Statement by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on the International Day of Families

News Release

May 13, 2016              Gatineau, Quebec                 Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, made the following statement:

“In honour of this year’s International Day of Families, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight that supporting Canadians and their families is our top priority.

The United Nations’ focus this year is families, healthy lives and sustainable future. Supporting families, addressing poverty and ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life are priorities for the Government of Canada as well.

To achieve this goal, we will help families with the high cost of raising their children with our newly proposed Canada Child Benefit. Eligible families would receive their first payment in July 2016. Because the benefit would be tax-free and based on income, it would provide more support to those who need help the most. There would be a maximum annual benefit of up to $6,400 per child under the age of 6 and up to $5,400 per child aged 6 through 17.

I am very proud to say that nine out of ten Canadian families will receive more in child benefits than under the current system. But most importantly, with this new benefit, about 300,000 fewer children will be living in poverty in 2017 than in 2014.

The Canada Child Benefit would also be complemented by other measures for families with children, such as funding towards the Early Learning and Child Care Framework, investments in social housing and the middle class tax cut.

Family is at the heart of our society and therefore deserves special attention. When families are strong, so are our communities.

On this special day, I am wishing everyone a happy International Day of Families.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Associated Links

Canada Child Benefit Video
Canada Child Benefit Website
United Nations International Day of Families

 

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