Statistics Canada report: High food insecurity and loneliness among Canadians with disabilities

A study by Statistics Canada based on the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability reveals significant social and economic challenges facing Canadians with disabilities. Approximately 31% of people with disabilities experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, with the highest rate of 41% found among adults aged 25 to 44.

Loneliness is also a major issue, affecting nearly two-thirds of the disabled population nationally. The prevalence of loneliness increases alongside the severity of the disability: 55% of those with mild disabilities reported feeling lonely, rising to 78% for those with very severe disabilities. Among those who are food insecure, 79% reported loneliness, compared to 57% of those who are food secure.

Other findings indicate that 12% of people with disabilities are often or always housebound due to their conditions. Additionally, barriers to using social media and online communication were linked to higher rates of isolation. The number of Canadians aged 15 and older reporting disabilities that limit daily activities rose to 8 million (27%) in 2022, up from 6.2 million (22%) in 2017.