Tag: inequality

The link between poverty and race in Saskatchewan

This Focus Saskatchewan feature from Global News highlights how certain groups in the province (e.g. First Nations and Métis peoples, single parent households, recent immigrants, and people with disabilities) have considerably higher rates of poverty. For example, while about a quarter of children in SK live in poverty (Campaign 2000 report), 64% of status First Nations children in the province live in poverty (CCPA, 2013).

Link to the story: http://globalnews.ca/news/2291290/the-link-between-poverty-and-race-in-saskatchewan/

High income inequality tied to poor health

By Margot Sanger-Katz, New York Times

This article, reprinted in the Globe and Mail, discusses new evidence from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The study found that inequality at the county level has a considerable impact on health; people in unequal communities were more likely to die before the age of 75 than people in more equal communities, even if the average incomes were the same. The article noted that it is well known that living in a poor community makes you less likely to live a long life, but there is new evidence which suggests that living in a community with high income inequality also seems to be bad for your health.

Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/high-income-inequality-tied-to-poor-health/article23743705/

Oxfam report on income inequality

Oxfam released a report this January called Working for the Few: Political capture and economic inequality which showcases just how much of the world’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of the ultra-wealthy. Almost half (46%) of the world’s wealth is now owned by just one percent of the population. Although Canada was noted in the report to be a country with strong social mobility, inequality continues to rise in our country.

A link to the article and commentary can be found on the Canada Without Poverty website: http://www.cwp-csp.ca/2015/01/4-8-million-canadians-last-among-equals

Yellen ‘Greatly’ Concerned by Widening Inequality in America – Bloomberg

The Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States reignited the debate about the widening income gap in the country during a recent speech in Boston.

“The past few decades of widening inequality can be summed up as significant income and wealth gains for those at the very top and stagnant living standards for the majority. It is appropriate to ask whether this trend is compatible with values rooted in our nation’s history.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-17/yellen-greatly-concerned-by-widening-inequality-in-america.html

 

Media attention shows concern for poverty

The PFS report Communities Respond has received considerable media attention, showing the importance this issue has in the public eye.

Included in CBC TV 6:00 PM news.

CKOM – Saskatoon coverage. http://www.newstalk650.com/story/organization-calls-province-wide-strategy-poverty/79515

Lead story on Global News http://www.globalregina.com/

Radio-Canada http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/saskatchewan/2012/10/15/003-pauvrete-rapport-saskatchewan.shtml

Regina Leader Post article – this article was on the Front page of the Leader Post today. http://www.leaderpost.com/Report+details+plan+tackle+poverty+Saskatchewan/7394120/story.html