Mr. Speaker, the 1997 budget announced the increase of the current child tax benefit to
$6.1 billion. Over 1.4 million low Canadian families, about 2.5 million children, will see an increase in federal child benefit payments by July 1998.
Through the national child benefit system we can ensure that children in Canada live a healthy and happy life.
The provinces can now provide more efficient services and programs to low income families by investing more in child care as well as dental care and drug benefits for children.
The 1997 budget affirms our government's commitment to children. Canadian values and priorities require us to invest in our children. Our work will be done only when all children go to bed with a smile on their face.