The Editor,

Re: "Child poverty, hidden but still hurts" New, Dec 7.

Thank you for reporting on this important topic in yesterday's edition of the Richmond News. As your article points out, poverty in Richmond is often hidden. On one hand, this makes it hard for people to realize the extent of poverty in Richmond. On the other, the fact that we do not have highly concentrated poor neighbourhoods is a good thing.

Diversity that includes a cross section of the socio-economic spectrum builds community and neighbourhood resilience and cohesion. Credit goes to the City of Richmond for past zoning and urban planning policies that encourage mixed housing developments. No doubt it has contributed to Richmond's reputation as the healthiest community in Canada. The challenge is to sustain inclusive housing policies in an environment of rapid population growth and competing pressures.

There has been much debate about how best to measure poverty. Last year, the B.C. Progress Board (www.bcprogressboard.com), concluded it does not matter how you cut it, the poverty gap between B.C. and the rest of Canada is real. Moreover, the effects of poverty impact children disproportionally.

Child poverty is a major health concern in British Columbia. It leads to immediate and lasting health consequences. Children who grow up in poverty will have greater risks later in life for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. For population health, one of the strongest prevention tools is reducing poverty.

Medical health officers across B.C. believe that the first step in reducing child poverty in B.C. is for government to set poverty reduction goals and targets. No child chooses to live in poverty. British Columbia needs to protect the most vulnerable of our citizens, and ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop to their full potential.