[Canada] Almost 50,000 kids live in poverty in Manitoba: report

from The Winnipeg Sun

By ROCHELLE SQUIRES, LEGISLATURE REPORTER

Child poverty rates dipped slightly in Manitoba in 2004, but there were still nearly 50,000 kids living in poverty, according to a child poverty report released yesterday by the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg.

"If anyone wants to see the consequences of poverty, go for a drive in the core area," said Melodie Dubois, a concerned parent who attended a press conference on child poverty yesterday. "We, as adults, are responsible for looking after children, whether they be our own or in our community."

The province was ranked fourth worst in comparison with other provinces by the Social Planning Council.

Poverty among aboriginal children living on reserves is not included in the 2004 figure.

If these children were included, Manitoba's poverty rate would be much higher, said Trudy Lavallee, with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Family Services Minister Gord Mackintosh said the slight improvement in the fight against child poverty is no comfort to those still living in poverty.

"While we can be encouraged by this trend, it is no comfort to a Manitoban living in poverty today. Much more work needs to be done," said Mackintosh.

Mike Owen, executive director for the Winnipeg Boys and Girls Club, said a reduction in clawbacks of social programs has helped reduce poverty. However, Owen said the province hasn't really made any significant gains in permanently reducing poverty.

"The good news is we're no longer last or second last in terms of the percentage of kids in poverty but when you look at the trend, we're approaching our 1989 levels, so there's not much progress made," said Owen.

Owen is calling on the province to increase minimum wage to $10 per hour to help the working poor.