Tory Minister James Moore apologizes for child hunger comments

Above: Federal Industry Minister James Moore was slammed on social media and by his opponents for an offhand remark he made. Mike Le Couteur reports.

OTTAWA – Industry Minister James Moore has apologized for an “insensitive comment” following remarks to a Vancouver radio station about child hunger.

“In response to a question from a reporter last week, I made an insensitive comment that I deeply regret. I apologize,” the British Columbia MP said in a statement on his website.

On the weekend, Moore was asked by News 1130 reporter Sara Norman about child poverty and hunger in B.C.

“Obviously nobody wants kids to go to school hungry,” he said. “Certainly we want to make sure that kids go to school full-bellied, but is that always the government’s job to be there to serve people their breakfast?

“Is it my job to feed my neighbour’s child? I don’t think so.”

Moore noted in the interview that empowering families with more resources to feed their own children is a “good thing.” He originally took to Twitter to defend himself, saying the quotes were taken out of context. However, Norman posted the audio and criticism continued to mount Monday.

In his apology Moore said that caring for each other is a Canadian ethic he strongly believes in.

“Of course poverty is an issue that concerns me, and concerns all Canadians. All levels of government, indeed all members of our society, have a responsibility to be compassionate and care for those in need,” Moore wrote.

“Great work has been done to tackle poverty and the challenges associated with poverty. And while more work is needed, I know the cause of fighting poverty is not helped by comments like those I made last week. For that, I am sorry.”

The NDP called Moore’s comments callous and heartless, while the Liberals accused the government of failing hungry kids and poor families.

–       with a file from The Canadian Press.

WATCH: Did James Moore’s apology go far enough – and did he have to apologize at all?