Poverty Trends 2025

Pathways from Poverty to Rights and Well-being

By Natalie Appleyard, Chloe Cady, Hafsah Choudhry, Nevena Rakic, Evelyn Wong
Edited by Scott Cooper
Published on 2025-10-17

Released annually, CPJ’s Poverty Trends reports provide readers with a review of data on poverty in Canada and the state of government action, as well as a vision for how we can move forward.

This year’s report is titled Poverty Trends 2025: Pathways From Poverty to Rights & Well-Being.

What’s Inside

In this year’s Poverty Trends report, we invite readers to explore two key questions: Who is experiencing poverty in Canada and what should we do about it?

In the report, you’ll find comparisons of current realities and responses against our treaty and human rights obligations. We explore how experiences of poverty vary among different demographic groups and regions, and highlight the need for policy responses that address these inequitable gaps in outcomes.

And, while the most recent data paints a grim picture of the circumstances faced by many in Canada, we affirm that this kind of chronic poverty and inequity is not inevitable and that we have the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to change these trends.

This year’s report spotlights examples of proven policy solutions that can put us on a pathway to end poverty and advance rights and well-being:

• improving the adequacy and accessibility of income supports;
• providing stability and security through adequate housing;
• improving publicly funded, publicly delivered health and social services; and
• generating needed revenue through progressive taxation.

Our hope is that you will share this report with others in your community, workplace, place of worship, school, or other networks, and explore ways to act on the information and ideas offered. There is a wonderful variety of people, communities, sectors, and movements committed to our shared vision for a more just and sustainable society – and there is a place for you, too!

Will you join the call to end chronic poverty and inequity in Canada?

• Endorse our Call to Action – Individuals, organizations, and parliamentarians are invited to endorse our call to action – and to encourage others to add their names!
• Support CPJ’s work by becoming a member – Send a message to parliamentarians that you are invested in building a more just and sustainable future for all! CPJ relies almost entirely on individual donations to carry out our research, education, and advocacy.
• Subscribe to our JusticE-newsletter & socials – Stay tuned to CPJ’s work on poverty reduction in Canada via our JusticE-newsletter or on social media. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (Twitter).