Quick Question:
Media
Canada’s first poverty reduction target met three years ahead of schedule
From: Employment and Social Development Canada
Statement -
Statistics Canada releases the 2017 Canadian Income Survey revealing a significant reduction in overall poverty rate -
February 26, 2019 - Gatineau, Quebec - Employment and Social Development Canada -
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development made the following statement:
“Today, Statistics Canada released results from the 2017 Canadian Income Survey. This is the first release of such data since the Government of Canada launched Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy, which targets a 20 percent reduction in poverty by 2020, and a 50 percent reduction by 2030, relative to 2015 levels.
“Today’s survey results show that we have met our first poverty reduction target a full three years ahead of schedule. Between 2015 and 2017, the poverty rate fell by more than 20 percent. This represents approximately 825,000 fewer individuals living in poverty. However, we know there is much more to do. That is why we remain committed to cutting poverty in half by 2030.
“Furthermore, Statistics Canada’s data indicates that the Canada Child Benefit is having a significant positive impact on the income of families. The Canada Child Benefit resulted in higher incomes for families with children. Couples with children saw their median child benefits increase by $1,200 and single-parent families received an extra $1,300 in 2017 compared to 2016, contributing to a positive start for Canadian children. Between 2015 and 2017 the number of children living in poverty was reduced by 278,000.
"The government has taken important action to reduce poverty and help more Canadians join the middle class. Today marks a historic day for our country. These results confirm that our investments are lifting people out of poverty and helping Canadian families. We remain strongly committed to ensuring that everyone has a real and fair chance at success.”
Associated Links
2017 Canadian Income Survey
Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy
Canada Child Benefit
Canada Workers Benefit
National Housing Strategy
Guaranteed Income Supplement
Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Valérie Glazer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca