While there are many definitions of youth,the term is used here to refer to people aged 15 to 24. In Canada, youth, especially those who live in cities, are among those most likely to live in poverty. The LICO is adjusted for community size and measures the amount of money needed to live and participate as a Canadian citizen. Although the LICO is not meant to be a measure of poverty, it does provide a good indication of how many Canadians are living in financially difficult circumstances. Statistics Canada, Low Income Cut-offs, Cat.
Youth live in conditions of low income both due to family poverty and personal situations.
Many young people between the ages of 15 and 24 live with their parents. If the parents are living in poverty, so are their children. As well, many young adults have children of their own. According to Statistics Canada, single persons under 25 have the highest risk of poverty, compared to all other groups. Some young adults also are parents themselves, and these families face a very high rate of poverty.