Pandemic brings dire financial impact to Atlantic Canada
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the financial well-being of many families in Atlantic Canada.
According to Feed Nova Scotia executive director Nick Jennery, the situation has grown to alarming levels.
"Each day 20,000 pounds of food has to leave this facility," said Jennery, who added that that food goes to 140 front line agencies that are running at full capacity to help feed people living with food insecurity. "Which is at 15 per cent of the population and is unacceptably high."
New statistics released by the BDO Affordability Index, highlight even greater concerns brought on by the pandemic.
Atlantic Canada has seen 31 per cent of its population experience food shortages. More than half (53 per cent) say housing costs are a challenge and 15 per cent of those who live in this region took on credit card debt for the first time.
"The survey showed a bigger divide between the haves and have nots across Canada," said Jeff Lewis from BDO Debt Solutions."The Atlantic provinces fall into the definition of the have nots."
Lewis said the root of the issue is obviously the pandemic, which has brought crushing blow to millions of Canadians. The negative impact has been disproportionately higher in this region.
"78 per cent of Atlantic Canadians say the pandemic is it a devastating effect on their finances and their standard of living," said Lewis.
Jennery added, these dire economic circumstances place enormous financial and psychological pressures on families.
"Maybe it is towards the end ofmonth," said Jennery. "Do I pay my rent? Do I put food on the table? But Ican't afford to do both."
Lewis said the best-case scenario is for the pandemic to end and for the financial situation to improve.
"If you are struggling, there is hope for you," said Lewis.
Lewis pointed out that there are private sector and government resources available to help people navigate around financial difficulties.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.