Minister apologizes for his comments
‘Is it my job to feed my neighbour’s child?’ Moore had asked
Federal Industry Minister James Moore apologized Monday for comments he made over the weekend about the federal government’s role in helping the poor.
A social-media uproar erupted Sunday after Moore was quoted by Vancouver radio station News 1130 speaking about British Columbia’s high poverty rate.
After outlining the Harper government’s economic record, and noting that social welfare is a provincial responsibility, he concluded by saying: “Is it my job to feed my neighbour’s child? I don’t think so.”
His statement ended with what sounded like a nervous chuckle.
Moore went on Twitter later that day to say he was being “lied about” on the social-media site, adding that reports about what he had said were not accurate.
But on Monday, after the station posted an audio link, Moore tweeted an apology.
“In response to a question from a reporter last week, I made an insensitive comment that I deeply regret. I apologize,” Moore said.
“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.”
Critics were harsh in their assessment of Moore’s comment, saying it is particularly “callous” during the Christmas season.
“During the holidays, many of us are looking to help our neighbours and those in need,” said B.C. NDP MP Jinny Sims.
“For a Conservative minister to claim that child poverty isn’t his problem is heartless.”
Adrienne Montani, with the First Call BC group that issues annual report cards on child poverty across Canada, said Moore’s apology wasn’t good enough and that he may need to get out and talk to those struggling in his own constituency.
“If (child poverty) is all of our responsibility, obviously the federal government — as the biggest holder of revenue — has a role to play,” Montani said.
Moore’s comment about feeding a neighbour came at the end of a lengthy response to the reporter’s question about B.C.’s poverty rate.
“We’ve never been wealthier as a country than we are right now. Never been wealthier,” said Moore, who is Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s senior B.C. minister.
“Certainly, we want to make sure that kids go to school full-bellied, but is that always the government’s job to be there to serve people their breakfast? Empowering families with more power and resources so they can feed their own children, I think is a good thing.
“Is it my job to feed my neighbour’s child? I don’t think so.”