A striking series of maps are demonstrating that child and family poverty persist in every federal riding nation wide
According to the BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, nearly 23% of children (over 1 in 5) in the Cariboo-Prince George region are living in poverty.
Adrienne Montani, Provincial Coordinator for First Call says the political will is lacking.
She says the eradication of child and family poverty in Canada requires federal leadership and a sustained commitment that is backed by investments.
“That’s we as voters and community members need to push whatever party is in power or parties; all of them need to be pushed on this issue,” Montani said.
“Children are a shrinking population I would say across the country in proportion to the aging of the population.”
All federal parties, according to First Call have pledged to end child poverty three times: in 1989, 2009, and in February 2015.
Topping the maps in BC was Nanaimo-Cowichan with an estimated 28.2% of children living in poverty.