B.C. NDP introduces poverty reduction act, seeks to make poverty history in B.C.

VICTORIA – British Columbia is one of two remaining Canadian provinces without a legislated poverty-reduction plan, a failing the Opposition New Democrats say needs to change.

NDP social development critic Michelle Mungall has introduced a private members bill that she says aims to fight poverty and improve economic realities for needy people.

Mungall says B.C. has had the highest overall poverty rate in Canada for the past 13 years and recently posted the highest child poverty rate in the country.

Mungall says her bill will focus on direct ways to cut poverty, including permitting single parents on income assistance to keep the support payments they receive rather than have them clawed back by the government.

Social Development Minister Don McRae says the Liberals have implemented poverty-fighting measures that include raising the minimum wage and cutting taxes and medical services premiums for the poor.

The minister says the Liberal government has cut child poverty by more than 40 per cent since taking office, and they’re always looking for new ways to decrease the poverty rate.