Mr. Speaker, Canadians are becoming increasingly aware that one of the keys for a strong society is not more costly government programs but respect and encouragement for the millions of committed parents who are raising our next generation.
Not surprisingly, the studies show what we already intrinsically know: a stable and loving family is a child's best hope. For example, recent studies confirm that children raised by birth parents in a stable relationship are significantly more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to have behavioural problems.
Increasingly though, academics, bureaucrats and social do-gooders present themselves as the champions of the best interests of children. What they seem to forget is that parents have a natural authority.
Respecting the authority that both parents have and tangibly encouraging the work that they do is one of the best long term investments we can make.