OTTAWA, ONTARIO, October 3, 2007— The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, today issued a statement for National Family Week, which takes place from October 1 to 7, 2007 and is organized by the Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs.

"Canada's New Government is proud to celebrate National Family Week and to recognize the important role that families play in this country. Families are the building blocks of our society, and we will continue delivering on our commitment to support and strengthen them.

"In July, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of our Universal Child Care Benefit, which provides parents with $100 per month for each child under six. The Benefit has now supported 1.5 million families and 2 million young children. "In addition, since January 1 our new Children's Fitness Tax Credit has been in effect, helping parents with children enrolled in physical activities.

"In Budget 2007, we introduced a Working Families Tax Plan, which included a new Child Tax Credit for parents with children under age 18, and we improved the education savings plan to help parents save for their children's education.

"To help parents save toward the long-term financial security of their children with severe disabilities, we introduced a Registered Disability Savings Plan. We also expanded the Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit to support families who care for their loved ones.

"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting families, and to helping them achieve their aspirations for a better and stronger future. I invite Canadians to participate in National Family Week activities in their communities and to take time to celebrate the diversity in Canadian families."

For more information, visit www.frp.ca/nfw .

Monte Solberg, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

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