Town supports child care lobby groups
Vancouver Island News Group -- Lake Cowichan Gazette
11 Apr 2007

Lake Cowichan town council supports a resolution from the Coalition Of Child Care Advocates urging the federal government to "take its share of responsibility" for building early learning and child care systems.

Mayor Jack Peake said that with changes in provincial and federal day care funding, he's concerned about a potential loss of $19,000 at the Kaatza Day Care Centre.

"It's a case where people with low income are left out," he said.

"Our problem is we don't have enough room," said Councillor Pat Weaver. "We need another day care."

The Kaatza Day Care Centre currently has 51 children on its waiting list. If funding was restored, including $40 per child every month federally, some of those on the waiting list could be accommodated.

Councillor Kristine Sandhu, who is also a school trustee, said the after-school day care program is something the Ministry of Education should look at more.

School District 79 has already endorsed a motion requesting the provincial government restore funding for child care programs.

Last week a town hall meeting in Cowichan Secondary School attracted child care advocates from across the Cowichan Valley. The message was clear: restore funding.

"Don't let them tell you it can't be done," said MP Jean Crowder. "Because it can be done. We must work to make sure it stays on all levels of government agenda. Because (children) are going to be supporting us when we're in diapers."