Poverty is the inability to obtain the necessities of life. In Canada, we measure poverty by the Low Income Cut-Off line (LICO). According to Stats Canada, LICO represents an income threshold where a family is likely to spend 20% more of its income on food, shelter and clothing than the average family, leaving less income available for other expenses. Canada is a wealthy country yet 3.5 million Canadians live in Poverty. According to the LICO rates in 2011, poverty troubles mainly seniors, aboriginals, and single parents. In Canada, Social assistance falls well below the poverty line and fails miserably to provide adequate income for even a moderate standard living. We should ALL try living on such measly income for a month. Maybe then we would be more sympathetic for those who live under the poverty line. There comes a time when people grow old and are not physically capable of handling tasks in the workforce. Most people hope to retire around the age of 65, however it can be extremely difficult to live if you don't have money saved up. One in five Canadians is worried about being able to cover basic living expenses in retirement. Although the Canadian government does have pension plans, it is not nearly enough to support the essential needs of the retired people. Canadian seniors depend on income from private pensions and other capital for about 42 per cent of their total needs. For those who have not had a secure job throughout their live, may not even receive any sort of pension from previous employers or did not make enough money to be able to save up for their retirement. How are these people supposed to live? Canadian Aboriginal families live as if they're in a 3rd world country. Canada rates 4th on the UN Human Development Index. However, it would be a lousy 78th if the stats measuring Aboriginal Poverty. One out of every four Aboriginal kids live in poverty. More than ½ of Aboriginals are unemployed and low wage, non-union