MLA: Liberals not serious about climate change
Vancouver Island News Group - Campbell River Mirror
February 27, 2008

The province is leaving it up to individuals to do something about climate change, but it won't work, says North Island MLA Claire Trevena.

"It's an individual choice for those who can afford it, that's what it comes down to," she said last week. "Yes, individuals need choices, but without the support and without money, people's choices are very limited. This budget doesn't do very much to help those who don't have money."…

Trevena was also disappointed in the budget's commitments to child care. There wasn't a penny provided to deal with the issue, she said, although some money was provided to fund buildings.

"The crisis in child care is a crisis of staffing," said the MLA, the NDP's Official Opposition critic for child care. "The whole issue is one of retention.

"Unless people can stay in their jobs, it's a worthless expense."

She also wasn't impressed with the province's idea of creating school programs for kids as young as three.

"Kindergarten isn't child care," she said.

She said she wasn't sure why the government seems to be promoting educational programs over child care programs.

Putting young kids in school doesn't solve the problems faced by many single parents and families with two working parents.

"It still leaves a lot of questions about after-school care," she said. "What happens after 3 p.m. (when school gets out)?

"Is it going to have to be something parents have to pay for?"

Trevena said the NDP, if elected, would commit to a child care program and is launching a tour, visiting with parents, employers and chambers of commerce.

"What does a solution look like?" she said. "We've got to find a broader solution than an all-day kindergarten."