Help end child poverty in B.C.
The Daily Courier (Kelowna)
Sep 17 2009

By: Shan Lavell, Community Action Toward Children's Health Coalition

We know that the social and economic conditions of the early years impact lifelong health.

The economic crisis of the past year has brought an even greater sense of urgency to those who work on behalf of children and their families. Needs have risen and resources have dwindled.

At first glance, the newly released B.C. budget has preserved some resources and improved others. Many organizations are awaiting the details of the elimination of $354 million in "discretionary grants." Recent cuts to small grants for child-care providers will result in fee increases for parents continuing to make the affordability of child care an issue.

In addition, B.C. child poverty rates are the highest in the country, and well above the national average.

Child poverty rates are higher now then when B.C first made its "commitment" to eradicate child poverty in 1989.

Are the physical and mental health outcomes of children and youth not as important anymore?

Now, more than ever, our interest should be focused, and great efforts should be placed on addressing child poverty in British Columbia….

The child poverty conversation needs to happen at the dinner table, the community table, the provincial and federal tables. We need smart leadership at every level, on every block, to create optimum social conditions for raising children….