Mr. Speaker, child poverty is a national disgrace and the government continues to ignore it.
We all know that when families struggle economically their children suffer.
The Canadian Council on Social Development reports that 75,000 families with children under 12 are going hungry; poor children are not taking part in sports and recreation nor doing as well in school; and children with special needs are not receiving adequate programs and services.
Poverty is taking it toll on our children, our most vulnerable and precious citizens.
This can be turned around. The government can correct this crisis by restoring funding to our health care and education systems, reinvesting in support programs for disabled persons and halting the erosion of our employment insurance program.
New Democrats challenge the government to create a legacy that will strengthen the programs and services that are critical to Canadian families and vital to the healthy growth and development of our children.