Child poverty continues to climb in the city
June 16, 2026
For the third consecutive year, child poverty rates have risen in Toronto, disproportionately affecting families who are immigrants, racialized or have a single parent in their households, according to Social Planning Toronto’s 2026 Child and Family Poverty Report Card.
The report is titled Advancing the Promise for Toronto’s Children and was released June 9. Campaign 2000, which is hosted by FST, is credited for reviewing and providing feedback on the report during its development.
“One in four children in Toronto is growing up in poverty,” states Social Planning Toronto on their website. “The need for action is urgent.”
Its release was timed as the City prepares for October’s municipal election and offers an opportunity for Mayoral and City Council candidates to speak to their vision for a more equitable city
The rate of child and family poverty in Toronto rose 0.4 percentage points to 25.7 per cent. Between 2022 and 2023, 1,800 children became impoverished. In total, 119,690 children in Toronto live in poverty. The report is based on the most recently available census and tax filer data.
The report uses the Census Family Low-income Measure, After Tax to define poverty as 50 per cent of the national household median income ($74,200 after tax) and is adjusted for household size.
As part of their call to action, Social Planning Toronto has posted a Take Action sheet, which includes questions to ask Toronto City Council candidates during the election campaign.