November 5, 1979 (31st Parliament, 1st Session)

Hon. David Crombie (Minister of National Health and Welfare):

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated last week, indeed the family allowance program has served this country well. I cannot give the hon. member the assurance he seeks because, as I indicated, my department right now is studying ways by which we can make the family allowance program, the child tax credit and the tax exemption more equitable for those most in need. 1 might add that my department is also considering whether we can allocate funds to those on whom poverty rests most, that is, the young, the old, women-led families and the disabled and handicapped. That is the program of this government.