Tories mum on poverty
Prince George Citizen
November 20, 2008

Poverty didn't rate a single mention in the Harper government's throne speech -- even as more Canadians feel the local aftershocks of global economic upheaval.

"Essentially, the current government is ignoring this issue completely," says Kelly Law, associate director of the National Anti-Poverty Organization in Ottawa. "We have 700,000 to 800,000 of our poorest citizens turn to 700 food banks. That's not okay. That's not acceptable, as far as we're concerned.

…. "The opposition parties had things to say about the issue while this government remained silent."

Wednesday's throne speech instead promises undefined improvements to the Universal Child Care Benefit. Total payments are worth $1,200 a year (before taxes) for each child under six. The Conservatives promised during the election to index those cheques to inflation - meaning two or three dollars more per month - and to make the payments tax-free for sole-support, single parents.

There were other passing references in the course-charting document to increasing maternity and parental benefits under employment insurance; modest tax breaks for Canadians caring for loved ones with disabilities, financial help for students, and undefined measures to hone skilled trades and recognize foreign credentials….