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Poverty in BC
We can shut our eyes to the homeless, people living in sub-standard housing and standing in line at the local food bank. This does not change the reality that many British Columbians wake up to poverty each day. The BCABC believes that this can be different.
According to Statistics Canada (1991), 9.7% of families and 15.7% of unattached individuals - including children, youth, families and the elderly, live in poverty in British Columbia. Poverty means not having enough money to feed, house, and support the family; it's also about not having resources to weather change and crisis.
"The effects of poverty are far reaching: low birth-weights, increased illness, lower labour force participation, family disintegration, and increased rates of homicide or suicide. Economic performance is [also negatively] affected by the problems associated with poverty." For more information on Poverty in Canada click here.
Many poverty stricken Canadians are "unbankable" - they can not afford a bank account, have no credit rating and are unable to get a loan or mortgage. Without any means of accumulating assets, those living in poverty have few opportunities to improve their quality of life or participate fully in the community. This is compounded for those supported by income assistance who are not permitted to acquire savings to purchase foundational assets.
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| This website was produced with CEDTAP, Vancity, Bell Canada, and the Royal Bank of Canada. |
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