Economy: Poverty Reduction

1,520 households (13.4%) in Prince Edward County are classified as low-income (after-tax). The Low-Income Measure, After Tax (LIM-AT), represents households earning 50% or less of the median adjusted after-tax income. In 2023, this threshold is approximately $37,787 or below (based on median household after-tax income of ~ $75,574).

One-person households face a higher risk of poverty, with 880 (28.8%) classified as low-income. In comparison, 645 two-or-more-person households (7.8%) fall into the low-income category.

Some people are more susceptible to poverty. See the Poverty Risk Profile for PEC.

Marginalized Populations
Historically marginalized groups such as Indigenous, racialized people, recent immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, single-parent families, seniors, youth, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities are more likely to live in poverty. (Canada Without Poverty)

People with Disabilities
People with disabilities face barriers that increase their risk of living in poverty. The individual monthly $2,000 CERB payments were significantly higher than the $1,169 that people receive from the Ontario Disability Support Program and the $733 that people receive from Ontario Works — underscoring the difficulty of living on existing social assistance programs. (Health Providers Against Poverty)

Low Educational Attainment
9.2% of adults in PEC do not have a high school diploma or post-secondary education (2021 census). Less educated workers are among those at most risk.

Precarious and Low-paying Employment

PEC's economy heavily depends on seasonal tourism and agriculture, leading to a prevalence of part-year, part-time employment. Additionally, PEC has a high proportion of self-employment. Workers with precarious employment are less likely to access work-related benefits such as an employer sponsored private pension plan, disability insurance or a family dental plan. (Govt of Canada, Towards a Poverty Reduction Strategy)

19.6% of PEC workers are employed in food services, accommodation and retail sales (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lightcast 2023) – sectors with the lowest average weekly earnings and greatest employment impact from COVID-19. (Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey January 2022)

Gender Inequities

Women in Canada are at an increased risk of living in poverty in old age. The prevalence of women who are 75 years old and over and living with low-income status was 21% compared to 13.9% of men in the same age group. (Govt of Ontario, The Gender Pension Gap).

Single Parent Households

10.6% of PEC families have a single parent (7.9% female parent, 2.8% male parent). (Prince Edward County 2021 Census Profile) In Canada, 21% of single mothers raise their children while living in poverty (7% of single fathers raise their children in poverty), where women who work full-time earn about 72 cents for every dollar earned by men. (Homeless Hub) 

Living Alone

27% of PEC's population lives alone. Single adults are more likely to live in poverty.  Working-age singles constitute the largest proportion of beneficiaries on social assistance, and they are three times as likely to live in poverty as the average Canadian. (Institute for Research on Public Policy)

Recent Immigrants

Recent immigrants may face language barriers, discrimination, difficulty having their educational and professional credentials recognized, a lack of Canadian work experience, and difficulty building social networks when they arrive in Canada. These barriers can lead to high levels of unemployment and poverty. (Govt of Canada, Towards a Poverty Reduction Strategy)

• Develop robust systems and structures focused on early intervention and poverty prevention.
• Employment income and income support.
• Building equity through programs, supports and benefits.
• Dignity through enhanced access and improved service design and provision.
• Indigenous prosperity through truth, reconciliation and renewed relationships.
  (National Advisory Council on Poverty, Transforming our Systems 2022)

Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC) and Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors host FREE CRA Income Tax and benefit screening programs for low-income County residents.  The tax clinics are part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, funded by the Canada Revenue Agency. All volunteers are vetted by the CRA and complete Vulnerable Sector Checks with the OPP.  PELC refers seniors age 60+ to PE Community Care for Seniors to ensure that they are aware of all benefits available to them, and Community Care refers those under age 60 to PELC.

When these benefits help to build a financial bridge, more people can pay rent, buy food and other goods.  Investment in income tax clinics and benefits screening programs has a multiplier effect when residents are productive and spend money in this community.

Starting with a pilot program in 2022, the Municipal Financial Relief Grant provides property tax or water/wastewater credits to low-income residents. eligible applications received in 2023. Learn more about this grant.

Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC)  provides volunteers with additional training in resource navigation, which allows them to identify programs and benefits that clients may be eligible for, such as assistance with energy costs. It’s also an opportunity to offer life stabilization supports, depending on individual needs, or help with bills that are past due.

Tax filing & benefits screening
Completing and understanding forms
Life stabilization supports
Financial literacy
Housing
Assistance with past due/account bills
Accessing health and dental programs
Application assistance (OSAP, EI etc)

Youth Support Navigation Service through ROC Youth Services  assists PEC youth to identify, access and navigate community services relevant to their needs and goals.