Poverty and self-blame

In Canada you often come across people who are really poor. There are many vagrants, homeless people or beggars, especially in the big cities.

Poverty in Canada can also be seen in the housing stock, which here and there is really starting to look like slums. This is not only in the big cities, you can also encounter dire cases of poverty in the villages.

A striking phenomenon in Canada is that many not only react nonchalantly to it, but also look down on "those kinds of people". Many feel that it is simply their own fault. If only they should have worked harder.

Assistance level

Definition of poverty

Actually, there is no definition of poverty in Canada. There is an official poverty line, but if you are below that, it gives you few rights.

Assistance for the homeless and vagabonds is minimal and depends a lot on where you are, but never more than a bare scratch. This is because they do not have a permanent address.

Rent subsidy does not exist here.

Addicts

From one problem to another

Psychiatric clinics have been closed for decades. They are given a pill.

If the situation does get out of hand, there is hardly any shelter.

Addiction and all kinds of other abuses lurk. Heavy narcotics cause thousands of victims every year.

Charity

That too is often more than sad

Fortunately, there are quite a few "food banks" in Canada. These have become much busier in recent years.

There are also soup kitchens and other institutions based on charity.

Especially in the big cities, it is a very sad sight to see the enormous crowds at these types of distribution points. The police often have to be present.