Nick Noorani Website

The rate of child and family poverty in Canada has been stalled at 17-18% over the past 5 years despite strong economic growth and low unemployment, according to a new report by Campaign 2000.
The report identifies higher than average poverty rates for children in immigrant families.
“According to the latest census 49% of children in recent immigrant families are living below the poverty line. Immigrants arriving in this country are the most highly educated and well qualified in Canadian history, yet so many are stuck in low wage jobs because their international experience and qualifications are not recognized by employers, ” commented Uzma Shakir, President of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. “New immigrants are key to the growth of Canada’s labour force. But who will want to come if they find out their children are likely to be growing up in poverty? We join the call for political commitment for a Poverty Reduction Strategy for Canada with specific policies to address the barriers faced by new immigrants,” she concluded.

Read more http://www.campaign2000.ca/rc/