NDP wants legislated program for universal child care
The Daily News - Kamloops
07 Apr 2008

The NDP wants to do for child care what it did for universal health care in this country.

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton told a group of about 25 day-care operators and parents Saturday that child care should be a universal and legislated program.

The party has authored a private member's bill that enshrines principles and ensures accountability by provincial governments that would administer the program.

…. in Quebec, parents pay $7 a day for access to regulated child care regardless of income.

"It's universal just like health care," Layton said. "It's quality. It's non-profit and accountable and focused on development. It's not just care or warehousing of kids."

Layton spoke at the new St. Paul Street child-care centre funded in part by a $300,000 grant from the former Liberal government in Ottawa. The Harper government discontinued that program in favour of giving parents $100 a month for children up to the age of six.

While the new Children's Circle Society building is ramping up this month, it has a year-long waiting list.

Layton said the party will make its proposed child-care legislation a main part of its election campaign. The party leader said federal New Democrats are in a state of full election readiness. …