Mr. Speaker, Canadians who are concerned about the welfare of children will be interested in the initiative announced by Lyn McLeod in her Ontario Liberal election platform.
She has promised that if elected she will name a key cabinet minister to be responsible for children's services. This minister will be responsible for improving the co-ordination and delivery of children's services.
The number of children living in poverty and the number of those at risk or in crisis continues to rise in Ontario. More than 500,000 children in Ontario are dependent on the welfare system. One out of three children in metropolitan Toronto alone is on social assistance. This is unacceptable and Mrs. McLeod has recognized it. She knows that the current system is fragmented and confusing to deal with. She identified that involving local communities in the decisions about children's services is the key.
I applaud her foresight and proactive initiatives in the area of children's services. I must ask why the other parties in the Ontario election seem to be-