This Food Banks Canada report card shows that Canada’s resilience against poverty and food insecurity improved slightly in 2026. However, positive progress is at risk of being swept away, without urgent federal action to modernize EI, and provincial and territorial improvements to social assistance.
The introduction of the Grocery and Essentials Benefit, progress toward automatic tax filing, expanded dental care and the strengthening of the Canada Child Benefit nudged Canada’s overall grade up from a D in 2025 to a D+ in 2026. Federal policy recommendations include:
- Reform EI permanently to create modern supports for today’s workforce
- Close the cost-of-living gap in the Groceries and Essentials Benefit for Northern Canada
- Conduct a national review of social assistance and federal transfers
Ontario’s report card grade stayed at a D-, compared to 2025. The 2026 policy recommendations for Ontario include:
- End the 8-year rate freeze and increase Ontario Works
- Restore full rent control coverage across all rental units
- Introduce a new poverty reduction strategy with clear enforceable targets
Published By: Food Banks Canada
Publication Date: June, 2026
Click here to access Food Banks Canada 2026 Poverty Report Card
