Finance committee  What we're looking at is the will of Parliament. When we look at the economic growth and prosperity in our country, we're dealing with a whole lot of children who are not prepared because of the economic situation they're facing. I also want to draw your attention to the cost of

Finance committee  No, it hasn't been done. That's why we're recommending that we have some type of a balance, to make sure that happens.

Finance committee  When I look at it, it continues to look that way to us. Actually, there's so much in the news today in terms of what's happening--just look at the big demonstrations we're having in our city. It didn't start in B.C., but it's here. I think those are some of the things we want to

Finance committee  To be honest, no.

Finance committee  Well....

Finance committee  I hear you on that, but I believe that if we don't do that type of thing, sometimes when we look at it, there are some things that are left out. What we're trying to do is to make sure that when we look at the revenue.... For us it's an ounce of prevention.

Finance committee  When I look at it in that fashion, I look at all areas in terms of what's happening and what we can do to help our children in Canada.

Finance committee  So you just want to see the one on wood.

Finance committee  Okay. I will certainly submit that to you.

Finance committee  Actually, I did quite a bit of research in that area. That is where I got it. I think I might have the information here.

Finance committee  I am not an expert, but I would like to refer you to the first poverty report card, which is on our website, which explains the different measures we use in the appendix. There is before tax and after tax, the low-income cut-off—

Finance committee  Too many Canadian children live in poverty, which is a violation of their rights in such a wealthy country as Canada. We have been asking for the maximum child tax benefit to be increased to $5,400 per child per year. It's currently about $3,485. This change would lift thousands

Finance committee  Firstly, we are looking for an increase in supported parental leave for 18 months and a top-up for low-wage earners who cannot now afford to even take a year's leave available through employment insurance because 55% of a low wage is not enough to live on. Secondly, we are look

Finance committee  Thank you very much for your interest in listening to our presentation. Seeing that it's five minutes, I must go on. First Call: B.C. Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition is a coalition of provincial and regional organizations, individuals, and local community networks who share t