Poverty threatens its victims' physical and psychological health. Today, on the eve of the 21 st century, the image that pops up in our maid when we hear about poverty is those thousands of people waiting in-line at their local food bank. Almost half of low income families have one working adult. They still are low income families because of low paid, temporary or part time jobs. The Tragedy and Disgrace of Poverty in Canada .
Poverty is the failure of the individual.
Unemployment, low-wage jobs, and cuts to social programs such as welfare and EI explain the high rate of poverty in Canada. The poor do not want to work. Earned income is often the major source of income for poor people. Poor people don't pay tax. Canadians at all income levels pay taxes.