BILL NO. 53
(as introduced)
1st Session, 64th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
70 Elizabeth II, 2021
Private Member's Bill
Childhood Poverty Reduction Accountability Act
The Honourable Brendan Maguire
Halifax Atlantic
First Reading: October 26, 2021
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
An Act to Reduce Childhood Poverty
AND WHEREAS the poverty rate in Nova Scotia has decreased by less than one per cent since 1989;
AND WHEREAS First Nations, African Nova Scotians, other racialized groups and single mothers are disproportionately impacted by childhood poverty;
AND WHEREAS a focus on healthy childhood development is a key contributor to the well-being of society and Nova Scotia's economic potential;
THEREFORE be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:
1 This Act may be cited as the Childhood Poverty Reduction Accountability Act.
2 In this Act, "Minister" means the Minister of Community Services.
3 (1) The Minister shall establish a five-year target for the reduction of childhood poverty in the Province.
(2) The Minister shall review the five-year target annually and, where needed, revise the target.
4 (1) The Minister shall report annually on childhood poverty in the Province.
(2) The annual report referred to in subsection (1) must include(a) information respecting progress toward the five-year target established under Section 3 for the reduction of childhood poverty;
(b) the reasons for any revision of the five-year target; and
(c) an assessment of the effectiveness of actions taken by the Province affecting childhood poverty.
(3) The annual report referred to in subsection (1) must be tabled in the House of Assembly if the House is then sitting or, where the House is not then sitting, filed with the Clerk of the House.
(4) In preparing the annual report referred to in subsection (1), the Minister shall consult organizations representing First Nations, African Nova Scotians, other racialized groups and single mothers.
5 The Minister may enter into agreements with the federal government, governments of other provinces of Canada and other organizations or community groups respecting measures to reduce childhood poverty.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2021 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created October 26, 2021. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
