Nova Scotia child poverty shows little improvement, report says

A report using 2023 data finds little change in child and family poverty in Nova Scotia, with 22.7% of children living in poverty and 38% experiencing food insecurity.

A new report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives‑Nova Scotia with partners Campaign 2000 and Fed Family Lab examines child and family poverty in Nova Scotia using 2023 public data. The authors describe the situation as largely unchanged rather than improving. The report highlights particular impacts on single‑parent, rural, new immigrant and racialized households. Key findings: - The report is based on public 2023 data and describes the province's child poverty as showing "no real progress." - It reports 22.7% of children in Nova Scotia were living in poverty, the highest rate in Atlantic Canada and the third‑highest in the country. - The report states 38% of children, about 68,000, lived in food‑insecure households. - Poverty rates are higher in single‑parent families and among rural, new immigrant and racialized families, with close to half of children in single‑parent families reported to be in poverty. Summary: The report documents persistent child and family poverty in Nova Scotia and highlights groups disproportionately affected. Its authors recommend a provincial poverty‑elimination plan and increases to family income and public supports. Government spokespeople noted recent measures such as income assistance increases and funding for housing and food programs. Undetermined at this time.