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Losing Ground

Definitions

Median Income

Median income is that of a family in the middle of the income distribution, meaning half of all families are above the median and half of all families are below the median. Compared to average income, the median income is a better indicator of how typical families are faring because average incomes can be skewed from extreme outliers at the upper end of the income spectrum.

Low-Income Measure (LIM)

Low-income measure (LIM) is defined as having an income of less than half the median income of a family adjusted for size and age composition for all of Canada. In 2005, the after-tax low-income measure (LIM) threshold was $27,500 for a two-parent family with two children under 16 and $23,375 for a lone-parent family with two children under 16.

Depth of Poverty

Depth of poverty is used in Losing Ground to locate and describe low-income families relative to the LIM. In Losing Ground families are in “deep poverty” when they are 50% or more below the LIM.

Adjusted Incomes (Constant 2005 Dollars)

All income figures for 1990 and 2000 were adjusted for inflation and reflect 2005 dollar values.

Two-Parent Family

Two-parent family refers to married and common-law couples with one or more children 17 years and under, living in the same dwelling. Children may be by birth, marriage or adoption by either or both spouses.

Lone-Parent Family

Lone-parent family refers to a lone parent of any marital status, living with one or more children 17 years and under, in the same dwelling.

Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)

Toronto Census Metropolitan Area includes the City of Toronto, plus 23 surrounding municipalities: Ajax, Aurora, Bradford, Brampton, Caledon, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Halton Hills, King Township, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Mono Township, Newmarket, Oakville, Orangeville, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Tecumseth, Uxbridge, West Gwillimbury, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and Vaughan.

Rest of Toronto CMA

The Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) excluding the City of Toronto.

Census Family

Census family is defined as a married couple and the children of either or both spouses; a couple living common law and the children, if any, of either or both parents; or a lone-parent of any marital status with at least one child living in the same dwelling as that child or children. All members of a particular census family live in the same dwelling. A couple may be same or opposite sex. Children may be children by birth, marriage or adoption.

Precarious Employment

Precarious employment refers to insecure short-term, temporary employment that is characterized by poor job quality, low wages, no health or pension benefits, no access to collective representation, and little opportunity for job advancement.

Insolvency

If a person is unable to meet his/her debt obligations, he/she is said to be insolvent. Consumer insolvency refers to both bankruptcy and proposal. Bankruptcy is where assets of an individual or company are liquidated and the proceeds are given to people who are owed money. Proposal is where an offer is made to the people who are owed money in an effort to settle the debt.

Fringe Lending Sector

Fringe lending sector is typically comprised of payday lending and cheque cashing services, instant tax refund services, rent-to-own retailers, credit repair, and pawnshops.

Payday Loan

Payday loan is an advancement of money in exchange for a post-dated cheque, a pre-authorized debit, or a future payment of a similar nature but not for any guarantee, suretyship, overdraft protection or security on property and not through a margin loan, pawn broking, a line of credit, or a credit card. The typical payday loan is for 1 – 14 days.

Cheque Cashing Services

Cheque cashing services cash third-party cheques immediately with adequate personal identification and for a fee, usually a fee per cheque and a percentage of the face value of the cheque.

Instant Tax Refund Services

Instant tax refund services are tax filing businesses that provide a portion of the income tax refund for which a client is eligible. Clients must be given a copy of the final assessment (and the difference, if any), and charges are limited to 15% on the first $300 and 5% on any amount over that. A separate fee for preparation of the tax return is prohibited. The Canada Revenue Agency performs spot inspections to ensure that businesses are acting within the Tax Rebate Discounting Act.

Credit Repair

Credit repair is a process of disputing or correcting discrepancies shown on credit bureau reports in order to obtain the highest and most accurate credit rating for consumers. Credit rebuilding is a process undertaken to establish or re-establish a consumer credit and payment history.