James Moore apologizes for child hunger comments he denied making

Minister of Industry James Moore got himself in hot water over the weekend for something he said when speaking about the federal government's role in addressing child hunger.

"Is it my job to feed my neighbour's child? I don't think so," Moore told News1130.

The Conservative MP for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam then got himself in deeper doo-doo by claiming that his comments were taken out of context and that he was "being lied about".

Now, Moore is apologizing for his original remarks. He posted today (December 16) this statement on his website:

In response to a question from a reporter last week, I made an insensitive comment that I deeply regret. I apologize.

Caring for each other is a Canadian ethic that I strongly believe in - always have and always will. 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.

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.