A new report released today showing B.C.’s child poverty rate is the worst in Canada for four years in a row demands action from Campbell government, NDP Leader Carole James said today.

“Gordon Campbell doesn’t care about children living in poverty,” said James. “He’s spending hundreds of millions in Convention Centre cost overruns, but doing nothing to help children and their families escape poverty. Today’s report is an indictment of his record.”

Earlier today, Campaign 2000 released its annual report into child poverty. Among its findings, the report concluded that:

· The proportion of children living in poverty in 2005 was 20.9 per cent, well above the national child poverty rate of 16.8 per cent.

· There were an estimated 174,000 poor children in B.C. in 2005. That is more than the combined populations Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox.

· 85 per cent of poor children live in families where at least one person was working, and over half of poor children lived in families where at least one person had full-time employment.

“Children and families in B.C. need a government that cares,” said James. “But Gordon Campbell still won’t raise the minimum wage, he’s cutting child care, and he refuses to increase the earnings exception for parents on income assistance.

“His actions are leaving more and more children and families stuck in poverty with little hope for escape. With a growing economy and a record surplus it’s clear the B.C. Liberals have the wrong priorities.”

James said that New Democrats will take action to address child poverty in B.C. with improved child care, a higher minimum wage, affordable housing and more resources for at-risk children. She said that New Democrats will put children and families ahead of special deals and Convention Centre boondoggles.