Layton reaches out to parents, children

WINNIPEG – New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today announced support to help parents cope with rising costs with a new Child Benefit that will provide parents additional support of up to $700 per child over the next four years.

Riding a wave of momentum, Layton told supporters this morning in Winnipeg that too many parents don’t have the support they need to balance home and work.

“It’s getting harder and harder for parents to make ends meet,” said Layton. “As your Prime Minister, I will focus on your priorities and help address rising costs and the chronic shortage of childcare.”

Layton said that Stephen Harper has turned his back on families with an inadequate child tax benefit and has done little to create much-needed new childcare spaces.

In addition to the new Child Benefit, Layton said he will work with provinces, territories and Aboriginal groups to fund 100,000 new quality childcare spaces over four years.