No government wants to see any child or family living in poverty. That is why we are pleased that our current policies and actions are working to reduce child poverty in British Columbia. Our efforts to strengthen the economy and create jobs, while providing targeted supports to low-income families are working, as indicated by the decline in both child poverty and overall poverty rates.

Since 2003, B.C.'s child poverty rate has dropped by 45 per cent (19.2% in 2003 to 10.5% in 2010), which means approximately 75,000 children have been lifted out of poverty. This is a higher rate of decline than the national average. This also represents the second-lowest child poverty rate in B.C. since 1980 (only 2008 before the recession showed a better result).

The community poverty reduction strategies we're working on in Prince George, and other communities, recognize collaboration is needed between government, municipalities and local organizations to effectively address the unique needs of communities and individual families. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm these municipalities have shown thus far.

The Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan, also being piloted in Prince George, will complement these strategies by using collaboration and social innovation in the development of programs and policies for off-reserve Aboriginal people at the community level. The plan's goal is to address the challenges facing Aboriginal families living in multi-generational cycles of poverty.

The two projects will build on each other's strengths so we can work towards ending the cycle of poverty for the families involved.

Our government has focussed on strengthening the economy, creating and protecting jobs for families in every region of B.C., and making sure people can get the skills training and education needed to fill job openings.

This government raised the minimum wage, putting more money in the pockets of minimum wage earners. We've created close to 21,000 new, affordable housing units, help more than 28,000 families through provincial subsidized housing and rent supplements, and made balanced changes to income assistance policies to help vulnerable families attain better financial outcomes.

We have also established a Cabinet working group on family affordability which is working to find savings and opportunities to provide some relief for household budgets.

Stephanie Cadieux
Minister of Children and Family Development