Hon. Rodger Cuzner: Senator Gold, the current government has taken several important steps to help Canadian families with the rising cost of living. The first was the establishment of the Canada Child Benefit, which has helped lift over 450,000 children out of poverty while putting more money into the pockets of 9 out of 10 Canadian parents.

Next, they created a nationwide $10-a-day early child care system, reaching agreements with seven provinces and one territory, impacting almost half of Canadian children. This initiative helps grow the Canadian economy and allows more parents to enter the workforce while giving every child in Canada their best start in life.

Then, there is the National School Food Program, a $1-billion investment allocated over five years that will mean healthy meals for young kids, helping them learn, grow and reach their full potential. It will save Canadian parents $190 per month per child.

Could the senator update this chamber on the progress of that national program?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): First of all, thank you, Senator Cuzner, for reminding this chamber of the important work that is being done; however, it also reminds us that more still needs to be done. Too many Canadians are still struggling, whether it’s with the cost of groceries — as we hear regularly and as we experience in our communities or in some cases our own lives — or in terms of other measures of well-being in this country.

If I understood your question, it was regarding the National School Food Program. What could be more important than ensuring that Canadians, especially young Canadians, can learn and function with a full stomach? Too many still live with food insecurity. The government is proud of the efforts it has taken, along with the provinces and territories and the private sector.

Senator Cuzner: Thank you very much, Senator Gold.

I don’t disagree that we must continue to do more, but anti‑poverty groups across this country are excited about these programs. Debbie Field, the Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, said, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that this will change the future of Canadian life and Canadian children’s health.”

Does the government have any statistics on the number of kids who will be positively impacted by the National School Food Program?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I’m not in a position to do more than speculate, and it may be too early in this program to do more than that, but the progressive policies that this government is proud to have put into place will benefit Canadians. I’m sure that as the programs roll out, the statistical information will follow.