A new report shows the rate of child poverty has increased in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Child and Youth Poverty Report Card was prepared by the Jimmy Pratt Foundation and Choices for Youth.
It’s based on information from 2021.
The report card shows that during 2020, child poverty rates fell across Canada and in this province, with government benefits like CERB helping families on the poverty line make ends meet.
However, in 2021, child and youth poverty spiked as benefits were clawed back.
Neria Aylward, executive director of the Jimmy Pratt Foundation, says through their conversations with community groups, they’ve found the need has only grown.
Neria Aylward (Photo via jimmyprattfoundation.ca)
“What this data showed, and what our community consultations told us, is that cash is really important in getting income into the hands of the children and the families who need it the most,” she said.
“But we also have to focus on public services, and those might not necessarily be targeted right at children and youth and families. But things like public transportation, our education system, our health care system … all these things need investment because that uplifts everybody.”
