London tackles child poverty
Sep 13, 2007
A symposium tomorrow will address why the issue is as bad now as it
was two decades ago.
By JENNIFER O'BRIEN -- Sun Media
Child poverty in London is as bad as it was two decades ago, says the head of
an early childhood centre.
And tomorrow, a public symposium will aim
to address the dismal issue that affects nearly 800,000 children nationwide.
"This will be a very diverse and inclusive opportunity for people who
care about the welfare of children, and families to speak from a personal or
philosophical perspective," said Susan Ryans, executive director of
Childreach, which is organizing the symposium along with London MP Glen
Pearson.
"We hope parents and community members with an interest in
family life will show up so we can have a dialogue."
Moderated by
Barb McQuarrie, of UWO's centre for research and education on violence
against women and children, the symposium's key speaker will be Ken Dryden,
Liberal MP for York Centre and chairperson of the party's social justice
committee.
As a centre for parents and caregivers with children under
six years old, Childreach staff members often see the effects of poverty on
children, said Ryans, with the organization since 1990.
"In almost 18
years the issue of child poverty is as bad as it was when I started, despite
all efforts and goodwill to give all kids an equal playing field," she said.
"We've had a lot more knowledge about the importance of the early
years and we know what helps children be born healthy and grow to the best of
their potential, but still . . . "
The event comes after a report
released yesterday urged Ottawa to do more for almost 800,000 kids growing up
poor.
Campaign 2000, a group devoted to ending child poverty, says
almost 12 per cent of Canadian kids live in low-income homes.
Spokesperson Laurel Rothman says governments should increase child benefits
to low-income families, hike work tax credits and lift the minimum wage to at
least $10 an hour.
The issue in London is a pressing one, Ryans said,
as the city continues to welcome new Canadians who have come seeking refuge
-- often with few resources.
She said Canada needs a "family policy"
to truly address the roots and continuation of child poverty.
"Every
child in Canada should be able to have a roof over their head, food on the
table (and) the opportunity to be safe and nurtured," she said.
While
two Liberal politicians are involved with the symposium, Ryans said, it's
intended to be a non-partisan event.