WHEREAS, The Federal House of Commons, in 1989, unanimously promised to end child poverty in Canada by 2000, and

WHEREAS, Child Poverty has risen since 1989 rather than decreased, and

WHEREAS, "Pathways to Progress:  Structural Solutions to Child Poverty" was presented to the Government with the challenge to forge pathways out of poverty in 2004, and

WHEREAS, The Government of Canada still does not have a strategy to begin a pathway to end child poverty in Canada, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Hamilton Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada in the 88th annual convention assembled, strongly urge the Federal Government to work with provinces/territories and community experts to develop a comprehensive system with long-term goals, legislative and policy frameworks with clear objectives, targets and timetables which will implement a pathway to end child poverty in Canada, and be it further

RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Ontario Provincial Council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada for consideration at their 2008 annual convention.

BRIEF:  Creating a Strategy to End Child Poverty in Canada

In 1989, the Federal House of Commons unanimously promised to "end child poverty in Canada by 2000". Sadly this "promise" was not kept and nearly one in every six children in Canada is still poor. (1-Howlett) There are many ways in which Canada as a whole can take action. (Ibid) The poor of the country are becoming the responsibility of the general public and government is turning a blind eye. Food banks are being used more frequently today than ever before -- living evidence of the poverty in Canada.

In 2004, "Pathways to Progress:  Structural Solutions to Child Poverty" was written and presented to government (2-Freiler). This report challenged governments to work together on a social investment strategy that would forge pathways out of poverty for one million children and secure pathways to the future for generations to come. It called for leadership and action on the parts of both federal and provincial/territorial levels of government to work together with the involvement and participation of municipal government to end poverty. The structural rate of child poverty is a constant pattern in the fabric of Canadian society. It is undermining the current well being and future prospects of one million children -- and Canada as a nation. (3-Nat'l Council of Welfare Reports)

A national plan with targets and timetables must be put into place and implemented as quickly as possible -- certainly within the next five years -- if the disparities between "rich" and "poor" are to be narrowed. (Ibid) Canada has the wealth and knowledge to make meaningful long-term reduction levels of child poverty that will prevent another generation of children growing up poor, uneducated, with poor working skills. The ultimate goal for Canada is to create environments where children thrive -- not just survive!

A decade of inflation and social assistance cuts has deepened poverty and sapped the purchasing power of benefits by 40% (4-Hughes) Using child benefits to reduce welfare leaves unemployed parents and their children no better off and at a standard of living that is too low. The claw back is apparently used to lower a "welfare wall" which is really about children and the real additional costs and responsibilities of their daily care. Poverty is a problem that must be reduced so parents are able to raise their children in decent and dignified living conditions; so children get a good start in life regardless of their parent's employment status. The experiences children have in their formative years have life long consequences. Society either benefits socially and economically or they pay high costs for the results of delinquent behavior. (5-Rothman)

A foundation must be laid to create a strategy to end child poverty in Canada! It is no longer debatable! Low-income parents must have the assurance of good living conditions, good education for their children, and hope for the future whether they are in the workforce or receiving social assistance. Children deserve no less! (Ibid)

References

1. Howlett, Dennis, Make Poverty History:  "What Are We Calling For?" End Child Poverty in Canada.
2. Freiler, Christa, Rothman Laurel, Barta Pedro. Pathways to Progress:  Structural Solutions to Address Child Poverty (May 2004).
3. National Council of Welfare Reports (Winter 2007, Vol. 126). Solving Poverty:  Four Cornerstones of a Workable National Strategy for Canada. (p. 11)
4. Hughes, Colin and Melanie Dignam published in the Toronto Star as "Children Bear Scars of Clawback", November 2, 2006, cited in Campaign 2000 -- November 2nd, 2006. The Child Welfare Wall:  Can Social Policy Become Child Neglect?
5. Rothman, Laurel, National Coordinator, Campaign 2000. Letter to Hon. Danny Williams, Premier Newfoundland and Labrador, July 21, 2006.

Action plan:  Members are encouraged to:

1. Letter Writing -- Write letters to the Prime Minister. All members of the Catholic Women's League are encouraged to write letters to the Prime Minister of Canada urging policy to set achievable strategies to end Child Poverty in Canada which can be monitored for results, which are attainable, and which ensure children the means of education, future employment and basic human needs.
   
   
2. Signature Postcard Campaign -- All members of the Catholic Women's League are encouraged to undertake a "Signature Post Card" campaign focused on ending Child Poverty in Canada.

Bibliography

1. Freiler Christa, Rothman Laurel, Barta Pedro. Pathways to Progress:  Structural Solutions to Address Child Poverty (May 2004)
2. Howlett, Dennis, Make Poverty History:  "What Are We Calling For?" End Child Poverty in Canada.
3. Hughes, Colin and Melanie Dignam published in the Toronto Star as "Children Bear Scars of Clawback", November 2, 2006, cited in Campaign 2000 -- November 2nd, 2006. The Child Welfare Wall:  Can Social Policy Become Child Neglect?
4. Kitchener Waterloo Region:  Community Conversation Series -- January 22, 2008
5. National Council of Welfare Reports (Winter 2007, Vol. 126). Solving Poverty:  Four Cornerstones of a Workable National Strategy for Canada. (p. 11)
6. Rothman, Laurel, National Coordinator, Campaign 2000. Letter to Hon. Danny Williams, Premier Newfoundland and Labrador, July 21, 2006.

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