Mr. Speaker, today marks the end of the United Nations special session on children. The session brought together young people, government leaders and non-governmental organizations from around the world.
At home our government has taken action to make sure that every child gets the right start in life. In fact, each year the Government of Canada invests $11 billion in programs and services for Canadian children.
For example, by the year 2004 the Canada child tax benefit will provide low and middle income families with a maximum benefit of more than $2,500. We have also invested $2.2 billion in early childhood development and the child expense tax deduction now stands at $7,000 per year for each child under seven.
The Government of Canada will continue to help disadvantaged families to ensure that they have access to the services and support they need to care for their children.