The direct cost of poverty for the PEI government is an estimated 100 million dollars per year — 7.6% of the 2009/10 PEI government budget. When the costs to government are added to the broader costs to the economy, the total cost of poverty for the province is $315 million dollars, which is equivalent to 7.6% of Prince Edward Island’s GDP. This corresponds to $2,700 per person, per year.
Researchers Christine Saulnier and Angella MacEwan explain these numbers in a new CCPA-NS report, Cost of Poverty in Prince Edward Island (2011).
The report was presented in PEI late last year, covered by The Guardian on December 11th, here.
The authors' most recent visit to PEI was covered by The Gaurdian on January 29th, here.
The CCPA’s bold vision and creative solutions help us imagine better futures for all. Its efforts to build bridges between labour, industry, and civil society and mentor young activists lay the foundation for realizing those provocative futures. I consider my support for the CCPA an investment in a better future for British Columbia.
— Polly Ng, Next Up graduate