Poverty Trends 2026

Stronger Together: Building a Just Canada for All

By Nevena Langlois
Edited by Scott Cooper

Published on October 17, 2026

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 2026: Stronger Together: Building a Just Canada for All

What’s Inside

In this year’s Poverty Trends report, we invite readers to consider our shared responsibility for the well-being of all people in Canada.

Poverty Trends 2026 examines the relationship between immigration and poverty in Canada, placing today’s challenges within the country’s history of settler colonialism, exclusionary immigration policy, and changing economic priorities. The report explores how poverty is measured and experienced across Canada, highlighting newcomers’ essential contributions to the workforce alongside the disproportionate barriers they face.

Newcomers are not responsible for the housing crisis, the erosion of worker power, inadequate social assistance, or the financialization of essential services. These are policy choices, and they can be changed. Poverty Trends 2026 highlights several proven policy solutions:

• providing a minimum income floor through government transfers;
• improving resettlement support;
• 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?

• Read more about the experiences of refugees and migrants in A Renewed Canadian Welcome: Eleven Visions from Migrants and Advocates. Born of the work of Citizens for Public Justice, A Renewed Canadian Welcome is a must-read for those advocating for human rights in immigration policy. It is a compelling call to reimagine Canada’s approach to immigration as one that affirms dignity, equity, and justice for all.
• Support CPJ’s work by becoming a member. CPJ relies almost entirely on individual donations to carry out our research, education, and advocacy.
• Bring this report to talk to your MP or other elected officials. You can check out CPJ’s Advocacy Toolkit for tips!
• 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).