AYLMER, Que. — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is committed to making sure its new child benefit does lift children out of poverty.

Trudeau says the benefit is the most significant measure Canada has ever taken to reduce poverty rates.

During the election, the Liberals promised to lift about 315,000 children out of poverty via a benefit that would add to family income and bring them above the income cut-off used to determine poverty.

The new benefit rolled out today and Trudeau says it's expected to help 300,000 children.

He made the comments at the same restaurant where he stood more than a year ago and pledged to bring in the new program.

Trudeau says the $23 billion a year program will help pay for food, after-school activities, new clothes, shoes and other things that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.