No one should have to choose between kids and a career
Vancouver Sun
May 26, 2008
By: Darlene Jacobi

Re: Foolish change in child care regulations, Voice of the People, May 17

When I grew up in North Vancouver, most mothers did not work outside the home. It was then possible for families to live on a single pay cheque. That is not the case now. In Canada today, more than 70 per cent of mothers are in the labour force, most out of necessity. Limited access to quality affordable child care spaces is a major concern. Of the 30 developed countries worldwide, Canada has fallen to 30th place in the ranking of Child Care and Early Learning Centres as reported by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2004. Only one province, Quebec, has adequately addressed this issue.

As well, the business community of B.C. now views child care as one of the key factors in addressing the labour shortage in the province. The ability to recruit and retain workers in all industry sectors is underpinned with a worker's ability to secure child care that meets their needs.