Imagine a future without poverty. This is the vision of the Poverty Research Centre: a community in which every person has an equal opportunity to thrive. Led by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the London Food Bank and Kings University College, the Poverty Research Centre will change the conversation about poverty in London by assembling local research on the lived experiences of those facing poverty. Shedding light on the necessary social, economic and political changes needed to end poverty in London, the initiative aims to inform the community and shape local policy response.
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In 2011, the overall poverty rate in London (CMA) based on the after-tax Low Income Cut Off (LICO), was 11.6%, up 6.4% from 2000 and 31.8% higher than the national average. (Statistics Canada, Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics)
In London the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen. Poverty is one of our community’s most pressing issues. With staggering unemployment due to the fall of London’s large manufacturing sector, we have witnessed the far-reaching impact of this trend in other areas such as child poverty, mental health, housing, adult education and re-training.
Ontario Works Caseloads
There is a monthly average of 10,976 Ontario Works caseloads in London in 2014 (City of London, Social Services)
Unemployment Rate
In 2013, the unemployment rate for London (CMA) was 8.5%. This was above the national level (7.1%) and above the provincial level (7.5%). (Statistics Canada)
Living Wage
In 2010, 35.4% of all earners in London (CMA) were not earning a living wage (had an annual income under $20,000). (Statistics Canada)
Child Poverty
In 2011, the poverty rate in London (CMA), based on the after-tax Low Income Cut Off, was 8.0% down 33.9% from 12.1% in 2010. (Statistics Canada)
Poverty Rate of Single-Parent Families
In 2010, the poverty rate of single-parent families in the London CMA was 35.3% compared to 14.2% in Canada and 17.3% in Ontario. (Statistics Canada, National Household Survey 2010)
Elderly Poverty
In 2011, the poverty rate for the elderly in London (CMA), based on the after-tax Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), was 2.4%, up 300.0% from 0.6% in 2010. (Statistics Canada)
Immigrant Poverty
Half of immigrant households live below the poverty line. (Ontario Non-profit Housing Association)
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