•  Press Releases

MEDIA RELEASE

February 18, 2003
For Immediate Release

(OTTAWA) – The Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA) is pleased to note that the federal government has followed through on promises made in the Speech from the Throne, by making a positive, long-term commitment to reducing child poverty. 

“We know that poverty has an impact on readiness to learn and eventual school success. Breaking the cycle of poverty is essential to provide Canada’s children with the best possible opportunities in life. ” said CSBA president Gary Shaddock. The increase to the National Child Benefit, raising the maximum annual benefit from $2,443 to $3,243 by 2007, the allocation of $935 million in order to guarantee access to quality affordable child care, and the creation of the new Child Disability Benefit demonstrates that the government is ready and willing to become involved in easing the burden of children living in poverty. The combined amount of $576 million to enhance and preserve the stock of affordable housing is also worthy of note. “We will continue to work with the government on this issue,”said Shaddock.
 

The additional $72 million to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal people is another positive in the federal budget. CSBA applauds the federal government’s inclusion of Aboriginal people living off-reserve in this program. 
 

The $100 million for the creation of the Canadian Learning Institute represents a new direction for the federal government. “We commend the government for it’s commitment to skills and learning,”said president Shaddock. “The federal government must realize, however, that any activities it engages in must respect existing constitutional provisions and ensure that the provinces and school boards are key partners.”

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For information:

Gary Shaddock, President
Marie Pierce, Executive Director
(613) 235-3724, ext. 25