Federal industry minister James Moore has apologized for "insensitive" remarks he made about child poverty during an interview with a radio reporter last week.
On Saturday, the Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam MP told News 1130 that issues of child poverty fall under provincial jurisdictions and Ottawa has no plans to interfere.
He then added: "Is it the government's or my job to feed my neighbour's child? I don't think so."
Moore initially blasted the radio piece on Twitter, saying his remarks were taken out of context and the story was inaccurate. However, on Monday he took a more conciliatory tone.
"I made an insensitive comment that I deeply regret," he said in a statement on his website. "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."
