Basic Facts About Poverty in Canada

As of 2019, an estimated 10% of people in Canada currently live in conditions of poverty, but the poverty rate is expected to increase with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poverty statistics exclude people living in hidden poverty, which occurs when an individual earns above the poverty line, but cannot afford adequate food, hydro bills, childcare, or other basic necessities. Hidden poverty also encompasses undocumented people in Canada, and people who are on the brink of poverty.

In 2020, 1 in 4 children were living in poverty.

Single adults are more likely to live in poverty. 30.7% of single adult males in poverty, and 35.5% of single adult females living in poverty.