Focusing on the health of the "whole child" to inform a national child poverty reduction strategy

Poverty remains a fact of life for many Canadians. Child poverty in particular is of grave concern, as persistent economic disadvantage can negatively impact outcomes in later life. We believe that Canada needs to better support (1) quality early childhood education and care (ECEC), (2) high quality education (3) improved food and nutrition, and (4) access to mental health services to support the development of the whole child and have a truly profound impact on reducing child poverty. In this brief, we discuss how these four key determinants of health are linked to and can help reduce the negative impacts of child poverty. We would like to take this opportunity offered by The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities to support the significant reduction of child poverty in Canada. Our brief provides a unique outlook on child poverty by promoting a comprehensive "whole child approach": an approach that effectively addresses child poverty in its complexity. We identify several positive initiatives that warrant further expansion, and are especially relevant to our home region, the Atlantic provinces. Ultimately, further action to combat child poverty needs to be taken. We have compiled a list of general recommendations relevant for all stakeholders, as well as suggestions related to the four determinants of health, and have also tailored recommendations to specific stakeholders interested in ECEC, education, nutrition and mental health. The overarching themes of our recommendations are to: 1. focus on increasing federal funding to initiatives that will reduce child poverty 2. further engage provinces/territories to support the reduction of child poverty 3. utilize comprehensive approaches and collaborative partnerships that reflect a "whole child" approach.