Study finds poverty rates higher than annual statistics in Greater Montreal

A study found that 26 per cent of adults in the Greater Montreal metropolitan area lived below the poverty line for at least one year between 2016 and 2023. This figure is higher than the annual poverty rates, which have ranged between 10 and 12 per cent since 2020. The research also found that 14 per cent of adults experienced poverty for at least three years, and 12 per cent lived below the poverty line for one or two years.

The findings suggest that financial hardship is widespread, with experts noting that even minor expenses can create major obstacles for families. The increased need for social support could place pressure on public budgets and services in the region.