James Moore apologizes for child poverty remarks

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The federal industry minister is apologizing for his comments over the weekend to a News1130 reporter, saying it was not Ottawa’s responsibility to deal with child poverty.

James Moore has now issued a statement, saying he regrets the “insensitive comment.”

Full 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.

Click here to read the original article.

Moore had initially said his comments were taken out of context.

 

 

 

 

 

His apology was issued this morning.

 

 

NDP reaction to Moore’s apology

Federal NDP Critic for Employment and Social Development Jinny Sims has been following the story very closely.

“First of all, I’m pleased that he has apologized,” she tells us. “I think the comment he made was very insensitive. I’m disappointed it took him so long to apologize, but being a teacher and always wanting to reward good behaviour — better late than never.”

“All of us can make mistakes. Instead of getting defensive and trying to say it has nothing to do with federal jurisdiction, nothing to do with neighbours raising their children… he should have apologized up-front when he made the mistake,” adds Sims.

Meanwhile, BC’s NDP Critic for Children and Families says Moore should take some time over the Christmas holidays to meet poor people in his community.

“These are not some unknown faces and unknown families; there will be people in his community who are these statistics, who are struggling to get by, who are trying to do everything right,” says Carole James.

“It’s all of our responsibility to address this. The federal government could look at an affordable housing program, they could look an affordable child care program — those are huge parts of families struggling and living in poverty,” she adds.

James adds no one is looking for a hand-out, saying they just want an opportunity to be successful and get out of the cycle of poverty.

Has the damage already been done?

News1130 checked in with his constituency office, but while Moore is in the Lower Mainland, he isn’t expected there today.

We played his full comments from this past weekend to Valerie, who was walking nearby; she says it will affect her vote.

“For James Moore to say that, I think he’s not supporting his voters — we voted him [into office] in Port Moody. It’s very sad,” she tells us.

The fact Moore’s comments came during the holiday season is a double-edge sword says political scientist Hamish Telford with the University of the Fraser Valley.

“The comments were unfortunate and uttered at an unfortunate time of the year. It made him sound a bit like Ebenezer Scrooge.”

He says the initial denial before the apology hurts his credibility.

“That’s the first line of politicians these days. Whenever they’re caught out, it’s out of context. He’s not the first one to say that recently. Elizabeth May was in a bit of a controversy last month. It’s unfortunate when that becomes the first line of defence because it raises public cynicism.”

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