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted efforts to address poverty in Nova Scotia and across the country. Policy interventions and support programs are essential to ensure that all individuals have access to the resources needed to meet their basic needs and achieve a decent standard of living.
The report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, community organizations, and individuals alike to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where no one is left behind due to economic hardship. It is crucial that concerted efforts are made to address the root causes of poverty and provide meaningful support to those most vulnerable in our communities.
