Chilliwack Votes: Question #4

The initiative Chilliwack Votes has been asking the six Chilliwack-Hope candidates a series of weekly questions about various issues in the lead-up to the October 19th federal election.  They have allowed us to post the candidates responses here.  Here is Question #4.

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE CONSISTENTLY BEEN A KEY PLATFORM-POINT FROM ALL PARTIES THIS ELECTION. THIS ISSUE IS OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE GIVEN THE CHILD-POVERTY RATE IN CHILLIWACK AND HOPE. PLEASE COMMENT AND DISCUSS HOW TO BEST ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IN CHILLIWACK-HOPE

Thomas Cheney (Green Party)

To fix the child poverty tragedy in this country, we need to fix the root causes. These include low-wage employment, the decline in traditional family structure, limited childcare options and a welfare system that entraps people in intergenerational poverty.
Two major policies that the Green Party of Canada has proposed to reduce child poverty is the guaranteed annual Income and a universal child care program. The guaranteed annual income ensures that no Canadian will live in poverty while providing a strong incentive to work. A universal childcare program would also keep single parents in the workforce, providing a path out of poverty. Finally, we need to invest in affordable housing.
Beyond the important matter of justice and creating a society with equal opportunity, there is a compelling economic argument for eliminating child poverty. Investing just one dollar in alleviating child poverty leads to $3 to $9 in social benefits.

Louis De Jaeger (Liberal)

Under the Liberals’ plan, 9 out of every 10 Canadian families would receive more in monthly child benefit payments than under Mr. Harper’s current system, which is the same system the NDP supports continuing. The Liberal Canada Child Benefit starts at $6,400 a year, tax-free, for every child under the age of six, and $5,400 a year, tax-free, per child six to 17 years old.
Our Canada Child Benefit would lift over 300,000 children out of poverty. It promises to be a superior social program that is progressive, fair, transparent and efficient.
The Liberal’s historic $6 billion investment in social infrastructure includes early learning and childcare. Our plan will renew federal leadership in affordable housing, help build more housing units, refurbish existing ones, and renew existing co-operative agreements. We will also fund the creation of thousands of new childcare spaces, enhance their quality, and ensure that affordable childcare spaces are available to more families who need them.

Alexander Johnson (Libertarian)

If we reduce the inflating cost of Federal Government then families will have more money to support themselves and communities. If there is a big issue with child-poverty in Chilliwack and Hope, then that money saved by families could be put to good however the people of Chilliwack and Hope decide. If that means agreeing to tax themselves more to create a fund to put more money towards rectifying that issue, then so be it. If that means allowing each other to voluntarily donate to certain Charities and Groups that have provided solutions to the issue, then so be it. Or third option here. Or fourth. We have – or should have – the ability to make these decisions at home, or at the very least in Province. To outsource and look for a blanket approach for 35 million Canadians over nearly 10 million squared kilometres is inefficient and stifles innovation. Let the cream rise to the top. That being said, you have to know the source of the problem or you won’t solve it. You will only sweep it under the rug. Metaphors.

Seonaigh Macpherson (NDP)

A UBC study found high rates of vulnerable children in Chilliwack (39%) and Hope (49%). Most vulnerable children are middle class, so poverty is not their only problem. Unlike other parties, the NDP offers direct benefits to these children through early care and education.
As a former early childhood educator and professor of Education, I witnessed decades of broken promises by successive Liberal and Conservative governments to support childcare and eliminate child poverty.
The NDP under Mulcair is committed to opening 110,000 regulated childcare spaces in BC by 2023, with about 37% opening during our first term in office. Parents pay a maximum of $15/day, with additional costs borne by provincial and federal governments. Working families will save as much as $1000 / child per month while continuing to receive the child tax credit. As your MP, I will advocate to ensure we participate fully in this initiative.

Dorothy-Jean O’Donnell (Marxist-Leninist)

Increase investment in social programmes. Funding for social programmes for indigenous peoples must be immediately raised substantially. It is unconscionable that current funding for Native people in health, education and child welfare is substantially less than for others. It is also pathetic that the Liberals offer a $150 rebate for teachers for the first $1,000 they spend on school supplies for their students. Full funding should be available for schools and students not such tax deductions

Mark Strahl (Conservative)

Our Conservative government believes that the best way to help families with children is to provide direct monthly payments to help offset the costs of raising a child, regardless of their childcare choices. That’s why we are providing $1920 per year for every child under the age of six, and $720 per year per child between the ages of six and 17 with our expanded and increased Universal Child Care Benefit.  These increased, direct payments are making a real difference for families with children, including those with lower incomes.  The Conservative plan is the only plan that benefits every child and every family, regardless of income, because we believe that every child matters and that every child deserves our support.  Conservatives also believe that the best child care experts are named mom and dad, and that parents – not politicians – know what is best for their families.

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