This report provides 2021 child and family poverty rates for Nova Scotia, based on 2019 data, the most recent available data.
Between 1989 and 2019, child poverty rates decreased in every province and territory. However, Nova Scotia has performed the worst in reducing child poverty from 1989 levels.
Nova Scotia has the highest rate in Atlantic Canada and the third-highest provincial child poverty rate in Canada, a consistent ranking over the last several years.
This report also offers 17 recommendations for the Nova Scotia government to eradicate poverty.
About the authors
Christine Saulnier (she/her) is Director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia. She has a doctorate in Political Science from York University. She leads the living wage calculations for communities across Atlantic Canada and serves as a co-author of the annual child and family poverty report cards for Nova Scotia. She has written extensively, and given commentary on a range of other public policy issues including fiscal policy, labour markets, and child care policy. She serves on the Steering Committee of Child Care Now Nova Scotia, and Campaign 2000 (national coalition to end child and family poverty). She served on the Board of the NS Health Coalition and Adsum for 10 years.
