Recent data has shown that children living in poverty in Hamilton, Ontario, are so affected by poverty-related stressors that they are more likely to have difficulty learning in school. In fact, mental health issues are up to ten times more likely to occur in children living in poverty when compared to children living with wealth.
This is clearly a serious problem, and the Canadian Government should take action before this problem gets worse. Introducing early intervention programs would be helpful to tackle any mental health or learning difficulties in children living in poverty before they get so severe that they become difficult to manage. Universal programs, as well as services to help these families access services, such as money for parking and missed work, and child care for siblings, would also be suggested.
Tell the Canadian Government to take a close look at mental health and learning issues in children living in poverty, and take action to help manage these problems.
