Human Resources committee  To use the example of child care again, in relation to the role of business and all of this, it's important to look at other jurisdictions around the world that are investing in child care. They've seen that a lot of the dollars actually end up going to increased profits for the

Human Resources committee  To my mind, it is important for us to have the federal government involved in day care, especially when we see that the provincial government is receiving federal money to create new day care spots and is not investing it. Instead, it is putting that money towards other budgets.

Human Resources committee  No.

Human Resources committee  Yes, but it is important for both to work together. We live in a society where the levels of government each have their responsibilities. There are other social programs where two levels of government have a partnership. In Alberta, however, the money from the federal government

Human Resources committee  I just think we need to be very prudent with the dollars we have. The existing child tax benefit program I think is probably a lot less costly to administer. Adding to that, as John has suggested, clearly reduces poverty and supports families. And the child tax benefit program ac

Human Resources committee  It's graduated, yes.

Human Resources committee  Exactly. And I agree with John and others that if the true intention is to build quality child care in this province, then it's misnamed, shall we say. I'd rather see that money used more effectively, without the additional administrative costs the federal government is obviously

Human Resources committee  We Must Do Better was a report put together by those of us who toured the province and looked at 37 forums. The provincial government currently has a number of initiatives, which are highlighted in our brief. It's not as though nothing is going on in this province to try to addre

Human Resources committee  I think your question is incredibly important. It's certainly a discussion here in Alberta, where the provincial government likes to say it has the lowest tax system in the country. We are the only province that has a flat tax. When you look at the actual numbers, what you'll act

Human Resources committee  Who should answer that question, Jacques or me?

Human Resources committee  I will go first. There is not just a single solution; it is more of an action plan. As I said, you need a plan where all the elements work together. As we have seen, if the federal government puts money towards an action plan to help the homeless and the provincial government cu

Human Resources committee  Is that a question, sir?

Human Resources committee  I don't know if you read the Edmonton Journal this morning, but it says, “Woman fears for safety in budget cut”, and “Group home's weekend closure will put violence-prone men on the street.” There's a picture there of me back when I used to have a beard.

Human Resources committee  The provincial government, even though we have significant resources and savings, is choosing to cut many of the agencies that, as you indicate, are very stretched already. Adults with developmental disabilities are taking a $10 million cut this year. Unfortunately, that wasn't a

Human Resources committee  None, none whatsoever.