More than 3 million Canadians live in poverty but it’s not a problem that requires urgent federal action or, really, any new action at all. At least that’s the message coming from Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government
The latest blueprint to reduce poverty — this time produced by a House of Commons committee — was dismissed outright by Human Resources Minister Diane Finley. According to her, Ottawa is already doing what it takes to fight poverty: growing the economy.
The MPs who spent three years studying the matter felt differently. Their report, released late last year, runs to 300 pages. Its 58 recommendations for change include a national housing strategy, increased federal assistance for low-income families and a refundable tax credit for disabled Canadians.
That makes it astonishing that the Conservative government is so ready to dismiss any thoughtful advice on what it can and should do to help those suffering Canadians achieve more productive, happier lives.
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