This report estimates that the direct cost of poverty for the PEI government is just under 100 million dollars per year — and that these costs account for 6.7% of the 2009/10 PEI government budget. When the costs to government are added to the broader costs to the economy, the total cost of poverty for the province is $315 million dollars, which is equivalent to 7.6% of Prince Edward Island’s GDP. This corresponds to $2,700 per person, per year.
This report underlines the urgency for Maritime governments to act now to eliminate poverty, as investing in a comprehensive plan to alleviate poverty could cost as little as half as much as the quantifiable costs of poverty.
CCPA not only does first-rate research; it also connects with the real world by putting powerful information in the hands of advocacy groups and by presenting intelligent, progressive ideas in the media. It is a BC jewel and I urge everyone to support it.
— Kathleen Ruff, founder, RightOn Canada