Mother fears Harper plan
Vancouver Island News Group / North Island Gazette
16 Feb 2006 [Page 7]
Letters -- Charlene Miller, Port Hardy

Dear editor,

I breathed a sigh of relief today.

I am hopeful that the National Child Care Bill, to be proposed by the federal NDP, passes in April.

I do not believe too many voters were aware of the implications of the $1,200 per year platform that Stephen Harper was selling before the election, and how that would impact BC's current Child Care Subsidy program.

I am a single parent who receives little to no financial support from my child's father. Only in Oct. 2005 was I eligible to receive full Child Care Subsidy from the BC government. Before that I received a mere $90 per month.

Similarly, what Stephen Harper is now offering would cause undue hardship for my family of two.

As you are likely aware, full child care subsidy benefits are up to $560. per month. That equates to $6,720 per year for eligible BC families.

Stephen Harper's paltry $1,200 is only 17.86 per cent of BC current Child Care Subsidy program.

Changing solely to the Conservatives $1,200 annual child care allowance will have an enormous impact on working families with children under the age of six, students and single income households come April 2007.

I look forward to a positive outcome for our current Child Care Subsidy program to prevail.

Please be our voice in ensuring the current Child Care Subsidy program is upheld beyond April 2007. Send a letter to our MLA: Claire Trevena, MLA , North Island, Unit 7C, Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0