BC has the worst child poverty rate in Canada
November 21, 2008
NEWS 1130, Lyle Fisher

British Columbia is ranked number one but for all the wrong reasons. According to the results of the latest national child poverty report card, this is the fifth year in a row that our province had the highest level of child poverty in Canada.

The annual report card shows the number of poor children in this province was 22% in 2006, far above the national average of 16%.

Michael Goldberg with the group First Call says the government isn't addressing the growing problem. He says every year they hear the minister saying it will get better next year but compared to other provinces, it's not getting better.

Goldberg adds, the other thing they learned is the province really hasn't done anything since they brought a report in last year.

He says as the economy is getting worse, the risks are seeing increases and the rates of child poverty are going to increase unless governments take action.

First Call wants to see child poverty in BC and across Canada cut in half by the year 2017.