Duncan proclaims childcare important to the community
Cowichan Valley Citizen
30 Mar 2007
By: Andrea Rondeau

The City of Duncan waded into the fight for childcare funding Monday, issuing a proclamation emphasizing the importance of the sector and calling on the provincial and federal governments to reinstate money withdrawn early this year.

Childcare advocates, along with local government representatives at the provincial and federal level, have been vocal in the last couple of months about the serious, negative consequences they say will result from the funding cuts announced the beginning of January by Linda Reid, provincial minister responsible for childcare.

Rallies have been held at the legislature in Victoria, in Duncan and in other communities across B.C....

With a large provincial budget surplus, however, childcare advocates say the province can afford to make up the difference.

The proclamation adopted unanimously by City councillors states that "access to quality, affordable childcare is vital to the social and economic wellbeing" of the community, and helps to lay the foundation for children to become successful adults.

It goes on to talk about the shortage of licenced childcare spaces in the community, and promises to submit the resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

Childcare advocates, parents and concerned community members will have an opportunity to talk further about the issue and strategize for action at an open community meeting Tuesday, April 3, at Cowichan Secondary School at 6:30 p.m.