Minister not living up to her stated mission
The Daily Courier -- Kelowna
26 Jan 2007
Letters - By: Jodi Quibell

I must voice my anger and disappointment at the cuts to Child Care Resource and Referral Programs throughout B.C.

To know that these programs are not deemed important by Minister of State for Childcare Linda Reid is very surprising.

Here is a quote from the Minister's accountability statement for the 2006-08 service plan: "In partnership with other Ministries, we aim to give children the strongest start possible by increasing supports available for child care, early childhood development and early learning programs".

Child Care Resource and Referral programs offer positive and necessary services, both for families and caregivers.

Here are a few: Referrals to local child care providers and other child care services, information on the types of child care available in the community, how to apply for a child care subsidy, access to parent education opportunities such as workshops and printed information, start-up and operating information for daycares, workshops and networking opportunities, supportive home visits and access to child care resources such as equipment, toys and library materials.

These services are listed on the Ministry for Children and Family Development website.