Editorial-Dont be scrooge Ottawa

 By Khalid Magram

Eighteen Christmases have pass, since the House of Commons unanimously voted to eliminate child poverty in Canada. The gigantic $9.3- billion surplus announced recently by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty could play a very significant role in the fight against child poverty. Only thing needed is a political will.

For many people Christmas is time to rejoice, celebrate, partying and exchanging gifts, sometimes-lavishing and expensive gifts. Yet, there are many others among us who hunger for a bit of cheer and hope during Christmas holidays, especially children.

Canada’s economy is firing from all cylinders, the loonie is at all time high and unemployment is at its lowest. However, there are 788,000 Canadian children-one child in every eight who still live below the poverty line in Canada. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, close to 350,000 children use agencies supplied by the Daily Bread Food Bank, a whooping 80 per cent increase in Daily Bread clients since 1995. This is unacceptable.

It is time for the federal government to implement concrete anti-poverty plan now. And start to invest in our future generation instead of giving vast tax-cuts from its surpluses to big cooperation just because tax cuts is popular.

Well, helping and supporting our future generation is morally important thing to do. In addition, it is a sound investment for our nation.

In Budget 2007, Jim Flaherty, finance minister announced $2,000 child tax credit that will provide up to $310 per child in tax relief, tax credit up to $500 per-year per-child enroled in physical fitness programs and $100 per month for each child in the family. A sincere stragedy in fight against child poverty. However, that is not enough to stamp out child poverty.  

Children are viable assets for any society’s future growth and development. Children raised in poverty are likely to have less social advantages. If Canada wants a brighter future in days ahead, she must make imperative decisions regarding her children’s education, health and care. Neglecting the issue of child poverty is neglecting Canada’s future.

Anne Decter, who is national coordinator of Campaign 2000 a network that began out of concern about the lack of government progress in addressing child poverty, says there should be an increase of $5,100 in child benefit per child by the federal government. Costing federal government slightly over one-third of the 2006-07 federal surplus.

Canada needs to be creative in developing a concrete plan. We need a long-term strategy to win war on poverty. Setting out a time-period is one implementing the plan is another way in which we’ll see progress in the fight against poverty among children.

At the time when federal coffers are overflowing with surpluses federal government should trade their role of being scrooge and take up the role of Santa Claus. Moreover, do the right thing by leaving behind a present under the tree for all Canadian children.

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~ by Khalid Magram on November 29, 2007.