It goes without saying that our nation's children represent our nation's future. We have to take their needs into account as we plan for today's activities. In 1989 a resolution brought forward by the then NDP federal leader Ed Broadbent to eliminate poverty by the year 2000 was passed unanimously by the members of the House. Since then 46 per cent more children are living below the poverty line. Obviously, the status quo is not working.
Some aggressive action is required.
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.