Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Minister, I would like to begin by thanking you for speaking with us today and the manner in which you did so.
I am an eternal optimist; in that spirit, in the context of this study, I join this committee with great conviction. I acknowledge your sincerity and motivation, which will surely influence all those with whom you work to achieve results.
As you pointed out, we need to look at what has already been done. We know that, in 2000, if memory serves, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a resolution to eliminate child poverty. Yet, as we all know, 16 years later, children are still living in poverty.
So we must consider what has already been accomplished. In your presentation, you mentioned that, five years ago, a committee such as ours conducted a study on poverty which led to a series of recommendations. In its report, the committee mentioned that, five years later, any actions taken should be reviewed. It seems clear to me that our committee should begin with this oversight effort that was already begun.
You ended your presentation by inviting all Canadians to participate in the discussion. A few months ago, last February 26, I decided to participate myself by introducing at first reading, Bill C-245, an act concerning the development of a national poverty reduction strategy in Canada. That bill followed 10 years of discussions. I am the third MP to introduce an anti-poverty bill, following similar bills by my fellow MPs Martin and Crowder. We held consultations across the country. So anti-poverty groups have been considering this for the last 10 years, and this bill is the combination of all that thinking. I already have the support of the main organizations, and currently, 3,000 organizations from across the country are reviewing the bill.
I therefore hope Bill C-245 will be adopted at second reading on October 31. Indeed, I would be pleased if this committee could at least consider the validity of this approach towards reducing poverty.
I would like to know if I can count on your support and that of your government on October 31 when my bill will be studied at second reading.