School Briefs
Coast Reporter (Sunshine Coast)
Sept 22, 2006

EXCERPT

School trustee Silas White moved three motions at the Sept 19 school board meeting ... to request continuation of the national child care program and express opposition to the elimination of the national child care program....

White noted the federal government has backed out of a five year early learning and child care funding agreement with BC that represents a loss of $455 million for BC child care.

Although parents of children under the age of six now get $100 a month that does not account for the entire $455 million loss.

"That's $1200 a year for each child and I don't think that makes up the entire amount of the loss." White said. "That obviously is quite a blow to our public child care and public education concept. It's money taken out of a government program that was agreed to by our government."

Trustee Lori Dixon agreed noting the $100 a month for "those lucky enough to get it" doesn't pay for the entire cost of child care.

"A minimum for full days each week is in excess of $500 - $100 will not help that much if the person is a single mother or a member of the working poor," she said.

The board decided to support the recommendation to write letters to Prime Minster Harper and Premier Campbell expressing their concerns....