Reid blames federal gov't for childcare cuts
Cariboo Press -- Quesnel Cariboo Observer
08 Apr 2007

Blame Ottawa.

That was Linda Reid's message, B.C.'s Minister of State for Childcare, as she responded to criticism her government isn't supporting childcare programs.

"We're hugely disappointed [the federal government] would not honour an agreement for young children in Canada," Reid said Thursday while attending the opening of the new StrongStart program in Riverview elementary.

Reid said the problem is the federal government reneged on its early learning childcare program and child care space initiative.

The federal government was supposed to give $152 million to B.C. under the early learning program, but Reid said the province will only receive $32 million.

"[The federal government] can tell you they're putting more dollars in there but they're putting less than one fifth," Reid said.

The child care operating fund is also being cut July 1.That will reduce child care centres' income per child by $40 a month or $2 a day, and some local centres say they'll have to cut staff or even close.

Reid dismissed the concerns.

"I don't believe you'll see a centre close for the difference of two dollars a day per space," she said.

Another contentious issue with residents was announced cuts to Quesnel's Child Care Resource and Referral Agency.

Earlier this year, Reid's ministry announced cuts to child care programs including CCRR. CCRR's budget was slashed by 25 per cent for April 1, and the agency will close Sept. 30 altogether.

CCRR's budget across the province is $9 million.

Reid once again blamed the feds, saying they took away $5 million in promised funding.

She promised the province will continue to maintain funding to the current level.

Reid said the province has placed a priority on vulnerable families.

"Certainly the childcare budget in B.C. is only on the rise," she said.

Reid said the province will spend $260 million on childcare this fiscal year.

She also points to Victoria spending $54 million on children with special needs - up from $37 million.

When asked if some of the provincial surplus could be used to fund child care programs, Reid said the surplus gets swallowed up by healthcare costs.