Inclusion of Marginalized People

Some population groups are at greater risk than others of finding themselves in a situation of poverty and social exclusion.

The cause may be related to phenomena such as family breakup, aging, functional limitation, mental health problems or ethnic origin.

Who is at greatest risk of being marginalized?

• Street kids
• Senior women living alone
• People with disabilities
• People with mental health problems
• Newcomers
• Visible minorities

Montreal: A profile of its marginalized population

• Thousands of youths under age 30 live in the street in Montreal.
• A significant proportion of senior women living alone, people with disabilities and newcomers are in a situation of poverty.
• In Greater Montreal, 19% of visible minorities have experienced discrimination over a five-year period, mainly in the job market.
• The problem is even more serious in Quebec as a whole for English-speaking visible minorities, 41% of whom report having been subject to discrimination over a five-year period.

Lasting solutions for helping individuals and families to overcome exclusion

• Break the isolation of marginalized people
• Develop ties between marginalized people and the significant individuals who help them (streetworkers, volunteers who deliver meals, etc.)
• Offer places of belonging (spaces for youth, art workshops for people with disabilities, etc.)
• Create mutual-support networks
• Advocate rights and promote social integration
• Educate in order to break down prejudices