Excerpts from the report:
The rates of family and child poverty are unacceptably high taking into account Canada's high quality of living standard. Interest groups defending the rights of people living in poverty have stressed the need for further action from all government levels. The national Council of Welfare (NCW) as well as other social policy advocates and antipoverty organizations specifically asked the federal government to take a leadership role and establish a national poverty reduction strategy.
The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (hereafter the Committee) heard their call for action and, on February 14, 2008, decided to undertake a study on the role of the federal government in reducing poverty in Canada.
Recommendation 4.1.1
The Committee recommends that the federal government incrementally increase the annual amount of the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) -- including both the base benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) -- to reach a minimum of $5,000 per child within five years' time.
Recommendation 4.1.2
The Committee recommends that the federal government appoint an expert panel to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) as a tool for supporting early learning and child care. The impact of the UCCB on reducing poverty in Canada should also be examined. The findings of the panel should be made public, and the government should follow up on their recommendations.
Recommendation 4.1.3
The Committee recommends that the federal government work with provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders to develop and implement a national strategy on early childhood education and care (ECEC), including the creation of a national public child care system, while respecting that Quebec already has its own public network of child care centres since 1997 and recognizing its right to opt out with full compensation.