Research Assistant - Summer Student Position

The Canadian Poverty Institute is currently hiring for a limited term summer Research Assistant to support the ongoing development of the Canadian Poverty Hub.

Responsibilities include:

·       Conduct an ongoing scan of literature and resources to include on the Poverty Hub;

·       Summarize and post resources to the Poverty Hub; and,

·       Promote the Poverty Hub, connect with potential contributors and coordinate regular calls for submission.

Terms and Conditions

·       35 hours per week for 8 weeks. Rate: $18.00 / hr.

·       Hybrid or remote work possible.

Apply

To apply, send a Cover Letter and Resume to povertyinstitute@ambrose.edu. Application deadline May 3.

Click for Complete Job Description.

Latest Issue of Spero, Newsletter of the Canadian Poverty Institute

The Canadian Poverty Institute is pleased to announce the release of the Spring 2026 edition of our newsletter Spero. Included in this edition:

Violence, Poverty and Peace: What's the Connection?

As the new year unfolds, it seems our world is snared in a cycle of violence. We are confronted daily with stories and images of violence, from newsfeeds of global conflicts to local incidents of violent crime, to violence within the home. If we are to imagine a way out of this web of conflict, it is important to think critically about the roots of such violence and what makes for peace.

Read our reflection on the connections between violence, poverty and peace here.

John Rook Leadership Award - Call for Nominations

The Canadian Poverty Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Dr. John Rook Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to an outstanding Canadian who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in working to end poverty and embodies the principles of the Canadian Poverty Institute. The award is named in honour of Dr. John Rook, founder of the Canadian Poverty Institute.

If you know of an outstanding Canadian who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in working to end poverty and embodies the principles of the Canadian Poverty Institute, please consider nominating them for this year’s award. Nominations can be submitted at https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/s/JRLA2026

The deadline for nominations is May 31st.

More information about the award is available here.

New Report Highlights Learnings from a Collective Impact Initiative to Improving Access to Justice

The Justice Sector Constellation:

Collective Impact at the Intersection of Poverty and the Law

Social science research has found that progress could be made to alleviate serious, complex social problems if stakeholders came together around a common agenda to create what has been called Collective Impact. This involves bringing together a group of like-minded people to identify a common agenda; developing shared measurement systems and mutually reinforcing activities; and maintaining continuous communication; all supported by a backbone. This report considers the example of the Justice Sector Constellation, a Collective Impact initiative whose mission was to intervene at the intersection of poverty and the legal system. Over its eleven-year history, the Constellation advanced its strategic aims of improving access to and coordination of justice sector services; education and engagement in the intersection of poverty and the law; and systemic change within the justice sector. With its longevity and accomplishments, the Constellation’s history offers important lessons regarding each of the key elements of Collective Impact. Read the full report by Janice Pasay here.

Dr. Cindy Blackstock Awarded 2025 John Rook Leadership Award

In recognition of her lifetime of service dedicated to ending poverty, the Canadian Poverty Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Cindy Blackstock has been named the 2025 recipient of the John Rook Leadership Award for Poverty Reduction. Dr. Blackstock has been a powerful voice for First Nations children and youth experiencing poverty and marginalization. A member of the Gitxsan First Nation, Cindy is honoured to serve as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and as a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She holds a PhD in Social work from the University of Toronto and has over 40 years of experience working in child and family services and Indigenous children’s rights.

Read about the life and work of Dr. Blackstock here.

The award will be presented to Dr. Blackstock on January 12th 2026 at Ambrose University.

New Report Examines the Roots of Poverty and Pathways for Systems Change

A Deep Dive Into Poverty:

An Exploratory Analysis of the Root Causes of Poverty and Possible Pathways for Systems Change

If we want a Canada where all communities can thrive, that vision must be woven into the fabric of our national identity. It must serve as a guiding priority – shaping our choices, informing our success metrics, and grounding our collective accountability.  Only then can we begin to make the millions of aligned decisions needed to design legislation, programs, policies, and practices that foster shared well-being. At a macro-level, achieving this vision requires two things: a broad-based individual and institutional commitment to collective well-being, and the strategic allocation of resources that reflect the scale and urgency of the need.

In this new report, Monica Da Ponte explores the nature of the incentive structure that lies at the heart of a poly-crisis manifesting itself in widespread homelessness, food insecurity and environmental degradation. Read her analysis and options for pathways forward here.

Turning Debt Into Hope - Summer 2025 Issue of Spero Released

The Canadian Poverty Institute is pleased to release the Summer edition of our newsletter Spero. In this issue read about:

  • The 2025 Year of Jubilee and Campaign for Debt Relief

  • Community Housing and Insurance in a Changing Climate

  • Poverty in the Community and Classroom - A Collaboration with the Simcoe County District School Board.

  • The 2025 Poverty Studies Summer Institute

  • The new CPI Advisory Committee

Read the latest issue here.

Dr. John Rook Leadership Award - Call for Nominations

The Canadian Poverty Institute is accepting nominations for the Dr. John Rook Leadership Award for Poverty Reduction. This award is presented annually to an outstanding Canadian who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in working to end poverty and embodies the principles of the Canadian Poverty Institute. The award is named in honour of Dr. John Rook, founder of the Canadian Poverty Institute. To submit a nomination, please refer to the Nomination Guidelines. Nominations are due by July 18th.