Mr. Speaker, fairness is integral to Reform Party policy. This principle must apply to the family in Canada. In particular single parent families are hard pressed to make ends meet. According to yesterday's CTV Angus Reid poll only a third receive the support payments ordered by the courts.
To ensure that single parents receive adequate provision for their needs we recommend two courses of action. First, we recommend a study to determine the real cost of raising a child. This study could be used by the courts to more accurately determine the level of support required.
Second, we advocate that stronger action be taken against parents who are delinquent on their support payments. Government ought to provide more effective legal tools to single parents that would help them recover missing support payments anywhere in Canada, not just provincially.
Reformers are sensitive to the needs of single parent families across our nation and call upon the government to respond to their needs fairly and consistently.