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Group releases report on growing poverty problem

Oct 18, 2010 | 5:21 PM

Bre McAdam

CJME

Poverty Free Saskatchewan has released a new report full of statistics on how poverty is a growing problem in Saskatchewan — and how something needs to be done.

Kirk Englot with PFS says Saskatchewan's overall poverty rate is at 15.3 per cent, while Canada's overall rate is at 14.5 per cent.

“The poorest people are experiencing a deeper level of poverty than I think they have before, and also income inequality has grown in Saskatchewan over the last decade,” said Englot, who adds the report is calling for an anti-poverty plan.

“We'd really like to see a very collective effort because I think other regions such as Newfoundland and Labrador have really demonstrated that when we work together, we can make a meaningful difference.”

Some other issues in the report include an increase in homelessness as well as more people depending on food banks.