Despite growing world hunger, Quebecers are doing better than anywhere else in Canada, according to a recent study by the University of Toronto.

“Food insecurity” still affects nearly one million Quebecers, or 13.1% of the population. By comparison, 20% of Albertans struggle to support themselves despite the average per capita income being higher than any other province.

“This is the first time such a persistent and large difference between the provinces has been documented,” he said Have to the study’s lead researcher, Valerie Tarasuk. “But the problem is not solved there. »

The providence of the State of Québec and “collective social values” explain this gap, the University of Toronto professor notes. “Quebec, for example, supports families more than anywhere else in the country. And it’s a payment linked to inflation. That is very important at a time like this. »

Voters should think twice before praising tax cut policies, she argues. “It must be recognized that these taxes fund these programs. And we see the positive effects. Alberta prides itself on not paying taxes [provinciales]but she’s hungry! […] People in Alberta should take a trip to Quebec to see how it’s made back home. »

Lack of income is the main factor leading to malnutrition. However, half of those who struggle to fill their plates have a job. “That’s what happens when you work for minimum wage and have to support a family,” the nutrition expert points out.

world hunger

Not everyone who lives with “food insecurity” is at risk of starvation, puts the study, carried out in 2021, into perspective.

Some are experiencing “minor uncertainty,” meaning some “worries” hang over the grocery budget.

With “moderate uncertainty” the food becomes of very poor quality and some meals have to be skipped.

In the “very insecure” stage, there is a lack of food for a few days. The consequences for health then become serious.

Malnutrition and malnutrition prevent “good management of chronic diseases”, hospital stays and “premature death”, the experts in this study explain.

This data is from 2021 and the record inflation of recent weeks is making things worse. Those who were already frail are experiencing deeper hunger with higher food prices, says Valerie Tarasuk. “Those who are already struggling will struggle even more. »

Approximately 54,000 households were surveyed over a year by Statistics Canada teams as part of this non-peer-reviewed study.

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