EXCERPTS

Many other countries -- including Sweden and Finland, which have much lower child poverty rates -- have also experienced sea changes in work and family life: more children living with single parents, young people in school longer, diminished labour force opportunities for young adults, etc. (Ending Child Poverty: A Promise Unfulfilled - Nov. 23).

The evidence shows that while, as sociologist John Myles observes, family formation may be unlikely to respond to public policy, public policies -- child care, housing, income support, education, labour policy -- make a big difference in how children live. Perhaps it would make more sense not to dismiss redistributive policies so summarily as "only a small part of the story."

Martha Friendly, Childcare Resource and Research Unit, National Partner, Campaign 2000

- reprinted from the Globe and Mail