Cloud over the Berry Patch as cuts threaten its future: Plan to cut funding from Victoria is attacked by angry North Coast MLA
The Daily News -- Prince Rupert
January 19, 2007
By: James Vassallo
EXCERPT

It's every parents dream that their children will have more opportunities than they did, but for those kids born this year, there will be at least one less critical service to call on to achieve that end.

In less than ninth months, the provincial government-funded Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) programs, which includes The Berry Patch in Prince Rupert and Q.C.I. Child Care Resource and Referral on Haida Gwaii, will be closed.

"It's an attack on rural communities," said North Coast MLA Gary Coons who intends to make the issue front and centre at his party's rural caucus meeting next week in Courtenay.

"This is a huge community asset and with the demographics we've got and the needs we have for this community, this is a vital service."..

CCRR programs like The Berry Patch -- which provides referrals for parents looking for child care, advocates for quality child care locally, provides information on what's available to parents, helps those in need fill out child care subsidy applications, offers toys and resources through a lending library, provides parent education and a support network when dealing with various issues -- were not considered among those services that support the communities most vulnerable.

"Child care providers have been looking for a comprehensive plan for provincial child care, and instead the government has dismissed this essential service (and) Minister Reid and the B.C. Liberals sat back and watched as the Harper government gutted federal funding," said Coons. "This gives child care operators no option but to raise their fees or close their doors. Parents will try to find the extra money to cover an increase in fees, but for many that is going to be difficult, or simply not possible."

The impact on local CCRR's will be felt as soon as Oct. 1, 2007. The Berry Patch serves the communities of Hartley Bay, Kincolith, Kitkatla, Metlakatla, Oona River, Port Edward, Port Simpson and Prince Rupert. The Q.C.I. Child Care Resource and Referral Program services those in Masset, Old Massett, Port Clements, Queen Charlotte, Sandspit, Skidegate and Tlell.

A new program with significantly less funds has been proposed by the province to instead serve communities like these around B.C. "This action by the BC Liberals, once again highlights this government's attack on rural communities, as the $14 million provincial budget may be reduced to $3 million with an emphasis on 'regional centralization'," said Coons. "This will force most, if not all, rural CCRRs to shut their doors.

"This cut to $3 million would not fund one region at current levels."

The Berry Patch is encouraging supporters to write letters to the MP and MLA, the federal political party leaders, the premier, prime minister and provincial and federal cabinet ministers who could impact the decision. The cuts will be made official when the provincial budget is passed in February.