Child-care plan won't work
Burnaby Now
16 Dec 2006
Voices -- By: Laarni de los Reyes

EXCERPT

Dear Editor:

Re: Child-care cuts raise fear, Burnaby NOW, Dec. 9. Harper's child-care cuts will raise a lot of worry among parents and child-care workers and put much less than $1,200 a year in parents' pockets.

The Conservative website claims that the "Universal Child Care Plan provides parents with resources to help balance work and family as they see fit; a plan that supports families regardless of where they live, whatever their circumstances and preferences." I don't see how a taxable allowance of $1,200 "provides parents with resources." Because this is a taxable benefit rather than cash, parents will end up with far less than $1,200 per year.

For example, a dual-income couple netting $30,000 annually would only receive a net of $199 per year after taxes. That's less than $20 per month. Meanwhile, a dual-income couple netting $200,000 annually would receive a whopping $679 per year (Caledon Institute of Social Policy, 2006).

How does this plan provide support to Canadian families regardless of their circumstances? Low-income earners who need child-care the most will receive less than higher income earners. This plan is regressive rather than progressive.

Furthermore, the Conservative plan doesn't provide choice because no new spaces will be created.