Minister of Human Resources Development and the hon. Minister of Health have indicated on many occasions, the Government of Canada is extremely concerned about the challenges facing low income families with children. Poverty exacts an unacceptable toll on children. It often means that their physical needs for food, shelter and clothing are not met. It can result in their cognitive development being delayed compared with children in families with adequate incomes and it has long term costs for our country.
Poor children have poor health outcomes.
They reach lower educational levels. They live in riskier environments and engage in riskier behaviours. The hon. member for The Battlefords-Meadow Lake is calling for immediate action for children, but this action is already under way. The Prime Minister, along with other first ministers, has agreed that child poverty is a priority. The government is working with the provinces, including Saskatchewan, to identify ways to prevent and reduce child poverty.