MLA addresses childcare cuts
Cariboo Press -- Invermere Valley Echo
16 May 2007
Opinion
EXCERPT

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald described the province's response to the lack of federal funding for child care as a "giant step backwards." ..

The Windermere Valley Early Childcare Development team coordinator Nicole Pawlak says that the $100 credit would only provide 2.5 days per month of daycare services to a child under 30 months of age.

"That's only 10%," said Pawlak. "Parents will have to pay more or their kids will receive less perks."

Macdonald feels that Minister of Childcare Linda Reid is not adequately picking up the shortfall from the federal government and that closing down the provinces Childcare Resource and Referral centres (CCRR) will be detrimental for parents and children throughout the province.

"The service they (CCRR) provide is needed," said Macdonald. ..

Macdonald and Pawlak agree that it is up to the provincial government to address the issue and allocate more money towards childcare.

"The province can't say it's a priority, then do nothing about it," said Macdonald. "You need to invest in childcare at an early age to give them every opportunity to succeed."

Prince Edward Island recently announced their province's new childcare plan, which will be completely funded by the provincial government.