Government of Canada concludes Tackling Poverty Together Project case study visit in Trois-Rivières, Québec
News Release
Research in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories is next
April 28, 2017 Trois-Rivières, Québec Employment and Social Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, thanked the Government of Québec, the City of Trois-Rivières and all participants for taking part in the Tackling Poverty Together (TPT) Project. This project is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to develop a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy that gives all Canadians a real and fair chance to succeed.
TPT is intended to inform the development of the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy and allow the Government of Canada to hear directly from Canadians living in poverty and learn from organizations that deliver poverty reduction programs at the community level. The project will also explore the unique characteristics of and perspectives on poverty experienced in each of the communities, and identify local solutions and suggestions to reduce poverty.
The community visit in Trois-Rivières, which took place from April 18 to 21, was the fifth case study to be completed to date. During the visit, over 143 people with lived experience of poverty were consulted through focus groups and in-person surveys. A roundtable session was also conducted with community stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations involved in poverty reduction initiatives, as well as federal, provincial, and municipal government representatives, which placed a strong emphasis on partnership and engagement. Some 925 people in Trois-Rivières also participated in a survey. The feedback collected will provide valuable information which will help in the development of the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy.
The last stop for the TPT project will be in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
The Government of Canada will release its findings on the TPT project later this year. All Canadians are encouraged to learn more about what is happening under the Poverty Reduction Strategy by visiting the webpage or joining the online conversation (#ReducePoverty on Twitter and follow @SocDevSoc).
Quotes
“Poverty is a complex issue that affects more than 3 million Canadians. In a prosperous country like Canada, we need to do better. I thank the people in Trois Rivières, who shared their experiences with us so that we can build a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy, which responds to the realities that people living in poverty face every day. Together, we can realize our vision of a diverse, prosperous and truly inclusive county where all Canadians can realize their full potential.”
- The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Quick Facts
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In 2014, 3 million Canadians—8.8 percent of the population—lived in poverty. This included more than half a million children.
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Unattached people aged 45 to 64, single parents, recent immigrants, Indigenous people and people with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty.
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In 2014, about 746,000 Canadians lived in families that worked but were poor.
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In 2014, Canada’s low-income rate for seniors was 3.9 percent.
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In 2011, over 655,000 Canadian households spent at least 50 percent of their income before taxes on housing. About 90 percent of these households were low-income.
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Contacts
Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell
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
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