Child Poverty in Canada

On 24 November 1989 the Canadian House of Commons unanimously passed an all-party resolution to eliminate poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000. Yet in 2005 a report by UNICEF placed Canada nineteenth in a ranking of the relative poverty of children in 26 of the world's richest countries (Greece, Hungary, and Poland all had a significantly better record). How can this be?

This short and engaging book provides the latest research on child poverty by Canadian sociologist Patrizia Albanese. Looking at how many of Canada's children live in poverty, Albanese explores trends over time, across provinces, and among various groups. Her research reveals which children are most vulnerable and why, and describes the physical, behavioral, and educational impact of poverty. In clear terms Albanese presents some of the ways that poverty is measured in Canada and around the world, and considers the country in a global perspective to assess why it ranks so low on the international scale. Finally, she discusses how the events of 1989 have shaped the outcome of child poverty in Canada and evaluates the theories and possible solutions to the problem.

Of interest to students of sociology, social work, and early childhood studies--and concerned readers alike--this important book provides a useful introduction to a topic of key importance.