June 9, 2026 – Last week, Food Banks Canada released their annual Poverty Report Cards for 2026. Partially based on survey data from Pollara Strategic Insights, the Report Cards assign grades to Canada and each province based on their performance on poverty, material deprivation, and legislative progress.
The data outlined in the Report Cards highlight Canada’s most urgent challenges. Rising costs, a shifting labour market, unaffordable housing, and the existing system of income supports are leaving more Canadians unable to afford the essentials. Global pressures have intensified these challenges while exposing long-standing weaknesses in Canada’s safety net. Incomes – from work or public supports – are no longer keeping pace with the cost of living, and one in four households face food insecurity.
Most importantly, Food Banks Canada’s Report Cards provide an ambitious and practical roadmap for governments to address the most important systemic issues contributing to poverty levels and help reduce it over both the short and long terms. Download and read the 2026 Poverty Report Cards at the Food Banks Canada website.
