Child Poverty and the Child Care Solution

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Jasmine Butler
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1 Child Poverty and the Child Care Solution Presentation by Adrienne Montani, Provincial Coordinator First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition To CUPE Child Care Forum November 24, 2009

2 Child Poverty Rates by Province 2007, 3 Measures 25.0% BC 18.8% 20.0% 18.8% 18.8% 15.0% 16.7% 16.7% 14.9% 14.9% 14.5% 13.0% 11.2% 15.0% Can 15% 10.0% 8.3% 5.0% 0.0% British Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan New Brunswick Quebec Nova Scotia Ontario Newfoundland and Labrador LICO Before Tax LICO After Tax MBM Alberta Prince Edward Island Canada 2

3 Child Poverty Over the Years, (LICOs Before Tax) % BC 18.8% % Can 15.0% BC 1995 Canada

4 Particularly Vulnerable Groups Child Povety Rates for Select Social Groups for Children 0-14 in Canada, Recent Immigrants All Immigrants Aboriginal Identity Visible Minority With Disability All Children Source: StatsCan Census 2000 Census 2005 Census 4

5 70 The Feminization of Poverty: Poverty Rates by Family Type % % 43.4% Percent % 12.5% 8.7% Children in two-parent families Children in female lone parent families

6 Poverty rate among children with one or more parents employed full-time full-year by province, % BC 55.7% 55.7% 55.1% 50.0% 48.1% 41.2% 40.0% 38.8% 36.2% Percent 30.0% 30.9% 23.6% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% British Columbia Manitoba Alberta Quebec Ontario Saskatchewan New Brunswick Canada 6

7 Working more and earning less BC s minimum wage at $8/hr. -- now the lowest in the country. The cost of living is rising faster than most people s earnings. People are working harder just to stay in place and many feel they are only 1 or 2 paycheques away from poverty. 7

8 Living Wage Calculation: Metro Vancouver Food $ Clothing & Footwear $ Shelter (including utilities) $ Transportation $ Other $ Childcare $ Medical Expenses $ Parent Education $83.00 Contingency Amount $

9 Growing Inequality in BC Changes to average income over the last 18 years: Wealthiest top 10%: $40,233 Fourth poorest 10%: $ 3,829 Third poorest 10%: $ 4,885 Poorest 10%: $ 889 9

10 Consequences of Inequality Income inequality leads to health disparities (nutrition deficits, physical activity deficits, stress-related conditions, etc., for poorer people) Creates higher costs for health care, education, justice/corrections, and community social services Undermines healthy child development 10

11 More Consequences of Inequality Poverty and inequality eats away at both individuals and at society and community Undermines social inclusion and cohesiveness, leads to exclusion from recreation, sports, and social and civic life Causes stress across the income spectrum 11

12 And more. Reduces choices, lowers high school completion (drop-out rates are double), and opportunity for advanced educational attainment (which in turn perpetuates poverty) Loss of economic competitiveness and productivity when people are marginalized and excluded. 12

13 Poverty is NOT inevitable. There are choices and solutions. Poverty is very expensive and offensive in such a wealthy society. Poor quality or no access to childcare is expensive and a denial of children s rights. BC needs a poverty reduction plan with targets and timelines. Universal, publicly-funded, high quality childcare is a key part of any poverty reduction plan. 13

14 Elements of a Poverty Reduction Plan we can all advocate for Public policy options include: Raise and index welfare rates, restore earnings exemptions, and easier eligibility A publicly-funded quality child care system Raise and index the minimum wage Living wage commitment from employers Stop contracting out jobs to lower wage contractors Increase federal child tax benefits 14

15 Advocate for.. Increase the stock of affordable housing Rescind cuts to Employment Insurance Remove barriers to post-secondary access for lower income people Enforce and enhance employment standards Create a comprehensive community mental health plan Public coverage for dental care and prescription drugs 15

16 Information Sources on Income Inequality and Poverty

BC CAMPAIGN FACT SHEETS

BC CAMPAIGN FACT SHEETS 2006 FACT SHEETS Fact Sheet #1 - What is Child Poverty? Fact Sheet #2 - BC Had the Worst Record Three Years in a Row Fact Sheet #3 - Child Poverty over the Years Fact Sheet #4 - Child Poverty by Family