What do you think?
Should more government resources be devoted to improving childcare?
Westender
April 26, 2007

Alicia Read, 32, organic beauty and fashion PR, West End
"As a single mom with my own business, childcare is really not affordable for me right now and it's very tough to get into. It's definitely a huge issue for a lot of people. In this society we are so safe, have the most beautiful surroundings and good food, yet our children seem to be missing out."

Axelle Van den broeck, 30, lawyer, Coal Harbour
"I think there is a real lack of transparency in childcare because no one has any idea when their children will get a place. I would really like to see a website where you could easily find out when your child's name will be coming up for a place. Everyone is in the same situation."

Lara Crook, 34, project manager, Coal Harbour
"I have a 10-month-old and I'm about to go back to work, but there are no spaces for him in the system right now. It seems that funding is already very limited and it's being cut further. I don't have a problem paying for day care -- it's the availability that's an issue. Vancouver is an expensive place to live, so you have to work."

Simon Read, 35, stonemason, B.C. interior
"Good childcare is a benefit to everyone in terms of the economy working well, but when it's so expensive, or not available, it's keeping people out of the work force. The $100 a month from the government's Universal Child Care Benefit is a drop in the bucket, especially for single mothers who may end up working really long hours to pay for childcare."