We urge that the recommendations presented be reflected in the Review Committee's report and recommendation to the Minister of Labour. The Social Planning Council is part of the voluntary sector committed to providing leadership in social planning and effecting social policy changes. SPC believes it is essential that all Canadians be provided with the means that enable them to live without poverty.
Child poverty is a reflection of parental poverty.
The high percentage of child poverty in Manitoba is attributable to an increasing number of low-wage poor. By low-wage poor we are referring to families and unattached individuals living below the poverty line who earn at least half of their income from employment. Using this definition, in 1996 Statistics Canada identified a total of 432,000 families in Canada with heads under 65 who were low wage poor, up from 373,000 in 1994. There were 453,000 unattached individuals under 65 who made up the low wage poor in 1996, up from 430,000 in 1994. People who are performing work that is of value to an employer and to society, should earn a wage that is sufficient to enable them to live and participate in the community with dignity.