WINNIPEG — Manitoba's Progressive Conservative leader says his party would reduce the record number of kids in care by improving the provincial economy.
Speaking at an economic announcement, Brian Pallister says if his party forms government in two weeks it will focus on boosting jobs, which he says would mean fewer children in care.
Pallister says poverty is at the heart of many apprehensions and if more people have jobs, he says fewer kids would be seized.
Manitoba has more than 10,000 kids in the care of Child and Family Services — the vast majority are indigenous.
Pallister says someone has to foot the bill for social services which is why the province has to encourage small businesses.
First Nations children's advocate Cora Morgan says the solution is more complex and has to address intergenerational trauma, as well as addictions issues.