Our children deserve better
The Daily News (Prince Rupert)
February 2, 2007
Opinion & Letters -- By: Tina Last

To the editor,

An open letter to the Honourable Linda Reid, Minister of State for Childcare

Dear Minister Reid,

I wear many hats: I am a mother, a childcare provider, a school trustee and a taxpayer. No matter which hat I wear, I believe your response to the Federal Government implementation of the Universal Child Care Benefit is poorly thought out.

As a mother, I know that quality childcare is important. Capping the number of seats available will inevitably increase the number of unlicensed childcare centres and increase the probability that vulnerable children will receive inadequate care.

As a childcare provider, I know that the Child Care Resource and Referral Services are important to childcare providers. The operating and business information, workshops supportive home visits are extremely valuable and have been instrumental in ensuring the quality of childcare. Ceasing to fund this important initiative will negatively impact all childcare centres.

As a school trustee, I know that children who have poor childcare experiences do not do well in school as they are developmentally unready. Implementing decisions that will reduce the quality and quantity of childcare will negatively impact on future student achievement.

As a taxpayer, I believe that our children are our country's most important economic asset. To ensure that our country will have the economic productivity needed to maintain our standard of living, we must ensure that our children receive the supports they need in their early years.

Shortchanging our children means that we are shortchanging all of our futures.

I understand that the federal government has determined, for ideological reasons, that the best way to support parents with children under seven is to write them a monthly cheque. I do not believe that this decision is in the best interest of the children, their families, our communities or our country. I urge you to work closely with your colleagues from other provinces to seek to have the federal government revisit its decision.