Canada’s poverty reduction progress remains uneven across provinces

Food Banks Canada says Canada is showing early progress in reducing poverty, but the gains are fragile and could be reversed without continued government action. The organization released new poverty reduction report cards on Monday assessing the country, provinces, and territories on poverty outcomes, policy measures, and material deprivation. Canada received an overall grade of D+, while Quebec and Manitoba posted the strongest results among provinces. New Brunswick was the only province to receive a failing grade, with the report citing high levels of food insecurity and concerns about whether government support is enough to meet living costs. Local food banks and antipoverty advocates said the findings match what they are seeing on the ground, especially in places facing rising rents, higher food prices, and growing demand for assistance. In Ontario, the report found many residents are spending more than 30 per cent of income on housing and a large share of income on other fixed costs. The report also calls for changes to employment insurance and social assistance, arguing that current programs do not fit many workers in parttime, contract, gig, or irregular jobs. Food Banks Canada says stronger income supports and updated eligibility rules could help reduce poverty and improve affordability across the country.