A recent survey by the Canadian Payroll Association shows that 6 out of every 10 Canadians would struggle if they missed just one paycheque, with younger people (aged 18-34) and single parents being most vulnerable to hardship. We have also documented the precarious financial situation of specific populations (e.g., those who are on a low-income who often struggle with chronic debt and paying for basic needs), racialized communities, immigrant seniors, and those who are precariously housed. The link between income and health has been powerfully made as is the idea that all of us fall somewhere on a continuum, with better health being achieved at higher income levels.
Each report linked above contains practical, actionable recommendations for policy-makers and practitioners which can contribute to narrowing the impact of income inequality on people’s health.