The gap between Canadian children at the bottom of society and those in the middle is so large that it puts Canada 26th out of 35 wealthy countries, according to a new report from UNICEF.
‘Growing inequality… in Canada’
“It’s a surprise to us, although, in a way, maybe it shouldn’t be,” says David Morley, president and CEO of UNICEF Canada. “It’s part of the growing inequality that we see happening in Canada.
The poorest families have incomes that are 53 per cent lower than the average. Their children “are having a harder time at school, their health outcomes aren’t as good, says Morley.

‘Harder for children to hope’
“Most importantly, when we talk to children themselves, their life satisfaction isn’t as good. They see that the middle is getting farther away. And so it’s harder for them to hope that they can become part of the middle. And that’s a real disappointment for those children and it’s not who we think of ourselves as Canadians too.”
The biggest gaps between those in the middle and those at the bottom were in income and unhealthy eating. Unhealthy eating, leads to poor health, says Morley. One quarter of the children reported difficulty sleeping, feeling sick or anxious. The often had problems with peers, at school or at home.
ListenA call for healthier food
Canada’s new government has promised a tax benefit which will help poorer children as soon as it takes effect this summer, says Morley, but government needs to take other steps. He thinks it should limit the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and have schools with lunch programs offer healthier food and expand their programs.
UNICEF calls on government to invest more and earlier in children, by offering more parental leave. He notes that in countries that rank well in child fairness private companies also enhance flexibility for parents.

Indigenous children hard hit
Governments need to ensure there are equitable services and outcomes for all children. Morley says indigenous children are at a particular disadvantage and he hopes new government initiatives will help this situation.
Countries like Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands have less inequality and Morley says Canada can use them as an example to improve the lives of children.
“That will help build the Canada that we want, the Canada that we talk about where children have a better chance.”
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