Restore 'social development' to cabinet post title

OTTAWA - New Democrats will campaign aggressively to restore 'social development' to the title of one of its largest cabinet posts, noting its elimination is at odds with Canadian priorities and the newly-elected U.S. Barack Obama administration.

"They dropped the name because they dropped the ball on social policy," New Democrat Social Development critic Tony Martin said today.

"The name change speaks volumes about Conservatives being out of step with most Canadians calling for a progressive social agenda and poverty reduction."

"Stephen Harper wants a good relationship with the United States but he won't get to first base with President Obama if we drop social development as a priority."

Diane Finley became the new minister last week of Human Resources and Skills Development - formerly known as Human Resources and Social Development.

"The emphasis on job creation and skills training they say is behind the name change is of course important but, with 750,000 working poor, Canadians need good, well-paying, secure jobs and a $10 minimum wage," Martin said. "New Democrats will make social inclusion a priority in our new minority Parliament."

Six provinces have now launched poverty-cutting strategies and New Democrats who campaigned for a Poverty Elimination Act want the federal government to adopt a comprehensive, national poverty plan.