Harper gov’t denies accusations it’s buying votes with child care cheques

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OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The Harper government is defending its increased universal child care benefits as the Opposition accuses the Conservatives of trying to buy votes ahead of the October 19th election.

A $3-billion payout begins today that will see parents receive $160 per month for each child under six, and a new benefit of $60 per month for kids aged six to 17.

The payments are being backdated to the beginning of the year, which means parents will get a big cheque from the government, just three months before voting day.

Pierre Poilievre, the minister for employment and social development, denies this is a vote buy. He says it’s just a result of the Conservatives balancing the budget.

Speaking in Halifax, he also took aim at the Opposition’s child-care plans.

“Liberals and NDP will take all this money away and they’ll spend it on big bureaucratic programs that never deliver any results to families,” says Poilievre.

Both NDP and Liberal leaders are out ont he unofficial campaign trail, promoting their plans, saying they will be of greater benefit to struggling and middle-class families.

While Poilievre denies this is a move to gain votes, he made the government announcement while wearing a blue golf shirt with a Conservative party logo.

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