National Child Benefit
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The National Child Benefit Progress Report 2006
Message from Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services
Canada’s Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services 1 are committed to reporting to Canadians on the progress of the National Child Benefit (NCB) initiative. This report, The National Child Benefit Progress Report: 2006, is the eighth in a series of progress reports provided by Ministers since the joint NCB initiative was launched in 1998.
Ensuring that children have a good start in life is crucial, and governments recognize that child poverty has long-term consequences for children and society. The NCB is based on the principle that families are better off when parents are supported in their efforts to participate in the labour market. This is the most effective long-term approach to reducing low income among families. The NCB is supporting parents and children by provid ing a secure national platform of child benefits and improving the services and supports provided to low-income families with children.
The 2006 report provides updated information on the activities of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments and First Nations to improve the well-being of children in low-income families.
Specifically, it provides detailed information on the contributions of the Government of Canada through the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the NCB Supplement, along with information on the contributions of provincial and territorial governments and First Nations through the programs and services they provide under the NCB initiative. The report also provides an update on the progress the NCB is making in improving the economic well-being of low-income families with children. The report was prepared by a joint working group of officials representing federal, provincial and territorial governments.
Ministers Responsible for Social Services in Canada remain committed to improving the economic well-being of low-income families with children. We will continue to work together to meet the needs of Canadian children and families and report regularly on progress.
Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services
1 The Government of Quebec has stated that it agrees with the basic principles of the NCB. Quebec chose not to participate in the NCB because it wanted to assume control over income support for children in Quebec; however, it has adopted a sim ilar approach to the NCB. Throughout this report, references to joint federal/provincial/territorial positions do not include Quebec.
