Too many Canadian children live in poverty, which is a violation of their rights in such a wealthy country as Canada. We have been asking for the maximum child tax benefit to be increased to $5,400 per child per year. It's currently about $3,485. This change would lift thousands of children out of poverty. A budget that assessed the impact on children of this aspect of the tax system would identify the cost-effectiveness of lowering the child poverty rate and reducing income inequity. The evidence on cost-effectiveness is there for all to see in the higher cost we all pay for health care, education, and the justice system when children grow up in poverty and social exclusion increases.
On October 26th, 2011. See this statement in context.