Industry Minister James Moore. Photo: Richard Stewart/Facebook.
“…I know the cause of fighting poverty is not helped by comments like those I made last week. For that, I am sorry.” – Industry Minister James Moore
Harper Government minister James Moore says he is sorry for remarking on Vancouver radio that it is not his job to feed “my neighbour’s child.”
James Moore was speaking about the state of child poverty, which has opened the Harper government up to broader criticism.
NDP critic Jinny Sims said in a press release that she was appalled by the minister’s callous comments.
“During the holidays many of us are looking to help our neighbours and those in need. For a Conservative minister to claim that child poverty isn’t his problem is heartless,” said Sims.
“Child poverty has continued to grow under this government, and now they’re saying it’s not their problem.”
The Liberals accused the government of failing hungry kids and poor families.
Beacon News readers weren’t happy about the minister’s comments, either.
James Young says, “his comment smacks of ‘every poor person is a freeloader.’ It’s divisive, and ignores the real reasons his neighbour’s kid is hungry.”
“Wrong answer,” said Calgarian Reijo Silvennoinen. “Tells me volumes about him – and not positive ones.”
“Canada has a child poverty rate at 13 per cent, very poor for a G 7 nation, it damn well better be his and the Harper Government’s problem!” said Alberta reader Benjamin Kendrick.
James Moore said in a statement on his website that he deeply regrets the remarks.
The full text of the statement:
In response to a question from a reporter last week, I made an insensitive comment that I deeply regret. I apologize. Caring for each other is a Canadian ethic that I strongly believe in – always have and always will. Of course poverty is an issue that concerns me, and concerns all Canadians. All levels of government, indeed all members of our society, have a responsibility to be compassionate and care for those in need.
Great work has been done to tackle poverty and the challenges associated with poverty. And while more work is needed, I know the cause of fighting poverty is not helped by comments like those I made last week. For that, I am sorry.
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