Canadian Research Data Centre Network

Working-age Canadians with disabilities are at particular risk of long-term poverty, and recent evidence suggests they are also frequent food bank users. This study uses the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey to ask why food insecurity is so high among this population. The data reveals that food insecurity is three times higher among people with disabilities than the non-disabled population. Groups at high risk include social assistance recipients, younger adults, single parents, aboriginal people, and those with episodic disabilities. In the multivariate analysis, income is found to be most important determinant of food insecurity; on this basis, four policy alternatives are formulated and evaluated. The policy analysis concludes by recommending two options: the refundability of the existing Disability Tax Credit and a Basic Income program for people with severe disabilities.

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