Montreal mission calls attention to national study on homelessness

Montreal's West Island Mission is sounding the alarm about the recent Statistics Canada report on poverty.

A Montreal organization working with those struggling with homelessness and poverty is calling attention to a national study with some troubling numbers.

More than one in ten Canadians is still living in poverty, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

The agency says 11 per cent - or 4.5 million - Canadians were living below the poverty line in 2024, and there’s been little change from 11.1 per cent in 2023.

The number is also up from seven per cent in 2020, and community organizers are concerned.

“It’s not just the numbers, it’s who’s coming in,” West Island Mission executive director Suzanne Scarrow says.

She adds that the organization experienced its busiest month ever in April of this year.

“We’re seeing working families and first-time visitors who simply can’t keep up with the rising cost of living. You know, if you happen to go to the gas pump this weekend, you would have seen a split between about $1.85 all the way up to $2.03. It just doesn’t make sense,” Scarrow tells CTV.

She admits the statistics are scary, but says it’s an opportunity for the community to find lasting solutions - with government help.