In a public message comparing the main parties' platforms on child and family poverty, Campaign Against Child Poverty reminds Canadians that we have never been closer to the dream of a national, progressive, long-term strategy to end child poverty.
Four of the five parties hoping to form the government of Canada have made clear policy statements about the components of such a strategy – early childhood education and care, the Canada Child Tax Benefit, affordable housing, targeted transfers of federal funds, and improvements to maternity/parental leave and employment insurance.
One party has almost nothing to say about any of these critical public policy benchmarks. The Conservatives oppose a national child care program, have made no commitments on affordable housing, and have made clear that the progressive Canada Child Tax Benefit (which helps about 85% of Canadian families) is not in their platform.
The public message can be viewed at www.childpoverty.com and will be published in at least two major Canadian newspapers on June 24th and June 26th. Complete ad in pdf format: ENGLISH, FRENCH.
Campaign Against Child Poverty is a national, non-partisan coalition of faith communities, social justice organizations, business representatives, child advocacy organizations and others concerned about the high levels of child and family poverty in Canada. See the CACP web site or call 416-595-9230 x222.
For the latest figures on child poverty in Canada, see Campaign 2000's report card .
Contact: Laurel Rothman - liyugu@fsatoronto.com - tel: 416-575-9230, or 416-595-9230, ext. 244- fax:416-595-0242
Related site: Vote to end child and family poverty - Campaign 2000 election resources
