Why is it important?

More than one in four adults in Greater Montréal experienced at least one episode of poverty between 2016 and 2023. By following the same individuals over an eight-year period, this study reveals that poverty is not only more widespread than it appears, but also often long-lasting. Traditional annual snapshots make it difficult to capture the full extent of this reality.

The analysis also highlights significant disparities across territories, as well as the close relationship between persistent poverty and housing challenges. These findings provide new insights into poverty dynamics in Greater Montréal and offer valuable evidence to help guide public policy and efforts aimed at reducing social inequalities.

What people are saying :

“Annual low-income rates among adults fluctuate between 10% and 12%, but they provide only a partial picture of the reality of poverty. When we examine poverty over several years, we find that a much larger proportion of adults experience it at some point in their lives. This study also shows that the risk of experiencing poverty can vary considerably from one area to another.”

— Xavier St-Denis, Professor at INRS and author of the study

“The mapping of the findings highlights significant disparities across Greater Montréal. It shows that persistent poverty is concentrated in specific areas and underscores the importance of considering territorial realities to better understand social and economic inequalities.”

— Rana Bouazer, Master’s student in Population Studies at INRS and co-author of the report

Link to the report (pdf)
Key Findings (pdf)