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'We urge the B.C. government to take these findings seriously and act on them quickly.' - Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (29 Nov. 2010) - The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is backing proposals outlined in the annual report by First Call entitled, BC Campaign 2000 – Child Poverty Report Card 2010.
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The report says the child poverty rate in B.C. remains above the national average and that income assistance recipients in B.C. continue to receive payments well below the poverty line. It also identifies a growing inequality between the richest and poorest families in the province.
The report makes numerous recommendations. They include:
- Reducing the child poverty rate in B.C. from the current 14.5% to 7% or less by 2020.
- Appointing a cabinet minister to oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive poverty reduction plan.
- Raising welfare rates.
- Creating a universally accessible, high quality child care system.
“More needs to be done to reduce child poverty in B.C.,” says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. “We urge the B.C. government to take these findings seriously and act on them quickly.”
First Call is a child and youth advocacy organization and a coalition partner of the BCGEU on child care issues.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• 2010 Child Poverty Report Card