A recent study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative shows that 52% of BC’s on-reserve First Nation children are living below the poverty line.
The Research shows BC is below the National average of 60%. Manitoba had the highest rate at 76%.
This is the first time these numbers have been recorded, and CCPA Economist and co-author David Macdonald says they need to be known.
“We need to publish the rates on reserves, which we don’t presently do. It’s actually Statistics Canada policy not to publish the rates on reserves and in the Territories. We think that’s a mistake,” he says, “We should publish the rates to see where they’re going and see if the policies we’re trying are working.”
He believes that the new Canada Child Benefit will help lower this number, and says there need to be more jobs opportunities on reserves.